- Red Rock Canyon State Park
The best camping in Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA
98% (22)
The best camping in Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA
98% (22)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Red Rock Canyon State Park adventure.
Camper favorites near Red Rock Canyon State Park
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Razz
2 weeks ago
21 ft campervan
Cool patch of desert surrounded by swell mountains… the Hillbilly liked squatting there for a night in the Hillbilly Camper for sunset with Padre Sol!! #yeehaw
Razz
The Roaming Hillbilly
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K
2 weeks ago
1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat
This cabin, location & host, John, all were truly such a treat! John is an absolutely wonderful human. He went above and beyond as a host to ensure we got in, settled and enjoyed ourselves. It’s clear the love and care he’s put into this property and for his guests. The cabin was comfortable, beautifully designed & the morning views were stunning. Thank you for having us!
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Nikki
3 weeks ago
With pets
Loved loved loved my stay here! I would call it gamping - not quite luxury glamping but definitely above camping. There are basic amenities provided though bringing your own gear might be helpful. Definitely coming back with my friends!
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Maria
3 weeks ago
Tent
My bf and I enjoyed our stay at Stargazer. It was quiet, clean, secluded and spacious! We loved that there were hot showers and clean toilets. We were the only one booked in the campground and we used the outdoor shower. The outdoor shower felt like we were showering in the middle of the forest! The creek is also so close to the campsite that you can hear it and it’s so relaxing. We cant wait to be back in the spring to go white water rafting!
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Prajwal
3 weeks ago
1 night at Diamond Acres Camp 🏕
Diamond Acre Camp is one of those rare places that feels calm the moment you arrive. The site is spacious, clean, and perfectly positioned for wide-open night skies. The star-gazing here is unreal — the kind of view that makes you forget about everything else.
The atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and beautifully raw. My tent lit up under the stars felt straight out of a movie.
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Lauren
3 weeks ago
With kids
My two boys and I stayed in the studio cabin. We had to rearrange our travel dates due to the weather. John couldn’t have been more flexible and accommodating in making sure our trip could still happen a few days later.
The site had a beautiful view, a little kitchenette, shower and wood stove that kept us warm. We had great stargazing and the gas burning stove was perfect for chilly nights.
John was the most welcoming host and made us feel very comfortable. We also enjoyed the nature trail on the site! Overall, a lovely place I would recommend if you want to slow down and enjoy some peace and quiet.
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selby
3 weeks ago
1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat
Magic, authentic, star-filled. What a magnificent spot! Wish we could have stayed longer. Be sure to bring blankets-and maybe an extra foam topper. Truly memorable!
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Michelle
3 weeks ago
Tent
We had such a rejuvenating time tent camping on John’s land. The campsites were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully set up. The kitchen area and bathroom had everything we could possibly need — so organized, easy to find, and even hot water. We especially loved the outdoor shower, and really appreciated the walk-through tour over the phone with John when we arrived.
We stayed at the Stargazer site and it was unforgettable. Perfect, wide-open views of the stars and a cozy chimenea to sit beside the fire while we watched the sky all night. Truly such a special spot.
We will absolutely be back for future trips!
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Will
November 2025
With kids
Absolutely loved Diamond Acres, in particular the Stargazing Tent. The views were gorgeous (we saw the Milky Way!) and the site itself was set up great. Even though it was 38 degrees F overnight, we were cozy. Just wonderful.
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Lenzo
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Even on an extremely rainy day it was a great experience camping at Stargazer, when you arrive John will give you an introduction tour, and we really appreciated the moderate amount of equipment and amenities provided to us, the communal bathroom was really clean and campground has nice vibes!
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Heidi
November 2025
Tent
We loved tent camping on John’s property. It was beautiful and peaceful. We look forward to staying again.
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DL
November 2025
Tent
I almost didn’t want to write this review as this place is so good. I want to keep it a secret. John and his wife were there to meet me as I pulled up and gave me a quick tour. Word cannot describe the beauty of this land. the place is kept immaculate all the amenities of the best campsites and more. They fit in all the comforts without spoiling any of the rustic beauty. I am definitely coming back. Thank you John.
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Nikhil
November 2025
Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat
We had a wonderful short stay at John’s cabin. He has made everything so thoughtfully and we felt very comfortable. The location was easy to find and the views are unbeatable! We will surely be back.
John has a huge property and a trail along the boundary. Also, the silence at the place was exactly what we were looking for.
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polly
October 2025
14 ft pop-up camper
Friendly people. Cute spot. Lots of animals to pet. Dogs, horses, and a kitty!
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Timothy
October 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Privacy, privacy, privacy… my wife and I went to view a meteor shower towards the end of October and we were not disappointed in the primitive campsite provided. Just make sure that you have four-wheel-drive available and please keep the campgrounds clean as I would love to return, and since it is already prestige, it would be nice to come to it in the same condition. There were no hassles we paid we camped we left. We had a great time so thank you Adidas Ziggy’s lead. Hope to see you soon.
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Emily
October 2025
Tent
This was my second time solo camping at Spirit Walk, and it was just as beautiful as the first. Tranquil, lovingly cared for, sacred space, with just enough thoughtful infrastructure to be supportive while not diminishing the feeling of wildness. There was enough fresh, cold water in the swimming hole to submerge my body - even in the fall, when many places are dry. The plants around were beautiful, and I had the place to myself besides my interspecies kin (including curious deer and bobcat). John, his partner, and lil puppy come to help you get oriented, and are cool and kind as well. Would recommend Spirit Walk to anyone looking for a peaceful way to commune with the land.
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Blaine
October 2025
1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat
Greta place! What the owner has done with the entire project is quaint, romantic, and unique- all making for an amazing stay. Look no farther than here and you won’t regret it!
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Paul
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
This was a wonderful stay. Beautiful site. Hot outdoor showers for a small fee (what a treat in that setting!) clean toilets plus hot and cold running water close by. A nice little walking trail (about a mile) right there. And John was a great host, very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this site!
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Felicia
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch
Great location off the beaten path. Nice and quiet, with lots of critters to gawk at, domesticated and wild. Deer wandered by while we soaked in the hot tub watching horses, and at night we were serenaded by nearby coyotes. The property has lots of character itself and is near enough to Kernville proper to go out for a hot meal, browse its shops, or hunt-down Quartzburg ghost town (which I strongly recommend!).
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Harmony
October 2025
With kids
We had a lovely time glamping on Glenda’s land. Beautiful views and morning visit from the deer. Super comfy beds.
See moreTop-rated campgrounds near Red Rock Canyon State Park
More campsites near Red Rock Canyon State Park
The best camping in Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA guide
Overview
About
With its jagged red-and-white-striped canyons, soaring cliffs, and dusty trails, it’s little surprise that Red Rock Canyon State Park has a host of Hollywood Westerns (plus a Destiny’s Child music video) on its resumé. If you’re not here as cast or crew, you’ve probably come for the trails, and movie-worthy views await at every turn. Saddle up for a horseback ride, bring your OTV, or enjoy a scenic hike beneath dramatic rock formations. Campers can sleep beneath the stars (the canyon is a renowned stargazing spot) at Ricardo Campground.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- The 50 campsites at Ricardo Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
- The campground can fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays—plan to arrive on a Thursday evening or early Friday morning to avoid disappointment.
When to go
Day-trippers and campers flock to Red Rock Canyon State Park from spring through fall, and popular trails can get crowded, especially on weekends. Summer temperatures can reach 100°F, so come prepared with plenty of water and avoid hiking through the hottest time of the day. Our advice? Visit in spring when wildflowers bloom through the desert valleys, or in fall, when the mild weather is ideal for hiking.
Know before you go
- Red Rock Canyon State Park is on Highway 14, 25 miles northeast of Mojave or about a 25-minute drive away. It’s about a 2-hour drive north of Los Angeles.
- Daily parking fees and camping fees are charged at the state park.
- Facilities at Red Rock Canyon State Park include a visitor center, restrooms, and picnic tables. Ricardo Campground has pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. There are no electric hookups or showers, and the maximum RV size is 30 feet.
- There are accessible campsites, picnic areas, and restrooms at Red Rock Canyon.
Nearby attractions
Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.
98%
22 ratings · 17 reviews
Amazing views enjoyed our stay here it was peaceful and quiet at nigh!
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Felipe S.
8 months on Hipcamp
September 2019
An easy to get to (no 4wd needed) and very clean campground.
The trais are as beautiful as the drive in, and really close to the camp sites.
I've camped here twice, both times on week days. The first trip there were only a handful of people staying at the campground. The next time I went I had the whole place to myself.
It can get quite windy, so be sure to bring extra stakes and set up your tent as close to a rock wall as you can.
This is a great place for stargazers, for those with an interest in geology, and anyone who wants to submerge themselves in silence.
Forrest M.
6 years on Hipcamp
July 2019
Rolled in about 1:30 a.m. on June 29th. A sign on the gate said the campground was closed, and only open September through mid-June. We had to scramble to find an (illegal) place to crash for the night! BE FORWARNED THAT THE CAMP SEEMS TO NOT BE OPEN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS! :-(
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John S.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2019
It gets very windy at times as this campground is located out in the desert.
Cassidy B.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2019
Obvious, but wear sunscreen.
Chris H.
7 years on Hipcamp
December 2017
I camped at Ricardo Campground just recently during the winter. I went on a Sunday and stayed there for 3 days. No one was really there except for 2 other groups. The campground wasn’t difficult to find and there are a lot of campsites to choose from. It’s very peaceful and the hikes weren’t that long. The best part of the campground is that it’s really close to a lot of the trails and you can go off trail if you want to.
The weather was nice when I went but temperatures dropped to about 15F at night. So it’s best to bring comfy gear when you go camping. Also, it’s really dusty due to it being in the desert so make sure you bring a lot of wipes or thing to keep you clean if you don’t like the dust.
Audrey T.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
This campground was amazing and will hold lasting memories for us. The way the sites back up to their own private rock formations make the spots seem intimate. Hiking though the area is nice and offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Ann Marie S.
2 reviews
March 2017
Found this place on Hipcamp when driving from Yosemite toward Death Valley. Perfect one-night stopover spot. Camp Sstes are nice (tho kinda close together), toilet was the cleanest I've ever used in a state park, and scenery is amazing. 👍👍
Tim F.
11 years on Hipcamp
January 2016
This is one of my favorite sites 2 hrs outside of LA!
Close enough so it's easy to convince friends to join for the weekend :)
It's so great for exploring. Lots of caves to wander into, and such crazy formations.
Kelsey T.
2 reviews
October 2015
Unfortunately with the military bases nearby, southern looking star gazing is washed out in the glowing haze. It's a typically quiet campground close to Los Angeles, that offers a great run of OHV trails. Avoid Joshua Tree crowds, and spend a night here during the spring.
Michael W.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Used often as a one-night layover, this park is actually worth exploring. It's a great hiking area, with some slot-like canyons, fossils, and great spring flowers. And the setting for hundreds of old movies.
Rob G.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Bring food! There aren’t many places around to eat, so be sure to come stocked with good ol’ food n’ water to get you through the night.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
The nearest significant town is 25 miles off, so light pollution isn’t a thing. Take advantage of the solitude and kick back for some mind-expanding stargazing.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
What are deserts famous for? A lot, but what we are hinting at is HEAT. It gets real hot, so be sure to bring double the amount of water you were originally thinking of bringing.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Head out during the spring season to witness the beauty that is the Californian desert wildflowers, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
While we stress the heat, deserts also get real chilly come sundown, so be sure to bring extra layers for the temperature fluctuations!
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Depending on the season, watch for traffic (on the trails, that is). People love to use OHV’s at Red Rock Canyon, so keep an eye out to make sure you don’t get run over.
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp