The best camping near
Bombay Beach , CALIFORNIA

This is one of the only options along the I10 southern entrance to Joshua Tree NP. Not sure why this app list it as $25. This is a place to park off the road near the south entrance. I would be cautious leaving valuables unattended if breaking away from camp to explore, can be lots of riff raff, our stay was nice and is a great free overnight option.

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.

FREE dispersed camping sites behind the general Patton museum. One of the most peaceful places in the desert that I have camped. Good for a few nights, especially after driving through traffic in San Bernadino….😳

Very spacious resort in the center of a gorgeous 9 hole golf course/driving range. Check-in packet was prepared & ready along w/an escort to our space, which has level concrete parking and picnic pad with table. 50/30/110, water, sewer, wifi and cable included. Catch and release fishing pond, pool, hot mineral spas, tennis, lawn bowling, big and little dog parks. The stargazing is amazing! Very clean and well maintained. Quiet respectful guests. Great area to bike. You can drive to the sculptures, Salton Sea, downtown Borrego and Julian.. you Will be driving through curvy mountain ranges to get to this destination. Stayed 1/4-8/2021

This FREE (not sure why it shows up as $25 on this app) dispersed camp area is perfect for convenience to JTNP, although at the south entrance. Easy to find spots, even in the dark. I stayed here the night of January 3rd. Flat and sandy areas with lots of rock fire rings (check fire status though! It was a no burn time when I was there).

See other reviews for good descriptions of directions from I-10. Very simple.

To get to the north part of JTNP it takes about 1 hour through the park (BEAUTIFUL drive), to Black Rock Canyon for trail heads about 1.5 hours. You can drive through the park before park hours if needed. The cottonwood springs visitors center opens at 8:30, but you can get a pass in another place.

One downside, you can hear (faintly) and see I-10 but no big deal!

Would stay here again!

We rolled in after dark and found a spot super easy that was secluded and perfect for tent camping. We had a nice hike in the morning before heading back to Julian for pie :)

Which I loved!

Pit toilets, no water, a little cell service with ATT. Half the sites were full but with quiet folks. There's a little hike from the campground and an abandoned cabin to check out nearby.

2WD can make it just fine, but probably good to have a AWD/4WD after a heavy rain.

Went before Thanksgiving weekend for a few nights. SUPER busy over the weekend and emptied out by Sunday night. Basically camping anarchy - people setting up all over the place - but you can only start fires in the provided fire ring. Some sites are exposed others super secluded. Sound definitely carries over the little valley, but people kept it low key by 10pmish.

Arrive early to get a nice site.

Great hikes that start right from the campground.

Ended up here since CA closed all state campgrounds (because camping spreads COVID?) We were the only tent campers there. Lake is super lovely, clean bathrooms with showers. Sites have charcoal grills, but no ground fires allowed.

Unfortunately there is a very loud and semi-smelly cow farm next door. I was fine with earplugs but I wouldn't stay there without them.

Well was dry, luckily I carry water. 

Beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views. 

Petroglyphs and historic mining cabin

Someone drops off scrap wood for campfires

I'll be back