The best ranch campgrounds near Big Bend, California

Big Bend ranch camping pulls you straight into wide-open Texas skies, rugged mesas, and working cattle land. With over 45 ranch stays in the area, you’ll find campsites that let you wake up to cattle lowing and distant coyotes. Prices average $45 a night, with simple options starting at $25. Top-rated spots like Juniper Spur Ranch (212 reviews), Camp Stoney Meadows (165 reviews), and Kosk Creek Campgrounds (83 reviews) get high marks from regulars. Most ranch camps allow campfires and pets, and you’ll usually find a basic toilet nearby. Bring your rod—fishing spots dot the terrain. Swimming holes are scattered along creek beds, and wildlife-watching is unbeatable at sunrise. If you want a real taste of Big Bend’s ranch country, these camps give you the raw, open land and star-packed nights the region is known for.

99% (836)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Bend

Big Bend ranch camping pulls you straight into wide-open Texas skies, rugged mesas, and working cattle land. With over 45 ranch stays in the area, you’ll find campsites that let you wake up to cattle lowing and distant coyotes. Prices average $45 a night, with simple options starting at $25. Top-rated spots like Juniper Spur Ranch (212 reviews), Camp Stoney Meadows (165 reviews), and Kosk Creek Campgrounds (83 reviews) get high marks from regulars. Most ranch camps allow campfires and pets, and you’ll usually find a basic toilet nearby. Bring your rod—fishing spots dot the terrain. Swimming holes are scattered along creek beds, and wildlife-watching is unbeatable at sunrise. If you want a real taste of Big Bend’s ranch country, these camps give you the raw, open land and star-packed nights the region is known for.

99% (836)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Bend

1. Kosk Creek Campgrounds

96%

(374)

2mi from Big Bend · 31 sites · Tents, RVs

We are a 400 acre ranch nestled in the mountains of Shasta County. There is a mile long creek that runs through the property. We have multiple hot spring pools ranging in various temperatures. Dry and overland campsites available. Activities: Boating, hiking, kayaking, 4x4, mountain bike, and fishing.

2. Camp Stoney Meadows

100%

(353)

3mi from Big Bend · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Our 120 remote acres are adjacent to Shasta Trinity National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Range between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta in Northern California. It's a working ranch with tree farms, animals, hydroelectric power, sawmill, gardens, orchards, creeks, springs, trails, and our camp alongside Kosk Creek. We're 54 miles from Redding off of 299E, (about 1-1/2 hour drive). DO NOT TAKE ROAD 11 FROM THE NORTH, IT IS CLOSED! PIease try to ignore the "car art" in the Pit River Tribe's Rancheria as you're coming here. Drive right through it, it's no reflection on us. The last mile or so of the road here can be pretty rough, but on arrival, you'll know it's worth the trip! No Cell phone service available here, so it's the perfect opportunity to unplug. We do have a land line up at the house in case of an emergency. Also, if you really need it, WiFi is available at the house.

3. Juniper Spur Ranch

98%

(446)

40mi from Big Bend · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to Juniper Spur Ranch! Directions: GPS Juniper Valley Spur....this is a short culdesac road with a road sign at the entrance off Juniper Valley Drive. There is a green pipe rail gate at the end. This gate has a combination lock. You will receive the current combination code 2 days before your arrival. If you are turning onto a dirt road without a sign....you are on the wrong road. Juniper Valley Spur is my short culdesac road with a road sign and a locked green pipe rail gate at the end. We have 3 RV sites available for campers to book. Please note that we do not have RV hookups for any of the sites. You will be parking on loose gravel and the sites are relatively flat. We can accommodate most RVs/trailers, if you are uncertain about the size just send me a message. There is a portapotty in the hay barn cleaned regularly and a water spigot for non-potable water uses. There is no shower available but you could wash off hands and feet if desired with the hose. Pets are allowed at campsites #2 and #3 only. These campsites are farthest from the horses and dogs. Please keep dogs on leash at all times. Our property offers a beautiful view of Mount Shasta. Nature lovers, extreme sports enthusiasts, family vacationers and retirees, can all enjoy the vast recreational opportunities this area has to offer. Lake Siskiyou is about 20 miles south and offers a wonderful 7-mile hiking trail around the entire lake.

4. Two Horses Ranch

100%

(10)

37mi from Big Bend · 1 site · Tent, RV

Very quiet property north of Mt Shasta. No neighbors with water and outhouse. Rock climbing, horse access and thirty minutes from Mt Shasta skiing. Twelve miles from Weed, Ca . Tall pines and Juniper. Rare Fungus reserves. 30 ft yurt is close to completion. Host on property. All animals welcome.

5. Whiskeytown Lake Getaway

100%

(13)

42mi from Big Bend · 2 sites · RVs

6.5 acre property just 7 miles west of Whiskeytown Lake. Easy access to Sundial Bridge, Sacramento River and Lake Shasta. Available for fully self contained Motor Homes, Travel Trailers, Campervans and Pop-up Campers. Class C, B RV’s ok. No tent camping. Nice shady spot under mature Oak Tree with Picnic table and hammock stand. No water, sewer or electricity available.

6. Alpen Vineyard Hideaway

100%

(31)

35mi from Big Bend · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Alpen Cellars Winery was established on a family ranch in the spring of 1984; it is situated in a picturesque mountain valley at the foot of towering craggy peaks in the rugged Trinity Lake region of Trinity County, California. Alpen Cellars is a family venture in which each of us take part in the long painstaking process of wine production. From pruning to harvest, crush to fermentation and bottling, we strive for fine wine and a connection to our customers. It may seem like an unlikely location to grow wine grapes, but the combination of high elevation and favorable microclimate provide the ideal conditions for early maturing grapes.

7. Cascade Arc Camping

98%

(163)

11mi from Big Bend · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

From an old hydraulic mill, to an apple farm with a cider press, to a Wilderness Recovery Center for at-risk youth, our property has seen many great eras. After being neglected for over 20 years, we are trying to resurrect it to its full glory and incorporate the past into our property's future. Come stay on 192 epic acres of land now used as our home, and your perfect vacation location. 

8. Brunswick Ridge, Trinity Mountain

100%

(1)

45mi from Big Bend · 2 sites · Tents

Located Between French Gulch CA and Lewiston CA. Views of Shasta Bally and surrounding Mountains. Close to Whiskeytown National Monument. Trinity Mountain in Beautiful Northern California. 1.3 Miles past Trinity Mountain Rd turn right onto Lewiston turnpike Rd. Go 1.6 miles up Lewiston Rd and turn right into the driveway. Flat area for camping.

Camper favorites near Big Bend

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Two Horses Ranch

100%

(10)

37mi from Big Bend · 1 site · Tent, RV

Very quiet property north of Mt Shasta. No neighbors with water and outhouse. Rock climbing, horse access and thirty minutes from Mt Shasta skiing. Twelve miles from Weed, Ca . Tall pines and Juniper. Rare Fungus reserves. 30 ft yurt is close to completion. Host on property. All animals welcome.

Whiskeytown Lake Getaway

100%

(13)

42mi from Big Bend · 2 sites · RVs

6.5 acre property just 7 miles west of Whiskeytown Lake. Easy access to Sundial Bridge, Sacramento River and Lake Shasta. Available for fully self contained Motor Homes, Travel Trailers, Campervans and Pop-up Campers. Class C, B RV’s ok. No tent camping. Nice shady spot under mature Oak Tree with Picnic table and hammock stand. No water, sewer or electricity available.

Alpen Vineyard Hideaway

100%

(31)

35mi from Big Bend · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Alpen Cellars Winery was established on a family ranch in the spring of 1984; it is situated in a picturesque mountain valley at the foot of towering craggy peaks in the rugged Trinity Lake region of Trinity County, California. Alpen Cellars is a family venture in which each of us take part in the long painstaking process of wine production. From pruning to harvest, crush to fermentation and bottling, we strive for fine wine and a connection to our customers. It may seem like an unlikely location to grow wine grapes, but the combination of high elevation and favorable microclimate provide the ideal conditions for early maturing grapes.

Cascade Arc Camping

98%

(163)

11mi from Big Bend · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

From an old hydraulic mill, to an apple farm with a cider press, to a Wilderness Recovery Center for at-risk youth, our property has seen many great eras. After being neglected for over 20 years, we are trying to resurrect it to its full glory and incorporate the past into our property's future. Come stay on 192 epic acres of land now used as our home, and your perfect vacation location. 

Brunswick Ridge, Trinity Mountain

100%

(1)

45mi from Big Bend · 2 sites · Tents

Located Between French Gulch CA and Lewiston CA. Views of Shasta Bally and surrounding Mountains. Close to Whiskeytown National Monument. Trinity Mountain in Beautiful Northern California. 1.3 Miles past Trinity Mountain Rd turn right onto Lewiston turnpike Rd. Go 1.6 miles up Lewiston Rd and turn right into the driveway. Flat area for camping.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kimberly

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

With pets

3 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

As the host says, it’s a magical place, it truly is the beauty is beyond your imagination, if you’re looking for a healing journey solo or a couple it’s the place to go. I spent 3 nights and 4 days at the ranch. Everything was just so easy from checking up until check out the communication and detail details were superb. And Jimmy, Jimmy is just amazing, he works on the ranch and drives around on a quad and brings you firewood and tells you amazing stories about the ranch. Oh, and if you happen to see Doug, he’s just a regular who loves to take care of the place and he does such a great job. Thank you Doug for taking care of the hot springs and all that you do the love that you pour into the hot springs shows and is felt! As the reviews say, the drive down is a little sketchy but once you get there, I promise it’s worth it. I look at the cars on the side of the road as a piece of art a story don’t let it scare you away. I will be coming back.

You get a tub and you get a tub and you get a tub!

S

Sean

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

We LOVE, LOVE this place. Big open field with great views. We will be back for husband's birthday.

J

Jonathan

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

The roads out to Kosk creek are remote and sometimes sketchy (the road to McCloud is dicey with tree fall, rockfall, landslides) but the camp felt safe and the caretakers were nice. Beautiful spot and great that they've made this sacred place accessible and well maintained.

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Natalie

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

What an incredible stay! We had no problem arriving late in the evening (about 1:30am we came from Washington) and were able to use the hot springs at any time. This is definitely a new staple campground just be wary of the insane potholes leading up! No issue finding the place and facilities were so nice and clean :-)

K

Kya

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Kosk campground was a peaceful and beautiful spot to camp. The creek and hot springs were wonderful to try out!

R

Richard

3 weeks ago

28 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Amazing place to visit!! It can look sketchy on the way down the 17 mile drive to the property but trust me it is worth it to push past the car junkyard 3 miles before your destination. Such a healing space. Already looking to visit again in May. Thank you Scott for the wonderful pre-Thanksgiving stay!!

Julie

3 weeks ago

26 ft pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

We had a an amazing time camping here. It was myself, my husband, toddler and dog. We had a very spacious and private pull-through site for our pop up camper. Scott was very welcoming and helped us pick a spot and get settled. We had a really great time!

E

Emily

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

The camp host was really great about helping us find the camp and check us in despite a late arrival. Be warned - there's no cell service and it's a bit difficult to find in the dark. Check your email directions before you get too far out there! Creekside campsites were lovely and multiple hot spring pools gave a variety of soaking options. Very cool if you're willing to make the trek!

S

Shannon

November 2025

15 ft campervan

2 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

We’ve been to plenty of hot springs before and these are wayyy up there on our list! They weren’t crowded (it’s November), they were deep and hot with the option to cold plunge in the river, and simply magical. The property is beautiful and the host went way above and beyond to ensure we didn’t get lost getting there and that we (and our doggie) were happy with our nice, private campsite (included a picnic table and fire ring). Campsites are a short walk from the springs and we were able to easily find them even when we first arrived in the dark. The hosts are obviously passionate about the place and maintain it perfectly while still offering that natural, rustic outdoor experience we were searching for. It’s such a privilege that they share this paradise with the public, with the benefit of crowd control and keeping it wild. Logistically speaking we drive an extended body camper van that isn’t 4wd and had no issues getting there (the drive is stunningly pretty too). Overall it’s one of the coolest places we’ve ever camped and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

K

Kristina

November 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Beautiful campground! The host is super helpful, informative and friendly. The campsites are very clean. My partner and I bathed in the hot springs at night, then had a very pleasant campfire and bbq under the stars. They sell firewood at a good price, which they deliver to your campsite. Went during off season, so there was plenty of space on the rather large property. Would definitely come here again!

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Katherine

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

The campsite was beautiful and private. The host was so nice and helpful. Nice to get off grid and enjoy the beautiful place! We LOVED it!

T

Thomas

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Rustic and quiet with beautiful hot springs. The path to the springs can be treacherous when wet, so use caution.

A

Adrian

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Two Horses Ranch

Lovely area, love the smell of juniper trees, if youre planning to camp this time of year note that it can get into the freezing temperatures, view of shasta is amazing. Theres a local dollar general 15 minutes away should you ever forget and need anything.

N

Natan

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

My family and I had a great time at this campsite. They were plenty of spaces, and they were all very clean and well managed. They are very dog friendly, and very welcoming upon arrival as well. The Hot Springs were definitely a highlight, and they were only a 5 to 10 minute walk away.

K

Kennie

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

I highly recommend Kosk Creek Campgrounds! It’s tucked away in a little haven with hot springs, and it feels really safe because it’s a gated campground with the host monitoring everything. I also love that at night they sell firewood, so you don’t have to leave the campground — super convenient and relaxing!

Justin

November 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Well maintained, great communication, beautiful and healing. Wife and I finally had a weekend without kids and this was the spot. Scott is a great host. What a great weekend escape!

M

Melanie

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Scott and his team are wonderful hosts. We enjoyed everything. The porta potty was clean. He has and is continuing to make wonderful upgrades to the hot springs. The campsites are spread out. It's such a beautiful place. If you have never been here the only thing you need to be aware of is the road driving in once you pass the pit stop is very rough so drive about 5 mph to dodge the potholes in the road. Also be aware that there is wildlife.

Ariel

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Read this!!! So YES, Highly recommend! But will keeping this a secret from my friends! Sorry not sorry! Please don’t let the drive in deter! We definitely got wrong turn vibes, lots of junk cars and abandoned vehicles/ buildings. But the road was fine coming from Sacramento. We arrived at 12AM and were contemplating just staying in Redding and then continuing early the following morning but so glad we went straight to the campground! Waking up and seeing this place was breathtaking!!! Easy to get into in the middle of the night, and easy to find a campsite. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful, quiet, healing, romantic getaway. Be respectful…people don’t want to hear your music while in nature. This place is not a place to party, it’s a place to relax. I don’t recommend large parties although there’s plenty of wide open area for large parties… you will be sharing pools if you come with a large party/other campsites are booked…Which is tough, because not everyone likes the same temp! We had one other party of two camping across from us, and a few day users but we were still able to get a pool to ourselves with perfect timing. The weekend we went called for “bad weather” but we took the chance anyway! Portapotty was a portapotty…no complaints over here! This place left me speechless! Hope the owner will continue to allow us all access to their property! This place is natures paradise! Highly recommended and will be 100% be back!!

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Fred

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Loved it, great spot. Had one bundle of wood with us, and started to run out. Luckily the hosts came by on ATVs and sold us some more. Stars are amazing, camped right next to the river. There are stone fire rings as well as metal fire rings to choose from. Grass was green, a little chilly in mid-october. Highly recommend a truck or AWD vehicle, the road is very rough and you'll need to go very slow in a car. Store owner said there are lots of bears around. Tried to hang our food up a tree, but the branch broke, stayed up late, didn't see any bears. Seemed like the end of the camping season, but still had 2-3 neighbors distanced enough apart we couldn't hear them at all.

S

Sarah

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Alpen Vineyard Hideaway

Such a great private retreat with our 3 pups! It has everything needed for a glamping getaway and more! Very clean all around. All amenities were there and taken care of well. Peaceful and absolutely beautiful! Nice swimming hole that we wished we could have jumped in but the weather was a bit chilly! We also stopped by the winery and met Leith who gave us a great rundown of the history which was a pleasant little bonus! We will come back next summer for a few more day with friends to enjoy!