Lane Ranch Campground
4.5915 reviews5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Lane Ranch Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The cost for overnight camping at Lane Ranch Campground is $10 per night. Day-use vehicles are charged $5 per day. Reservations are generally site-specific.
About this campground
Nestled within the adventure-filled expanse of Hungry Valley SVRA, Lane Ranch Campground beckons off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to experience California's premier OHV playground. Here, sandy trails wind through a landscape purpose-built for exploration, where the rumble of engines mingles with the whisper of desert winds. This unpretentious campground offers a perfect basecamp for riders seeking authentic outdoor adventures, with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable while maintaining that coveted connection to the wild terrain that surrounds you.
Lane Ranch Campground supports a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It is also suitable for multi-family stays.
Historical SignificanceThe land beneath your tent holds stories stretching back generations, where hardy homesteaders once carved out lives from this rugged terrain and ranchers drove cattle across these very hills. Today, remnants of this rich heritage blend seamlessly with modern recreation. The nearby Freeman Canyon and Gorman Canyon cultural preserves stand as testaments to the area's deep roots, though both bear the scars of the recent Post Fire—a reminder of nature's power and the land's ongoing story of resilience and renewal.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert climate here tells a tale of extremes that shapes every camping experience. Summer arrives with blazing intensity, painting the landscape in shimmering heat waves as temperatures soar between 90°F and 100°F, creating dusty adventures under brilliant blue skies. When winter descends, the campground transforms into a different world entirely, where morning frost glitters on tent fabric and occasional snowflakes dust the surrounding hills. The true magic happens during spring and fall, when gentle temperatures create perfect conditions for both riding and relaxing around evening campfires, making these seasons the sweet spot for camping enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched at 3,000 feet above sea level, Lane Ranch occupies a sweet spot in the California landscape where mountain meets desert. This elevation gifts campers with delightfully cool evenings that provide welcome relief after sun-soaked days of adventure. Yet this same altitude brings its own character during winter months, when crisp mornings might greet you with a delicate frosting on your gear—a beautiful reminder that you're camping in a place where elevations create their own microclimate.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape surrounding Lane Ranch reads like a love letter to California's diverse ecology. Sandy expanses stretch toward horizons dotted with resilient oak woodlands, while native grasslands sway in the constant desert breeze. In a testament to nature's incredible resilience, the Sacred Datura has begun its delicate return following the Post Fire, its trumpet-shaped blooms emerging from the renewed earth like stars against the sandy soil. This is a place where the raw beauty of the high desert meets the gentle persistence of nature's recovery.
Geological RegionLane Ranch sits within the dramatic Tejon Pass region, where the very bones of California reveal themselves in stunning montane desert formations. This corner of Hungry Valley SVRA showcases nature's sculptural prowess through sandy soils that shift and flow, steep hillsides that challenge both rider and hiker, and erosion gullies that tell the ancient story of water's patient work. Here, native grasslands carpet the gentler slopes while sturdy oaks claim their spots on the hillsides, creating a diverse tapestry that changes with every turn of the trail. It's a geological wonderland where every ride becomes a journey through California's dynamic natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome campsites have paved handicap parking. Users have noted accessibility features like pull-through campsites.
Sites SizeThe campsites at Lane Ranch are generally spacious, with specific mentions of 40 feet long sites.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as having a layout that avoids overcrowding, offering a balance between group and private campsites.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsites near dirt roads to reduce exposure to dust from speeding vehicles. Stay clear of sites close to yellow jacket nests.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum occupancy per site is 8 people with up to 4 vehicles.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLane Ranch Campground offers spaced-out sites, including ramadas with shared fire pits for multi-family use and isolated sites for quieter stays.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping is closed until early 2025 due to the Post Fire recovery efforts.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for weekend day use can be made via the LAZ Parking app or website. For overnight camping, reservations are site-specific.
Walk-in AvailabilityWeekday access is first-come, first-served with a limit of 100 vehicles per day.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellations or refunds are allowed as per the LAZ Parking website policies for the park.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lane Ranch Campground caters primarily to off-highway vehicle recreation, with multiple trails accessible to riders of varying experience levels. A few user reviews highlight stargazing as a unique activity due to minimal light pollution.
Hiking
Trails of varying difficulty levels are accessible from Hungry Valley SVRA. Specific trails near Lane Ranch are not detailed.Biking
Several trails suitable for biking are available in Hungry Valley SVRA but lack detailed descriptions specific to Lane Ranch.Wildlife viewing
User reviews and official sources mention opportunities to view wildlife along trails. Details about specific species are not provided.Winter Activities
Heavy snowfalls occasionally occur in winter, affecting trails within Hungry Valley SVRA.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned for Lane Ranch Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, sandy and erosive terrain, and extreme weather conditions. Heavy erosion gullies and cliffs are common.
Active alertsCamping is closed until early 2025 due to Post Fire recovery.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 13.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles south in Valencia. For emergencies, dial 911. Cellular coverage is intermittent, but park rangers are trained emergency medical responders.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is generally during spring and fall, which offer mild temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacle removal is strictly prohibited by district superintendent orders, ensuring waste stays contained within proper disposal areas.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no nearby water bodies within Lane Ranch Campground.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention noise disturbances from loud music and off-highway vehicles during quiet hours. Lack of running water and crowded campsites are also cited.
Campground Map
5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Driving directionsTake Interstate 5 and exit at Gorman. Drive to the McDonalds and make a right on Ralph's Ranch Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the Hungry Valley SVRA sign (Gold Hill Road). Follow the signs and drive 2.5 miles until you see the Lane Ranch Campground.
Lane Ranch Campground is accessible via paved roads from Interstate 5. However, the campground itself is sandy and designated for ATVs rather than other vehicles. It is best to avoid high-speed driving within the campgrounds as strict rules are enforced.Nearby places
Santa Clarita (approximately 30 miles south), Bakersfield (approximately 40 miles north).
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies can be found at businesses in Gorman, including gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants. Supplies for OHV activities may also be available at specialized shops nearby.
Camper Reviews
4.6
15 reviews
Lane Ranch Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Lane Ranch Campground highlight its appeal for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and the peaceful atmosphere away from urban light pollution. However, loud music and unauthorized nighttime activities are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the shade provided by trees, opportunities for stargazing, and spacious campsites. One reviewer mentioned: 'I’ve never seen so many stars in my life, especially for being so...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent concerns include loud disturbances at night, lack of running water, and dust from dirt roads due to speeding vehicles. One user noted: 'Someone was playing loud music till 0100. Everything...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing extra water, avoiding campsites near the dirt road to avoid dust, and planning visits around meteor showers for exceptional stargazing.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer visits are marked by extreme heat, as noted in reviews. Spring and fall are suggested for more comfortable temperatures.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
'It’s set up in a way that doesn’t make you feel you’re on top of each other.' 'Good for dirt bike riding more than anything.' 'Bathrooms were clean and the area was really spacious.'
Based on 15 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Lane Ranch Campground sites, such as #4 and #6, feature pull-through designs and can accommodate up to 8 people and 4 vehicles. Sites have fire pits and ramadas but lack water hookups.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features include paved handicap parking and pull-through campsites, making the campground suitable for diverse needs.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash per site regulations. Reviews did not mention pet-specific amenities.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025