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Dispersed Camping

Minietta Road

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Minietta Road offers dispersed camping near rugged terrain with sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from highs of 100°F in summer to lows of 30°F in winter. Nearby, visitors can explore Death Valley National Park and the Panamint Springs area.

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Location

Minietta Road is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.24837472 N
117.3534156 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&T
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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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 Minietta Road needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 19, 2025

Silence & Solitude!

I loved boondocking here in Panamint Valley. The road is really long, so I’m sure there are a lot of spots. Most of them seem to be spread out 1/4 mile or so. The valley is known for having ZERO background noise, so the only sound you’ll hear are the occasionally car, the ravens, and the Hornet fighter jet that flights overhead. At night, you get an unmatched view of the stars and Milky Way because there’s no light pollution.

SiteNA
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by Josh P., October 19, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2025

Spacious and ideal stopover point

In this place you are like lost on an unihabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree. I prepared enough food and stuff to camp in the RV about nearly 2 days. A family of 4 loved the so peaceful night there block blast.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by HENRY C., September 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by HENRY C., September 5, 2025
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2024

Ideal for the night

We pulled off on the closest part to the road which was quiet all night really. There were other parts further up.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by Kevin T., November 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by Kevin T., November 30, 2024
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2023

Great dispersed camping spot

Great for a night or two, heading towards or leaving Death Valley between Joshua Tree..

You are literally in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone reception, amenities, nothing, not even shelter, but yet so peaceful and quiet. We saw a couple of RVs but everyone has a TON of space....I would totally camp here again.

I was able to let dog and cat out of camper and they weren't going anywhere....nothing to chase, etc.

Siten/a
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by Kristi D., November 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by Kristi D., November 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Minietta Road by Kristi D., November 10, 2023
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What dispersed camping options are available around Darwin, California?

Minietta Road offers excellent dispersed camping near Darwin with multiple pull-off areas. Some spots are close to the main road while others are located further up, providing various options depending on your preference for privacy. The area accommodates both tent camping and RVs with plenty of space between campers. There are no designated sites or facilities - this is true boondocking in an open desert landscape. The expansive terrain allows for a genuine off-grid camping experience.

Where is Minietta camping located near Darwin, California?

Minietta Road camping is located in a remote area near Darwin, California, positioned between Death Valley and Joshua Tree. This dispersed camping area is truly in the middle of nowhere, offering vast open spaces with plenty of room between campsites. The camping spots are accessible directly off Minietta Road, with some areas closer to the main road and additional spots available further up the road.

What are the best times of year to camp near Darwin, California?

The best times to camp near Darwin are spring and fall when desert temperatures are most moderate. Winter can be suitable but prepare for cold nights. Summer should generally be avoided due to extreme desert heat. The area is functional as a transitional camping spot when traveling between Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Plan accordingly with sufficient supplies as this remote location has no amenities, cell service, or natural shelter from the elements.