Desert camping near Springville

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

90% (316 reviews)

United States
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California
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Springville

90% (316 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Springville

Community favorites near Springville

Public campgrounds near Springville

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Wishon Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

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(16)

Redwood Meadow Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

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(11)

Frog Meadow Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

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(12)

Leavis Flat Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

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(24)

Lower Peppermint Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

It is closed during the heavy snow season.

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(29)

Upper Peppermint Campground

19 sites In Sequoia National Forest

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(7)

Fairview Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

We fit 4 tents and 2 easy ups and a large 3 burner camp stove

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(3)

Belknap Campground

13 sites In Sequoia National Forest

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(2)

Coy Flat Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

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(8)

Stony Creek Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

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(17)

Kennedy Meadows Campground

38 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

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(1)

White River Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Sequoia National Forest

Stories from the community

Sergio

1 week ago

22 ft campervan

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

it was our first time staying here and it was a lovely location. it was spacious, accommodated our RV, had water and electric hook ups, a lovely pond that we walked around in the early morning and watching the sunset come up was beautiful. we spotted tons of rabbits and birds everywhere — it looked like a movie location. the only small issue (not in a big way for us) was that if you plan to use the showers / restroom here, it only fits 1 individual at a time. so be prepared to wait if you plan to use. nacho was a great host and very communicative throughout our stay.

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

loved that they had both water and electric hook ups. the views were great and we walked around the lake in the early hours and it was beautiful with the sun rising and all the birds chirping. the entire location looks like a movie scene. although this wasn’t a huge deal for us, as others have pointed out, the shower area is just for one person. so if there are a lot of campers there wanting to use it, be aware of the wait times. nacho was great, friendly and very communicative. we will def plan to stay here whenever passing by. thank you, nacho!

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

10/10 water was cool and clean, outlets worked, plenty of wood. The description was perfect had no trouble finding the place. Saw some really awesome wildlife and there were wild flowers everywhere. Bring bear mace and read everypart of the hosts description

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

It was nice Meeting with the boys yesterday and I think we will have to go back

2 nights at Thistledew Ranch

Great spot. Nobody else around. Had electric hook up allowing to charge our battery packs. About 20 minutes from SNP entrance. Close to a few small restaurants.

2 nights at Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

Great place to camp and get away. With some shade and river close by it was a very relaxing time.

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!

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

Decided to go camping on a whim. Unfortunately for me, I still had work to get done so I needed electricity to keep my computers charged. Lucky for me - I found Thistledew Ranch. It was a peaceful location just off a windy mountain road that is lightly travelled and people tend to drive slow past. Lots of trees, but shade is somewhat limited during the mid-day hours (so if you go when it's hot, might want to bring something for shade). Well-kept fire-pit and lots of space for vehicles/tents/RVs. I was also quite happy because it was the first time I was able to let my dog off leash and he was definitely a happy camper (pun intended). Mike came down at one point and introduced himself and he was responsive to messages. But overall, this is not a hipcamp where you are going to get "room service" (which I was personally fine with, but I gather some campers might be looking for more ...) Also - the restaurant near the site is very good! Friendly staff, good food and drinks, indoor and outdoor seating, and dog friendly! Final note - be prepared for no cell service (I have T-Mobile). Overall - I definitely plan to return!

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Nacho reached out with a message right away offering a greeting and additional directions that were very helpful and made our arrival seamless. Our RV site (#10) was lakeside and offered a lovely view. We found the campground and lake very peaceful. We enjoyed our stay (regrettably only one night) very much and will definitely come back for a longer visit if our travels bring us back this way in the future.

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

Beautiful and quiet private camp. Host is super helpful. Highly recommend.

May 2025

1 night at Underworld Farms

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

1 night at Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

RV was great. Host were wonderful. Area is absolutely beautiful and what their goal is to make it more upgraded is great. Thank you for everything.

Weekend Trip to Double Triangle Ranch

The stay was amazing and much needed. A true camping experience and unbothered. We did the tour and it was nice to see all the plants and animals… the definition of truly camping under the stars. We will be back!

Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch

This property was pure peace & tranquility! The beds were so comfortable and the house had everything we could possibly need.

Warren

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch

We had such a great time and just what we needed for a relaxing art retreat. The scenery was lovely and we got to paint so much! After we finished our days out we were comfy cozy at night in the camper. Can’t wait to come back!

Zing

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch

My partner and I had a wonderful long weekend on Kernville Ranch! A beautiful peaceful little bit of paradise, surrounded by fields of horses and a couple mule friends. The lodging in the Shiny Spartan is cozy and quaint, has all you need for a few nights' stay and then some, including fridge, shower and sinks with hot or cold potable water, AC/heaters, basic utensils/plates/bowls/glasses/cookware, and the griddle which was great to grill some sausages on for dinner! Loved sitting out stargazing on the open patio, greeting the farm animals every morning, and the hot tub next to the creek was such a magical treat! Lots of wildlife including birdsong all day. I recommend bringing some citronella candles as it gets buggy in the evenings! Such a great time! Would love to come back with friends sometime soon. Thank you Amelia and co!

Weekend Trip to Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

Spots perfect! If you have kids, this place is a hit too! They have sheep goats n horses that you can pet and even feed if you check with the host first…. Right next to the river so perfect for the hot weather. Our spot had a pair of owls living in the tree that was on our site. Super cool for my girls to experience nature and not far from the city in case you gotta make a quick run to the store. Looking forward to our next trip here! Katherine is super nice and honestly makes you feel welcomed so great vibes overall.

1 night at Thistledew Ranch

Great place. Super private. Definitely follow the directions; the other way of approach is a bit gnarly!

Carol

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

We were looking for a camping type experience, but didn't want to lug all the gear with us. So we stayed in one of the rvs. It was fantastic! They have done a great job with restoring some of the native plant life. The farm animals were really fun, and there were lots of wild animals as well. We saw lots of squirrels and rabbits. And heard lots of different birds, including a great horned owl! We chose to stay here because we were also going to Sharktooth Hill aka Ernst Quarry. Al in all a great stay!

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

This was the perfect spot for a quick weekend trip to Kings Canyon and Sequoia NPs! It was just over a half hour to the Grant Grove Village area, and another hour-ish from there into Kings Canyon itself or the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park. The site is secluded and simple, but did have a power outlet and water for those who need it, as well as a fire ring. Everything was exactly as described and we were able to arrive and depart as needed without having to connect directly with the hosts. No bugs in mid-May 2025. The directions were clear and easy to follow, except that the wooden bear sculpture marking the entrance was a little difficult to see, especially in the dark. Thankfully the directions including distances from different landmarks helped us find it on the second pass, and the light left on in the site helped us know we were in the right spot. Thanks so much!

6 top desert campgrounds near Springville

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Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

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(34)

Thistledew Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent69 acres · Miramonte, CA

Secluded, private, semi-dry camping at 4000 ft. with an RV accessible pull thru. Located 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park entrance. The view to the east is the western edge of the Sequoia National Forest. This campsite is the only one on the property. Typical weather is sunny with low humidity and moderate temperatures.

83%

(32)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA

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

SunHawk Retreat

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Onyx, CA

The SunHawk retreat is a full off-grid eco-dome and 20 acre camp property directly connected to 10,000 acres of public land for hiking, climbing, and stunning views of the Sierra Mountains. The property has complete amenities including a hot tub, 1500sq ft deck, and 2 bedrooms. Magnificent views and perfect peace.

94%

(16)

Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

8 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Bakersfield, CA

Okihi is a unique sanctuary where habitat restoration meets outdoor adventure. Nestled in a diverse landscape, we focus on healing the land through hands-on conservation while offering a space to connect with nature, camp, and learn. This is not your average campground, so i make sure to look over the rules. They will be enforced to keep a tranquil vibe. Restore and Explore We’re committed to revitalizing native habitats—our land is a living example of ecological renewal. Wander scenic trails, enjoy wildlife, and witness the power of restoration in action. Sustainable Farming and Livestock Our animals play a key role in regeneration. Horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens help manage invasive weeds and maintain healthy ecosystems. We compost all their manure, turning waste into valuable resources for soil health. Camping and Community Camp under the stars, explore nature, and join us for seasonal events and workshops focused on sustainability, conservation, and community. Whether you're here to camp, hike, or volunteer, Okihi is a place where nature and people come together for a common cause. Okihi is more than a destination—it's a living example of land restoration, sustainable living, and the power of community. Come explore, learn, and make a difference! Okihi is approximately 15 minutes east of Downtown Bakersfield. 20 minutes away from the 99 hwy or 178 hwy. Whichever way you are traveling, we are a great stopover point. Sites are spread around on the east side of the property facing the river for beautiful river views while you sip coffee from your site. There are a multitude of recreation opportunities to enjoy. On site there is hiking, places to practice yoga or meditate, kayaking, paddle boarding. We also have a hammock veranda that is fully shaded and a great place to relax along the river. Miles of biking paths run on the road right by where we are situated and there is a nearby river rafting company if you want the white water experience. Most of our campers are road tripping, getting away from LA, or are looking for a stopover on their way to/from Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, etc. We are in a desert climate – cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Portable heaters or fans with misting options are available for rent.

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Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

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,

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(268)

Sequoia National Forest

Ponderosa, California

96%

(451)

Inyo National Forest

Lone Pine, California

Other options near Springville

Frandy Park Campground

106 sites1 acre · Kernville, CA

Frandy Park Campground stands out as a premier destination for families and groups seeking an unforgettable camping experience in Kernville, California, thanks to its stunning location along the Kern River, surrounded by majestic oak woodlands and steep hillsides. This unique setting offers campers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Our campground features a variety of accommodations, including back-in and pull-thru sites with water and electric hookups, as well as ample space for tent camping. Guests can take advantage of our many amenities, such as complimentary WiFi, a convenient dump station, clean showers, and outdoor games to enhance their stay. At Frandy Park, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a wide range of activities. Enjoy volleyball, tennis, and horseshoes, or venture out for kayaking, swimming, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. Whether you're here to paddle down the river, explore the breathtaking Sequoia National Forest, or simply unwind in nature, Frandy Park is the ideal campground in the Kern River Valley. We look forward to welcoming you for a night or two of relaxation and adventure!

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Olancha Resort

131 sites1 acre · Olancha, CA

Nestled on 65 acres of stunning landscape, Olancha Resort stands out as a unique destination with unparalleled views of majestic mountain ranges and enchanting starry skies. To the east, you'll find the renowned Death Valley and the Whites Mountain Range, while the High Sierras, featuring the impressive Olancha Peak at 12,132 feet, rise majestically to the west. Recognized as the Gateway to Death Valley and just minutes away from Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,494 feet, our resort offers an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. On-site, guests can indulge in delicious meals at Olancha Café, which serves grass-fed beef and bison, or explore our general store stocked with exotic beers, ice cream, and unique gifts. For relaxation, enjoy our well-water swimming pool, along with convenient public restrooms, showers, and a laundromat. We also provide RV spots with 30/50 amp full hookups, as well as comfortable motel rooms, including suites and family accommodations, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors. Experience the beauty and adventure that Olancha Resort has to offer!

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Potable water

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping near Springville guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate destination for camping enthusiasts! With over 790 options near Springville, California, with a desert terrain, we've got the perfect camping experience for you. Whether you're looking for a tranquil desert getaway or an adventurous outdoor excursion, you'll find it here. Check out top-rated campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), and Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy popular amenities such as potable water, campfires, and showers, while engaging in exciting activities like snow sports, surfing, and off-roading (OHV). So pack your gear and get ready for a one-of-a-kind camping adventure!