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Camping

Painted Canyon

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Painted Canyon, near Mecca, California, is a unique camping location that offers a blend of adventure and stunning natural beauty. With its open spaces and scenic views, it’s a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

This area is known for its beautiful hiking trails, including the challenging rope canyon trail that promises an exhilarating experience for those ready to tackle it. Visitors have noted the need for 4-wheel drive to navigate the sandy roads, so be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride. As one camper mentioned, “Loose sand will sometimes look firm and firm sand may look loose,” so keep your wits about you when choosing your spot.

Campers appreciate the freedom to set up their tents or RVs almost anywhere along the wash, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy a more laid-back, boondocking experience. The nights here are particularly magical, with clear skies ideal for stargazing, and the area is free of pesky bugs, allowing for a peaceful evening by the fire. Just remember to “fox-proof” your campsite, as the local wildlife can be quite curious!

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water or toilets—this adds to the charm for many who seek a more rustic experience. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature, Painted Canyon is definitely worth considering.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

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Location

Painted Canyon is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.61177077 N
116.00870075 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 22, 2023

Close but remote

Deep sand at times. They recommend 4 wheel drive. Got in on my Ducati but it wasn’t pretty. Only one at the entire place and only a few miles from town.

Month of VisitApril
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Reviewed Jan. 7, 2022

Great hikes

BLM land surrounded by Mecca wilderness good spot for boondocking. Washboard road into the camping area lots of sand so be careful and don't get dug in. Spent the first night at the pit toilet camp area spent the second night up by the trailhead which by the way needs a pit toilet. I did the rope canyon trail and it's fairly dangerous and strenuous take gloves and be ready to do a lot of crawling and bouldering.

Sitecamping area near the pit toilets and the trailhead this is just basically boondocking
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Herbster , January 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Herbster , January 7, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2021

Beautiful place but …..

I went there set up my tent and went for the hike really beautiful place but be careful on my way down I went to my tent and I saw a couple that were on their truck they got down and got closer to me I said hi and waved but they didn’t even move and just stare at me and than they turned around and went to their truck l felt like something was wrong and I was by myself so I went to Joshua tree instead just be careful people

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 19, 2021

Really cool spot!

We planned our trip for April 23-25th and it was a nice time to go. It was a bit hot out during the day but didn’t surpass mid 90’s. And the evening was really nice, It was nice and cool, you’ll only need like one blanket.

Beware of high winds here and there. Especially in the evenings, our tent stayed put with extra stakes and ties but canopies and porta potty tents would’ve flown if we didn’t sand bag and weigh them down with rocks that were laying around.

4x4 is highly recommend if your gonna pull off the side of the road to camp. The sand is really loose and very easy to sink into. I also recommend bringing a rake to flatted out the sand and remove any large rocks before pitching your tent.

There are also a couple hikes to do, like the painted Canyon ladder trail. (This hike is definitely NOT Recommended for dogs) we tried to bring our fur babies along and we did get past the first couple ladders but found it way too difficult to continue. But over all the hike was beautiful.

Also plan on “Fox proofing” your camp site area, there are the cutest little foxes that WILL attempt to get into your things in the evening.

But over all I highly recommend this spot! It’s a perfect, chill, secluded space to camp with friends, pets & family.

Sitedispersed camping
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Name , May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Name , May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Name , May 19, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2021

Beautiful but busy

It was quite warm in mid April. Lots of folks out driving through during the night, and a few loud partiers. This is a decent option if you don’t have a reservation at one of the “reservation required” Joshua Tree campgrounds.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Mark O., April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Mark O., April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Mark O., April 12, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2021

Nice BLM camp

Got here just as the sun was setting so we chose a spot fairly close to the road, just past where a number of RVs were. 4WD seems required off the corrugated road, soft sand. It is beautiful here, and free! The wind was insane during the night, and bugs were terrible in the morning.

  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Venice  G., March 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Venice  G., March 29, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 27, 2021

Well earned intimate views

To all my fellow 2wd roughians, your first time grinding through Painted Canyon Trail may be slightly tense but exciting none the less. Words of caution shared among these former reviews are accurate and helpful. Loose sand will sometimes look firm and firm sand may look loose in places and your wheels could bury fast in the wrong pockets. Every turnout into an open spot will require some inspection but it's up to you to figure out what you can and can't do. With that being said, a lot of open spots would've buried me so I played it as safe as I could although I probably could've pushed a little more. Be smart, have fun, maybe put on some Neil Young and soak in the sunshine.

  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Izzy Y., March 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Izzy Y., March 27, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2021

Great spot for a few nights

Wonderful campsites all throughout along and inside canyon walls. We found a nice one with a few well built fire rings right next to a trailhead. Came in with a 2wd low gear and didnt go to far in but was able to make it past some easier spots for more seclusion. The hikes and views are top notch. Pack in pack out, relatively clean. Some weekend party people blasted techno late a few nights. That was the only disturbance in the trip. Wind isnt as bad as some other spots around here.

  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Joe L., March 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Joe L., March 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Joe L., March 1, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2021

Our favorite

This is by far the best place to tent camp that we have found. We love hiking the rope/ladder trail loop during the day and star gazing at night. No bugs and the weather is amazing if you’re at the base of the canyon. There’s loose sand roads the further you get in, so 4wheel drive only if you’re trying to get far away from the main road. There is a bathroom towards the beginning, but nothing close to the main hiking area.

Reviewed Jan. 11, 2021

Great camping and great stars

Great piece of dispersed camping. As said in other reviews here, you can camp just about anywhere in the wash/river bed. I’m not sure how often water flows through it if at all so check weather just to be safe. No bugs, great weather and beautiful hikes surround the campsites. Most vehicles can make it in, but the deeper you go the rougher the roads.

  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Spencer L., January 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Spencer L., January 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Spencer L., January 11, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2020

Beautiful

Highly recommend this as a top campsite. The views are unbelievable! It’s like a mini Grand Canyon. It’s a good spot during the summer with all the shade it provides. Winter is obviously best because it stays about 70 during the day.

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2020

Great but busy

Loved that it was dispersed camping. You can see where the normal " spots" are. I would say that there is limited spots, but really you can camp any where since its dispersed. 
The normal "spots" are bare, and just up against the canyon walls in order to get the most shade. 

Painted canyon / Ladder canyon is fun to explore. I would love to go back and explore further into the other canyons but we were not prepared for that. 

Watch the corners when driving/ walking on the road- some people drive quick around the blind corners.

AWD recommend in the least to get all the way to the trail head. There are some really sand spots, but saw smaller cars ( corollas/civic etc) along the road - just don't stop in the sandy areas..

I didn't grab a lot of photos but here are a few of the campsite and a few of ladder canyon!

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Brittany N., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Brittany N., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Brittany N., July 17, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Mar. 13, 2020

Busy site, great day hike, terrain is not dog friendly.

Love camping here! Absolutely beautiful! However the terrain is not very dog friendly sharp rocks cut our pups paws up (he is familiar with outdoor hiking) and if you want to do the ladders or ropes... no way. Easy to find a place to tuck away in a tent or truck at night and enjoy hiking again in the AM.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Kayla H., March 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Kayla H., March 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Kayla H., March 13, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2016

The Painted Canyon is a must stop if you are in the area!

The disbursed camping opportunities here are endless. We pulled over on one of the backroads and found this little gem. There was no one else there, and we only heard 2 or so cars drive by on the road. The next morning we woke up and explored the area...it was absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend stopping here if you need a quick, free place to camp.

  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Sarah R., October 21, 2016
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Sarah R., October 21, 2016
  • Review photo of Painted Canyon by Sarah R., October 21, 2016
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Painted Canyon?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Painted Canyon, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Painted Canyon?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.