The best private sites RV campgrounds near Bakersfield, California

A couple of hours north of Los Angeles on Interstate 5, at the southernmost end of California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield is a popular stop-off for fueling up and grabbing groceries and supplies before heading out into the Sequoia National Forest. The city is a major hub for the surrounding agricultural industry, and while it's not a typical tourist destination, it does offer quite a few attractions, including art and history museums. The California Living Museum may be of particular interest to those interested in zoology, as it puts a heavy focus on native plants and animals.

99% (208)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bacon and Eggs on the Smoker in the morning

A couple of hours north of Los Angeles on Interstate 5, at the southernmost end of California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield is a popular stop-off for fueling up and grabbing groceries and supplies before heading out into the Sequoia National Forest. The city is a major hub for the surrounding agricultural industry, and while it's not a typical tourist destination, it does offer quite a few attractions, including art and history museums. The California Living Museum may be of particular interest to those interested in zoology, as it puts a heavy focus on native plants and animals.

99% (208)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Antelope Canyon Ranch

98%

(61)

36mi from Bakersfield · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Tehachapi, CA

The Ranch has many varied sites to explore from oak woodlands to pine covered woods. The ownership of the land has been held since 1883 by the Summit Lime Company and was until the 1930's the site of several lime quarries one of which was used to supply material for the Owens valley to Los Angeles aquaduct. Current utilization is for recreation, private hunting club, timber production, and cattle grazing. The campground was built in 1967 to provide a location for church, non-profit, and youth groups to enjoy a private, and safe location for outdoor recreation activities. Camping is restricted to family and group activities. The campground has 17 sites a comfort station, water hook-ups, fire ring, and 4X8 foot stone BAR-B-Que. In order to provide a private experience no two groups are scheduled at the same time. An ideal group size is 15 to 150 persons.

2. A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%

(287)

38mi from Bakersfield · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tehachapi, CA

The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.

3. Cuyama Badlands

99%

(4440)

40mi from Bakersfield · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cuyama, CA

If 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 at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** 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. That being said, and to maintain the balance here at home, we'd appreciate if you keep your dogs in your car until you get to your site. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you!

4. Campsite 3 & 4

99%

(165)

43mi from Bakersfield · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Cuyama, CA

Every campsite has its own picnic table, fire pit with grill, a large trash can, and a kitchenette table, a rustic outdoor loo, and gorgeous 360º view. They are semi-secluded and spacious. There are many hiking trails near by, a vast riverbed to explore, and a quail guzzler to check out! The absolute best part is the night sky views of the Milky Way.

Stories from the community

Heidi

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

We loved tent camping on John’s property. It was beautiful and peaceful. We look forward to staying again.

N

Noah

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

What a special way to spend my birthday. Really such a great spot that allows you to feel like your camping but has so many great amenities. The owners were so kind as well. We will be coming back!

Jean

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Always an Epic time at SongDog Ranch! The place is peacefully quiet and surreal! Jim & Jen are fantastic host! Hospitality is at its best! See you again soon!!!

C

Catherine

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

We loved our stay and loved the land peace the land brought us ❤️

J

Jim

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Campsite 3 & 4

We love staying at campsite #3! It is so private and quiet and the stargazing is the best ever! We can’t wait to return!

M

Matt

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I went up to do some landscape and astrophotography. This place did not disappoint. Hosts were excellent and the sites are huge.

P

Paul

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

This was a wonderful stay. Beautiful site. Hot outdoor showers for a small fee (what a treat in that setting!) clean toilets plus hot and cold running water close by. A nice little walking trail (about a mile) right there. And John was a great host, very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this site!

S

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

We had such a great time camping at Songdog Ranch. The site was perfectly equipped and beautiful views! 10/10, we will come back.

Clay

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I actually was not able to use the site, that being said all the communication was great and it looks cool!

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

My favorite HipCamp :) I come back every year! Very calm, easy, great amenities, and beautiful views.

D

Devin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Awesome views and a well maintained property. Will visit again for sure!

V

Vince

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

This place is AWESOME!!!. Definitely will come back. The Grand View was the camp spot I rented and it was RAD. The woman that runs the place is so nice and welcoming. Beautiful scenery and away from the city lights. Don't pass this place up...

A

Anthony

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Cuyama Badlands

CAmp 3east. Groovy site and restrooms are stocked. Water wash station right outside w/ soap/sanitizer and paper towels. Restrooms are descent size not the smaller cramped ones. Sites are spread out some alot more than others. Went Tuesday -Friday. Had the whole hill to ourselves! There's a large wasteland at site. Bench and table w/ large shade covering. Perfect for ruffing it. Bring what makes you comfortable. Let them know if you want a tepid tub. Multiple sizes and cost. So they can set it up on your site.

R

Robert

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

Arab was super responsive and helpful. Everything is well organized and the campsites well appointed. And the views up top are lovely.

Jonathan

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

I really liked this camp site and how open it is and the view is great. Always appreciate the clean bathrooms, access to water, fire pit and table/shade. Can’t wait to check out some of the sites even further west.

M

Mary

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

This was my first solo camping trip an I'm so glad I found this place! I was greeted by Jim just after I got to my space and he was so nice and inviting asking if I needed anything. Told me about the store down by the main house just in case I needed anything. It's so quiet and beautiful and the spots are spaced out so nicely you feel like you're the only one there. There was a covered picnic table, fire pit with a cute little bench, water spigot and even 2 chase lounges to use. There were also 2 of the cleanest porta-potties I've ever seen. Like so clean you could sit on the seat if you wanted to. I stopped by the main house as I left and got to meet Jennie who is also so sweet. Thanks so much for such a great stay. I can't wait to go back.

M

Michael

October 2025

19 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

Extremely cool site, very kind host who led us to the campsite when he spotted we had made a wrong turn 😅 Thank you for the stay!

N

Nik

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

This was my second time camping at beautiful Songdog Ranch and we had another amazing time. If you’re in the area and looking for a mellow campsite to enjoy the beautiful scenery, look no further. We‘ll surely be back!

Nickie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

John was such a lovely host! He responded to my message late at night after we got stranded due to flash floods on the 14. He was very accommodating, showed us around the property even though it was late, and made sure we knew where we could find cell service on the property. The next morning, he even came by our site after he checked the road conditions for our intended trip. Felt super safe, would stay again!

Tracie

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Lovely property. Host was very kind and available. Oasis after driving for hours through the desert

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV camping near Bakersfield guide

Where to go

The Mojave Desert

If you like the hot, dry climate of Bakersfield, you'll love the Mojave Desert, with its wide-open sandy expanses interrupted by canyons and rock formations. The region's star attraction, Death Valley National Park, is a great place for winter camping and dark-sky stargazing.

California's Central Coast

Some of California’s prettiest stretches of coastline can be found in the Central Coast region, from the famous Big Sur to the palm-flanked Refugio State Beach. This region also has plenty of cities worth checking out, from stylish Santa Barbara to enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Sequoia National Forest and the Inyo Mountains

Not to be confused with Sequoia National Park, the Sequoia National Forest and the Inyo Mountains Wilderness just beyond it has dozens of developed and backcountry campgrounds and over a thousand miles of trails, plus ample opportunities to swim, boat, or mountain bike amongst towering old-growth trees.

When to go

The temperatures in Bakersfield generally range from pleasantly cool (in the dead of winter) to sunny and scorching. Summers are dry and often see highs in the 100s, and while winters are cool, Bakersfield rarely gets freezing temperatures. October and April are ideal if you plan to camp in the area, with warm (but not overly hot) temperatures and not nearly the number of crowds found in the summer.