Ricardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park is tucked along the base of a dramatic cliff. The park is located on the eastern side of the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada, 92 miles south of Lone Pine.
Red Rock Canyon State Park features scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. Tributary canyons around the park all offer variations of rock shapes and colors. The park protects a number of significant paleontology sites and the remains of late 19th century mining operations and has been the location for a number of movies. After the winter rains, magnificent floral displays are set against the backdrop of the rock formations. Desert wildlife includes squirrels, mice, lizards, roadrunners, and hawks.
A number of trails guide visitors to scenic locations around the park. Among the trails are the Ricardo Nature Trail, the Desert View Trail, and the Red Cliffs Nature Trail. Interpretive Programs and Guided Hikes are offered on a regular basis in fall and spring, some held at the Ricardo Visitor Center, others gather at trailheads. Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Program Schedule
Ricardo Campground has 50 primitive campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. Within the campground drinking water and pit toilets are available. All the campsites are first-come, first-served. The campground is especially popular on spring and fall weekends. Self-registration/payment is required before setting up camp or parking. Most of the sites are exposed with very little vegetation in the area. Sites can be windy.
| Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Ricardo Campground Location: | Highway 14, 92 miles south of Lone Pine |
| Elevation: | 2,600 feet |
| Mileage from gateway cities: | Los Angeles - 120 miles
Bakersfield - 81 miles |
| Campground Open: | Open year-round |
| Number of Sites: | 50 |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2, $6 per night fee for 2nd vehicle |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended, not allowed on trails |
| Operated by: | California State Parks |
| Mojave Sector Office: | (661) 946-6092 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| No Reservations Available: | First-come, first-served |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 30 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | #1, #2, #6, and #45. Sites #1 and #2 have a shade Ramada over the picnic table.
Red Rock Canyon SP Accessible Features |
| Campground Map: | Ricardo Campground Map |
| Fees: | $25 per night |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: not specified Check-out: Noon |
| Ricardo Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water, campfire center |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Park Map: | Red Rock Canyon State Park Map |
| Attractions near Ricardo Campground: | Stop by the Visitor Center (closed during winter and summer months). Enjoy the many hiking trails in the park. Find shaded picnic tables. Enjoy seasonal interpretive programs. Join guided nature hikes in spring and fall. |
| Updates | Last Updated April 2025 |
Ricardo Campground
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Ricardo Campground
Enjoy the beauty of the colorful rock formations at Red Rock Canyon State Park. Make your camp at Ricardo Campground.
Check for any park or campground updates:
