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The best desert camping in California

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking to explore the beautiful desert terrain of California, we've got you covered. With over 3,800 options available in California's desert region, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect camping experience. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, we have accommodations to suit your needs. Our top campsites, like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), and The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), have been highly recommended by fellow campers. You'll also find popular amenities such as toilets and campfires, along with activities like visiting historic sites, whitewater paddling, and hiking. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $5, you can find a camping experience that fits your budget. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in the California desert!

94% (14.2K) 7,747 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in California

Pioneertown Corrals Camping

1. Pioneertown Corrals Camping

94%
(1191)
Pioneertown, CA · 63 sites · Tents, RVs
The Pioneertown Corrals is no-hook up back lot style camping located on Mane St in the middle of Pioneertown. We are within walking distance of all restaurants, shops and attractions. Campers can Tent, Car, Horse, RV or Trailer camp. There are 2 sinks and 2 flushing toilets, 1 out house, a designated area for charcoal grilling - NO woodfires but propane can be used at your site. Generator hours are 8am-8pm. There are 7 locally operated shops on the south side of camp on Mane St that offer campers a variety of unique items to shop for. Open daily: General Mercantile: Family Friendly Gift Shop and Camper Check in Location. Pioneertown General Store: New Western Ware and Vintage Clothing store. Xeba Botanica: Locally made Personal care, Skincare, Candles & Perfume. Soukie Modern: Moroccan Inspired Vintage Rugs, Clothing and Home Goods MazAmar Art Pottery: Open Production Ceramics Studio Open on weekends Goats & Soap: Hand spun wool clothing and soap made from local goats. Land Office Art Studio: Jessie Keylons locally made Art The Pioneertown Corrals also has 2 attractions open daily. Pioneertown Film Museum: shows the history of filming in Pioneertown from 1946 to today. Pioneertown Petting Zoo: For 25 cents campers can feed miniature farm animals like goats, sheep, pig, chickens, ducks and turkeys. Fresh eggs for sale in the General Mercantile. Pioneertown has 2 Restaurant/bars located at both ends of camp. Pappy and Harriet's: Open Wed-Mon BBQ Food and live music. Red Dog Saloon: Open every day Mexican food and live music Learn more about this land: Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few! The corrals is back lot style/tail gate style camping. There are 3 bars with 2 music venues within walking distance and some shows will go till midnight or later. **Camp is used for additional parking for Pappys larger outdoor shows and special events, it is highly recommended to check in before 6pm on outdoor show days or you may need to wait till after the show is over to get into camp and set up.**
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
Cuyama Badlands

2. Cuyama Badlands

99%
(4654)
Cuyama, CA · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

3. Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

90%
(1264)
CA · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Inyo National Forest

4. Inyo National Forest

96%
(457)
National forest in California · 1976 sites
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
San Bernardino National Forest

5. San Bernardino National Forest

94%
(156)
National forest in California · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

6. Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

94%
(365)
Day Valley, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We created this space for everyone to enjoy.
Pets
Toilets
Water hookup
Lake Olancha RV Park Campground

7. Lake Olancha RV Park Campground

95%
(286)
Olancha , CA · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Lake Olancha RV Park & Cabins Escape to our 100-acre RV retreat, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. With nearly one mile of shoreline along beautiful Lake Olancha, guests can enjoy peaceful waterfront views, open space, and unforgettable sunsets. Located in the Owens Valley of California, near Lone Pine in the town of Olancha, our resort offers stunning views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and the dramatic landscapes of Death Valley to the east. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway, outdoor adventure, or a peaceful place to stay, Lake Olancha is the perfect retreat to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Paradise Shores Camp

8. Paradise Shores Camp

98%
(965)
Bridgeport, CA · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Juniper Valley Campsites

9. Juniper Valley Campsites

98%
(460)
Carrick, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
High desert camping at the base of Mt. Shasta. Views of the Shasta Valley and surrounding peaks.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Sequoia National Forest

10. Sequoia National Forest

98%
(276)
National forest in California · 905 sites
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Angeles National Forest

11. Angeles National Forest

92%
(228)
National forest in California · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cleveland National Forest

12. Cleveland National Forest

92%
(86)
National forest in California · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mojave National Preserve

13. Mojave National Preserve

97%
(44)
National park in California · 65 sites
1.6 million acres of soaring mountains, volcanic rock walls, endless deserts, and huge sand dunes.
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Toilets
Campfires
Boulder Creek RV Resort on Hwy 395

14. Boulder Creek RV Resort on Hwy 395

95%
(11)
Lone Pine, CA · 88 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Sierras from this great campground located on Hwy 395 at the Boulder Creek RV Resort in Lone Pine, California. Experience being immersed in nature's wonder while still maintaining some comforts of home by enjoying the amenities of the RV park with a pool and hot tub (open seasonally mid March to mid October), hot showers, clean restrooms, laundry facilities (paid) and a communal Club House with living room and kitchen available for guest use. Take a relaxing stop on your road trip of a lifetime along California's eastern border, whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat under star filled skies or a convenient home base for exploring iconic destinations like Mt. Whitney, Alabama Hills and Death Valley National Park. With four unique cabins and over 100 camp sites to choose from offering full hook-ups, pull-through sites, tent sites and park amenities for the whole family to enjoy including an outdoor pool, hot tub, well stocked market and playground. All RV sites offer full hook-ups with 30/50 amps electrical, water, sewer and free WiFi. Every campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and is dog friendly for up to 2 dogs per site. The Boulder Creek RV Resort Market sells propane, firewood, ice and other camp supplies. There is a dump station on site for RVs. Tent sites are located near the restrooms, showers, pool and hot tub. Campers can use the communal Club House large kitchen and living room with TV, where fresh coffee and muffins are served daily each morning. Tent sites have some trees for shade and potable water available. We're surrounded by the magnificent eastern Sierras and just a skipping stone way from majestic Mt. Whitney. Every day you'll awaken to a picture perfect view and every night you'll fall asleep beneath a vast black blanket peppered with sparkling stars. In an area where hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant, mountain lakes are fresh and crisp, and the scenery is unlike any other, guests are transported into another glimpse of unique California nature and embrace spectacular sunrises and sunsets on the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Viewing wildlife from the campground is not uncommon as elk, deer, birds and other migratory species travel through the open and vast land.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Wild Seeds Ranch

15. Wild Seeds Ranch

94%
(164)
Dulzura, CA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Wild Seeds is a sustainable conscious coliving community and live-work space in nature 30 minutes outside San Diego 🫶🌵🌞 The ranch is full of enchanting spaces -- a koi pond, 100 year old oaks, and a seasonal creek. You can have a totally private camping experience, or join our fun and engaging events. We are creative professionals, ecopreneurs, social impact artists, and spiritual activists. Our community space is inclusive, period. We embrace and celebrate people of all backgrounds, body types, and nonviolent self-expression. PLEASE NOTE: Our residents have outdoor cats, so you will be required to leash your dog while not using the dog park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mineral Spring Date Farm

16. Mineral Spring Date Farm

96%
(582)
Desert Hot Springs, CA · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging
Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well. We are rehabilitating our Date Farm. Private Hot Spring fed tubs at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm on a Mineral Spring aquifer. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds. ** We keep trimmed Palm fronds on the side of our road for our goats to eat and to use as mulch. ** We are not the Hilton, a Spa or Resort. We are a working Date Farm on top of a Mineral Spring Aquifer.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat

17. Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat

88%
(182)
Lake Arrowhead, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Peaceful Off-the-Grid Property in the Mountains of the Mojave Desert, Hot Springs and Numerous Hiking and Off-Roading Trails Nearby... Surrounded by 1,000s of Acres of Undeveloped BLM and US Forestry Land, With Endless Views of the San Bernardino Mountains and High Desert Scenery. Bring Your Tent, Trailer, RV or Camp in your Car . Picnic Tables and Fire Pits (grills available). Flushing Toilets, Pits Toilets, Potable Water, and Showers On-Site. Breakfast Lunch Dinner Served on the Weekends *Warning! The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba. *Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

18. Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

95%
(28)
Day Valley, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV
This is a great place to get away and come camp here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a perfect location for tent camping or come park your trailer or Motorhome/Bus. We have great hiking in the near area and 5 miles away there is great mountain biking trails. A world renoun mountain bike spot with intermediate to experienced trails for riders of all levels. 5 miles down the road as well is buzzard lagoon and is a great Dirt biking/4-wheeling location. It is a fun spot for all off road inthusiast! Your camping site is on a flat plateu and is an ideal spot to park your trailer, motorhome or tent camp. With Complete privacy with views of the pacific ocean and South county's Monterey bay with a 180 degree view as well as San jose and Morgan Hill. For the wine inthusiast, Loma Prieta winery is 5.5 miles away along with Windy Oaks Winery that is 3.7 miles away that is located on the "Wine trail" that has alots of winerys to offer in a beautiful location. A Day of fun for the family at Gilroy Gardens that is 15.5 miles away. The beach is 30-40 minutes away with great surfing and body boarding up and down the coastline. When in route once you get off the paved road from north or south stay on the dirt road for 15-20 more minutes. The location is very private it is on its own parcel with a gate. If you leave the property please be mindful of staying off of other private properties. We will see you soon!
Pets
Campfires
Cuyama Oaks Ranch

19. Cuyama Oaks Ranch

99%
(822)
CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own and operate an 80 acre ranch that is great for family's, kids, romantic getaways, and LGBTQIA+ safe. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for. The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

20. Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

85%
(17)
Long Beach, CA · 1 site
This 1968 Shasta Camper, located in a small garden within an urban neighborhood, sleeps up to four people (only 2 people comfortably), with additional space to set up tents if desired. It has a few amenities—some more rustic than others—including AC, refrigerator and freezer, stovetop (oven does not work), sinks, shower, internet, and coffee maker. Located just ten minutes from the Port of Long Beach and the Port of San Pedro, it’s a great launch point for cruise-goers. With swimming beaches only twenty minutes away, it’s an ideal option for a low-cost vacation. Los Angeles is a 1.75 hour train ride making it a doable day trip. Help yourself to the seasonal fruits, vegetables, and legumes from the garden, and watch the bees, butterflies, and grasshoppers happily pollinate, creating opportunities for new growth. The property is securely locked, and the entrance is video-monitored for your safety (and ours). It’s important to note that the camper (not a glamper) is vintage, and the convenience of the urban neighborhood can sometimes come with a variety of neighborhood sounds—though it can also be extremely quiet at times. Due to the desert climate, ants may accompany the pollinators and enter the camper, especially if food or beverages are left out. The garden is shared with our home, so some privacy may be compromised when we tend to it. Street parking only. Pay attention to posted restriction signs and do not park in business or residential lots. The driveway can be made available at a cost of $10 per night (keep in mind the driveway is located at the front of the property and is a short walk away from the entrance to the camper). Yard is fenced-in completely but if your pet is an escape artist there are some very small openings to be aware of when letting them off-leash.
Pets
Toilets
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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