- Camping with Horseback riding
The best camping near Ridgecrest with horseback riding
97% (466) • 40 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ridgecrest
Double Triangle Ranch
1. Double Triangle Ranch
98%
(58)
37mi from Ridgecrest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation.
Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those.
When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$41
/ night
Wandering Star Ranch
2. Wandering Star Ranch
99%
(46)
39mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.
Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat.
Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .
Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.
Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.
Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.
(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
Happy Gray Coyote
3. Happy Gray Coyote
97%
(48)
42mi from Ridgecrest · 3 sites
Property has been in my family for 60 years. Hope you enjoy the desert getaway!Learn more about this land:5 acres of open desert. Great views of surrounding mountains. Middle of nowhere, a great spot to get away from it all.. star gaze, and just chill out. Boon dock off the grid. NO Facilities but town has everything you could need and just far enough away... If you plan on having a campfire please obtain a burn permit on line. Its free and a great fire safety precaution. Obviously NO FIREWORKS.
Water hookup
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Red Rock Canyon State Park
4. Red Rock Canyon State Park
98%
(22)
State park 26mi from Ridgecrest · 50 sites
Star in your very own Western in the Californian desert.
Sequoia National Forest
5. Sequoia National Forest
98%
(271)
National forest 55mi from Ridgecrest · 905 sites
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kernville Ranch
6. Kernville Ranch
100%
(20)
43mi from Ridgecrest · 4 sites
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$72
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
7. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(569)
47mi from Ridgecrest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch
8. Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch
100%
(4)
12mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Just off Highway 395, beneath the eastern Sierras, sits a former racehorse training facility with sweeping views of both the resident horses and surrounding mountains.
The property features a horse courtyard and open, undeveloped land for camping: peaceful, quiet, and perfect for slowing down. Stargazing is encouraged, with dark skies that truly shine. An outhouse with a toilet and sink is available on-site for campers’ use.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
OHV Roadside Paradise in Cal City
9. OHV Roadside Paradise in Cal City
86%
(11)
34mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site
Right by the road. Easy access. Fun OHV Trails.
Park your RV and bring your OHV.
This patch of land is perfect for all your desert toys.
Off the main paved road (20 Mule Team).
Bring the whole family.
Pets welcome.
Easy access to food, water, and supplies
California City has Gas Stations, Variety of Restaurants, Dollar General (Food and Firewood), McDonalds, Family Dollar Store (Propane), and free dump station for RVs (Cal City RV Refuse Transfer Station) .
On the way to
Map Coordinates:
35.18706° N, 117.79470° W
Pets
from
$5
/ night
Chilla Ranch
10. Chilla Ranch
70%
(5)
43mi from Ridgecrest · 20 sites
Learn more about this land:Vacant land recently acquired. 20 acres. Big views. Outhouse, portable shower, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and a few dogs - that’s what you’ll find here. Short hike to several natural springs. Front door to the Sequoia National Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
97% (466) • 40 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ridgecrest
Double Triangle Ranch
1. Double Triangle Ranch
98%
(58)
37mi from Ridgecrest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation.
Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those.
When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$41
/ night
Wandering Star Ranch
2. Wandering Star Ranch
99%
(46)
39mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.
Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat.
Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .
Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.
Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.
Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.
(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
Happy Gray Coyote
3. Happy Gray Coyote
97%
(48)
42mi from Ridgecrest · 3 sites
Property has been in my family for 60 years. Hope you enjoy the desert getaway!Learn more about this land:5 acres of open desert. Great views of surrounding mountains. Middle of nowhere, a great spot to get away from it all.. star gaze, and just chill out. Boon dock off the grid. NO Facilities but town has everything you could need and just far enough away... If you plan on having a campfire please obtain a burn permit on line. Its free and a great fire safety precaution. Obviously NO FIREWORKS.
Water hookup
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Red Rock Canyon State Park
4. Red Rock Canyon State Park
98%
(22)
State park 26mi from Ridgecrest · 50 sites
Star in your very own Western in the Californian desert.
Sequoia National Forest
5. Sequoia National Forest
98%
(271)
National forest 55mi from Ridgecrest · 905 sites
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kernville Ranch
6. Kernville Ranch
100%
(20)
43mi from Ridgecrest · 4 sites
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$72
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
7. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(569)
47mi from Ridgecrest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch
8. Camp with the Horses! Robison Ranch
100%
(4)
12mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Just off Highway 395, beneath the eastern Sierras, sits a former racehorse training facility with sweeping views of both the resident horses and surrounding mountains.
The property features a horse courtyard and open, undeveloped land for camping: peaceful, quiet, and perfect for slowing down. Stargazing is encouraged, with dark skies that truly shine. An outhouse with a toilet and sink is available on-site for campers’ use.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
OHV Roadside Paradise in Cal City
9. OHV Roadside Paradise in Cal City
86%
(11)
34mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site
Right by the road. Easy access. Fun OHV Trails.
Park your RV and bring your OHV.
This patch of land is perfect for all your desert toys.
Off the main paved road (20 Mule Team).
Bring the whole family.
Pets welcome.
Easy access to food, water, and supplies
California City has Gas Stations, Variety of Restaurants, Dollar General (Food and Firewood), McDonalds, Family Dollar Store (Propane), and free dump station for RVs (Cal City RV Refuse Transfer Station) .
On the way to
Map Coordinates:
35.18706° N, 117.79470° W
Pets
from
$5
/ night
Chilla Ranch
10. Chilla Ranch
70%
(5)
43mi from Ridgecrest · 20 sites
Learn more about this land:Vacant land recently acquired. 20 acres. Big views. Outhouse, portable shower, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and a few dogs - that’s what you’ll find here. Short hike to several natural springs. Front door to the Sequoia National Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Natalie
3 days ago
Tent
Camping at Creepside at John's site was lovely. My partner and I bbq'd there at the fire pit, and there's also a full kitchen with a gas BBQ and stove. The camp is surrounded by trees and has really great views of the stars. The spot also isn't that far from Kernville if you want to go into a small town. I loved hearing the river right outside our camp, so if you like natural white noise when you sleep, I would definitely choose that camp.
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J
Jonathan
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Camping on Marks land was fun. There is lots of room to set up, bathroom was clean, BLM land was a bonus
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G
Greg
3 weeks ago
Tent
We had a very quick stay (late arrival due to traffic) but had an easy time finding and accessing the location. It was so quiet and peaceful, I forgot how much I missed seeing the stars while living in the city. It was beautiful. Host was very sweet and communicative. Definitely will be coming back on my next trip up near the sierras.
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I
Ian
January 2026
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
The Robison Ranch was an absolute wonderful place to stay. The views are fantastic, the it is very private and quiet, the owners of the ranch (Leslie and Frank) were wonderful and the volunteers were also great people. I stayed out there for three weeks and loved it! I would defiantly love to come back and stay again.
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G
Greg
January 2026
Tent
Group trip
Great site and area, would definitely recommend. Nobody else is nearby so you have the privacy of the whole lot. All amenities onsite are well taken care of. Everything we needed was there and the bathroom was freshly cleaned for us. The shooting range onsite was great and having the BLM Land right against the property line was awesome. Highly recommend.
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John
January 2026
15 ft campervan
John was very patient as I was a Hipcamp newbie. I was also coming in last minute on a cold and chilly January night. He gave excellent directions and in the morning I was treated to a beautiful crisp Sierra morning. Location was private and beautiful, but the sound of all winter creek rushing close by. I had the place to myself, but there was plenty of room between locations. I would gladly go back and hope to a in warmer weather. :)
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lauryn
January 2026
Tent
The property is absolutely beautiful! We stayed at the Stargazer spot where we had plenty of room and a cozy fireplace. The bathroom was clean and well kept and the property was equipped with an extremely well stocked easy to use kitchen. We will definitely be staying again!
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Kate
January 2026
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mark‘s Hipcamp. It was perfect for four teenage boys and a dog to run around and let loose. We used it as a basecamp to explore Sequoia National Park and Lake Isabella. There is a pontoon, a large concrete slab with picnic tables, and a clean porta-potty. We happened to get excellent weather during late December and the property was green and beautiful. There is hiking to mountains directly behind the property as well as ORV trails. Plus, there are beautiful views of the lake and mountains. We also ordered the $60 bundle of wood that had large high-quality logs. Mark was quick to respond to questions and offered us advice for places to go. Overall, this property exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend this Hipcamp! (as a sidenote, do not follow the directions from Apple or Google to turn off Larson. You can take Larson from the highway all the way back to the property.)
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peter
December 2025
2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
Had the most wonderful time at playhouse in spirit camp. I felt comfortable and communication was a 10/10 throughout the experience. I would definitely recommend!
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Maria
November 2025
Tent
My bf and I enjoyed our stay at Stargazer. It was quiet, clean, secluded and spacious! We loved that there were hot showers and clean toilets. We were the only one booked in the campground and we used the outdoor shower. The outdoor shower felt like we were showering in the middle of the forest! The creek is also so close to the campsite that you can hear it and it’s so relaxing. We cant wait to be back in the spring to go white water rafting!
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Michelle
November 2025
Tent
We had such a rejuvenating time tent camping on John’s land. The campsites were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully set up. The kitchen area and bathroom had everything we could possibly need — so organized, easy to find, and even hot water. We especially loved the outdoor shower, and really appreciated the walk-through tour over the phone with John when we arrived.
We stayed at the Stargazer site and it was unforgettable. Perfect, wide-open views of the stars and a cozy chimenea to sit beside the fire while we watched the sky all night. Truly such a special spot.
We will absolutely be back for future trips!
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Lenzo
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Even on an extremely rainy day it was a great experience camping at Stargazer, when you arrive John will give you an introduction tour, and we really appreciated the moderate amount of equipment and amenities provided to us, the communal bathroom was really clean and campground has nice vibes!
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DL
November 2025
Tent
I almost didn’t want to write this review as this place is so good. I want to keep it a secret. John and his wife were there to meet me as I pulled up and gave me a quick tour. Word cannot describe the beauty of this land. the place is kept immaculate all the amenities of the best campsites and more. They fit in all the comforts without spoiling any of the rustic beauty. I am definitely coming back. Thank you John.
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Emily
October 2025
Tent
This was my second time solo camping at Spirit Walk, and it was just as beautiful as the first. Tranquil, lovingly cared for, sacred space, with just enough thoughtful infrastructure to be supportive while not diminishing the feeling of wildness. There was enough fresh, cold water in the swimming hole to submerge my body - even in the fall, when many places are dry. The plants around were beautiful, and I had the place to myself besides my interspecies kin (including curious deer and bobcat). John, his partner, and lil puppy come to help you get oriented, and are cool and kind as well. Would recommend Spirit Walk to anyone looking for a peaceful way to commune with the land.
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V
Virginia
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Robison Ranch was very peaceful and being around the horses was fun. The ranch hands were very friendly. The view of the mountains was awesome.
See moreE
Evan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved camping at this site with my friends. There was a ton of space and we were so close to everything we wanted to do. The property backs up to BLM land so if you step out the back gate you’re able to hike beautiful peaks. There’s a pontoon feature that provides great shade, a perfect place to hang a hammock, and stunning views. There’s property is just five minutes from the lake and nature preserve where we fished all week. Mark was a great host and answered all questions leading up to the trip. This was a trip for my best friends bachelor party and was the perfect spot for our group. Couldn’t have been happier. Will definitely be back with my wife soon. Thanks Mark!
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Mafe
September 2025
Group trip
Such a beautiful cabin with so much unique charm. The property itself is stunning, with horses nearby and a stream running right by the hot tub. It made for such a peaceful and memorable stay—I’d highly recommend it.
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A
A
September 2025
With pets
Wonderful property right off the roadway for easy access to the cabin. Host was very friendly, considerate, and communicative. I’ll rebook any time I’m in the area for work or play :)!
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S
Sara
September 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
Beautiful site for quiet, privacy, and stargazing! My first time on a real horse ranch. There were many possibilities for where on the ranch we could park the RV, we parked near a barn in the back and could hear the horses snorting, it was very relaxing. We dry camped but water and electric outlets were available. Host was very accommodating and made sure we were comfortable, which is much appreciated. Location was perfect, 5 minutes from the highway but it felt remote. Great spot!
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Rj
September 2025
Tent
We enjoyed a quiet Labor Day weekend at Oak Tree campsite. Despite the holiday weekend, there were only a few other campers. It was lovely and calm. The common kitchen was well equipped—we cooked a few meals with food we brought. The creek was flowing just enough for a dip. Enjoyed the outdoor shower, too! We spent a nice day driving north of Kernville and doing some hiking and swimming along the river. All descriptions on Hipcamp were accurate regarding walking gear in from your car, close proximity of some sites to each other, etc. We look forward to returning soon!
See moreRidgecrest camping guide
Where to go
Near Ridgecrest
Head to Red Rock Canyon State Park to explore dramatic rock formations, canyons, cliffs, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and OTV, then spend the night in a tent or RV at the Ricardo Campground. Near Barstow, camp on BLM land at Owl Canyon, which offers tent camping and RV camping, with no restrictions on RV length. Find tent sites, RV sites, and cabins at the Calico Ghost Town Regional Park. For more amenities, including wifi and full hookups, try a private RV park.
Death Valley National Park
Ridgecrest is also a gateway to Death Valley National Park, the lowest, hottest, and driest point in the continental US, with a dramatic landscape of rolling sand dunes, massive salt flats, winding canyons, and snow-capped mountains. Choose from nine established campgrounds—each is situated at various elevations, so they are open at different times of the year. The year-round Furnace Creek Campground is centrally located to park highlights.
Sequoia National Forest
Head west to the Sequoia National Forest to explore groves of towering sequoias, canyons and peaks with plentiful trails, rivers, and lakes. Enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports at Lake Isabella, which offers more than 10 campgrounds around its shores for campers to choose from, with options for tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds can also be found along the Kern River, ideal for fishing and whitewater rafting.
When to go
With its desert location, spring and fall are the best times for outdoor activities around Ridgecrest, and for camping at Death Valley National Park, Red Rock Canyon National Park, and other desert parks. Guided tours of the Coso Rock Art National Historic Landmark are offered in spring and fall. Summer is the most popular time for camping at Sequoia National Forest. Visit in spring and summer for whitewater rafting, or in winter for trout fishing.
Nearby attractions
Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.
