Best Tent Camping near Trona, CA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Trona? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your California tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Trona, CA (8)
1. Ballarat Ghost Town
Trona, California1 Review•14 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
2. Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, California4 Reviews•44 Photos•250 SavesFirst come / first served primitive campground with no additional fee located in a Pinyon Pine and Juniper forest at 8,200' elevation. Great views down into Death Valley. Located near the Telescope Peak trailhead. Dirt road access requires high-clearance vehicles, often 4x4 required.
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
3. Vakinheim
Inyokern, California1 Review•7 Photos•3 SavesGreetings Traveler,
My name is Joe and I own the property known as Vakinheim. It has served as a private Spiritual Retreat for many friends over the years. I've hosted and held various outdoor adventure recreation activities, and even used it as a training ground where I practiced primitive survival skills in preparation for a 21 day Naked and Afraid Survival Challenge, which I am proud to say I completed during season 12, episode 9 on the Discovery Channel.
Now, I am happy to share this very special place with you. Let me tell you a little about more about it.
Vakinheim is an Open Desert Primitive Camp Site located 2 miles south of Inyokern.
No amenities currently available. However the town of Inyokern is 2 short miles away, just close enough to be walking distance, yet still far enough away to feel alone in the desert.
Vakinheim does accommodate multiple vehicles, as well as RVs and Trailers, Fellow Boondockers are always welcome. But please watch out for glass.
The roundabout driveway allows for trailer pull throughs, and features a large communal fire pit in the center.
The light pollution is always low, so you can see more stars at Vakinheim than you would in Hollywood, and every new moon you can see the galaxy.
One of the best local Places to visit is Indian Wells Brewing Company, theirs beer are good, and they have an amazing restaurant too.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$10 - $20 / night
4. Thorndike Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, California1 Review•5 Photos•12 SavesFirst come / first served primitive, forested campground with no additional fee located at 7,400' elevation. Accessible to high clearance vehicles (no longer than 25'), and 4x4 may be necessary.
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
5. Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, California8 Reviews•29 Photos•122 SavesFirst come / first served tent only campground with no additional fee. Located next to CA 190 at 2100' feet in elevation. Emigrant campground overlooks the Cottonwood Mountains which is a part of the Panamint Range. This is a small campground with 10 sites southwest of Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. A building with flush toilets is 270 feet down a dirt trail just outside of the campground.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
- Drinking Water
6. Walker Pass Campground
Onyx, California1 Review•10 Photos•76 SavesWalker Pass Campround is located just off of California State Highway 178 and at the junction of the Owens Peak and Cache Peak segments of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Located at 5,000 feet, there are pinyon pines and a few Joshua trees in this semi-arid setting and outstanding views of the dry, rugged foothills of the Southern Sierras. The campround includes eleven walk in sites for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and tent campers. The camprgound also has two sites for car camping. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Hitching racks and corrals are available for horses. No potable water is available at this site.
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Long Valley Campground
Onyx, California1 Review•1 Photo•42 SavesOverview
Long Valley Campground is a remote, primitive campground located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Domelands Wilderness. The campground contains 13 sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive pit toilets. There is no potable water at the campground. The Volpe Trail, a 3-mile unmaintained route that provides access to the South Fork of the Kern River within Domelands Wilderness, starts at the end of the campground road near site 13.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
8. Panamint Dunes Dispersed — Death Valley National Park
Be the first to review!Death Valley National Park, California•18 SavesInterested in backcountry (dispersed) camping? It is a great opportunity to explore the park's rugged Wilderness. Check out the information on this page (https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/backcamp.htm) to learn where camping is allowed, what regulations apply, and how to obtain a free permit.
Backcountry/Wilderness Permits Free voluntary permits for backcountry camping may be obtained online, or in person at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station during business hours. Solo hikers may want to provide additional information about plans and emergency contacts.
Where is backcountry roadside camping allowed? Along dirt roads at least one mile away from any paved road or "day use only" dirt road. Camp only in previously disturbed areas and park your vehicle immediately adjacent to the roadway to minimize impact. The wilderness boundary is 50 feet from the center of most dirt roads. Download the Backcountry & Wilderness Access Map to take with you.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
Recent Tent Reviews in Trona
120 Reviews of 8 Trona Campgrounds
- T
Teresa A.
Guide
Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park
Overnight in Death Valley
After spending the day exploring we found this gem of a spot. Even had fresh water available to fill up our tanks.
- Michell C.
Ranger
Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park
Tent/Car Camping Only
We planned on staying here in our little Toyota Motorhome but when we arrived, we saw a “Tent Only” sign. The camp looked very clean and there were restrooms available.
Brooke W.Guide
Desert Empire Fair RV Park
Great for a reset stop.
We are full time RVers and stayed here 1 night after boondocking a week and heading to our next boondocking destination. This is a perfect stop to dump, fill water, do laundry and just do an overall reset of our RV. I was able to deep clean and get rid of trash. The only thing they didn't have was propane and gas but they had everything else we needed.
Booking & Space: Was easy online. $35 for pull through site for capacity up to 42'. Sites are close together but still far enough to have all slide outs out and room to walk between.
Amenities: Big trash and recycling bins were a bonus. We did 9 loads of laundry, can only load them half way and the washing drum is a little small. 3 washers, 3 dryers. All of the units used the Payrange app except 1 dryer is quarters only. The dryer drums are pretty large so we were able to just split the 3rd load between the 2 dryers that use the Payrange app. It was easy to download the app, add funds, scan the barcode of the machine, set the settings on the machine and start. The washers recommend not to use powder detergent and half the amount of liquid detergent. No coin machine for breaking down change. Also no laundry supply stuff for purchase. Overall our stuff cleaned and dried without problems. The door does get stuck and seems locked after entering the code correctly.
Check-in was easy. Just pull into our site and hook up. Check in is after 2 PM and checkout before 2 PM.
Hookups: Water pressure was good. Electrical has a meter but there's no additional charge for it. Black/Grey water dump and water spigot at each site.
Area was very quiet. No road noise and campers were also quiet. It is very well lit all night and cameras are everywhere.
Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. 3 stalls in the women's and the 3 showers for additional no charge. Each shower had 3 hooks and a seat. There is no bench or seating outside of the showers.
We will definitely be back. Thank you for a great experience.
- KKevin T.Guide
Minietta Road
Ideal for the night
We pulled off on the closest part to the road which was quiet all night really. There were other parts further up.
- Michell C.Ranger
Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Gorgeous and Clean
The views from this campground are absolute stellar. The sites and pit toilets are clean and plenty of spaces were available. It was all first come, first served and self-pay when we arrived. Drive the loop and find your spot, then return the payment in the envelope provided to the pay station. I’m sure it’s a busy place on the weekends. It’s in an OHV area, so off road vehicle noise is to be expected, but it was minimal. The road in is smooth, sites are easy to access (with a few pull-through sites) and there are a few paved ADA specific sites as well. The sites up by the cliffs are offer the best views but many may be difficult to get level in if you have a motorhome or travel trailer.
KateGuideEmigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park
free, quiet campground
no one else was there when we arrived later in the evening though we only camped for one night at the end of summer. no one else ever showed up either. just a few cars drove by every now and then. we were exhausted so we just opened a couple windows to the car rather than set up our tent. toilets were within walking distance/next to the parking lot but closed due to bees. port-a-potties were available instead. at night, the stars were absolutely beautiful. it was pretty hot but by opening the car windows and using some battery powered fans, we managed!
Leslie R.
Legend
Panamint Springs Resort
Great amenities, decent cabin
We stayed one night in Cabin #17. Because we visited off-season, we were one of only three cars parked in the cabin/camping area. The beds were comfortable and the air-conditioner kept the cabin cool while we slept. There were a LOT of bugs that got inside the cabin, which was somewhat unavoidable every time we openned the door.
The night we stayed was a new moon, so the dark sky views were INCREDIBLE. We saw the milky way with our bare eyes sitting on the porch of our cabin.
We arrived around 10pm at night, so the check-in desk was already closed. Fortunately, I had received the email with the late check-in instructions, and finding our cabin assignment was easy. I do wish getting some information in advance had been easier. I tried to call the front desk on our drive to the park, but no one answered. It wasn't entirely clear what amenities/facilties were open. For example, the website said breakfast available in one place, but in another place it said the only open was getting a breakfast burritio in their gas station. So we didn't know if we should pack extra food.
It did turn out that the restaraunt was still open, despite being off-season. It was pricey (totally fair, you're in the middle of a desert) but delicious, and friendly service. The staffer in the general store/gas station was also really friendly and gave great advice for which parts of the park to visit, and how to drive responsibily in the summer heat.
Finally, I think it goes without saying, but coming in July will be HOT. Plan to do activities like hiking early in the morning, and find some place by noon to stay in the air conditioning until evening.
- JJulie G.Guide
Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Confusing layout lacking signage
It’s confusing to find the campsite. No signs directing you where to go. You have to drive behind the sites and pull through. Sites are small and you’re basically packed together. power and water are on the right instead of left. Bathroom ok, shower curtain looks dirty.
Barrie M.
ScoutLake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Tranquility
A lovely site, both scenic and peaceful. Was very quiet when we stayed. The small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies. Charming and spacious, the informality of the site was a refreshing change. Owing to it being quiet, we spent most of our time there in one of the riverside overlooks that provided seating, a table & a grill (as well as being a vantage point for watching nature and launching the kayaks.
The only slight negative was that it was the only one of 10 we used on this trip that offered full hook-ups but no WiFi (5G service was adequate though). Would also benefit with the addition of more than just the single shower/toilet unit (which contrary to another review was of more than adequate size)
Michelle W.RangerRicardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Gorgeous desert
Beautiful area with nice shady rock overhangs to stay cool during the day. No AT&T signal. No tesla signal. There was poor WiFi at the visitor center but at least you could send an email or message. The desert was alive in April! I got #8 which had a nice view. Not too crowded at 1 pm on a Saturday where I got to choose from a dozen open sites. So much better than the Alabama Hills area which was completely packed.
- IImke B.Scout
Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Desert Camping
Enough space for our 29” RV, pavement was really ok for desert, water, toilets in the morning full of insects, but that’s desert. You also have Wi-Fi at the Visitors Center which we really loved. Our spot had view to both sites of the rocks.
- AAva T.
Traveler
Pinto Peak View Camp
Really nice quiet spot right by the road of Death Valley national park
There’s a road that takes you to the spot where you can camp, there’s concrete squares in a majority of the spots in a wide area but if you keep down the gravel road you’ll find cleared areas with fire pits, there’s even a road that you can park on top of a hill.
36.34098° N, 116.61444° W
- MMichael G.Ranger
Ballarat Ghost Town
I think I was in the right spot.
Campground had some nice spots for dry camping. I planned to stay on BLM land off the road but this seemed part of the ghost town private property. It was late and I was confused..I need to go back and donate $5.
LILI P.GuideRicardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Gorgeous and quiet!
I only spent 1 night there but it was lovely and has the basic amenities. Gorgeous vistas and the weather was decent.
- JJared B.Traveler
Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Beautiful "in the middle of no where," but close to town...
We LOVE Red Rock (Ricardo)!! Other than it being an official campground its 'close' to dry camping. Definitely prefer its view and background over Jawbone (nearby...but Jawbone is still also great). If you are camping to chill, Red Rock...if you are there to shoot and ride, Jawbone. The best part is the BEAUTIFUL cliffs boarding the sites. Definitely follow the nature trail up onto the butte/mesa/cliff. (that's also the only place for cell signal :-P
Lee D.LegendRicardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Camping heaven!
General: Smallish (approx. 50-site) campground that does not take reservations. No hookups, one walk-in tent site, and the others are either back-in or pull-through. Some are “double” sites that would be ideal for sharing.
Site Quality: Varies. All sites (except four, three of which are designated handicap sites) are a mixture of sand/gravel. Not all are completely level, and some accommodate larger vehicles than others.
Bathhouse: Pit toilets only. Some are open air and some are enclosed; the one closest to our site was clean.
Activities: hiking, photography. Good night sky area. The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the Hagen Canyon trail is ¾ mile from the campground. Red Cliffs is another short trail across the highway; these are the most popular (and short) hikes in the park but there are others. The views are jaw-dropping and well worth exploring.
Note that although there is a dump station, there is a $20 charge to use it.
We arrived around 1 pm on a Sunday in late March and had our pick of sites, however, the campground filled in to about ¾ full by the end of the day.
- AAna C.Scout
Vakinheim
Amazing Camp Grounds
Amazing campgrounds. We had an area where we could set up bon fire. Had some wood on the area. Easy to find the location based of Joe's directions. I will definitely be coming back !! Thank you Joe !
- AAaron S.Guide
Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Legendary Boondocking
What an epic place to camp against the cliffs! Nice smooth unpaved road in and places to back in with a few setup for trailers to swing in. Pit toilets and water nearby. Ranger station has WiFi. No cellular.
- AAaron S.Guide
Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Park By The Pond
This resort is really just a place to park with hookups. The lake is a large pond and it’s beautiful but there is only one small restroom with one small shower with barely room to change. There are no other services like laundry, clubhouse, pool, gym. The price was the same as a fully featured property. The host was responsive and nice.
- Kristi D.Legend
Minietta Road
Great dispersed camping spot
Great for a night or two, heading towards or leaving Death Valley between Joshua Tree..
You are literally in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone reception, amenities, nothing, not even shelter, but yet so peaceful and quiet. We saw a couple of RVs but everyone has a TON of space....I would totally camp here again.
I was able to let dog and cat out of camper and they weren't going anywhere....nothing to chase, etc.
- SStefan A.Scout
Dispersed Site off 190 - Ridgecrest BLM
Limited for RV
Nice place. Beware! Road ends on the half of the way. No advise to enter the road with RV.
Janice S.TravelerEmigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park
beautiful peaceful spot to escape the heat
limited sites, each with a picnic table, access to water and flush toilet. very nice spot and the higher elevation provides cooler temperature.
Matt S.ScoutRicardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Remote and beautiful
Really cool campsite with spectacular rock cliff views. Looked like something from another planet. The night we stayed in April was very windy, which made it a little hard to sleep, but the next day dawned bright and clear and calm, and we had a great little desert hike exploring the clifftops.
cal K.Ranger
Fossil Falls Campground
Loved it. Solitude and accessible site plus accessible day use pads reserved for disabled folks
$6 sites. Rough road depending on rain washout - I managed to navigate in my low clearance station wagon - scout ahead some sections were fine. Loved this spot. Wanted to stay a few nights but headed out early after almost all campers left and it felt too remote to do solo. Vault toilet and no trash service. Water pump that may have worked I didn’t try it. Sites are very spread out and the cinder cone and volcanic rock around are awesome scenery. Hike to polished rocks of fossil falls. Will definitely come back! Great stop on the way to Death Valley.
- SSteven F.Ranger
Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Lake Olancha
Great place and great staff so nice and clean
Chester R.Scout
Kennedy Meadows Campground
Campground time forgot
Most reviews here are dated. Campground has been abandoned for years so: no fees, busted up roads, no water, no trash, no bathrooms, no cell/wifi. Basically dispersed camping in an awesome location on concrete spurs/pads. Each site still had picnic table and fire pit. The mosquitos here are biblical at night so bring your nets and deet. Kern creek and trails right from campground. General store and Grumpy Bear tavern close down the road. Only 2 other campers here when I stayed in October. Great place as long as you are expecting disbursed camping experience.
- IImkeTraveler
Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Desert Camping
Enough space for our 29” RV, pavement was really ok for desert, water, toilets in the morning full of insects, but that’s desert. You also have Wi-Fi at the Visitors Center which we really loved. Our spot had view to both sites of the rocks.
Guide to Trona
Tent camping near Trona, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities.
Tips for tent camping near Trona
- For a truly remote experience, consider staying at Ballarat Ghost Town, where you can enjoy dry camping with no permits required and the freedom to have a campfire.
- If you're looking for a quiet spot with basic facilities, Walker Pass Campground is a great choice, featuring picnic tables and ADA accessible toilets, all while being surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Be prepared for a more primitive experience at Thorndike Primitive Campground, where you can enjoy solitude in the desert with no electric hookups or fires allowed.
Local activities for tent campers
- Explore the breathtaking views and hiking opportunities at Mahogany Flat Primitive Campground, which serves as an excellent base for hiking Telescope Peak.
- Experience the beauty of Death Valley National Park by camping at Emigrant Campground, where you can enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning starry nights.
- For those seeking adventure, Panamint Dunes Dispersed offers a unique hiking experience with the chance to camp amidst the dunes, perfect for those who love exploring off the beaten path.
Tent campers should check out Vakinheim
- Enjoy a cozy camping experience at Vakinheim, where you can have a bonfire and relax in a private setting.
- This campground allows pets, making it a great option for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
- With easy access and a reservable site, Vakinheim is perfect for those looking for a hassle-free camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Trona, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Trona, CA is Ballarat Ghost Town with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Trona, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Trona, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.