The best desert camping in Southern California

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Looking to experience the beauty of the desert in Southern California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 3900 options in Southern California alone, Hipcamp offers a wide range of camping accommodations to suit your needs. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, Hipcamp has you covered. Explore the stunning desert landscapes of Southern California, from the Cuyama Badlands to The Lovelight Ranch and The Desert Rose Collective - all top campsites with rave reviews (1681, 532, and 378 reviews respectively). Enjoy popular amenities such as trash disposal, showers, and campfires, and engage in exciting activities like snow sports, visiting historic sites, or even catching some waves while surfing. With an average price per night of $49 and options as low as $5, Hipcamp provides affordable and unforgettable camping experiences in the desert. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in Southern California!

91% (865) 1,678 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Southern California

Cuyama Badlands

1. Cuyama Badlands

99%
(4572)
Cuyama, CA · 21 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!
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Pioneertown Corrals Camping

2. Pioneertown Corrals Camping

94%
(1165)
Pioneertown, CA · 63 sites · Tents, RVs
The Pioneertown Corrals is no-hook up back lot style camping located on Mane St in the middle of Pioneertown. We are within walking distance of all restaurants, shops and attractions. Campers can Tent, Car, Horse, RV or Trailer camp. There are 2 sinks and 2 flushing toilets, 1 out house, a designated area for charcoal grilling - NO woodfires but propane can be used at your site. Generator hours are 8am-8pm. There are 7 locally operated shops on the south side of camp on Mane St that offer campers a variety of unique items to shop for. Open daily: General Mercantile: Family Friendly Gift Shop and Camper Check in Location. Pioneertown General Store: New Western Ware and Vintage Clothing store. Xeba Botanica: Locally made Personal care, Skincare, Candles & Perfume. Soukie Modern: Moroccan Inspired Vintage Rugs, Clothing and Home Goods MazAmar Art Pottery: Open Production Ceramics Studio Open on weekends Goats & Soap: Hand spun wool clothing and soap made from local goats. Land Office Art Studio: Jessie Keylons locally made Art The Pioneertown Corrals also has 2 attractions open daily. Pioneertown Film Museum: shows the history of filming in Pioneertown from 1946 to today. Pioneertown Petting Zoo: For 25 cents campers can feed miniature farm animals like goats, sheep, pig, chickens, ducks and turkeys. Fresh eggs for sale in the General Mercantile. Pioneertown has 2 Restaurant/bars located at both ends of camp. Pappy and Harriet's: Open Wed-Mon BBQ Food and live music. Red Dog Saloon: Open every day Mexican food and live music Learn more about this land: Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few! The corrals is back lot style/tail gate style camping. There are 3 bars with 2 music venues within walking distance and some shows will go till midnight or later. **Camp is used for additional parking for Pappys larger outdoor shows and special events, it is highly recommended to check in before 6pm on outdoor show days or you may need to wait till after the show is over to get into camp and set up.**
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Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

3. Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

98%
(381)
Joshua Tree, CA · 101 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your go-to destination for a unique and memorable camping experience in Joshua Tree. This family-owned and operated park offers breathtaking views from its 2,300 ft elevation, showcasing the beauty of the Mojave Desert and the surrounding mountains. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the area or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground has something for everyone. With panoramic views of the North face of Joshua Tree National Park, the ancient Copper Mountain Hills to the North and East, and exceptional desert vistas, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes wherever you look. Office Hours: 8:30 - 8 Sunday - Thursday 8:30 - 9 Friday and Saturday Check-in Begins at 12 PM. Checkout is at 11 AM. The campground is situated on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert and boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. With clear, unpolluted skies, you can enjoy the magnificent night skies and immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars. We want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so please take note of the following guidelines: Swimming is not permitted in the lake and there is no swimming pool available. Fishing is currently closed. Pet owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are welcome, but there will be an additional fee added to the reservation. Wi-Fi is provided by a third-party company and a separate service fee applies. Please note that we cannot guarantee the speed, rate, or troubleshooting of the Wi-Fi service. For your convenience, a wash station for dishes is available on-site, and the Joshua Tree Laundromat is located 9 miles away in downtown Joshua Tree. For campfires, it is important to keep them contained inside the designated burn barrels and never leave them unattended. In the event of high winds, campfire, and BBQ use may be suspended for safety reasons. So, pack your gear and head to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your favorite place to stay while you play in Joshua Tree. Experience the magic of the Mojave Desert and all its natural wonders, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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San Bernardino National Forest

4. San Bernardino National Forest

94%
(154)
National forest in California · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
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Electrical hookup
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Angeles National Forest

5. Angeles National Forest

92%
(228)
National forest in California · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
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Soboba Flight Park

6. Soboba Flight Park

San Jacinto, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Unique paragliding camping experience. Lots of space centrally located to all of SoCals amazing sites. Community outdoor kitchen, hot showers, and fire pit. No hook up as we are 100% solar off grid. Tents and RV trailers welcome!
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High Desert Protocol

7. High Desert Protocol

95%
(191)
Yucca Valley, CA · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to High Desert Protocol, a serene 6-acre sanctuary nestled within the stunning Joshua Tree landscape. At the heart of this desert oasis lies an impressive 80-foot swimming pool and jacuzzi, seamlessly blending into the untouched surroundings. With the property adjacent to expansive public land, guests can enjoy unobstructed views that stretch for miles. This private and expansive compound is ideal for intimate gatherings, retreats, dinner parties, or simply a peaceful escape for those who seek style, seclusion, and an unparalleled desert experience. The property features two guest rental houses and a charming vintage Spartan Trailer, all available for booking via Airbnb or our website. Guests are invited to indulge in all the amenities the compound offers, including a spacious outdoor kitchen with a 20-foot concrete dining table, an outdoor bathroom, an art gallery, a hot tub, the swimming pool, and, of course, the breathtaking desert vistas. For those seeking unique accommodations, we offer two RV hookups and options to rent an on-site Airstream, a Teardrop trailer, a converted shipping container, a van, or even a sailboat with a stunning wooden interior. Additionally, guests have immediate access to hundreds of miles of trails, allowing them to explore the natural beauty of Joshua Tree right from the property—no need to drive anywhere!
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Full hookups
Mineral Spring Date Farm

8. Mineral Spring Date Farm

96%
(563)
Desert Hot Springs, CA · 7 sites · RVs, Lodging
Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well. We are rehabilitating our Date Farm. Private Hot Spring fed tubs at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm on a Mineral Spring aquifer. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds. ** We keep trimmed Palm fronds on the side of our road for our goats to eat and to use as mulch. ** We are not the Hilton, a Spa or Resort. We are a working Date Farm on top of a Mineral Spring Aquifer.
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Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat

9. Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat

88%
(168)
Lake Arrowhead, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Peaceful Off-the-Grid Property in the Mountains of the Mojave Desert, Hot Springs and Numerous Hiking and Off-Roading Trails Nearby... Surrounded by 1,000s of Acres of Undeveloped BLM and US Forestry Land, With Endless Views of the San Bernardino Mountains and High Desert Scenery. Bring Your Tent, Trailer, RV or Camp in your Car . Picnic Tables and Fire Pits (grills available). Flushing Toilets, Pits Toilets, Potable Water, and Showers On-Site. Breakfast Lunch Dinner Served on the Weekends *Warning! The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba. *Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
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Cleveland National Forest

10. Cleveland National Forest

93%
(85)
National forest in California · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
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Mojave National Preserve

11. Mojave National Preserve

97%
(44)
National park in California · 65 sites
1.6 million acres of soaring mountains, volcanic rock walls, endless deserts, and huge sand dunes.
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Joshua Tree National Park

12. Joshua Tree National Park

97%
(767)
National park in California · 493 sites
Joshua Tree camping offers access to a desert wonderland of crooked trees and boulders, where hiking and rock climbing sublime.
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Red Rock Canyon State Park

13. Red Rock Canyon State Park

98%
(22)
State park in California · 50 sites
Star in your very own Western in the Californian desert.
Gaia Farm Campground

14. Gaia Farm Campground

96%
(114)
Goleta, CA · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land. Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.
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Picnic table
Wild Seeds Ranch

15. Wild Seeds Ranch

95%
(132)
Dulzura, CA · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Wild Seeds is a sustainable conscious coliving community and live-work space in nature 30 minutes outside San Diego 🫶🌵🌞 The ranch is full of enchanting spaces -- a koi pond, 100 year old oaks, and a seasonal creek. You can have a totally private camping experience, or join our fun and engaging events. We are creative professionals, ecopreneurs, social impact artists, and spiritual activists. Our community space is inclusive, period. We embrace and celebrate people of all backgrounds, body types, and nonviolent self-expression. PLEASE NOTE: Our residents have outdoor cats, so you will be required to leash your dog while not using the dog park.
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Blue Sky Center

16. Blue Sky Center

94%
(771)
New Cuyama, CA · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
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Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

17. Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

96%
(350)
CA · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
LOCATION INFO Enjoy a rustic, no-fuss stay on our 20-acre working farm just 15 miles south of Bakersfield, with easy freeway access. Campsites sit along the pond - perfect for catch-and-release fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. We have a small area with farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, peacocks and chickens) for you to enjoy. Expect a desert climate: hot summers, cold winters. Each site includes a small table, potable water spigot, picnic table, and fire pit (bring your own wood). All sites are BYO tent or car-camping with the exception of our one Glamping Site which includes a queen bed. Some have vehicle height limits (noted in site names), and cannot accommodate pop-ups or truck campers. Amenities include one shared indoor toilet and an outdoor hot/cold shower. There are 2 kayaks and 2 paddleboards that are free to use amongst all guests. We offer self check-in and you're welcome to arrive anytime after 1PM; checkout is 11AM. Please respect quiet hours after 10PM if arriving late. CAMP RULES No Pets – Our dogs roam freely and protect the farm and see other animals as threats. You will be asked to leave with no refund if you bring a pet. Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM. If we receive complaints about noise, you’ll be asked to leave immediately. 1 Tent + 1 Car are permitted per Site, with the exception of Site 4 which allows 2 tents/2 cars. If you are a large group with multiple tents and families, you will need to book multiple sites. Each site has a maximum capacity, so if you put in 12 people, it will not show you all the sites available - put in 4 people and then you can pick which combination of sites you would like for your group. No tents or canopies on the grass/lawn area. No fireworks or open flames outside of designated fire pits. Propane burners or grills are permitted. Do not feed the farm dogs - no treats or food, ever. At checkout: dispose of trash in the dumpster by Site 5, soak any hot coals, wipe down tables, and put back the kayaks and paddleboards. Shower use: Only farm-provided shampoo and soap are allowed. Do not move firepits. Commercial use of any photography or video content captured on the farm -including for business, promotional, or influencer purposes - is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.
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Showers
Boulder Gardens Sanctuary

18. Boulder Gardens Sanctuary

97%
(176)
Homestead Valley, CA · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our gorgeous natural desert landscape with a quiet atmosphere and vast views. Guests are welcome to hike and explore our extensive land, which includes over 500 acres of primitive hiking trails, meditation gardens, and secret caves. This is an incredible place for stargazing and views of the milky way. The landscape is similar to the national park, though guests at Boulder Gardens will have a secluded place to set up camp, away from the crowds. Pioneertown, home to the famous venue Pappy and Harriets, as well as Red Dog Saloon is within a short drive.
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Potable water
Picnic table
Cuyama Oaks Ranch

19. Cuyama Oaks Ranch

99%
(807)
CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own and operate an 80 acre ranch that is great for family's, kids, romantic getaways, and LGBTQIA+ safe. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for. The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!
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Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

20. Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

95%
(174)
Lake Hughes, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow and sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field