Private camping near California City
99% (171) • 20 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near California City
Happy Gray Coyote
1. Happy Gray Coyote
97%
(48)
9.9mi from California City · 3 sites
Property has been in my family for 60 years. Hope you enjoy the desert getaway!Learn more about this land:5 acres of open desert. Great views of surrounding mountains. Middle of nowhere, a great spot to get away from it all.. star gaze, and just chill out. Boon dock off the grid. NO Facilities but town has everything you could need and just far enough away... If you plan on having a campfire please obtain a burn permit on line. Its free and a great fire safety precaution. Obviously NO FIREWORKS.
Water hookup
Pets
from
$30
/ night
A Unique Mountain Retreat
2. A Unique Mountain Retreat
99%
(294)
32mi from California City · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$45
/ night
Antelope Canyon Ranch
3. Antelope Canyon Ranch
98%
(61)
34mi from California City · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$600
/ night
Desert Stargazers Dream
4. Desert Stargazers Dream
88%
(13)
6.4mi from California City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Less them 3 hours from Los Angeles, this private property is 2 acres of the secluded desert for you to enjoy! Just outside California City, there are miles of roads for the off-road enthusiast and some of the best stargazing in California. (As the Mayor once said, you can see more stars in California City then you could in Los Angeles). There is also great rockhounding and hiking opportunities! Campers can set up camp anywhere on the property but we also have an area cleared off for tent or car camping. There is also a firepit - enjoy and have a huge bon fire!
Fires are allowed but must be completely put out, and campers must bring all their own supplies. All off-roading must get permit before hand - contact host for details.
Pets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
99% (171) • 20 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near California City
Happy Gray Coyote
1. Happy Gray Coyote
97%
(48)
9.9mi from California City · 3 sites
Property has been in my family for 60 years. Hope you enjoy the desert getaway!Learn more about this land:5 acres of open desert. Great views of surrounding mountains. Middle of nowhere, a great spot to get away from it all.. star gaze, and just chill out. Boon dock off the grid. NO Facilities but town has everything you could need and just far enough away... If you plan on having a campfire please obtain a burn permit on line. Its free and a great fire safety precaution. Obviously NO FIREWORKS.
Water hookup
Pets
from
$30
/ night
A Unique Mountain Retreat
2. A Unique Mountain Retreat
99%
(294)
32mi from California City · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$45
/ night
Antelope Canyon Ranch
3. Antelope Canyon Ranch
98%
(61)
34mi from California City · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$600
/ night
Desert Stargazers Dream
4. Desert Stargazers Dream
88%
(13)
6.4mi from California City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Less them 3 hours from Los Angeles, this private property is 2 acres of the secluded desert for you to enjoy! Just outside California City, there are miles of roads for the off-road enthusiast and some of the best stargazing in California. (As the Mayor once said, you can see more stars in California City then you could in Los Angeles). There is also great rockhounding and hiking opportunities! Campers can set up camp anywhere on the property but we also have an area cleared off for tent or car camping. There is also a firepit - enjoy and have a huge bon fire!
Fires are allowed but must be completely put out, and campers must bring all their own supplies. All off-roading must get permit before hand - contact host for details.
Pets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Connor
3 days ago
Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat
Great little spot! Very peaceful and the host John was quite inviting!
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A
Annie
4 days ago
With pets
This cabin was one of the coziest experiences I’ve ever had. It felt kind like a constructed warm hug. I slept so well and wish I could have woken up to see the sunrise from the inside of the cabin, but I had to leave very early. I will definitely be back to have that experience!
See moreA
Amanda
1 week ago
With pets
Absolutely lovely cabin and property. The host is very welcoming. We had a wonderful time
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Jackson
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat
Amazing stay, very quiet and peaceful. Far enough away from central Tehachapi that the train horns are a nice feature of the landscape and not too jarring. The walking trails are perfect for a little hike -- takes a full 30 minutes at a moderate pace to do a loop!
John is an excellent host as well, and gave me a thorough walkthrough when I arrived. Absolutely recommend.
Do note that a lot of the roads are unpaved tho. There are parts that will require a more robust vehicle
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K
December 2025
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!
See moreL
Lauren
November 2025
With kids
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.
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selby
November 2025
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!
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Heidi
November 2025
Tent
We loved tent camping on John’s property. It was beautiful and peaceful. We look forward to staying again.
See moreN
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.
See moreB
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!
See moreP
Paul
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
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!
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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.
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Nickie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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!
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Tracie
September 2025
16 ft car
Lovely property. Host was very kind and available. Oasis after driving for hours through the desert
See moreA
Alexis
September 2025
Tent
John’s property was beautiful! He went above and beyond to be hospitable
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D
Diptee
August 2025
Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat
This was the perfect little romantic getaway! My partner and I had the best time, and I can also see how wonderful it would be for some peaceful solo time. It’s private, quiet, calm, and incredibly relaxing. The stargazing was exceptional.
John’s off-the-grid home is truly beautiful, and it’s amazing to see the love and care he put into building his cabin. You can really feel his positive energy in the space, and his lifestyle is so inspiring. The paved pathway was well maintained, and we felt comfortable driving up in a sedan.
Check-in was smooth, and John went above and beyond with a thoughtful, thorough walkthrough of the property. He’s thought of all the little details to make sure guests have the best possible experience!
This place exceeded our expectations — we’ll definitely be back!
See moreJ
Joohee
August 2025
With kids
John is such a great host! Also, the cabin is super cute and the environment is stunning! We took our 3 year old toddler, and he loved it! We would definitely want to revisit!
See moreL
Leslie
August 2025
With pets
Very cozy cabin with beautiful views and walking paths. The drive into John's land is part of the whole experience too - really makes you feel like you're entering a different world and getting away from the hustle of the city. The cabin is small (ideal for 2 people) but we were able to fit in a pack-n-play for our infant too, who slept like a dream thanks to the peaceful quiet and the breezy weather at night. My husband & I enjoyed sitting by the fire pit to decompress, but also loved keeping things dark to soak in the incredible stargazing views.
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Brandy
August 2025
18 ft campervan
I recently had the pleasure of camping at Site 1 at A Unique Mountain Retreat, an off-grid haven tucked away in the hills of Tehachapi. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the host, John, who took the time to explain the various thoughtful features of this remarkable retreat, highlighting the attention to detail that makes it truly special. The atmosphere is one of peace and tranquillity, with nature trails throughout the property inviting exploration, and the mountain views are absolutely stunning. The campsites are level and spaced far enough apart to ensure ample privacy for each camper. The toilets and communal outdoor kitchen area are spotlessly clean and well-designed. While I didn’t try the optional outdoor hot showers, I hope to do so on a future visit. The glamping cabin caught my eye; it is well-appointed and charming. Although cell service was intermittent at my site, this was actually a nice touch for those looking to disconnect for a while. I keenly anticipate returning for a more extended stay to fully enjoy all the amenities and natural wonders that A Unique Mountain Retreat has to offer!
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Andrew
August 2025
Tent
The whole trip, starting from the comms from the host, directions to the site as well as the state of the site was amazing. We had such a great time being out in the vast desert and the night views were incredible!
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