Bureau of Land Management oversees this dispersed camping area that draws off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to open desert terrain near Barstow. The free campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and accommodates RVs alongside smaller camping setups across multiple sites.
Access requires navigating rough dirt roads that extend roughly two miles from the main route. Each established site includes a primitive fire ring, though campers must bring their own firewood since none exists in the surrounding desert landscape. The area lacks restrooms and water sources, making this strictly a pack-in, pack-out operation. Cell service remains available for those needing connectivity.
Winter months bring the heaviest use as OHV riders converge on the area, particularly during weekends and holidays when crowding becomes common. "This is a popular camping site for OHV riders during the winter," notes one visitor who observed sites capable of holding five to seven RVs each. Morning hours can involve noise from passing riders, though individual sites maintain enough distance to minimize disruption most of the time.
Summer temperatures make camping less comfortable, while fall and winter offer more moderate conditions with cold nighttime temperatures. Campers looking for additional options in the region can explore Owl Canyon Campground or other developed facilities. Bring adequate water, firewood, and cold-weather gear for winter visits.
Description
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBLM Barstow is located in California near Joshua Tree National Park
Coordinates
35.06188904 N
116.98465255 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- 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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 46 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 48 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 3 hrs 9 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 28 min from Oxnard, CA
