# Cuyama Badlands See photos, check availability, and book on Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-cuyama-badlands-388lhwwr - **Location:** Cuyama, California, United States - **Price:** from $40.00/night - **Rating:** 99% recommend (3271 reviews) - **Sites:** 21 - **Size:** 164 acres - **Host:** Songdog Ranch J. ## Overview 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! ## Highlights - **Best van & overland spots in the US:** Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026. - **Hipcamp's 50 Favorite Places to Camp in the US:** Named one of our favorites in 2026. - **Amazing views:** Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views. - **Family-friendly:** Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids. - **Staff verified:** Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team. - **Songdog Ranch is a Star Host:** Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences. - **Romantic:** Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic. - **Private sites:** 97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private. ## Amenities - **Amenities:** Pets, Potable water, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Trash, Cooking equipment, Picnic table - **RV amenities:** Generators - **Activities:** Biking, Hiking, Horseback riding, Off-roading (OHV), Wildlife watching - **Terrain:** Desert, Canyon, Mountainous, Field, Farm, Ranch ## Sites - **Draw Camp in the Far West** (tents, up to 4 guests, $40.00/night) - **Site 3 - Songdog East Campsites.** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **Site 3 - Songdog West Campsites.** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **Site 4 - Songdog West Campsites.** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **Site 1 - Songdog West Campsites.** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **Site 2 - Songdog East Campsites.** (tents, up to 4 guests, $40.00/night) - **Songdog Double Fire** (rv-tent, up to 16 guests, $80.00/night) - **Site 1 - Songdog East Campsites.** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **Site 2 - Songdog West Campsites.** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **Glamp Tank site** (quirky, up to 6 guests, $150.00/night) - **Grand View** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **Pupdog Hill** (quirky, up to 4 guests, $225.00/night) - **The Barbeque** (rv-tent, up to 40 guests, $150.00/night) - **Base Camp site** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $50.00/night) - **Franks Site** (vehicles, up to 8 guests, $50.00/night) - **Dry Creek 2** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $50.00/night) - **The Barnyard** (vehicles, up to 8 guests, $50.00/night) - **Dry Creek 1** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $50.00/night) - **The Glabin with the Views** (quirky, up to 6 guests, $175.00/night) - **Wellhead RV Campsite** (vehicles, up to 8 guests, $40.00/night) - **The Mesa** (rv-tent, up to 80 guests, $500.00/night) ## Recent reviews > We had a FAB time! Jenny was the consummate host, and we really enjoyed chatting with her and learning more about Songdog. We camped at one of their tent spots, and it was luxurious for tent camping (IYKYK)—our own potable water spigot, a shade structure, chairs, a picnic table and fire pit. We pretty much had the place to ourselves, but sites are nicely spaced for busier times. They’ve really thought of everything to make your stay easier—firewood for sale ($1/log) with kindling and fire starter, and a cute little self-pay shop for ice and the things you forgot. Loved it! > > - Melanie C., November 1, 2026 > Beautiful spot, a little hard to find without a map at night. > > - Nicolas C., October 29, 2026 > We had such a relaxing stay at Songdog Ranch! Beautiful scenery, peace and quiet, and a great place to unwind. The pups loved it just as much as we did. The hosts are wonderful and made us feel welcome. We’d happily come back! > > - Michael C., October 26, 2026 > Great trip. Lovely host. Beautiful location. > > - Graham H., October 26, 2026 > Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful > > - Jacob D., October 25, 2026