About four miles off the highway down a dirt road, this free dispersed site sits in open Mojave Desert terrain managed by the Bureau of Land Management. No facilities, no fee, no signage. The surrounding landscape is flat and exposed, with wide sightlines toward the horizon in most directions. Campers who have visited note that both sunrises and sunsets are worth watching from here, with little to interrupt the view.
Road conditions are manageable for most vehicles. One reviewer noted arriving at night in a minivan without issue, though late arrivals unfamiliar with the area have found the approach into an OHV trail system disorienting. Verizon users have reported holding some cell service on site. The area draws little traffic, and even on Memorial Day weekend one camper found the site essentially empty. Wind can be a factor, so securing gear and tent stakes is worth doing before dark.
As Tyler D. wrote, it's "a great little secluded spot about 4 miles off the highway in the desert." Campers looking for nearby alternatives might consider Balsamo Road BLM Dispersed near Kramer, which sits just over a mile to the west and has been described as a quieter pull-out option. For a broader look at the region, campgrounds near BLM Land — Barstow Field Office include several other dispersed options across the area.
Campfires are allowed and pets are permitted. Bring enough water for the full stay, as there are no services within easy reach.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBLM Desert Site is located in California near California City
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
35.05692957335111 N
117.55092990316913 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/8/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/8/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/8/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/8/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Riverside, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 53 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Oxnard, CA
