The best desert camping near Bodfish

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Looking for a camping adventure near Bodfish, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1000 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and budget. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, RV camping, or glamping, Hipcamp has got you covered. Some of the top campsites in the area include Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), River Ridge Ranch -722 acres (348 reviews), and Sequoia Mountain Farms (205 reviews). Prices start as low as $5 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Popular amenities include showers, trash disposal, and campfire facilities. For those who love swimming, snow sports, or boating, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your camping trip. Start planning your camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

97% (442)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

1. Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

96%
(307)
40mi from Bodfish · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · CA
LOCATION INFO Enjoy a rustic, no-fuss stay on our 20-acre working farm just 15 miles south of Bakersfield, with easy freeway access. Campsites sit along the pond—perfect for catch-and-release fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. We have a small area with farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, peacocks and chickens) for you to enjoy. Most guests are road-tripping, escaping LA, or stopping over en route to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Joshua Tree. Expect a desert climate: hot summers, cold winters. Each site includes a small table, potable water spigot, picnic table, and fire pit (bring your own wood). All sites are BYO tent or car-camping with the exception of our one Glamping Site which includes a queen bed. Some have vehicle height limits (noted in site names), and cannot accommodate pop-ups or truck campers. Amenities include one shared indoor toilet and an outdoor hot/cold shower. You may be greeted by our friendly, working farm dogs. We offer self check-in and you're welcome to arrive anytime after 1PM; checkout is 11AM. Please respect quiet hours after 10PM if arriving late. CAMP RULES No Pets – Our dogs protect the farm and see other animals as threats. You will be asked to leave with no refund if you bring a pet. Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM – No exceptions. If we receive complaints about noise, you’ll be asked to leave immediately. 1 Tent + 1 Car per Site (Site 4 allows 2 tents/2 cars). If you need more tents, you will need to book multiple sites. No tents or canopies on the grass/lawn area. No fireworks or open flames outside of designated fire pits. Propane burners or grills are permitted. Do not feed the farm dogs—no treats or food, ever. At checkout: dispose of trash in the dumpster by Site 5, soak any hot coals, wipe down tables, and put back the kayaks and paddleboards. Shower use: Only farm-provided shampoo and soap are allowed. Fire pits must stay in place. Do not move them.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$42
 / night
Drone shot of Okihi in winter.

2. Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

96%
(26)
25mi from Bodfish · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Bakersfield, CA
Okihi is a unique sanctuary where habitat restoration meets outdoor adventure. Nestled in a diverse landscape, we focus on healing the land through hands-on conservation while offering a space to connect with nature, camp, and learn. This is not your average campground, so i make sure to look over the rules. They will be enforced to keep a tranquil vibe. Restore and Explore We’re committed to revitalizing native habitats—our land is a living example of ecological renewal. Wander scenic trails, enjoy wildlife, and witness the power of restoration in action. Sustainable Farming and Livestock Our animals play a key role in regeneration. Horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens help manage invasive weeds and maintain healthy ecosystems. We compost all their manure, turning waste into valuable resources for soil health. Camping and Community Camp under the stars, explore nature, and join us for seasonal events and workshops focused on sustainability, conservation, and community. Whether you're here to camp, hike, or volunteer, Okihi is a place where nature and people come together for a common cause. Okihi is more than a destination—it's a living example of land restoration, sustainable living, and the power of community. Come explore, learn, and make a difference! Okihi is approximately 15 minutes east of Downtown Bakersfield. 20 minutes away from the 99 hwy or 178 hwy. Whichever way you are traveling, we are a great stopover point. Sites are spread around on the east side of the property facing the river for beautiful river views while you sip coffee from your site. There are a multitude of recreation opportunities to enjoy. On site there is hiking, places to practice yoga or meditate, kayaking, paddle boarding. We also have a hammock veranda that is fully shaded and a great place to relax along the river. Miles of biking paths run on the road right by where we are situated and there is a nearby river rafting company if you want the white water experience. Most of our campers are road tripping, getting away from LA, or are looking for a stopover on their way to/from Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, etc. We are in a desert climate – cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Portable heaters or fans with misting options are available for rent.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Golden Cactus Ghost Town

6. Golden Cactus Ghost Town

100%
(1)
38mi from Bodfish · 1 site · Tent, RV · Pearsonville, CA
Golden Cactus Ghost Town is a great place to rest and relax, surrounded by beautiful views in every direction. You can explore the ghost town itself or hike into No Name Canyon, where you’ll find a small river. There are also many dirt roads behind the property, perfect for dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. The property is located just ¾ mile north of the Pearsonville Shell gas station and only 10 minutes from the nearest town. A public restroom is available next to the picnic area, where you can also enjoy a barbecue if you wish. For RVs, we currently offer a 30-amp power outlet if you’d like to hook something up. Please note there are no gray or black water dumping facilities available. If you’re camping outdoors, feel free to set up your tent in the designated area, which also includes access to a power outlet.
Pets
Toilets
Trash
from 
$29
 / night
Underworld Farms

7. Underworld Farms

86%
(43)
10mi from Bodfish · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Kernville, CA
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

12. Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

100%
(14)
45mi from Bodfish · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Mojave, CA
We are the largest Arabian horse rescue in the United States. We are on 100 acres, but are currently using only 10 fenced acres for our horses. We have an average of 75 horses on our property. Most live in larger areas or paddocks in group "herds". We focus on rehabilitation and training with the goal of finding permanent homes for our horses. However, we have about 30+ horses who are "sanctuary horses", either because they are older, or were traumatized, or have health issues, thus will not be rideable. They get to live their lives out with us.Learn more about this land:Come pitch your tent on our horse rescue ranch. Two spots are near our little Western Town, you can even sleep in the jail or inside the general store. Another location is near the horses or in a more secluded area. We have two spots to park RVs as well. You can visit with the horses, while enjoying some idyllic beautiful high desert vistas. At night, you can see the city lights from a distance, but it is far enough to really see the stars in the night sky (no light pollution). Please bring your own chairs. We have a serviced porta-potty with potable water access. Camp Fire: Because of fire danger, there are no campfires possible. We have a working gold mine across the street, that can be hiked up to, to a certain point. We have lots of desert trails surrounding us. Activities: Learn about horses and help at the horse rescue, feeding and watering, giving horses treats. All proceeds from your camping on our property goes to support the horses at our rescue.
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Wandering Star Ranch

16. Wandering Star Ranch

99%
(43)
7.8mi from Bodfish · 1 site · Tent, RV · Weldon, CA
Learn more about this land: Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.  Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness.  Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking.  Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake.  In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$95
 / night
Frandy Park Campground

20. Frandy Park Campground

100%
(1)
13mi from Bodfish · 106 sites · Kernville, CA
Frandy Park Campground stands out as a premier destination for families and groups seeking an unforgettable camping experience in Kernville, California, thanks to its stunning location along the Kern River, surrounded by majestic oak woodlands and steep hillsides. This unique setting offers campers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Our campground features a variety of accommodations, including back-in and pull-thru sites with water and electric hookups, as well as ample space for tent camping. Guests can take advantage of our many amenities, such as complimentary WiFi, a convenient dump station, clean showers, and outdoor games to enhance their stay. At Frandy Park, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a wide range of activities. Enjoy volleyball, tennis, and horseshoes, or venture out for kayaking, swimming, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. Whether you're here to paddle down the river, explore the breathtaking Sequoia National Forest, or simply unwind in nature, Frandy Park is the ideal campground in the Kern River Valley. We look forward to welcoming you for a night or two of relaxation and adventure!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Looking for a camping adventure near Bodfish, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1000 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and budget. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, RV camping, or glamping, Hipcamp has got you covered. Some of the top campsites in the area include Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), River Ridge Ranch -722 acres (348 reviews), and Sequoia Mountain Farms (205 reviews). Prices start as low as $5 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Popular amenities include showers, trash disposal, and campfire facilities. For those who love swimming, snow sports, or boating, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your camping trip. Start planning your camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

97% (442)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

1. Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

96%
(307)
40mi from Bodfish · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · CA
LOCATION INFO Enjoy a rustic, no-fuss stay on our 20-acre working farm just 15 miles south of Bakersfield, with easy freeway access. Campsites sit along the pond—perfect for catch-and-release fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. We have a small area with farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, peacocks and chickens) for you to enjoy. Most guests are road-tripping, escaping LA, or stopping over en route to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Joshua Tree. Expect a desert climate: hot summers, cold winters. Each site includes a small table, potable water spigot, picnic table, and fire pit (bring your own wood). All sites are BYO tent or car-camping with the exception of our one Glamping Site which includes a queen bed. Some have vehicle height limits (noted in site names), and cannot accommodate pop-ups or truck campers. Amenities include one shared indoor toilet and an outdoor hot/cold shower. You may be greeted by our friendly, working farm dogs. We offer self check-in and you're welcome to arrive anytime after 1PM; checkout is 11AM. Please respect quiet hours after 10PM if arriving late. CAMP RULES No Pets – Our dogs protect the farm and see other animals as threats. You will be asked to leave with no refund if you bring a pet. Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM – No exceptions. If we receive complaints about noise, you’ll be asked to leave immediately. 1 Tent + 1 Car per Site (Site 4 allows 2 tents/2 cars). If you need more tents, you will need to book multiple sites. No tents or canopies on the grass/lawn area. No fireworks or open flames outside of designated fire pits. Propane burners or grills are permitted. Do not feed the farm dogs—no treats or food, ever. At checkout: dispose of trash in the dumpster by Site 5, soak any hot coals, wipe down tables, and put back the kayaks and paddleboards. Shower use: Only farm-provided shampoo and soap are allowed. Fire pits must stay in place. Do not move them.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$42
 / night
Drone shot of Okihi in winter.

2. Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

96%
(26)
25mi from Bodfish · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Bakersfield, CA
Okihi is a unique sanctuary where habitat restoration meets outdoor adventure. Nestled in a diverse landscape, we focus on healing the land through hands-on conservation while offering a space to connect with nature, camp, and learn. This is not your average campground, so i make sure to look over the rules. They will be enforced to keep a tranquil vibe. Restore and Explore We’re committed to revitalizing native habitats—our land is a living example of ecological renewal. Wander scenic trails, enjoy wildlife, and witness the power of restoration in action. Sustainable Farming and Livestock Our animals play a key role in regeneration. Horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens help manage invasive weeds and maintain healthy ecosystems. We compost all their manure, turning waste into valuable resources for soil health. Camping and Community Camp under the stars, explore nature, and join us for seasonal events and workshops focused on sustainability, conservation, and community. Whether you're here to camp, hike, or volunteer, Okihi is a place where nature and people come together for a common cause. Okihi is more than a destination—it's a living example of land restoration, sustainable living, and the power of community. Come explore, learn, and make a difference! Okihi is approximately 15 minutes east of Downtown Bakersfield. 20 minutes away from the 99 hwy or 178 hwy. Whichever way you are traveling, we are a great stopover point. Sites are spread around on the east side of the property facing the river for beautiful river views while you sip coffee from your site. There are a multitude of recreation opportunities to enjoy. On site there is hiking, places to practice yoga or meditate, kayaking, paddle boarding. We also have a hammock veranda that is fully shaded and a great place to relax along the river. Miles of biking paths run on the road right by where we are situated and there is a nearby river rafting company if you want the white water experience. Most of our campers are road tripping, getting away from LA, or are looking for a stopover on their way to/from Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, etc. We are in a desert climate – cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Portable heaters or fans with misting options are available for rent.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Golden Cactus Ghost Town

6. Golden Cactus Ghost Town

100%
(1)
38mi from Bodfish · 1 site · Tent, RV · Pearsonville, CA
Golden Cactus Ghost Town is a great place to rest and relax, surrounded by beautiful views in every direction. You can explore the ghost town itself or hike into No Name Canyon, where you’ll find a small river. There are also many dirt roads behind the property, perfect for dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. The property is located just ¾ mile north of the Pearsonville Shell gas station and only 10 minutes from the nearest town. A public restroom is available next to the picnic area, where you can also enjoy a barbecue if you wish. For RVs, we currently offer a 30-amp power outlet if you’d like to hook something up. Please note there are no gray or black water dumping facilities available. If you’re camping outdoors, feel free to set up your tent in the designated area, which also includes access to a power outlet.
Pets
Toilets
Trash
from 
$29
 / night
Underworld Farms

7. Underworld Farms

86%
(43)
10mi from Bodfish · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Kernville, CA
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

12. Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

100%
(14)
45mi from Bodfish · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Mojave, CA
We are the largest Arabian horse rescue in the United States. We are on 100 acres, but are currently using only 10 fenced acres for our horses. We have an average of 75 horses on our property. Most live in larger areas or paddocks in group "herds". We focus on rehabilitation and training with the goal of finding permanent homes for our horses. However, we have about 30+ horses who are "sanctuary horses", either because they are older, or were traumatized, or have health issues, thus will not be rideable. They get to live their lives out with us.Learn more about this land:Come pitch your tent on our horse rescue ranch. Two spots are near our little Western Town, you can even sleep in the jail or inside the general store. Another location is near the horses or in a more secluded area. We have two spots to park RVs as well. You can visit with the horses, while enjoying some idyllic beautiful high desert vistas. At night, you can see the city lights from a distance, but it is far enough to really see the stars in the night sky (no light pollution). Please bring your own chairs. We have a serviced porta-potty with potable water access. Camp Fire: Because of fire danger, there are no campfires possible. We have a working gold mine across the street, that can be hiked up to, to a certain point. We have lots of desert trails surrounding us. Activities: Learn about horses and help at the horse rescue, feeding and watering, giving horses treats. All proceeds from your camping on our property goes to support the horses at our rescue.
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Wandering Star Ranch

16. Wandering Star Ranch

99%
(43)
7.8mi from Bodfish · 1 site · Tent, RV · Weldon, CA
Learn more about this land: Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.  Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness.  Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking.  Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake.  In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$95
 / night
Frandy Park Campground

20. Frandy Park Campground

100%
(1)
13mi from Bodfish · 106 sites · Kernville, CA
Frandy Park Campground stands out as a premier destination for families and groups seeking an unforgettable camping experience in Kernville, California, thanks to its stunning location along the Kern River, surrounded by majestic oak woodlands and steep hillsides. This unique setting offers campers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Our campground features a variety of accommodations, including back-in and pull-thru sites with water and electric hookups, as well as ample space for tent camping. Guests can take advantage of our many amenities, such as complimentary WiFi, a convenient dump station, clean showers, and outdoor games to enhance their stay. At Frandy Park, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a wide range of activities. Enjoy volleyball, tennis, and horseshoes, or venture out for kayaking, swimming, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. Whether you're here to paddle down the river, explore the breathtaking Sequoia National Forest, or simply unwind in nature, Frandy Park is the ideal campground in the Kern River Valley. We look forward to welcoming you for a night or two of relaxation and adventure!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field