Welcome to the land of sandstone cliffs, hidden canyons and desert sands. Red Rock Canyon State Park has plenty of such geological spectacles and is not to be confused with the many other Red Rock parks!

The park has also been used as the backdrop for many science fiction and western movies, as well as TV shows.

It’s located on the northwestern edge of the Mojave Desert. Nearby cities include Mojave, Cantil, California City and Ridgecrest.

Best time to visit is in the Spring and Fall. Be prepared for a windy campsite and lots of sun.

 
 
 
This California City webcam is as close to Red Rock Canyon as it gets, as far as web cams are concerned. Thank you, CalCityChaseCrew for providing it!

Red Rock Canyon Camping: Ricardo Campgrounds

The ONLY place to camp in Red Rock Canyon State Park

There are 50 campsites that are right next to this unusual formation of sandstone. There are no reservations but the campsite is rarely ever full.

This is also where the Park Ranger Station is located.

No camping (RVs, tents, trailers, vehicles) is allowed anywhere within the park except Ricardo Campground. The campground is tucked up against the base of dramatic desert cliffs, with 50 primitive campsites, potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and tables. Bring your own firewood, or purchase it from a ranger or at the visitor center. There are no RV hook-ups or showers. A maximum of 8 people is allowed per site (there are no group sites).

Camping is first-come, first served; there is no reservation system. The campground can fill up on weekends in the spring and fall, especially if the weather is nice or on holiday weekends, so arriving on a Thursday evening or Friday morning is recommended.

As of August 17th, 2009, the park fees are $25 per night, $23 for seniors, $6 for any extra vehicles, and $6 for day use. The RV dump station is only open on a seasonal basis and costs $15 (free for registered campers).

Self-registration/payment is required before setting up camp or parking. Vehicles (including OHV) must be parked within the rock lined areas provided at each campsite. No horses or livestock allowed in the campground! Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am; generators must be off from 8 pm to 10 am.

Red Rock Canyon State Park Visitor Center

(661) 320-4001

The RRCIA conducts guided nature walks every Saturday during the spring season, campfire talks on Saturday evenings, and other fun and educational events. Weather permitting, these may be held in the park’s own amphitheater. With your membership, you help support the operation and maintenance of this beautiful and wondrous park.

Benefits, aside from helping the park to avoid closure due to lack of funds, include a membership card, quarterly newsletter, a 15% discount on merchandise sold by the association, and the option to participate in all functions and special events.

Red Rock Canyon Link List – Links to more Information

If you are a fan of Red Rock, here are a couple other sites that have additional information.

Red Rock Interpretive Association
News, educational information and schedule of events and activities for Red Rock.

Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association – Mojave Desert – CA | Facebook
New facebook page of the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association. Be sure to stop by and give the folks a “Like”.

RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK – Camping in the California Desert
Alex Kahl’s website about camping in Red Rock Canyon.

Red Rock Canyon State Park
Official web site for CA State Parks

List of Movies and TV Series filmed in Red Rock Canyon
Blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, The Ten Commandments, Battlestar Galactica, Bonanza, and about 120 other titles have filmed on location at Red Rock Canyon.