The best waterside campgrounds near Ridgecrest, California

In the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, the town of Ridgecrest is known mainly for its proximity to the China Lake Naval Base. Its location also makes it a great base for exploring nearby desert attractions like the Trona Pinnacles, Fossil Falls, Petroglyph Canyons, Red Rock Canyon State Park, and Death Valley National Park. Nearby Sequoia National Forest offers non-desert options for outdoor recreation, including numerous lakes and rivers for fishing, boating, and water sports. Desert camping options are the most plentiful, though Forest Service campsites are also available, for both tent and RV campers looking for Ridgecrest camping.

94% (699)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ridgecrest

1. Underworld Farms

86%

(43)

44mi from Ridgecrest · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

2. Rivergate Cabin

45mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site · Lodging

Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this custom cabin boasts unbeatable views with BACKYARD ACCESS to the Kern River and PRIVATE BEACH! It is a Kernville gem, blending modern/tribal themes with a vaulted wood ceiling, real River Rock fireplace, open living area, rec/game room, secluded deck, modern chef's kitchen, multiple picnic areas and the Kern River flowing through the BACKYARD! Rivergate offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!

In the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, the town of Ridgecrest is known mainly for its proximity to the China Lake Naval Base. Its location also makes it a great base for exploring nearby desert attractions like the Trona Pinnacles, Fossil Falls, Petroglyph Canyons, Red Rock Canyon State Park, and Death Valley National Park. Nearby Sequoia National Forest offers non-desert options for outdoor recreation, including numerous lakes and rivers for fishing, boating, and water sports. Desert camping options are the most plentiful, though Forest Service campsites are also available, for both tent and RV campers looking for Ridgecrest camping.

94% (699)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ridgecrest

1. Underworld Farms

86%

(43)

44mi from Ridgecrest · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

2. Rivergate Cabin

45mi from Ridgecrest · 1 site · Lodging

Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this custom cabin boasts unbeatable views with BACKYARD ACCESS to the Kern River and PRIVATE BEACH! It is a Kernville gem, blending modern/tribal themes with a vaulted wood ceiling, real River Rock fireplace, open living area, rec/game room, secluded deck, modern chef's kitchen, multiple picnic areas and the Kern River flowing through the BACKYARD! Rivergate offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Rolando

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Underworld Farms

Had a great stay here! Except for the first night we had the place to ourselves. The site is close to many things and it’s nice a quiet there. A few things you need to know before booking: 1) We stayed in the sailboat that sleeps 2 (kind of). It was honestly pretty tight for my girlfriend and I as the very back narrows quite a bit. I would say it’s better for 1 person! Note: I’m only 5’8 155lbs and my girlfriend is smaller. 2) A lot of bugs! We expect that while we’re camping so we were fine but if you hate mosquitoes and spiders/webs maybe this place isn’t for you. 3) Pretty bare bones and not much shade coverage so be prepared! We planned on staying on the river most of the days anyway so that wasn’t an issue for us. All that being said- It’s a really fun place to stay and I would recommend it!

S

S.

May 2025

1 night at Underworld Farms

The property is beautiful and feeding the horses & goats was one of my favorite parts!

Shanda

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Underworld Farms

My grandkids had a blast exploring the area. The boat was a bit noisy at night when the wind would blow through but the kids slept through. The solar powered lights were beautiful at night. There’s very little light pollution from city lights, so the stars were amazing!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Ridgecrest 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.