12 Best Private Campsites Near McKittrick, CA, US 2026

Looking to go camping near McKittrick, California? Hipcamp has over 100 private campsite options in the area. With prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $60 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), River Ridge Ranch - 722 acres (348 reviews), and Ballard Walnut Grove (291 reviews) to see what other campers are raving about. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, showers, and trash services, and indulge in activities such as whitewater paddling, biking, and paddling. It's time to get out and explore the great outdoors!

100% (197)

Top-rated campgrounds near McKittrick

1. Cuyama Badlands

99%

(4452)

30mi from McKittrick · 34 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!

2. Campsite 3 & 4

99%

(168)

35mi from McKittrick · 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.

Looking to go camping near McKittrick, California? Hipcamp has over 100 private campsite options in the area. With prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $60 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), River Ridge Ranch - 722 acres (348 reviews), and Ballard Walnut Grove (291 reviews) to see what other campers are raving about. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, showers, and trash services, and indulge in activities such as whitewater paddling, biking, and paddling. It's time to get out and explore the great outdoors!

100% (197)

Top-rated campgrounds near McKittrick

1. Cuyama Badlands

99%

(4452)

30mi from McKittrick · 34 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!

2. Campsite 3 & 4

99%

(168)

35mi from McKittrick · 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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Tiff

2 weeks ago

12 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Very private and quiet. The hosts are welcoming. Easily accessible and clean.

Steve

2 weeks ago

22 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Campsite 3 & 4

There were many great 5 star reviews and in the end they were all accurate. Well kept campsite I didn't even know if any of the other 3 were being used because it was so quiet and private. We arrived just before dark which was a mistake as it would have been nice to settle in with time to spare and enjoy the sunset. Instead we enjoyed waking up to an incredible view. And perfect directions which helped us find the remote location without an issue. Bravo to the owners.

A

Angel

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Great place to chill and take in the view. Relax and unwind

C

Cara

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

We loved camping at SongDog Ranch. Our family stayed in the Glamptank. It was so private, we felt like we were the only ones on the ranch. We'll be back to explore more of the camping/lodging options at SongDog!

c

chelsea

November 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I don’t want people to know how amazing this place is because I don’t want it to be booked!! But this is the best spot ever. Close to LA, firewood store and general store on site. Great hosts and even better experience

K

Kurt

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I had a great stay at Songdog Ranch. The views are stunning and the whole area is incredibly peaceful. The campsites are spaced out nicely, so you get plenty of privacy. The night sky alone is worth the trip—absolutely incredible. The road leading up to the site is a bit rough, so take it slow. I’d definitely recommend arriving during daylight; finding the site at night would’ve been tough, and I probably would’ve needed to contact the hosts. Even though I didn’t have to interact with them, they left a personalized welcome card at my spot, which was a thoughtful touch and helped confirm I was in the right place. All in all, a fantastic experience. I’d absolutely recommend staying here!

N

Nan

November 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

Great hosts and great experience on a beautiful piece of land! Our site was clean and prepped and had everything mentioned. We'll be coming back. Thank you Songdog Ranch!

j

jenny

November 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

So dog ranch is very peaceful. The sunrises, sunsets and starry nights are absolutely breathtaking. Our host Jen was very accommodating.

L

Laura

November 2025

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

We loved our stay at the Glamp Tank!! It was so comfortable and the host was so welcoming and thoughtful. We would definitely recommend and also stay here again or at another one of their sites when we're in the area.

J

Jenny

November 2025

With pets

3 nights at Cuyama Badlands

Such a lovely place! Half the building is glass so we watched glorious sunrises and sunsets. We heard the coyotes singing at night. The tepid tub was magical. Pupdog had everything we needed and was cozy with the wood burning stove, even in late November.

m

mark

November 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Jim is a wonderful and attentive host and the property is absolutely a dream. We will be back as soon as time allows!

M

Matthew

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campsite 3 & 4

An outstanding spot - great scenery, privacy, tranquility., etc. Highly recommended.

J

Juergen

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Very nice place with wide views. Very friendly host. Overall good vibes. Definitely recommend.

Jonathan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

This is such a great location and overall camping spot. I hope the owners don’t mind how often I am camping on their grounds enjoying the space and openness! I know I will always have a great camp here at any of the spots. Always a nice fire pit. A nice spot to camp, water and a trash can. Can’t go wrong and always appreciated.

S

Steve

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I spent my 45 bday weekend glamping!! It was awesome! Jen and Jim were amazing hosts!! Thank you I will be back

T

Tasha

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

The glamptank site is remote, all tucked up in the corner by yourself with lots of privacy! The views and stargazing are incredible. Jen swung by a hour or so after I got to the spot, she’s a sweetheart. They provided drinking water and plenty of cooking equipment. Awesome escape for my dog and I. Thank you!!

N

Noah

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

What a special way to spend my birthday. Really such a great spot that allows you to feel like your camping but has so many great amenities. The owners were so kind as well. We will be coming back!

Jean

November 2025

16 ft car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Always an Epic time at SongDog Ranch! The place is peacefully quiet and surreal! Jim & Jen are fantastic host! Hospitality is at its best! See you again soon!!!

M

MF

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

My wife Suzie and I, and our two pup-pups, Lucy & Juando, just returned from our 2-night stay at Songdog Ranch, where we bunked in at the cabin known as Pupdog Hill. We really are having a hard time finding adequate language to describe the inherent magic and utter bliss that is undeniable, as it is “baked” into every board and boulder that exists beneath your feet, surrounding you with every breath you take. I hope a few of our fotos will give you an idea of this stunning place. But you really have to experience Songdog Ranch for yourself. We are beyond grateful to our indescribable hosts, Jim and Jenny. Simply, thank you. Mark, Suzie, Lucy & Juando

b

brian

November 2025

With kids

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

Family and I very much enjoyed the convent fire pit and the available firewood. Family enjoyed sleeping in the glamptank and im sure the kids will remember its uniqueness.