Camping in Bakersfield, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

There's a nice big deck with tons of seating.

99%

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Cuyama Badlands

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · CAIf you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians remind us of those who lived before us. This is where the deer and the antelope play. Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. The preconfigured trailer will sleep two and the site is provided with water and fresh bedding for each booking. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets. Our Lodge, Ranch House and Glampsites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. There are two sites where RVs are welcome. This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here in the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.

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$40

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Rustic Hideaway

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsCAWelcome to our Rustic Hideaway! We are excited to meet and host you. Our property is located in the Los Padres National Forest and this farm has been in our family since 1979! It was first purposed for raising chickens and turkeys but in 1991 we switched to pistachios and hay. Those crops are still being farmed today here on the farm.About the propertyOur property is near to both Cuyama and Buckhorn should you need to pop out to get some services or supplies. Our property provides great access to nearby outdoor pursuits like hiking and birdwatching. We do live onsite and will plan to greet campers but we are a working ranch so campers will see us sporadically! Please do reach out with any questions or concerns though. This is an ADULT only campsite!Our favorite parts of living here are the mountain views, awesome sunsets, and the loads of easily accessed hiking.-Private fire pit provided-Private picnic table provided-His and hers flushing toilets-Some cell service, no wifi-Wood or charcoal BBQ onsite-Trash bins available-Pets allowedAdditional details to notePlease make sure to bring drinking water, food and utensils for your stay. Our quiet time is 1am. Dogs allowed just pick up after them please! Check in is after 2pm and check out is before 12pm. This listing is for adults only.

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$150

/ night

Wake up early to catch the sunrise--lots of blankets are available to you.

95%

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Blue Sky Center

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents267 acres · New Cuyama, CA1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!

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$35

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Spirit Walk Private Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · CAIn October of 2001, after a year long search for the perfect place to build a retreat center, John stumbled upon this sacred land. Just 3 hours north of LA, this very rugged property was overgrown, and covered with granite boulders. Oak, juniper, cedar. and pine trees that had grown so thick that hiking the property meant scrambling over boulders and pushing through bushes and tree limbs. Brandy (John’s dog) led him through some dense foliage to a giant oak tree! It turned out that the foliage was actually the branches of the tree that had grown so long that they bent all the way to the ground creating a natural chamber. Embraced by the arms of this majestic oak tree John had a vision and Spirit Walk was born. Many more spectacular features revealed themselves including a seasonal creek and ultimately even a sacred well was found with some of the sweetest water you’ve ever tasted! This Sacred land is Blessed with a wonderful energy and all who spend time here leave knowing they have been in the presence of something truly magnificent. . Please note: Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. Our guests come for the quiet/silent enjoyment of time in nature. We have learned through experience that it is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.

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$59

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Cuyama Oaks Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · CA Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for.The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months, the smell of sage and wildflowers fill the air. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the Cuyama Valley, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and roads that access different property gems. There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small, and offer a massive enclosed dog run, for when visitors are gone or hiking. If we are present during your visit, our 2 dogs and our potbelly pig, Basil, will be there to greet you and take all your treats!

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$75

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The campsite has two swing beds tight to the oak tree.

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This is Outdoor Living

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Springville, CALocated in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains on the land of the Yokut people and bordering the Giant Sequoia National Monument, this 12-acre homestead (known simply as the Land) stretches along both sides of the Tule River and offers exceptional camping and outdoor experiential events. The habits and vision of owners Mehmet and Xico reflects the Land's beauty and pristine natural habitats, inspiring daily living practices that reveres nature. The Land is their home and headquarters for organizing events that change the world and mindset of communities regarding respect for nature. The Land is nestled on Blue oak woodland and riparian (river) habitat in the foothills of the Giant Sequoia National Monument and offers the ultimate in privacy and completely dark night skies. We are of the BIPOC, LGBTQ/Two Spirit, arts, and justice activist communities and host only people embracing diversity, inclusion, self-reliance, and equality. (24 hour security and German Shepards ensures your comfort, privacy and safety.) We offer the listed campsites here on Hipcamp plus gorgeous outdoor venues tailored for small-scale special events and featuring a covered outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, outdoor living and bedroom spaces, fireplaces and fire pits and two outdoor showers. It is rustic and best suited for those with camping experience and a genuine love of nature. Reach us for special event details. Xico, Mehmet, and the people who come here respect the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace at gathering places. You should too. See pics and videos at www.wildplaces.net/campsites-1 All visitors must register online at www.wildplaces.net to receive details, directions, and a liability waiver to sign. We ask each member of a visiting group to complete this online waiver. Toilets are composting or chemical and the hotwater shower is tucked inside the majestic canopy of a live oak tree. The toilets are located near the house which is a 5 minute walk or less from most sites. Use your own camp stoves and opt to stay clear of the house entirely for maximum seclusion. You provide tents, tent footprint (tarp), lights, sleeping bags, food, insect repellant, camp stove and other stuff. There is an outdoor, hot water shower. NO SOAP of ANY KIND IN THE RIVER. CARRY WASH WATER 10 FEET AWAY From THE RIVER. Guided Activities: RECREATIONISTS PLEASE NOTE that we offer guided road bike and mountain bike excursions that can be catered to you! We can put you on world-class single track, technical and road bike trails! I. Enjoy a 40 mile round-trip road bike ride at 7,200 feet along the majestic Western Divide Highway in the Giant Sequoia National Monument and literally see the top of the mountain. The ride will take you through high Sierra meadows, Giant sequoia groves, Quaking Aspen forests, iconic granite outcroppings, all under perfect blue skies with clean air to breath (Yeah, remember that?). We will transport your bikes from the Land to the start point on the Western Divide, and provide healthy, simple snacks along the way, and transport back down to camp. Cost is $40/person. We will transport your bikes from the Land to the start point on the Western Divide, and provide healthy, simple snacks along the way, and transport back down to camp. Cost is $40/person. II. (Spring and winter only) Also, we offer the ultimate RECREATION EXPERIENCE by guiding you, our guests, in meaningful habitat stewardship projects either on the Land near your campsite or within the nearby Giant Sequoia National Monument. All stewardship projects are free of charge though we do invite you to become a member of WildPlaces, the non-profit arm of our Land and that has been protecting and conserving wild places in the area for 20 years.

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$55

/ night

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River Ridge Ranch & Institute

15 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CASwimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from secluded tent sites, group tent sites or cabins. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane bbq.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming (usually delightful until July or August). Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

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$50

/ night

The tent that we slept in... fabulous in every way!

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(505)

Twisselman Ranch

13 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CATwisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others. Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch. We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield. Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest. Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release). -We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space). Seasonal Wood Burning Fires - Start your stay off right by purchasing a firewood bundle 8-10 pieces of wood perfect for bbq and/or evening campfires. In summer months we are an ember free site due to high wildfire risks, starting May 1st 2021 - Your $15 per night (additional nights can be payed for upon arrival) rents a propane fire pit, great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area. The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in. -Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag. We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. We have recently started selling grass fed beef & jerky, hats & coffee mugs straight from the ranch to our local community & visiting guests. If your interested in purchasing some wholesome delicious beef during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest & if you’d like it during your stay or on departure. All beef is frozen in vacuum sealed bags. Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all. Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure. Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch

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$60

/ night

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(20)

Nomad Camp Experience @ ArtFarm

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · CANomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Collective is not your ordinary campground! Nomad-NeXus offers the best of the best in Nomad Camp Experiences, Fun and Connectivity! A project developed by the ArtFarm Collective, FWDVision Nomads and Glamping-Planet, our team of creatives offer a brand new approach, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community! As fellow world travelers we understand that the freedom to roam comes with its own challenge of a lack of deep connection and sense of community. It is the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create !

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$42

/ night

Booked 3 times

Kernville Ranch

4 sites · Lodging1 acre · Kernville, CANestled in the water meadows and originally a dairy, Kernville Ranch is just a 10 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

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$125

/ night

98%

(112)

Radl Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Santa Barbara, CA Radl Ranch is a beautiful 8 acre working ranch, AMAZING SUNRISES!!! wake up early :):):):!!!! ~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants. ~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches property located in Mission Canyon in Santa Barbara County. The property includes 4 acres of avocado trees and newly planted fruit trees. The other 4 acres is a charming natural forest and valley (accessible for scenic hiking). if you are brave :). The valley consists of 2 acres of beautiful flat area with a gorgeous newly planted garden and grass field, for campers to use, The camping area is on the wood chips just in front of the grass, and in our lower camping spot. We are in a box canyon, so sometimes phone service can be a bit spotty. Please message us the day of and let us know what time you will arriving. There is a shared OUTDOOR SHOWER, with hot water and incredible water pressure. PLEASE make your self at Home :):):) Enveloped in the property are lovely wildlife. There are deer occasionally, coyotes quite a lot,(watch your dogoooooos ) hawks, hummingbirds, ground squirrels, roadrunners among other curious critters. Dogs are welcome to join the animal community at Radl Ranch! We love DOGS, bring your dog, we have dog treats In the evenings the valley has the most beautiful light more then just a sunset :)!!! :):):)!! Location: ~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants. ~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches ~Hendry's beach great for dogs, Campus Point 15 minute drive + many others ~Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum + more, as well as Art galleries galore are other nearby venues. Although, once you’re inside the canyon, you wouldn’t know it! Radl Ranch seems to be tucked away from all the hustle and bustle, preserving the privacy of the forest. Sunrise and sunset are the favorite times of day and at night, the beauty is amplified by the bright starry sky.

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$95

/ night

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Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs100 acres · CAWelcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

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$49

/ night

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