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Best Dispersed Camping near Barstow, CA

36 Reviews

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding Barstow, California provide multiple dispersed camping opportunities in the Mojave Desert. Several free primitive sites are available including BLM Barstow Dispersed Camp Area, Ord Mountain Dispersed, Stoddard Valley OHV, Bell Mountain Road, and Stoddard Wells Road. These areas typically feature open desert terrain with minimal vegetation and few natural barriers between sites. Most locations permit camping without reservations or fees, though campers should verify current regulations before arrival.

Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful navigation, with several reviewers noting potholes, washboard surfaces, and occasional steep sections. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote locations, though some areas like Bell Mountain Road accommodate standard vehicles when conditions are dry. Most sites lack basic amenities—no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or designated fire rings are provided. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during high fire danger periods.

The desert landscape offers expansive views and relative solitude, particularly at sites farther from highways. Visitors report varying experiences with noise levels—some areas remain peaceful while others experience occasional disturbance from OHV activity, especially on weekends. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, making these sites practical for remote workers. Weather conditions can be extreme, with significant wind and temperature fluctuations. According to one visitor at BLM Desert Site, "The warm sun the next morning was beautiful but there is next to no vegetation. This campsite has nothing so take what you need and leave no trace." Another noted, "We stayed here for one night and it was a great spot, really quite. The road was a little rough to get to where we stayed but no issue in our van aside from being a bit bumpy."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Barstow, California (19)

    1. Stoddard Valley OHV

    2 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    7 miles

    "There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL!"

    2. BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

    4 Reviews
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "There are several sites at this location that each can hold 5-7 RVs. Each of the sites has a primitive fire ring, but there is no wood in the area, so bring your own."

    3. Ord Mountain Dispersed

    1 Review
    Daggett, CA
    15 miles

    "I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location.  "

    4. Bell Mountain Road

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    21 miles

    "There is some garbage, target shooting in the distance and the occasional maniac driving through too fast and kicking up lots of dust. Generally it was quiet."

    "many Trucks at night. don't drive to the campground just search a space after road ends"

    5. Stoddard Wells Road

    Be the first to review!
    Apple Valley, CA
    17 miles

    6. BLM Desert Site

    4 Reviews
    California City, CA
    32 miles

    "I wasn’t sure when driving out here at night in a minivan, but the dirt road didn’t give me any trouble and I still had some service with Verizon."

    "Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise."

    7. Cougar Buttes in Johnson Valley

    1 Review
    Lucerne Valley, CA
    30 miles

    "There are other cover areas around the buttes to camp in for more privacy as the main area can get crazy with big numbers of "neighbor" (if you like that)."

    8. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    7 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    42 miles
    Website

    "Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites."

    "Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."

    9. Monarch-Rand Mine

    2 Reviews
    Red Mountain, CA
    33 miles

    "Is quiet up the hill about a half mile from where GPS said to stop. It’s on the right just past the rocks"

    10. Helendale Road

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    Helendale, CA
    25 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Barstow, CA

40 Photos of 19 Barstow Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Barstow, CA

36 Reviews of 19 Barstow Campgrounds

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    Monarch-Rand Mine

    Quiet, Peaceful

    Quiet place, we only saw one other set of campers. The warm sun the next morning was beautiful but there is next to no vegetation. Additionally, this campsite has nothing so take what you need and leave no trace! It worked for a night. The road in is kind of weird as it runs parallel to another road similar, we drove along one and would alternate to try and avoid bad potholes. Some are inevitable and I would imagine high clearance is needed to access.

  • Dickie Simmons S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Convenient free camping just outside of town

    Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others.  Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    BLM Desert Site

    Great spot

    I wasn’t sure when driving out here at night in a minivan, but the dirt road didn’t give me any trouble and I still had some service with Verizon. It’s a great little secluded spot about 4 miles off the highway in the desert. I missed the sunset but caught a beautiful sunrise.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Ord Mountain Dispersed

    Actual location 34.684300, -116.960600

    I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location.  This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.

    We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area. 

    Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    Site of gold discovery in the 1800s.

    If you’re into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful. Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites. There wasn’t many other vehicles around the times I’ve been out there. Nice scenery and peaceful.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2018

    Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    unlimited backcountry camping

    Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed. Dogs are allowed, and the trails in the area are dog-friendly.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    Quick stop, nice rocks

    We stayed here for two nights, and it was a pretty pleasant experience! There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots. Use Google Maps; Waze takes you the wrong way, cause it's just right off the freeway, not down a long, very bumpy dirt road.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    Nice stopover for me

    Arrived at 2;30 pm. Windy. I wanted a place where I could let Bella off leach, so I put it in 4 wheel drive to pull my TAB trailer. Found a good spot. I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road.

  • Francisco F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Spot For 4x4, But NOT For RVs

    My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot, after finding it on The Dyrt and a few other sites. It's definitely a beautiful place, and most of the road to the site is paved, but the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4, since the road is very thin and our SUV (a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder) is kind of thick. I'm sure it's probably nothing for people who are used to using their 4x4 for more than regular driving in the snow, etc., but it was too dodgy for us. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down the incline and then quite a ways down the pitted, gravel road to get out of it. 

    It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot - you wouldn't be there alone, and this was on a Thursday.

Guide to Barstow

Discover the rugged beauty of dispersed camping near Barstow, California, where adventure awaits in the vast desert landscapes. With a variety of options, campers can enjoy the freedom of nature while soaking in stunning views and starry nights.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Barstow, California

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area, allow for campfires and pets, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions, especially in open areas; some campers at BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area noted that strong winds can impact your stay.
  • Always pack in and pack out your trash, as many sites, including Ord Mountain Dispersed, lack trash disposal facilities.

Dispersed campers should check out BLM Desert Site

  • The BLM Desert Site offers a peaceful retreat away from highway noise, perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning sunsets.
  • Campers have reported great cell reception at Ord Mountain Dispersed, making it easier to stay connected while enjoying the wilderness.
  • This area is ideal for larger groups, especially those interested in off-road activities, as noted by visitors at Ord Mountain Dispersed.

Adventure awaits at Cougar Buttes in Johnson Valley for dispersed campers

  • Cougar Buttes in Johnson Valley is a prime spot for off-road enthusiasts, with ample space for ATVs and dirt bikes.
  • Campers can enjoy the vast open spaces and stunning rock formations, making it a great backdrop for photography and exploration.
  • The area is known for its tranquility, but be mindful of nearby activities, as some visitors have reported hearing gunshots from shooting ranges in the vicinity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Barstow, CA?

Several excellent free dispersed camping options exist around Barstow. Stoddard Valley OHV offers desert camping under the stars with vault toilets. Rim of the World Byway provides convenient spots right off the I-15 freeway with varying site options - some accessible to larger rigs without 4x4, though high-clearance vehicles may access better spots. Additional options include BLM land surrounding Barstow, with sites typically 2-5 miles from main highways. Most locations follow standard BLM dispersed camping rules, allowing 14-day stays. Look for existing pullouts and disturbed areas to minimize environmental impact.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Barstow?

Dispersed camping sites around Barstow are truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. Monarch-Rand Mine offers solitude but no facilities whatsoever, requiring campers to bring all necessities and practice leave-no-trace principles. Ord Mountain Dispersed similarly provides no developed facilities. A few areas like Stoddard Valley OHV have basic vault toilets, but these are exceptions. Cell service varies by location – some sites maintain decent Verizon coverage despite their remote setting. Prepare to be entirely self-sufficient with all water, waste disposal systems, power, and supplies. There are no tables, fire rings, trash services, or water sources at most dispersed sites.

Do I need a permit for boondocking near Barstow, California?

Generally, no permits are required for dispersed camping on BLM land around Barstow. Areas like Mill Creek Dispersed Camping and BLM Desert Site follow standard Bureau of Land Management regulations, which typically allow free camping for up to 14 consecutive days. However, some areas may have seasonal fire restrictions requiring campfire permits during dry months. Always check current regulations with the Barstow BLM Field Office before your trip, as requirements can change. Some OHV areas may require vehicle registration stickers if you plan to ride, but this doesn't affect camping permissions.

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