100% (199) • 28 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Maricopa
Cuyama Badlands
1. Cuyama Badlands
99%
(4491)
13mi from Maricopa · 20 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
from
$40
/ night
Campsite 3 & 4
2. Campsite 3 & 4
99%
(173)
17mi from Maricopa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Every campsite has its own picnic table, fire pit with grill, a large trash can, and a kitchenette table, a rustic outdoor loo, and gorgeous 360º view. They are semi-secluded and spacious. There are many hiking trails near by, a vast riverbed to explore, and a quail guzzler to check out! The absolute best part is the night sky views of the Milky Way.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
10 Star Ranch
3. 10 Star Ranch
100%
(4)
4.6mi from Maricopa · 30 sites · Tents, RVs
A semi-rural area with the California aqueduct in the backyard. The city of Taft is about 8 miles west of this little oasis in the desert of Kern County. We are just 20 miles, or 24 minutes from the busy I-5 Freeway. Come unwind and enjoy the quiet nature or host a party. The sky is the limit!
Bathroom facilities available with 1 shower.
35°07'21"N 119°22'31"W
Activities close to 10 Star Ranch:
.001 Miles. California Aqueduct fishing out your back door.
29 Miles. Wind Wolves Preserve, 16019 CA-166, Bakersfield, CA 93311
https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/windwolves
4 Miles. Moto X Racetracks. Honolulu Rd, Taft, CA 93268
https://www.taftracing.com/
6 Miles. West Kern Oil Museum. 1168 Wood Street,Taft, California 93268
https://www.westkernoilmuseum.org/
16 Miles. Buena Vista Golf Course. Mifflin Ln, Taft, CA 93268
https://www.golfbv.com/
21 Miles. Buena Vista Lake. 13601 Ironbark Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311
https://www.kerncounty.com/government/parks
22 Miles. Kern County Gun Club. 12450 Shotgun Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311
http://www.kerncountygunclub.com/
18 Miles. Skydive San Joaquin Valley Inc. 12112 Copus Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93313
http://skydivesanjoaquinvalley.com/
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$10
/ night
100% (199) • 28 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Maricopa
Cuyama Badlands
1. Cuyama Badlands
99%
(4491)
13mi from Maricopa · 20 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
from
$40
/ night
Campsite 3 & 4
2. Campsite 3 & 4
99%
(173)
17mi from Maricopa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Every campsite has its own picnic table, fire pit with grill, a large trash can, and a kitchenette table, a rustic outdoor loo, and gorgeous 360º view. They are semi-secluded and spacious. There are many hiking trails near by, a vast riverbed to explore, and a quail guzzler to check out! The absolute best part is the night sky views of the Milky Way.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
10 Star Ranch
3. 10 Star Ranch
100%
(4)
4.6mi from Maricopa · 30 sites · Tents, RVs
A semi-rural area with the California aqueduct in the backyard. The city of Taft is about 8 miles west of this little oasis in the desert of Kern County. We are just 20 miles, or 24 minutes from the busy I-5 Freeway. Come unwind and enjoy the quiet nature or host a party. The sky is the limit!
Bathroom facilities available with 1 shower.
35°07'21"N 119°22'31"W
Activities close to 10 Star Ranch:
.001 Miles. California Aqueduct fishing out your back door.
29 Miles. Wind Wolves Preserve, 16019 CA-166, Bakersfield, CA 93311
https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/windwolves
4 Miles. Moto X Racetracks. Honolulu Rd, Taft, CA 93268
https://www.taftracing.com/
6 Miles. West Kern Oil Museum. 1168 Wood Street,Taft, California 93268
https://www.westkernoilmuseum.org/
16 Miles. Buena Vista Golf Course. Mifflin Ln, Taft, CA 93268
https://www.golfbv.com/
21 Miles. Buena Vista Lake. 13601 Ironbark Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311
https://www.kerncounty.com/government/parks
22 Miles. Kern County Gun Club. 12450 Shotgun Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311
http://www.kerncountygunclub.com/
18 Miles. Skydive San Joaquin Valley Inc. 12112 Copus Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93313
http://skydivesanjoaquinvalley.com/
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$10
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Alejandra
2 weeks ago
With pets
Had the most wonderful time here. Breath taking views. Jenn was very lovely and helpful upon checking in! Our dog enjoyed exploring the land. Will definitely be back!
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Hope
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
This is a beautiful place. It was my second visit, and was just amazing this year because of previous rain (I think). There was snow on a nearby peak, green hills, wildflowers, happy birds: a paradise for nature lovers. I hated to leave and hope to return soon.
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L
Lucy
2 weeks ago
Tent
Absolutely amazing. The campsite was perfect and so was the nature. So many stars! Loved hearing the coyotes in the night and birds in the morning.
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A
Al
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Awesome views, very friendly & helpful owner, quiet sites that make you feel you’re camping by yourself (but feeling much safer), great for dog off leash time.
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D
Devin
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands
My partner and I spent Valentine’s Day weekend at the Songdog Ranch in their water tank site. It was very private and the host, Jenny, was extremely accommodating! The site was stocked with an ample amount of firewood, drinking water, kitchen utensils/ cookware and chairs. It was quite cold in the evening, the water tank has a space heater that worked well in keeping the chill at bay. The road to the Hipcamp was extremely bumpy, just a heads up to those in low profile vehicles. We can’t wait to go back in the springtime!
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E
Emily
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Absolutely beautiful place! I brought my dog and she ran around and played. We loved it!!! Everyone was very very friendly. We will ABSOLUTELY be back!
See moreR
Rigo
3 weeks ago
Tent
Tent camping was great. Beautiful views, very and clean private campsite with its own spigot which was super useful. For $40 a night we couldn’t recommend it enough.
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J
Jasmine
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
They were very nice and welcoming. They had everything we could’ve needed and prices were great.
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G
Gina
3 weeks ago
12 ft pop-up camper
With pets
We loved camping at Songdog Camp! Our site was clean, well appointed and had such beautiful views. The night sky is incredible too! Jim, Jenny and Steve have created a real gem and we couldn’t be happier that they share it with the rest of us! You know a campsite is good when you’re planning the next visit on your way home! Thanks again, Jen 🩷
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Sara
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Privacy and almost no main road noises. The bathroom situation wasn't bad at all, not a big deal. It was windy and cold but we put the tent snugged against a giant bush and we slept well. It was really windy but the tent didn't get much of it. We will book again.
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R
Ramiro
February 2026
Tent
With kids
The owners are amazing! They have a super nice property. The dirt roads are mint. Any car can go. The sites are well equipped and separated from each other. I will go back!
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M
Mady
February 2026
Tent
Loved this campsite! Beautiful area and absolutely incredible stargazing. Saw so many shooting stars! Felt private as the campsites are spaced out pretty well and it feels like you have the wilderness to yourself :)
Only (small) negatives: we did still have some raucous neighbors, but the spacing made it not so bad. Also, didn’t receive a free bottle of wine or any welcome as other guests have mentioned. Very minor- had an amazing time and would love to return!!
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K
Kevin
February 2026
35 ft Class A
With pets
Peace, silence, tranquility. We have a small Class A R so we are use to certain..... luxuries. For true campers this is the place for you. Beautiful. Great staff. Great site prices. Well water for most if not all sites, which for something this remote is fantastic. I enjoyed it much I booked a weekend in about a month. Lots of walking/running space. Fascinating terrain and geography. The thing that breaks a silence that I really fell in love with was the Ballinger Canyon/ Cuyama Valley wind howl or roar. It's very cool. That, with the sounds of a campfire crackling and a coyote's den howling in the distance, there's a magic to it. I highly recommend it.
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L
Lesa
February 2026
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
The open expanse of William's land is breathtaking with the mountains and rolling hills on all sides. There is lots of sagebrush, yes, but unusually there is also green lush growth this early spring. The neighbors are warm and generous as are the hosts. And the history of the land and ranch is rich and deep in American culture. I recommend this Hipcamp stay highly.
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J
John
February 2026
24 ft travel trailer
The site was what we expected, very quiet, no traffic noise. William was very helpful in advising where to park. We decided to stay a 2nd night because we liked it so much. William sent one of his employees by to check on us after we had arrived to see if we needed anything. We met our host the morning we were leaving and had a nice visit with him. We had a hard time finding this on Hip Camp because it had not been reserved much yet and didn't display on the search. We had to zoom in on a map to do an advanced search before being able to find it. Glad we did that as William's land was a great stay.
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M
Mary
February 2026
Tent
My 2nd time here and I can’t wait for the 3rd. So peaceful, the sites are beautiful and clean and the views are amazing.
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D
Dylan
February 2026
Tent
Excellent campsite, very easy to get to, plenty of obvious signage, and a true feeling of privacy. They provided a fire kit as well as toiletries for the outhouse, which I thought was very generous! No doubt that I will be back here.
See moreJ
John
February 2026
24 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great spot. We decided to add another night. Quiet and private
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Michael
January 2026
28 ft travel trailer
With pets
I had a very relaxing stay at Songdog Ranch. The sunsets and the night sky are absolutely beautiful—it’s the perfect place to sit back and take in the views.
The hosts are awesome and made the experience even better. At night, the barking of the coyotes was like music across the canyons, which made the stay feel rugged and authentic.
My dogs loved the freedom of running around and exploring the landscape. It was a great, peaceful getaway and we highly recommend it!
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E
Emiro
January 2026
Group trip
I had a great weekend getaway at Songdog Ranch! My brother and I took our partners to the campsite and stayed in the awesome converted water tank campsite for a long weekend and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Awesome views of the sunrise and sunset each day and nice local exploration of the land made our trip all the better.
As the hosts recommended, as will I, make sure you bring sleeping bags or lots of extra blankets because it was incredibly cold at night (we stayed in the winter). The Songdog Ranch gave us a space heater and free hand warmers at their lovely little store located just down the road which helped but definitely reminded us that a couple blankets was not going to be sufficient.
Overall everyone was incredibly friendly from the owners, to the neighboring campers. I would absolutely return and hope to explore more of the neighboring landscapes. Definitely recommend for a quiet, relaxing, and under appreciated part of CA getaway with the comfort, safety, and independence one looks for when finding a place to stay!
PS - If you’re going “to town” try Jo’s Diner in Taft, CA or the amazing Buckhorn in New Cuyama!
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