The best waterfall campgrounds near McKittrick, California

McKittrick delivers for waterfall lovers—over 320 campsite options, all set close to tumbling water and shaded pools. Expect to pay around $179 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $65. Many sites allow campfires and pets, and most have toilets. You’ll find locals swimming, fishing, and keeping an eye out for deer or hawks. Top picks: Comfortable Creekside Campsite (60 reviews), A-Frame Bliss (20 reviews), and Sleepy Meadow Ranch (14 reviews). You’ll hear the rush of water at night and wake up to cool mist on your tent. Bring sturdy shoes—the trails here can get slick, but the views never disappoint.

94% (119) • 39 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near McKittrick

McKittrick delivers for waterfall lovers—over 320 campsite options, all set close to tumbling water and shaded pools. Expect to pay around $179 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $65. Many sites allow campfires and pets, and most have toilets. You’ll find locals swimming, fishing, and keeping an eye out for deer or hawks. Top picks: Comfortable Creekside Campsite (60 reviews), A-Frame Bliss (20 reviews), and Sleepy Meadow Ranch (14 reviews). You’ll hear the rush of water at night and wake up to cool mist on your tent. Bring sturdy shoes—the trails here can get slick, but the views never disappoint.

94% (119) • 39 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near McKittrick

1. Sleepy Meadow Ranch

93%

(20)

48mi from McKittrick · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

The ranch been here for many years ( We uncovered a buried Horse wagon from the late 1800's at the back end of the property) . There was originally a very small cabin, but since it was upgraded by the previous owner around 1961 by adding a small kitchen and indoor restroom instead of the "outhouse" . My wife purchased the property about 3 years ago and we been doing intensive cleaning and upgrading of the Rustic property so we can share it with our guests !        Learn more about this land:Ranch setting on the high desert with over 15 pine trees for shadow areas.Great paved area with chairs and tables for eating, reading, or just contemplating nature! Plenty of room for RV's or tents! Water and electrical power available.Come and hear the wolves howl in the evening! ( Wolf reserve nearby).Great site for solitude, and relaxation or for bringing your toys and go play in the near areas! Great place for church groups or musicians that want to come in and play! (Also one small cabin available for couples!

2. Comfortable Creekside Campsite

96%

(69)

48mi from McKittrick · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

NOTE: The campsite is fully occupied from Oct 2023 through March 2024 by monthly tenants. Check back for Summer of 2024 openings. Get away to serene Upper Lopez Canyon in Los Padres National Forest. Picturesque creekside campsite with year round flowing water right at the site, and offsite hikes to beautiful nearby waterfalls. 48' RV Barn with full hookups. 2nd RV hookup area with creek views also available (see 2 trailer add on for groups with 2 trailers). Fire pit with 2 chairs and picnic table provided. Campsite host occupies main house on property. About 20 minutes to Lopez Lake Park and Boat Ramp. Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. There is a pretty good phone signal at the property. WiFi is weak and unreliable, but you can use your phone as a HotSpot. Fire Ban currently in effect.

3. UpperLopez Creek Camp

88%

(8)

50mi from McKittrick · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Backwoods adventure! HIGH clearance vehicle access only. Rustic and unique space in a canyon filled with all the nature you can get and nore. The creek winds through the whole property. Bring a fishing rod or pan for gold! Big falls and small falls, very close short hike with natural watering holes. This is an extremely secluded space that is off grid solar powered compost toilet site! Please respect the space and nature. Pack out what you packed in.

4. Los Padres National Forest

95%

(452)

762 sites · Mission Canyon, California

From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. A-Frame Bliss

100%

(25)

41mi from McKittrick · 1 site · Lodging

Learn more about this land:Our beautiful and rustic A-Frame cabin is exactly what you imagine when you dream of a mountain getaway. The cabin is nestled amongst the pine trees with two large decks. Inside, you will enjoy relaxing in the family room which has soaring wood vaulted ceilings and forest views from the floor to ceiling windows. You can imagine sitting in front of a roaring fire in the open style wood fireplace on winter nights and enjoying time on the deck just listening to the forest sounds.

6. Serenity And Sunshine Cabin

100%

(2)

41mi from McKittrick · 1 site · Lodging

Our cozy yet modern cabin is all about relaxation and reconnecting with nature. Breathe in the fresh forest air and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that Pine Mountain Club offers. There are also many opportunities for new adventures golfing, hiking trails, exploring waterfalls and fishing on a lake. Public pool and hot tub with seasonal use. Pine Mountain is one of Southern California's best-kept secrets--a small alpine village with a four-season climate. We have light snow in the Winter, spectacular wildflowers in Spring, and gorgeous Fall colors. It's a wonderful getaway—and yet so close! Our two-story home is located on a quiet street at 5771 feet. Lovely pine ceilings throughout the cabin contribute to the warm ambience. The 1000 sq. ft. interior is furnished in a modern style with a leather sofa and some cool abstract art on the walls. The living room has a wood stove and 50" smart HDTV with direct satellite & Blu Ray DVD. A skylight in the living room brings in lots of light. The master bedroom (queen bed) is separate from the downstairs and reached via a spiral staircase leading up to French doors. The master bathroom adjoins the bedroom and has a skylight over the double length tiled shower. A second bedroom downstairs has a murphy bed with a queen size mattress. There is air conditioning in the living room as well as in the upstairs bedroom and 2 fans are provided-- although generally temps are not above 85 degrees on a hot day and generally drop into the 60's in the evening. Upper and lower decks offer lovely views of Mt. Pinos and the San Emigdio range. Relax on the sunny decks or in the Adirondack chair near the pond surrounded by pine trees. Plan to do some bbqing--it is so pleasant to do some grilling on the upper deck bbq and dine outdoors. Our cabin is clean and well-kept. It can comfortably accommodate 4 people. Please NO smoking or pets! Mt. Pinos has the best view of the stars in So. California—star parties are common whenever there is a new moon. In addition, since we are in the Padres National Forest - wildlife (deer, raccoons, bobcat, fox, bunnies, squirrels, quail, stellar and scrub jays) abounds. Ra

7. Romance in the Pines

93%

(15)

42mi from McKittrick · 1 site · Lodging

Romance in the Pines is a cozy, hidden gem located 6200 ft high, surrounded by 100 ft pine trees and over 300 year old oak trees. This magical 2-story cabin sits on a half-acre lot with pines growing right through the large deck. The interior features raw cedar walls, gorgeous wood laminate floors, the comfiest fireplace, carpeted bedrooms and large spectacular view windows. You can have your morning coffee in the enchanted garden and enjoy sunset on the deck with a complimentary bottle of wine.Close to the Waterfall Trailhead, a cool and easy hike with a waterfall if there has been rain. Even without the waterfall the views are beautiful. Welcome!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Ryan

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at UpperLopez Creek Camp

Amazing location! The campsite even had wifi in the middle of the mountains haha! We booked during a rainstorm and still were very comfortable with our canopy over the entrance of our tent. Thank you so much!

S

Sheryl

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to A-Frame Bliss

Traveled with family and our dog and loved the fresh air, trails and cozy ambiance of the A-Frame bliss. Would def go again

H

Harry

September 2025

11 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sleepy Meadow Ranch

Very pretty. Very Basic. Very quiet. Claudio is a great host. Everything you really need.

J

Jordan

September 2025

Weekend Trip to A-Frame Bliss

This cabin was perfect for a weekend getaway for my girlfriend and I. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors

L

Liz

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to A-Frame Bliss

We loved our stay at A-Frame Bliss! Jessica was a fantastic host and was super communicative and helpful for making our stay a 10/10. Jessica provided detailed information about the cabin along with fun activities to do in the area. The cabin was absolutely stunning and cozy! The space was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. I would recommend this place to anyone!

Scott

July 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at UpperLopez Creek Camp

Excellent location right on the creek. Quiet, we were the only ones there. Short 15 min hike to Big Falls trailhead which is a great trail to a waterfall the kids had a lot of fun at. Cabana was great for all three of us to sleep, hot shower, bathroom.

K

Kelly

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity And Sunshine Cabin

We had a wonderful family getaway in Debra’s cabin! This home was clean and comfortable, and well equipped for a relaxing weekend. We particularly enjoyed the large board game collection. The deck has amazing views and great spots to relax and enjoy a book. I would recommend this spot for anyone looking for a peaceful place to enjoy quality family time. Debra was easily reachable and provided helpful tips, recommendations, and other information about the area. We would love to come back someday!

K

Kinga

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to UpperLopez Creek Camp

We crossed the creek 13 times (I think😊) while we were driving towards Varonica's place hidden deep in the wilderness. We saw deer, a bear, domestic pigs and dogs on the way. Getting there was a true adventure! Trout Corner was just what we wanted: an isolated place surrounded by nature. The soothing sound of the creek right next to the campsite was so relaxing to hear all night. Our dog loved running into the creek, and he was happy to sniff around without his leash. We didn't even set up our tent, we just used the canopy that was already there. There's an outlet with electricity. Bring an extension cord and you can have electricity inside the tent.

J

Juanita

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to UpperLopez Creek Camp

We booked Trout Corner for 4th of July weekend and it was lovely! Host was friendly and responsive. The space was super nice and we could hear the creek the whole time. There a lot of little gnat flies but they don’t bite and once you light your fire they disperse. The spot is super close to the Big Falls Trail, which is a beautiful hike! Fair warning: the post says you don’t need 4x4 wheel drive but I would highly recommend 4x4 wheel drive. At least a car that has some clearance as you do have to drive through shallow parts of the creek. Overall, we enjoyed the privacy, nature, and the relaxing atmosphere! Would definitely book again!

N

Natasa

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Sleepy Meadow Ranch

Claudio was very welcoming. He provided detailed instructions so it was easy to find. We enjoyed staying at his property.

C

Catherine

June 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Sleepy Meadow Ranch

Tent camping on the land was beautiful, thankfully our group had the place to ourselves! Loved the privacy and secluded land. Walking the dirt road neighborhood streets was a great exercise without going far. Our dogs loved the off leash opportunity. We will absolutely visit the land again. Only con our party had was we booked for 3 nights and didn't realize the porta potty was already pretty full, however it didn't smell and was very clean. Next time we do hope to have an emptier potty or access to both.