Discover the best desert campgrounds near Thousand Oaks, California

United States
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California
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Thousand Oaks

95% (634 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Thousand Oaks

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76%

(21)

Nomad NeXus @ Lonesome Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Staying with us gives you the best of both worlds. Nature, Serenity and Connectivity. Enjoy the seclusion and privacy of your own little spot in nature knowing that you have an instant community & can still have access to fast internet speed in most places of the ranch thanks to our 2 starling internet networks. Also there are always some awesome, helpful people near by ready to help you with anything you might need. And YES, your always welcome to hop into our sparkling swimming pool, join us at our fun Western Saloon and play billiards, hang out at the bar and meet other campers and ranch hands and join us at our campfire and enjoy all the other cool amenities which make up our ArtFarm community! Most camp sites are just a short 5 minute walk from our main ranch house were you have access to our community kitchen, Showers, air-conditioned co- workspace w unlimited, high speed Starlink internet for all your online work needs, a Movie projector area, indoor fireplace and With tons of hiking and ATV trails there is lots to do and explore and with all the friendly people and projects going on close by at Art Farm you might just get inspired to make some friends or be more creative yourself and start tinkering with your own art or craft projects. As far as supplies, Leona Valley has a well stocked little mini mart, gas and a a great little restaurant called "Jacks Place" with yummy food and amazing draft beer .... all just 10 minutes drive down the dirt road.

92%

(102)

ArtFarm Movie Ranch & Nomad NeXuS

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Movie Ranch and Nature space is the perfect location for all your artistic needs and the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you!

Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Acton, CA

Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence.

94%

(49)

Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elizabeth Lake, CA

Discover Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat, a premier camping, overlanding, and RV destination nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Our quaint and peaceful campsite offers a tranquil escape under the expansive celestial canopy, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and RV travelers. Prime Location Near Major Attractions: Magic Portal is conveniently located near some of Southern California's most picturesque natural landmarks. - Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (4 miles): Explore vibrant trails and seasonal wildflower blooms. - Lake Hughes (10 miles): Enjoy fishing, hiking, and scenic views. -Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park (12 miles): Discover Joshua Trees and desert landscapes. The Campsite: Our grounds comprise five individual campsites, each outfitted with a solar lamp to help guide your way.There's plenty of space at each site for your tent and/or one vehicle (Cars, Campervans, Truck campers,Pop-up campers, Class B RVs). We also have an outhouse shared amongst the sites. Discover Local Flora and Fauna: During daylight, soak in the beauty of the Mojave Desert's natural landscape. Watch out for the local wildlife like quail, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. As night cloaks the desert, you're presented with a mesmerizing spectacle of a starlit sky, making it a dream location for stargazers. During the spring you will be immersed in a sea of wildflowers. Unique Features: Adding a unique allure to our campsite is the 'Portal to Nowhere'. This freestanding doorframe amidst the desert makes for a whimsical photo opportunity and a conversation starter. Amenities and Information: Please note, our amenities are basic to preserve the authentic charm of the surroundings. There no fire pits on site, and we encourage campers to bring along any additional necessities, including extra lighting, for their comfort. We do have a shared outhouse. Stargazing and More: Magic portal is located in a designated dark sky zone (turn on the map layer in Hipcamp), and is one of the closest campsites to Los Angeles in this designation. As night falls, the desert sky unveils a breathtaking view of the stars, providing an unmatched opportunity for stargazing. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a base to explore nearby attractions, Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat promises a memorable outdoor adventure. Book Your Adventure: Reserve your spot today at Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat for a unique camping experience just outside Los Angeles. We value your feedback as we continue to enhance our offerings.

100%

(16)

Desert mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Agua Dulce, CA

Learn more about this land: Desert mountain view of the open sky with lots of stars Covered picnic area with games fire pit seating area tables heat lamps in western Decour Two horses chickens ducks dogs with clean comfort walking distance to Le Chen Restaurant

12 top desert campgrounds near Thousand Oaks

98%

(72)

AntFarm LA

6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

ArtFarm Movie Ranch & Nomad NeXuS

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Movie Ranch and Nature space is the perfect location for all your artistic needs and the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you!

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

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 & 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.

Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elizabeth Lake, CA

Discover Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat, a premier camping, overlanding, and RV destination nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Our quaint and peaceful campsite offers a tranquil escape under the expansive celestial canopy, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and RV travelers. Prime Location Near Major Attractions: Magic Portal is conveniently located near some of Southern California's most picturesque natural landmarks. - Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (4 miles): Explore vibrant trails and seasonal wildflower blooms. - Lake Hughes (10 miles): Enjoy fishing, hiking, and scenic views. -Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park (12 miles): Discover Joshua Trees and desert landscapes. The Campsite: Our grounds comprise five individual campsites, each outfitted with a solar lamp to help guide your way.There's plenty of space at each site for your tent and/or one vehicle (Cars, Campervans, Truck campers,Pop-up campers, Class B RVs). We also have an outhouse shared amongst the sites. Discover Local Flora and Fauna: During daylight, soak in the beauty of the Mojave Desert's natural landscape. Watch out for the local wildlife like quail, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. As night cloaks the desert, you're presented with a mesmerizing spectacle of a starlit sky, making it a dream location for stargazers. During the spring you will be immersed in a sea of wildflowers. Unique Features: Adding a unique allure to our campsite is the 'Portal to Nowhere'. This freestanding doorframe amidst the desert makes for a whimsical photo opportunity and a conversation starter. Amenities and Information: Please note, our amenities are basic to preserve the authentic charm of the surroundings. There no fire pits on site, and we encourage campers to bring along any additional necessities, including extra lighting, for their comfort. We do have a shared outhouse. Stargazing and More: Magic portal is located in a designated dark sky zone (turn on the map layer in Hipcamp), and is one of the closest campsites to Los Angeles in this designation. As night falls, the desert sky unveils a breathtaking view of the stars, providing an unmatched opportunity for stargazing. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a base to explore nearby attractions, Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat promises a memorable outdoor adventure. Book Your Adventure: Reserve your spot today at Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat for a unique camping experience just outside Los Angeles. We value your feedback as we continue to enhance our offerings.

Nomad NeXus @ Lonesome Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Staying with us gives you the best of both worlds. Nature, Serenity and Connectivity. Enjoy the seclusion and privacy of your own little spot in nature knowing that you have an instant community & can still have access to fast internet speed in most places of the ranch thanks to our 2 starling internet networks. Also there are always some awesome, helpful people near by ready to help you with anything you might need. And YES, your always welcome to hop into our sparkling swimming pool, join us at our fun Western Saloon and play billiards, hang out at the bar and meet other campers and ranch hands and join us at our campfire and enjoy all the other cool amenities which make up our ArtFarm community! Most camp sites are just a short 5 minute walk from our main ranch house were you have access to our community kitchen, Showers, air-conditioned co- workspace w unlimited, high speed Starlink internet for all your online work needs, a Movie projector area, indoor fireplace and With tons of hiking and ATV trails there is lots to do and explore and with all the friendly people and projects going on close by at Art Farm you might just get inspired to make some friends or be more creative yourself and start tinkering with your own art or craft projects. As far as supplies, Leona Valley has a well stocked little mini mart, gas and a a great little restaurant called "Jacks Place" with yummy food and amazing draft beer .... all just 10 minutes drive down the dirt road.

Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Acton, CA

Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence.

81%

(8)

HIPTRIP Basecamp + Wildlife Habitat

2 sites · Tents3 acres · Santa Clarita, CA

A NATURAL AMPHITHEATER SPACE – come tent-camp under the stars – at the base of desert chaparral rolling hills – on a secluded, flat, circular, primitive camp area 50 feet in diameter – within a three-acre wildlife habitat – along the edge of a quiet suburban neighborhood. ACCESS INCLUDES shaded concrete patio with gas-fired firepit (no wood). 18+ only. No pets. Pee anywhere, but bring your own camp toilet, please. NEARBY – Six Flags Magic Mountain, San Fernando Valley, Castaic Lake, Angeles National Forest, Pyramid Lake, Pacific Crest Trail, Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve, Southern Sierra Mountains, Mojave Desert. Downtown L.A., 60 minutes away. Orange County, 90+ minutes away. ONE HOUR NORTH OF DOWNTOWN L.A. – off I-5 at Newhall Ranch Road. Perfect for overnight stays before heading elsewhere in California – north or south. Friendly onsite host and property owner.

100%

(31)

Prospector Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Thousand Oaks, CA

Chris and Meggan own Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. They purchased the ranch 3 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!

Terra Vivus

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Lake Hughes, CA

Terra Vivus is Latin for "The Earth is alive." Welcome to a great balance of being away from civilization, engulfed in nature with peace and quiet yet also being 10 minutes away from the nearest market and 30 minutes away from the nearest city. Chipmunks, crows, doves, crickets, coyotes, sparrows and many other creatures call this land home. This is protected land called a Significant Ecological Area mostly because of the thousands of Joshua Trees. Send a photo of you sharing your water with the plants at terra.vivus.inquiries@gmail.com and receive $5 off your stay. 25% of all revenue goes to restoring, preserving and enhancing the existing ecosystem. Come experience and contribute to the preservation of this beautiful landscape. It can be windy at times, in order to mitigate this I recommend using your car(s) to block the wind. Local markets also sell neck gaiters for face protection. I also have pieces of plywood with bricks that you're welcome to move and shift to fit your needs. I am in the process of building a tree/shrub wind block. There's about .4 miles of dirt road to get to the property, there are some dips to watch out for but I come out here in a little Prius so it's manageable. Overall, there is an element of seclusion but occasionally people do drive by on the dirt road. I would rate the cell phone service a 7/10, it's pretty solid but can go out at times.

Desert mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Agua Dulce, CA

Learn more about this land: Desert mountain view of the open sky with lots of stars Covered picnic area with games fire pit seating area tables heat lamps in western Decour Two horses chickens ducks dogs with clean comfort walking distance to Le Chen Restaurant

90%

(15)

Sleepy Meadow Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Frazier Park, CA

The ranch been here for many years ( We uncovered a buried Horse wagon from the late 1800's at the back end of the property) . There was originally a very small cabin, but since it was upgraded by the previous owner around 1961 by adding a small kitchen and indoor restroom instead of the "outhouse" . My wife purchased the property about 3 years ago and we been doing intensive cleaning and upgrading of the Rustic property so we can share it with our guests ! Learn more about this land:Ranch setting on the high desert with over 15 pine trees for shadow areas.Great paved area with chairs and tables for eating, reading, or just contemplating nature! Plenty of room for RV's or tents! Water and electrical power available.Come and hear the wolves howl in the evening! ( Wolf reserve nearby).Great site for solitude, and relaxation or for bringing your toys and go play in the near areas! Great place for church groups or musicians that want to come in and play! (Also one small cabin available for couples!

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Dreamy Wild Horse Ranch Cabin

15 sites · Lodging, TentsLake Hughes, CA

Our family passion is endurance horse riding- for people which do not know what this means; it is a marathon race on a horse. For this kind of extreme sport, a already very fit and athletic horse needs to be prepared for riding in a rugged terrain at a faster pace to complete the race healthy and sound. Also the rider needs to be fit. I purchased this special location so i can condition my horses to perform at a best out there, in a tough and rugged race world of endurance. The left alone wilderness in the foothills and mountains housing some excellent training grounds, to get ready for some challenging races in the Western United States! This property location offers simply the much needed training challenges in all together, without ever to haul out, to train horses and riders for the confrontation of an terrain obstacle away from the ranch. In fact we have other riders coming in to train on the ranch!Our rides which we are offering are not dude ranch rides, or which would be to us boring cowboy rides, we trekking mostly in English style saddles, since riding is to us an athletic sport on an fit, muscle packed athlete.So the real equestrian enthusiast will not only find a grand ride in a fascinating Wild West nature, but also encounters a learning opportunity about equestrians.For our guests which are not into the world of equestrians, but still love the beautiful world of horses and want to meet a variety of breeds, we are offering happily a guided tour of the ranch, and inviting you to feed our drafts some carrots.Fascinating for many of our guests are our American Mustang horses. We even have some wild ones right here at the ranch. Additionally we love ATVing; our surrounding off road terrain trail spoil our guests with panoramic scenery, while driving with sometimes challenges. For this adventure we have some few trail heads which takes off right here from our ranch.Another important drawing card for us is the epic, world famous Pacific Crest Trail-which runs right in our backyard. If you looking to unwind in a peaceful, remote, wilderness world, for some hours off the day, or the whole day and need to head back to a cozy and comfy staying accommodation for the night, this ranch is a great approach to begin this journey!For people which interested in geological science, we can offer a walk through the San Andreas Fault line, which runs right across the ranch.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(224)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

Desert camping near Thousand Oaks guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate destination for camping enthusiasts! With over 1200 options available in the beautiful desert terrain near Thousand Oaks, California, you're sure to find the perfect camping experience. Whether you're looking for a rustic desert oasis or a cozy spot with all the amenities, we've got you covered. Check out some of our top-rated campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), and Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) to get started. Enjoy popular activities like surfing, hiking, and boating, and take advantage of amenities such as potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly sites. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $5, your dream camping trip awaits!