Best Dispersed Camping near Blythe, CA
Dispersed camping near Blythe, California centers primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with several free and low-cost options in the surrounding desert. The area includes Midland LTVA Dispersed, Hippie Hole Camping Area, and multiple BLM dispersed zones like Ehrenberg Dispersed Camping. Most sites are located within an hour's drive of Blythe, with concentrations extending toward Quartzsite, Arizona, where additional BLM lands permit primitive camping. These areas generally feature wide-open desert terrain with minimal shade and few natural barriers between campsites.
Access routes to most dispersed sites consist of dirt and gravel roads with varying conditions. Many areas require slow navigation due to washboard surfaces and occasional rocky sections. While some locations like Hippie Hole Camping Area have vault toilets, most dispersed sites provide no amenities - no drinking water, no restrooms, and no trash service. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in a 28-day period on standard BLM dispersed sites, though Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) allow extended stays with permits ($40 for 14 days or $180 for seasonal access from September 15 to April 15). Cell service varies significantly by location and provider.
The camping experience around Blythe features expansive desert landscapes with mountain views and notable wildlife viewing opportunities. Proximity to the Colorado River provides additional recreation options at sites like Hippie Hole. "Hippie Hole is a fantastic boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and plenty of nearby walking trails," noted one visitor. Another camper at Midland LTVA described it as having "wide open spaces, no crowds" but cautioned about limited cell service on T-Mobile networks. The region experiences significant seasonal variation in popularity, with winter months drawing large numbers of snowbirds and RVers to the area, particularly in the Quartzsite vicinity. Summer brings extreme heat, making camping challenging without adequate preparation for high temperatures.
