Red Rock Canyon State Park California

Ranked #1,135 in Travel & Places, #46,646 overall

Mojave Desert Scenery At It's Finest

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! (Scroll down or click here for a list of all 30 Red Rock Canyons in the US) 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.

Climbing The Red Rocks - Fun For Everyone! 

Current Weather Conditions and Forecast

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Severe Weather Alerts for the Mojave Desert

If you're planning a trip out to Red Rock it's a good idea to check this space for severe weather forecasts. Due to it's desert location the Park is subject to some pretty extreme weather conditions.
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Mojave Desert Map

Mojave Desert at Ricardo Camp Grounds 

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

Red Rock Canyon Camping Trips 2004 - 2008

We just returned from our Spring 2008 trip to Red Rock Canyon. The desert flowers, including the Joshua trees, were blooming all over the place. What an awesome spot to enjoy California's desert!

curated content from Flickr

Dog Backpack

Perfect for Hikes and Excursions with your dog

We often get amazed (or amused? ) comments about our friend's doggie backpack. Especially on long hiking trips or excursions in the desert, bringing enough water supply along is paramount for our dogs. It has proven to be very practical that our canine friends carry their own water and snacks, and as you can see, they seem to enjoy it , too. Well, at least they don't mind once they get used to it. There are many different models on the market and it's hard to recommend a certain brand. A comfortable and secure fit is important, as is the durability of the material. Most also have a carrying handle on the back, which comes in handy when climbing in difficult terrain.
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Dog Backpack In Action 

Red Rock Canyon California Videos

Dirt roading in the Mojave desert. Some videos from our 2007 trip.

The first is a 360 of Ricardo camp site. And of course the famous "Frolicking in the Desert Spring Flowers" clip of April 2008!
Red Rock Canyon State Park campsite 360 view
by kahlbo | video info

0 ratings | 720 views
curated content from YouTube

Guides to the Mojave Desert

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Red Rock Canyon Link List

Links to more Information

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
Camper Awnings & Accessories
Country Homes Campers is known for smart Camper accessories like camper awnings, as well as interior conversions for Camper Vans. They are also they guys you see in some of the pictures in the slide show above.
Joshua Tree
If you like the Red Rock Canyon, or to see more of my pictures, please visit my lens on another one of our favorite destinations.
Red Rock Interpretive Association
News, educational information and schedule of events and activities for Red Rock.
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.

UFO Sighting over Red Rock Canyon! 

Spring Fling At Red Rock Canyon 

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Red Rock Desert Log

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