The best forest campgrounds near California City, California

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for all your camping needs! Whether you're an experienced outdoors enthusiast or a first-time camper, we've got you covered. With over 740 options near California City, California, in the heart of lush forests, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Holcomb Valley Ranch (470 reviews), River Ridge Ranch -722 acres (348 reviews), and Spirit Walk - Private Retreat (202 reviews). From hiking to swimming and exploring historic sites, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy. And with popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts of home in the great outdoors. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure now, with options as low as $20 per night!

98% (396)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for all your camping needs! Whether you're an experienced outdoors enthusiast or a first-time camper, we've got you covered. With over 740 options near California City, California, in the heart of lush forests, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Holcomb Valley Ranch (470 reviews), River Ridge Ranch -722 acres (348 reviews), and Spirit Walk - Private Retreat (202 reviews). From hiking to swimming and exploring historic sites, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy. And with popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts of home in the great outdoors. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure now, with options as low as $20 per night!

98% (396)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

95%

(152)

47mi from California City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow and sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

2. A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%

(288)

32mi from California City · 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. Wandering Star Ranch

99%

(43)

44mi from California City · 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)

4. Sequoia National Forest

98%

(270)

905 sites · Ponderosa, California

Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Vianey's Campgrounds

100%

(6)

32mi from California City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Tehachapi, CA

Enjoy the Land of 4 seasons. Whether you’re exploring Tehachapi for the first time, or have been living in town for years, the Tehachapi Visitor Center always has something new for guests to discover. Tehachapi offers a wide variety of independently owned restaurants ranging in atmosphere from casual to fine dining. Not to the exclusion of popular national brands, the area hosts unique restaurants known around the country, while other spots remain local secrets. The Tehachapi area is known for the nearby Tehachapi Loop (a popular railfan site), Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm, often high winds, Main Street Tehachapi, the Tehachapi Depot Museum, the Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park and Tomi-Kahni Resource Center (Native American), and excellent air conditions for gliding. Away from the city life you can also experience tranquility and a peaceful atmosphere with a variety of wildlife on the mountain. The path of one of the world’s most well-known trails runs just east of Tehachapi, drawing hikers to the mountain town every year.

6. Double Triangle Ranch

98%

(58)

43mi from California City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Weldon, CA

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.

7. Antelope Canyon Ranch

98%

(61)

34mi from California City · 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.

8. Persian Glamping

47mi from California City · 1 site · Lodging · Green Valley, CA

Escape to our Persian Glamping yurt, a hidden gem in the heart of Angeles National Forest. Beneath a Termeh sky, embraced by the forest’s stillness, Persian heritage weaves into every detail—where timeless beauty and gentle charm create a sanctuary for the soul. A place where elegance meets wilderness, inviting you to unwind, reconnect, and savor a truly unique stay under the stars. The cedar hot tub is wood-fired and takes 3–4 hours to heat. There is a full manual inside the yurt with step-by-step instructions. Heating and using the hot tub is part of the rustic charm — it’s meant to be an interactive, relaxing experience. We share the property with our 3 lovely alpacas: Ghand, Nabaut, and Khorma. You’re welcome to visit them and take photos!

Camper favorites near California City

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Vianey's Campgrounds

100%

(6)

32mi from California City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Tehachapi, CA

Enjoy the Land of 4 seasons. Whether you’re exploring Tehachapi for the first time, or have been living in town for years, the Tehachapi Visitor Center always has something new for guests to discover. Tehachapi offers a wide variety of independently owned restaurants ranging in atmosphere from casual to fine dining. Not to the exclusion of popular national brands, the area hosts unique restaurants known around the country, while other spots remain local secrets. The Tehachapi area is known for the nearby Tehachapi Loop (a popular railfan site), Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm, often high winds, Main Street Tehachapi, the Tehachapi Depot Museum, the Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park and Tomi-Kahni Resource Center (Native American), and excellent air conditions for gliding. Away from the city life you can also experience tranquility and a peaceful atmosphere with a variety of wildlife on the mountain. The path of one of the world’s most well-known trails runs just east of Tehachapi, drawing hikers to the mountain town every year.

Double Triangle Ranch

98%

(58)

43mi from California City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Weldon, CA

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.

Antelope Canyon Ranch

98%

(61)

34mi from California City · 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.

Persian Glamping

47mi from California City · 1 site · Lodging · Green Valley, CA

Escape to our Persian Glamping yurt, a hidden gem in the heart of Angeles National Forest. Beneath a Termeh sky, embraced by the forest’s stillness, Persian heritage weaves into every detail—where timeless beauty and gentle charm create a sanctuary for the soul. A place where elegance meets wilderness, inviting you to unwind, reconnect, and savor a truly unique stay under the stars. The cedar hot tub is wood-fired and takes 3–4 hours to heat. There is a full manual inside the yurt with step-by-step instructions. Heating and using the hot tub is part of the rustic charm — it’s meant to be an interactive, relaxing experience. We share the property with our 3 lovely alpacas: Ghand, Nabaut, and Khorma. You’re welcome to visit them and take photos!

Public campgrounds near California City

100%

(5)

Breckenridge Campground

46mi from California City · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

90%

(5)

Paradise Cove Campground

47mi from California City · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(8)

Hobo Campground

47mi from California City · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Sandy Flat Campground is located right along the Kern River. There is a beach with a great swimming area (you can see it on the lower left of the photo).

100%

(3)

Sandy Flat Campground

48mi from California City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

South Fork Recreation Campground

48mi from California City · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Sequoia National Forest

Auxiliary Dam Campground

48mi from California City · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(1)

Old Isabella

48mi from California City · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Sequoia National Forest

Camp 9 Campground

49mi from California City · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Pioneer Point Campground

49mi from California City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Boulder Gulch Campground

50mi from California City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Insane amount of fun here! Went up with some friends and had a fantastic time.

Hungry Gulch Campground

50mi from California City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Stories from the community

K

2 weeks ago

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

This cabin, location & host, John, all were truly such a treat! John is an absolutely wonderful human. He went above and beyond as a host to ensure we got in, settled and enjoyed ourselves. It’s clear the love and care he’s put into this property and for his guests. The cabin was comfortable, beautifully designed & the morning views were stunning. Thank you for having us!

L

Lauren

3 weeks ago

With kids

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

My two boys and I stayed in the studio cabin. We had to rearrange our travel dates due to the weather. John couldn’t have been more flexible and accommodating in making sure our trip could still happen a few days later. The site had a beautiful view, a little kitchenette, shower and wood stove that kept us warm. We had great stargazing and the gas burning stove was perfect for chilly nights. John was the most welcoming host and made us feel very comfortable. We also enjoyed the nature trail on the site! Overall, a lovely place I would recommend if you want to slow down and enjoy some peace and quiet.

selby

3 weeks ago

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Magic, authentic, star-filled. What a magnificent spot! Wish we could have stayed longer. Be sure to bring blankets-and maybe an extra foam topper. Truly memorable!

B

Brianna

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

My sister and I enjoyed our stay. The bathrooms were close to the site, there was so much to explore and they offer fun activities. The host was very kind. The views were immaculate and we loved seeing the ostriches before we went to bed and right when we woke up. This was such a pleasant experience, will definitely be coming back!

Heidi

November 2025

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

Nikhil

November 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

We had a wonderful short stay at John’s cabin. He has made everything so thoughtfully and we felt very comfortable. The location was easy to find and the views are unbeatable! We will surely be back. John has a huge property and a trail along the boundary. Also, the silence at the place was exactly what we were looking for.

E

Elisa

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

This spot was chill! It’s easy to find, set up, and was a fun, novel stay! it was so quiet you could hear the birds flapping their wings and it was a lovely evening. A nice time out. No toilet paper in the bathroom, but not sure if that’s normal or was a mishap. Either way, all around a nice time. Thanks, Jessica and Josh!

Discover

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

Great stay! If you’re going after sundown plan ahead, there’s no service on site. Will be back more prepared next time. Loved seeing the ostriches :)

A

Alex

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

A very affordable and accessible tent spot that was great for a night. The real unbeatable experience was meeting the ostriches, which I highly recommend- they’re otherworldly. Lou was also welcoming, informative, and a great dude. I’ll be back around the ranch again someday.

B

Blaine

October 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Greta place! What the owner has done with the entire project is quaint, romantic, and unique- all making for an amazing stay. Look no farther than here and you won’t regret it!

J

Josh

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

Very unique and affordable campspot that's ~30 min away from Santa Clarita and Lancaster. Fantastic restaurant 3 min away called "The Rock Inn." Bathroom situation is acceptable but could be improved.

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!

Kimberly

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

My second time staying here! A really fun, unique space - and one of my favorite spots around LA. Plenty of space and privacy. Bathroom works great. I got to buy an ostrich egg!

E

Evan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Wandering Star Ranch

Loved camping at this site with my friends. There was a ton of space and we were so close to everything we wanted to do. The property backs up to BLM land so if you step out the back gate you’re able to hike beautiful peaks. There’s a pontoon feature that provides great shade, a perfect place to hang a hammock, and stunning views. There’s property is just five minutes from the lake and nature preserve where we fished all week. Mark was a great host and answered all questions leading up to the trip. This was a trip for my best friends bachelor party and was the perfect spot for our group. Couldn’t have been happier. Will definitely be back with my wife soon. Thanks Mark!

j

juan

September 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

Incredible place to space out and live off the grid for a moment. Not to mention the welcoming energy John brings to the place. Just wonderful.

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

Juniper shade with cooking pit: allows 3 two-man tents

B

Ben

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Double Triangle Ranch

We had a great stay at Juniper for 2 nights. The site host, Brian, was friendly and very helpful. Wonderful stargazing at night and good privacy, and we enjoyed having access to an outdoor shower right at our site. Would stay again!

A

Aizzy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

I loved the open space. The ability to see the stars at night unlike ive ever seen before. The ostritch farm was really cool. The kids were a little scared bc they've never seen a bird that big before. The axe throwing and archery stations were really cool. We have never camped before. This was our first time. And our biggest thing we loved about the place was enjoying mother nature knowing that if u did not have a reservation, u were not coming in. That little sense of security helped give us peace of mind.

A

Alexis

September 2025

Tent

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

John’s property was beautiful! He went above and beyond to be hospitable