Painted Canyon

Stunning rock formations, lots of space but it rattles your teeth out getting there. We have a AWD sprinter which managed deep sand well.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

No services. Can be very hot!! Be Prepared. Endless exploring throughout the canyons.

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Camping here is a little rough... no bathrooms or running water but the slot canyons are awesome!

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.