The best desert campgrounds near Chester, California

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a desert adventure near Chester, California, we've got you covered with 29 options to choose from. Whether you're into wildlife watching, climbing, or off-roading, there's something for everyone. From the Field Overlooking Honey Lake (3 reviews) to The Meadow (2 reviews) and Lazzarini Farms (1 review), we have top campsites that offer the perfect blend of nature and comfort. Bring your furry friends along, as pets are welcome at many of our campsites. And don't worry about packing cooking equipment – it's a popular amenity available at most locations. Plus, who can resist cozy campfires under the starry sky? With an average price of $25 per night and options as low as $20, camping has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable desert camping experience!

100% (9)

Top-rated campgrounds near Chester

1. JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

100%

(7)

41mi from Chester · 1 site · Tent, RV

JD Hemphill Ranch is fourth generation cattle and hay ranch on the edge of the Great Basin. We have great views of both the Sierra and the Skedaddle Mountains. We offer a quiet campsite minutes from Highway 395 on a tranquil county road named after the family. Biking and walking is easy and can be done without fear of traffic. We are close to bike trails and the Bizz Johnson Rails to Trails project is just 17 minutes away in Susanville.

2. Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%

(6)

50mi from Chester · 3 sites · RVs

Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a desert adventure near Chester, California, we've got you covered with 29 options to choose from. Whether you're into wildlife watching, climbing, or off-roading, there's something for everyone. From the Field Overlooking Honey Lake (3 reviews) to The Meadow (2 reviews) and Lazzarini Farms (1 review), we have top campsites that offer the perfect blend of nature and comfort. Bring your furry friends along, as pets are welcome at many of our campsites. And don't worry about packing cooking equipment – it's a popular amenity available at most locations. Plus, who can resist cozy campfires under the starry sky? With an average price of $25 per night and options as low as $20, camping has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable desert camping experience!

100% (9)

Top-rated campgrounds near Chester

1. JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

100%

(7)

41mi from Chester · 1 site · Tent, RV

JD Hemphill Ranch is fourth generation cattle and hay ranch on the edge of the Great Basin. We have great views of both the Sierra and the Skedaddle Mountains. We offer a quiet campsite minutes from Highway 395 on a tranquil county road named after the family. Biking and walking is easy and can be done without fear of traffic. We are close to bike trails and the Bizz Johnson Rails to Trails project is just 17 minutes away in Susanville.

2. Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%

(6)

50mi from Chester · 3 sites · RVs

Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

G

Gregory

November 2025

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

Flat plot over looking fields. Quiet spot and ideal place to stop as we were passing through.

V

Vic

October 2025

22 ft Class C

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

Was a nice quiet spot with a picnic table. A little confusing to find but nevertheless a good stopover point.

S

Steve

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

Our second visit was just as great as the first! Jesse and Angela have an outstanding property and are excellent hosts. We highly recommend them!

J

Jon

August 2025

29 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Welsh Grizzly Camp

Just returned from an incredible stay at the Welsh Grizzly Campsite, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the peaceful setting, and the attention to detail that makes this place truly special. The site is beautifully maintained, with spacious pitches and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We opted for the back in site and everything felt thoughtfully laid out and well cared for. What really sets Welsh Grizzly apart is the atmosphere — relaxed, friendly, and perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to disconnect and soak up some nature. We loved exploring the nearby trails and coming back to a peaceful evening under the stars. Can’t wait to return — this place is an absolute gem!

J

Jon

July 2025

27 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

We just returned from a weekend at this incredible little campsite, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate spot to truly unwind, this is it. Nestled away from the crowds, it felt like our own private slice of nature. The site was thoughtfully laid out – clean, well-maintained, and surrounded by trees that offered both shade and privacy. The site was perfect for evening chats under the stars, and we even heard owls hooting at night. What really stood out was the attention to detail: a level spot for our 22 foot trailer, ample space, and even a nice picnic table. It’s clear the hosts care deeply about the experience they’re providing. We chose the back in site (#1) that would easily accommodate a larger trailer than ours. If you need more space choose the pull through site (#2). Most of the site is covered in gravel and both campsites have perfectly placed electric and water hookups. ATT Cell service was only able to be accessed down the road. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just want a quiet retreat for the weekend, this place is a total win. We’ll absolutely be back!

C

Christy

July 2025

21 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

We loved this spot! Close to the highway, but super peaceful. We woke up to quail grazing the property. Jeff was quick to respond and helpful.

Kara

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

I stayed at the JD Hemphill Ranch Corner Lot while traveling solo, and it was exactly what I was looking for—quiet, safe, and surrounded by natural beauty. The site is set on a private corner of a working hay and cattle ranch, with peaceful views and a surprise thunderstorm that made for an epic sunset. It was easy to access with my vehicle, and being close to Hwy 395 made it convenient for exploring Lassen County. I felt completely comfortable here on my own. The host was kind and responsive. Waking up to the sounds of nature and seeing cattle in the distance was such a refreshing experience. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a safe, serene stopover—especially if you’re traveling solo like I was. I’d definitely stay again!

S

Steve

June 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

This is one of the best sites we have found! The location is perfect to Lake Davis and nearby to Portola and Graeagle if you want to go into town. The area was extremely quiet and shady with great trails for walks. Jesse and Angela were outstanding hosts. We will definitely book with them again.

Charles

April 2025

Tent

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

I'm a late 70's woman, who decided I wanted to try car camping, and wasn't sure I wanted my first night to be a large campground. This worked perfect. I was the only one there. Got to enjoy the cows, rabbits and quail before sunset and the frogs after. The hosts were friendly and helpful, and I could see their house in the distance, so felt safe.