How much does camping cost at Sterling Campground?

Camping fees at Sterling Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sterling Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sterling Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Sterling Campground?

Sterling Campground is open Spring and fall identified as ideal seasons for OHV activities due to mild temperatures.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sterling Campground?

Sterling Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Sterling Campground?

Fire policies at Sterling Campground: Fire pits are provided but restrictions may apply during fire season.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sterling Campground have?

Sterling Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sterling Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Sterling Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sterling Campground?

Sterling Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Sterling Campground

4.53

68 reviews

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Camping closed indef...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Camping closed indef...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Sterling Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for entrance and camping range from $5 for day use per vehicle to $10 for overnight camping. Fees are paid by QR code or app during weekends.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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Provider

(661) 248-7007null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Sterling Campground

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Nearby places

Santa Clarita (30 miles, approx. 35 minutes), Bakersfield (48 miles, approx. 50 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Payphones, basic supplies, and entrance staff available at Gorman. Fuel and groceries available in nearby towns like Lebec and Santa Clarita.

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5, take the Gorman exit. Drive to the McDonald's and make a right on Ralph's Ranch Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the Hungry Valley SVRA sign on Gold Hill Road. Follow signs and drive 2.5 miles to Sterling Campground.

Accessed from Ralphs Ranch Road off Interstate 5, roads are paved but subject to closures due to fires or adverse weather. Watch for signage detailing closures or hazards.

Weather at Sterling Campground

Current alerts(1)

Update (October 22, 2024): California State Parks announced the partial reopening of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) on Friday, Nov. 1, nearly four months after the devastating Post Fire tore through more than 10,000 acres of the park and forced its closure.

Best Time to Camp at Sterling Campground

Spring delivers the best window for riding and camping. Daytime temps run 55-75°F with cool nights in the 35-50°F range at this elevation. The hills bloom with wildflowers, and trail conditions are usually good after winter rains, though early-season mud patches can appear. Crowds stay moderate except on holiday weekends. Summer heat hits 100°F, making long rides punishing. Winter can bring snow. Reviewers suggest weekdays to avoid overcrowding.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Best window: mild temps (55–75°F), cool nights and hills bloom with poppies.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring and fall identified as ideal seasons for OHV activities due to mild temperatures.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping closed indefinitely due to Post Fire; expected reopening in early 2025.

About Sterling Campground

Sterling Campground sits at 3,000 feet within Hungry Valley SVRA, a working basecamp for off-road riders. The nine primitive sites run $5-10 per night and put you within direct reach of 130 miles of OHV trails. This is a no-frills spot: flush toilets, fire rings, intermittent cell service. Expect noise and dust when the trails are busy.

Sterling Campground primarily caters to primitive campers and off-road enthusiasts. It is popular among ATV and dirt bike riders, offering a convenient base for exploring Hungry Valley SVRA's network of trails.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best window for riding and camping. Daytime temps run 55-75°F with cool nights in the 35-50°F range at this elevation. The hills bloom with wildflowers, and trail conditions are usually good after winter rains, though early-season mud patches can appear. Crowds stay moderate except on holiday weekends. Summer heat hits 100°F, making long rides punishing. Winter can bring snow. Reviewers suggest weekdays to avoid overcrowding.

ElevationPerched between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, Sterling Campground offers a true mountain desert experience. The dramatic elevation changes create diverse microclimates throughout the camping area, with higher elevations occasionally receiving dustings of snow during winter months, while lower areas maintain more moderate desert conditions year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a montane desert landscape where elevations range from 3,000 to 6,000 feet across Tejon Pass. Rocky outcroppings, rolling hills, and canyon systems define the terrain. Spring transforms the hillsides with California poppies and other desert wildflowers. The vegetation is hardy desert scrub adapted to the high-elevation, arid conditions. Views extend across the varied topography, though the scenery takes a backseat to the trail riding for most visitors.

Geological RegionSterling Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads within Tejon Pass, where elevations sweep from 3,000 to 6,000 feet. This montane desert landscape showcases nature's architectural prowess through varied terrain that includes rocky outcroppings, rolling hills, and dramatic canyon systems. The diverse topography creates a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts while offering stunning vistas at every turn.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of hills, grasslands, and occasional snow-capped mountains are noted.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are available. The campground provides primitive camping facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

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Check-in

6:00 AM

Check-out

6:00 PM

Stay Limit

Camping currently closed until early 2025.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits unspecified.

Groups

User reviews mention a separate, rentable group campground across the road with its own amenities, but specific details about Sterling Campground's group camping options are absent.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe layout is centralized and basic, with sites accessible from main roads and trails radiating outward. Privacy is minimal. Reviewers note the campground gets overcrowded on weekends, with noise from off-road activity a constant. Bring your own water and toilet paper; amenities are functional but sparse.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via LAZ Parking app or website.

Walk-in AvailabilityDay-use entry is first-come, first-serve, except weekends when reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellations or refunds for reservations made through LAZ Parking systems.

AccessibilityNo explicit details about accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeThe size of campsites is not detailed in the available materials.

PrivacyPrivacy at the campsites is not detailed, but user hints suggest it's a basic layout without significant seclusion.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesSterling is suggested for its central location and access to trails.

Need help booking Sterling Campground?

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Sterling Campground within Hungry Valley SVRA offers a mix of basic and desirable amenities, catering to off-road enthusiasts and campers seeking proximity to trails. The campground includes flush toilets and fire pits as its primary amenities, according to user reviews. It does not seem to provide potable water on-site, as users suggest bringing their own water. There are no indications of picnic tables, a dump station, Wi-Fi, or laundry facilities.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sterling Campground provides access to various recreational opportunities primarily focused on off-road vehicle activities. It is ideal for ATV riders, motorcyclists, and those operating ROVs. Trails are well-marked, and the terrain caters to a range of skill levels.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsIncludes rattlesnakes, extreme temperatures, dust storms, and erosion risks. Warning signs are posted on trails.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire pits are provided but restrictions may apply during fire season.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, approx. 30 miles south in Valencia. Dial 911 for emergencies, though cellular coverage is intermittent.

Trash & RecyclingA superintendent's order prohibits moving or removing trash receptacles. Trash handling is regulated, but specifics like recycling options or locations are not detailed.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features nearby; area is dry most of the year.

Cell CoverageCellphone service appears intermittent across Hungry Valley SVRA, as noted in the authoritative sources.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

68 reviews

Top-Rated

Sterling Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the site's appeal for off-road enthusiasts but note its basic facilities like limited water availability and mixed toilet cleanliness. The campground is described as overcrowded and noisy at times due to off-road activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the proximity to trails and affordability. One review specifically praises the well-maintained trails and organization, stating, 'Very well maintained, well organized trails. And 10...

Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include overcrowding, lack of water, and inconsiderate visitors. Another review states, 'Overcrowded, too many rules. Lame fire pits. Inconsiderate riders and campers. Trails...

Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sterling Campground is described as basic compared to other rentable group campsites in Hungry Valley SVRA. No specific numerical site reviews are available.

Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend bringing your own water and toilet paper for convenience. They also suggest visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, as one user notes, 'Weekdays are the best time to go with the...

Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer camping may be challenging due to dusty conditions and high temperatures. Spring and fall are considered the best seasons with mild weather and occasional rain improving trail conditions.

Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It's Gorman. One of the last legal off-road paradise left in Southern California.' 2. 'Perfect for day use but horrible for RVs.. the ground is very uneven.' 3. 'Great place to ride ATVs, dirt...

Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues are not addressed in the reviews.

Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not address pet policies or pet-friendly features.

Based on 68 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

OHV riders who book early for a spring weekday will get the most out of this place. Trails are well-marked, the terrain covers a range of skill levels, and at $10 a night it's hard to argue with the value. Bring all your own water.

Skip if

Campers expecting quiet or any kind of solitude will be miserable here on weekends. No potable water, inconsistent toilet cleanliness, a no-refund cancellation policy, and intermittent cell signal near a 30-mile drive to the nearest hospital add up fast if OHV riding isn't the wh

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Cottonwood Campground

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Cottonwood Campground sits in the Tejon Pass area of Hungry Valley SVRA, a 3,000-foot-elevation pocket where mountain meets desert. The campground has 9 pull-through sites for tent and RV camping at $10/night, with vault toilets, fire rings, and potable water. Reviews praise the privacy and direct trail access but warn about dust and occasional noise from other campers.