The best desert campgrounds near Shandon, California

Desert camping in Shandon strips things back to the essentials—wide skies, dry heat, and silence broken only by the occasional coyote. You’ll find over a dozen campsites in the area, all geared toward desert explorers. The average site runs about $85 a night, but you can pitch your tent for as little as $30 if you know where to look. Standouts include Secluded Carrizo Plains Campsite (46 reviews), which sits on the edge of sweeping grasslands, Glamping in the Horizon (2 reviews) for those who want a few more comforts, and Lost Hills Point of Rocks (1 review), perched up on old rock outcrops. Toilets, pet-friendly policies, and campfires are the norm, but what really draws people out here is the terrain—think endless hiking, horseback rides through arroyos, and wildlife that actually makes the silence interesting.

80% (125)

Top-rated campgrounds

Desert camping in Shandon strips things back to the essentials—wide skies, dry heat, and silence broken only by the occasional coyote. You’ll find over a dozen campsites in the area, all geared toward desert explorers. The average site runs about $85 a night, but you can pitch your tent for as little as $30 if you know where to look. Standouts include Secluded Carrizo Plains Campsite (46 reviews), which sits on the edge of sweeping grasslands, Glamping in the Horizon (2 reviews) for those who want a few more comforts, and Lost Hills Point of Rocks (1 review), perched up on old rock outcrops. Toilets, pet-friendly policies, and campfires are the norm, but what really draws people out here is the terrain—think endless hiking, horseback rides through arroyos, and wildlife that actually makes the silence interesting.

80% (125)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Secluded Carrizo Plains Campsite

94%

(62)

38mi from Shandon · 1 site · RV · Mc Kittrick, CA

Looking for a place to get away from the stresses of the city and enjoy some peace and tranquility? Look no further than the Heritage Campsite. For the past four years, this has been our go-to spot for camping and creating great memories with our family and pets. Located just a few miles from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Soda Lake, this 2.5-acre lot is one of California's best-kept secrets. With only a few hours' drive from Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to be alone with nature and experience the beauty of the outdoors. Learn more about this land: The Heritage Campsite is RV, travel trailer, and van-friendly, and generators are allowed at your discretion. And with no other visitors on the property, you'll have the entire lot to yourself. One of the most amazing things about this campsite is the clear and beautiful night sky. With no city lights to interfere, you'll be able to see the stars like never before. And if you're lucky, you may even hear the coyotes howling in the distance. During the spring, the valley comes alive with lush, colorful flowers that blanket the mountains in blue, green, purple, and yellow. It's a sight that you'll never forget and a reminder of the beauty of nature. So why wait? Book your stay at the Heritage Campsite today and experience the magic of this hidden gem. It's like going back in time to the pioneering days or the native American passage travels. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and create new memories that will last a lifetime. Also, please note due to the high temperatures this summer and the increased risk of fire caused by dry, easily flammable grass, we kindly ask that you restrict all open flames and fire-related activities during this period.

2. Glamping in the Horizon

100%

(3)

24mi from Shandon · 1 site · Lodging · Lost Hills, CA

The Hills are part of a beautiful and peaceful farm landscape where you can experience silence, fresh air and pleasant weather. It's an ideal relaxation place and amazing opportunity to experience nature in its simplicity.

3. Heavenly Views

100%

(5)

49mi from Shandon · 1 site · Lodging · Lockwood, CA

Rural Southern Monterey County hilltop with 360° views of the surrounding valley. To the west is an unobstructed view of the Los Padres National forest, sunsets over the coast ridge from Junipero Serra peak to the north and Rocky Butte to the south. To the east is Williams Hill BLM area, with clear views of the sunrise. To the southeast is Lake San Antonio. Nacimiento Lake is a beautiful 45 minute drive to the south. Although the dirt access road can be a little dusty and bumpy for a sports car, in the 35 years I've been here it has always been accessible for a 2 wheel drive vehicle. The property is at the end of the road. No traffic, no noise, only views of the surrounding area. If you are interested in night skies, the milky way is a constant. After winter rains, everything is green and wild flowers are abundant. Stay and enjoy the vistas or travel relatively short distances for hiking in the Los Padres forest, drive CA HWY 1, visit Paso Robles wineries, boat or fish at Lake San Antonio or Lake Nacimiento. Nearby Williams Hill BLM area for hunting, shooting or ATV riding. For hunters and fisherman, Ft Hunter Liggett is to the immediate west. Occasional weekend's be entertained by military training and occasional aircraft, helicopters and planes. It is so quiet that you can hear vehicles passing several miles away on Jolon Rd in the valley below. Visitors travel to Morro bay, Avila beach to the south or Big Sur and Monterey Bay to the north. Motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy 100's of miles of uncrowded country roads. Host is an avid motorcyclist and will provide enough helpful guidance for all levels of riding. Corbin saddle in Hollister is a great destination for lunch and a custom made seat by appointment. Getaway to the central coast of California and leave the city behind. San Francisco is a bit over 2 hours to the north and LA about 4 hours to the south. Owner has intimate knowledge of way to many destinations.

4. Vineyard View NoFuss

33mi from Shandon · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · San Miguel, CA

Vineyard view dry camping minutes away from Lake San Antonio with access to stocked reservoir. A perfect spot for wildflower triathalon campers. Access to porta potty and potential for guided pig hunting with reservation.

5. Little Brave House, Soda Lake CA

87%

(117)

32mi from Shandon · 9 sites · Lodging · Santa Margarita, CA

Rustic cabin on 2.5 acres. Come see the Carrizo Plains! Whether you're into Soda Lake, wildflowers, zillion-star views, the rare local fauna, or exploring the nearby beaches and wineries, there's something here for everyone. Grab your own pillows and blankies and come check it out! We look forward to sharing this incredible & unique experience with you! The space The Little Brave House offers unique accommodations in the middle of this incredible setting. Our off-the-grid cabin offers most of the comforts of home, including a brand new memory foam mattress, upgraded bathroom with comfy Cabela's toilet chair, outdoor theater with 2 incredible gravity chairs, solar shower, solar electricity, outdoor games, internet connection and so many more comfy, clean accommodations. LBH inhabits a snuggly reading nook with a hanging hammock chair where you can also find some books and games. Solar energy provided outlets for standard 2 prong plugs + 3 prong plug adapters, as well as USB ports. A sweet solar shower available (bring your own water). Outdoor, patio seating (gravity chairs) plus a picnic table. You can find a Coleman 2 burner camp stove, small charcoal grill (bring your own propane and charcoal), and a brand-new propane heater (bring your own propane; 1lb). Leave your world behind for a while and come see what this incredible experience has to offer. Whether it’s relaxing in the outdoor theater, partaking in our fun outdoor games, or snuggling up in the hammock chair with a good book, LBH has something for everyone! Other things to note. Very rustic cabin. No running water or trash service. We do not live nearby. In order to bring you this unique experience in this remote area, we ask that guests provide their own bedding and clean up after themselves, including packing out trash. There are no services for an hour in each direction, so please bring plenty of water and food and fill up your gas tank. There is a solar shower available for use, as well as a Coleman 2-burner gas stove, a charcoal BBQ and a brand-new propane heater for those cold nights. Please remember to bring sheets & blankets as we ask that guests do not sleep directly on our brand-new mattress pad.

6. Lost Hills Point of Rocks

100%

(1)

22mi from Shandon · 1 site · Tent, RV · Lost Hills, CA

This exceptional land has been used privately by our family for decades for camping, offroading, exploring, getting away from it all. And now we have made it availalbe to the public! This land is located in Western Kern County north of Hwy 46. You will enjoy exclusive use of over 400 acres of untouched land. One of the most unique features of this property is the sandstone rock formations. The formations have been shaped over the centuries by the wind and rain, resulting in the coolest places to explore, windblown arches, and shallow caves and hollows. The sandstone can be slick and there are cliffs on this property, so please be very careful, especially with children.

Stories from the community

C

Chuck

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Heavenly Views

My sons and I had an incredible experience on Stephan’s property. We intentionally avoid the hustle and bustle of the campsites in the parks and this property was exactly the solitude we were looking for. A beautiful setting to make family memories. Great spot!

R

Rachel

September 2025

2 nights at Heavenly Views

We had an amazing stay here! We were traveling back to Southern California from San Francisco and found ourselves needing to stop soon, but didn't prefer a motel in King City. We're so happy we found Stephan and his beautiful setup not far off the 101, west of King City. The RV was spotless, cozy, and perfectly set up for a comfortable getaway. The views are absolutely stunning — both during the day and especially at night with a sky full of stars right outside the door. Stargazing in front of the fire pit was the highlight of our trip! The host went above and beyond with his hospitality. We had forgotten groceries for breakfast, and he kindly provided us with organic free range eggs, ham, and even fresh fruit so we didn’t have to stress. Cooking and eating outside while enjoying the scenery was such a highlight. Between the peaceful setting, the fire pit for evenings under the stars, and the thoughtful touches from the host, this was one of the best camping experiences we’ve had. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a mix of relaxation, comfort, and nature.

A

Ariel

September 2025

1 night at Glamping in the Horizon

Had a really nice time, the view was amazing. I will definitely be back to stay here. If you like stargazing this is the place to go.

Matt

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Heavenly Views

Perfect weekend getaway spot. The view is absolutely beautiful and feels wonderfully remote. The camper was spotless and very comfortable, the grill outside and oven/stove inside made cooking easy no matter what weather you get, and we really appreciated the perfect fire starters that they prepared with the fire wood… no need to be a pro with fire pits. Everything was well thought out and taken care of. One of the highlights for us was stargazing. The host provided a telescope, and the sky here is unbelievably clear. Stars lit up the sky at night. The Milky Way was as incredible as I can remember ever seeing anywhere. The host is super friendly, helpful, and welcoming. You can tell they thought through every little thing you could need and then made sure it was there and easy to find. It definitely made it even more relaxing. When driving in, make sure to use the hosts directions since for the last sections the road is dirt and slight inclines. Research satellite view of the map ahead of time from Jolon Rd onward and you’ll be good. The road is definitely fine for two-wheel drive as long as it’s not pouring rain. I wouldn’t take a low ground clearance car… a bit tricky for a miata for example. We had no problem and way more clearance than needed with our 2wd RAV4 though. Between the comfort of the camper, the thoughtful amenities, the hospitality, and the night sky, this is easily one of my favorite camping spots now. We’ll definitely be back

M

Michael

August 2025

1 night at Heavenly Views

Great place to stay, King City is about 20 minutes away, came over from HWY 1 and i was looking for a nice quiet place. The place is wonderful and the night skies are amazing. But the nearest cold beer and groceries are in King city. The Host was great the AC running when i got their but was not needed that night as it gotten cool. The bed was awesome.Just bring your own beer and food before getting there. Will stay again when passing thru the central coast.

Host on Right welcoming dog friendly Hipcamp

T

Tom

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Heavenly Views

This litte hidden Gem is at a mid point between San Francisco and Los Angeles 20 min South of King City off the 101 freeway on Jolon Rd. With a true 360 degree view on top of hill. The Lockwood valley has some of the best star gazing clear skies with little light pollution. The host Stephan, aka (Steve) was a hoot, super cool ole army fellow master meat cooker had smoked brisket that was amazing cheese and wine waiting in the fridge when I flew in and landed next to the trailer. Message him ahead before you fly in. The day was warm but the nights are cool so bring light coat or sweater. It is after all summer in coastal CA but the A/C worked well mid day and trailer was very clean and comfy. Trailer has a nice awing out front chairs on large gravel area with a fire pit and firewood so you dont have to bring your own logs. I will go back again thanks (Steve) keep up the great Hipcamp.....

P

Pradeep

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Glamping in the Horizon

This place is an absolute marvel. It’s tucked into nothingness and an experience I’ve never had before. The host is super responsive and met me at the gate. I truly truly would recommend it to anyone looking to go off grid

Beautiful views from the top of on of the sandstone formations

Alexander

January 2025

Tent

2 nights at Lost Hills Point of Rocks

A beautiful and private ranch for a group or a romantic getaway. Super secluded from anyone else with great views of the stars and mountains. Fun areas to walk around and drive off road. We set up with our dogs and absolutely loved it. Totally worth the price.