Ricardo Campground
4.5730 reviews377 Abbott Dr, Cantil, CA 93519
Ricardo Campground
$23.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Camping costs $25 per night per site, or $23 per night for seniors (ages 62+). Each additional vehicle costs $6. Payment is self-registration via cash or check when the Visitor Center is closed.
About this campground
Beneath towering desert cliffs that glow crimson at sunset, Ricardo Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where the raw beauty of the Mojave Desert takes center stage. This primitive campsite provides the essentials for a memorable outdoor adventure—potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables—while maintaining the rugged charm that draws adventurers seeking solitude under vast desert skies. Though you won't find RV hookups or showers here, what Ricardo lacks in modern amenities it more than makes up for in spectacular natural surroundings and unobstructed views of ancient geological wonders.
Ricardo Campground provides a mix of camping options including primitive, tent, and RV camping sites (no hookups).
Historical SignificanceFor millennia, the Kawaiisu people called this land home, navigating ancient trade routes that connected distant communities across the desert expanse. Their presence still echoes through the canyons and across the weathered rocks. Later, fortune-seeking gold prospectors carved their own stories into the landscape, leaving behind whispers of boom-and-bust dreams in abandoned mine shafts and weathered cabins. Hollywood discovered these dramatic vistas too, transforming the rugged terrain into backdrops for countless westerns and adventure films, adding another layer to the area's rich tapestry of human history.
Weather and SeasonsSpring transforms Ricardo into a desert paradise, with wildflowers painting the landscape in unexpected bursts of color and temperatures perfect for hiking and stargazing. Autumn brings its own magic, with crisp nights ideal for campfire conversations and comfortable days for exploring. Summer visitors should come prepared for the desert's intensity—temperatures can soar, making early morning and evening activities the best choice. Winter unveils the desert's dramatic side, with sudden storms rolling through the valley and creating spectacular cloud formations against the cliffs. Year-round, the wind whispers ancient stories through the canyons, sometimes building to powerful gusts that remind visitors of nature's untamed spirit.
ElevationPerched at classic Mojave Desert elevation, Ricardo Campground offers the perfect vantage point for experiencing the desert's unique ecosystem, where hardy plants and resilient wildlife have adapted to thrive in this challenging environment.
Natural Features and SceneryMassive sandstone sentinels stand guard over Ricardo Campground, their faces carved by millions of years of wind and water into fantastic shapes that shift color with the changing light. These ancient formations tell the story of volcanic upheavals and patient erosion that sculpted this dramatic landscape. Scattered among the rocks, iconic Joshua trees stretch their twisted arms skyward, while aromatic creosote bushes release their distinctive desert perfume after rare rainstorms. Keep your eyes peeled for the desert's secretive residents—coyotes padding silently through the dawn, red-tailed hawks circling on thermals high above, and colorful lizards basking on sun-warmed rocks.
Geological RegionRicardo Campground sits at the fascinating convergence of the Sierra Nevada and El Paso Range, where the forces of the earth have created a geological wonderland in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Here, dramatic cliffs rise like ancient castles, weathered buttes punctuate the horizon, and fantastical rock formations showcase nature's artistic prowess. Volcanic activity and relentless erosion have collaborated over eons to create this outdoor gallery, where every sunrise reveals new details in the ever-changing canvas of stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFour accessible campsites (#1, #2, #6, and #45) are available, with shade structures over picnic tables in sites #1 and #2. Routes to accessible restrooms may require navigation on campground roads, which may pose challenges during adverse weather conditions.
Sites SizeSites accommodate varying sizes from tents-only to big rig RVs, with a maximum RV length of 30 feet and tent pads measuring up to 30 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy, ranging from secluded options to sites clustered together, often influenced by proximity to canyon walls.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites closer to the canyon walls provide wind shelter and scenic views. Bring supplies for extreme wind conditions.
Best Campsites15, 36, 38, and 50 are noted for their views and proximity to the cliffs.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Self-registration available 24 hours.
Check-out
Self-registration available 24 hours.
Stay Limit
No specific maximum consecutive nights restriction noted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 individuals per campsite.
Groups
Group camping sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive setup with sites arranged against cliffs and open desert areas; no designated loops or sections noted.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Spring and autumn are peak seasons.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations—camping is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is exclusively first-come, first-served. Arriving on Thursday evening or Friday morning is recommended during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is in place; camping is first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ricardo Campground and its surroundings offer a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking on scenic trails, wildlife viewing, stargazing, photography, and OHV routes nearby.
Hiking
Miles of trails traverse the dramatic desert landscape of Red Rock Canyon State Park. User reviews recommend preparing adequately for desert conditions, including carrying ample water and wearing sturdy shoes.Biking
Bicycling is allowed exclusively on improved and primitive roads within the park. Off-trail biking is prohibited.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as roadrunners, hawks, lizards, and coyotes are commonly observed. Migratory birds enhance wildlife viewing during spring and autumn.Cultural and Educational Programs
Guided nature hikes, campfire programs, and interpretive exhibits are offered during fall and spring. Programs cover cultural, geological, and ecological themes.Winter Activities
Winter camping provides opportunities for stargazing, observing storms, and enjoying cooler desert conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are unavailable due to the lack of suitable water bodies.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are restricted to metal fire rings provided at campsites. Importing fire rings is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM; generators off from 8 PM to 10 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent high wind gusts pose challenges for tent campers. Wildlife such as rattlesnakes may be encountered. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically.
Active alertsNone specific to Ricardo Campground, but severe weather and closures affect other areas of Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
Mojave provides the nearest hospital services and emergency support approximately 25 miles away. For police assistance, contact the sector office at (661) 946-6092.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring and autumn.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features nearby; water is mainly provided via spigots.
Common complaintsWind gusts are a recurring issue, making activities like cooking and tent setup challenging. Vault toilets can be smelly, especially in summer.
HostNo specific information is available about campground hosts.
Campground Map
377 Abbott Dr, Cantil, CA 93519
Driving directionsFrom Los Angeles: Take I-5 North, merge onto CA-14 N toward Palmdale Lancaster, continue for 25 miles northeast of Mojave. Turn left onto Abbott Drive and go west 1/4 mile to the Visitor Center and Ricardo Campground. From Sacramento: Take CA-99 South, merge onto CA-58 E, and follow signs for CA-14 toward Mojave/Bishop. Turn left onto CA-14 N, and proceed as described.
Highway 14 provides paved access directly to the park, making it accessible year-round. Abbott Drive is paved and offers easy access. Seasonal weather conditions like rain may affect travel on dirt roads within the park.Nearby places
Mojave: 25 miles (30 min)
Los Angeles: 120 miles (2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Mojave, 25 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
30 reviews
Ricardo Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Ricardo Campground highlight its stunning scenery, clean facilities, and opportunities for stargazing. However, strong winds and desert conditions occasionally pose challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews
What Campers Love
Users universally praise the beautiful geological formations and scenic desert backdrop. Other positives include well-maintained toilets, availability of potable water, and helpful staff.
Based on 30 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include strong winds, occasional odor from vault toilets, lack of shade at some sites, and proximity to Highway 14 leading to noise in certain areas.
Based on 30 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early for the best campsites near canyon walls to mitigate wind exposure. Bring warm clothing for chilly nights and check weather conditions beforehand.
Based on 30 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate temperatures and vibrant wildlife activity. Summer may be excessively hot, and winter storms can provide dramatic scenery.
Based on 30 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Extremely windy, very powerful wind gusts...The best way to enjoy this campground is to sit and do nothing but observe how beautiful this place is." - Jenna S. "I loved the trip and staying there, I...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The best campsites reported by users include #15, #36, #38, and #50. Sites near canyon walls are preferred for shelter from wind.
Based on 30 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites were positively reviewed, though mobility challenges may arise when navigating slopes to restrooms.
Based on 30 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users caution regarding broken glass at some sites and the need to keep dogs away from wildlife or rattlesnakes.
Based on 30 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025