Best Dispersed Camping near Borrego Springs, CA

The desert around Borrego Springs has several good spots for dispersed camping if you're comfortable going without facilities. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park includes Blair Valley Primitive Campground, where many people camp to see the incredible night sky. You'll need to bring everything with you—especially water—since there are no services available. About an hour away, Joshua Tree South on BLM land gives you more open camping options. Most vehicles can handle the main dirt roads, but you'll want higher clearance to reach the more distant sites. All these areas require you to follow Leave No Trace practices and pack out everything you bring in. Fire rules change throughout the year, so check current restrictions before your trip. The BLM doesn't require permits for these areas, though you can't stay longer than 14 days in one spot. Near town, Galleta Meadows attracts campers who want to see the large metal animal sculptures scattered across the landscape. A single access road serves this area, with better privacy the further you drive in. Remember that desert wildlife is active in these areas—store food properly and keep your distance from any animals you see. Since there are no facilities anywhere in these dispersed areas, plan carefully for water, trash, and bathroom needs before heading out.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Borrego Springs, California (39)

    1. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    "Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants."

    "Came here to have a place for my popup camper while we checked out the flowers blooming 40 minutes away in Borrego Springs and it was perfect."

    2. Galleta Meadows, Borrego Springs

    2 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    3 miles

    "On the outer southern edge of Borrego Springs is this private yet free camp area.

    A few dozen sites exist, each some five hundred feet or more apart."

    "The best feature of this free camping area is the awesome metal sculptures right near this campground. 

    Near the cute town of Borrego Springs, just a little off Borrego Springs road."

    3. Peg Leg Dispersed

    1 Review
    Borrego Springs, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-4205

    "Anza Borrego Desert SP allows dispersed camping in certain areas of the park, and this is one of them.  I tried to find it on the website, but found no mention of allowed camping in the park.  "

    4. Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    2 Reviews
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "Coachwhip Canyon is accessible from the Berrago Salton Freeway, it’s right on the Ella Wash. You can drive back through the canyon through a variety of areas people pull over and camp."

    5. Yaqui Wash

    1 Review
    Borrego Springs, CA
    8 miles

    "This whole area is essentially within one valley, so you have mountains on both sides. It is well vegetated and allows for fairly easy hikes up the soft slopes."

    6. Arroyo Salado Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    12 miles

    "I drove about a mile back in the Arroyo and only saw one other vehicle. The road is a little Sandy and rough but quite possible with four-wheel drive."

    7. Yaqui Pass Camp

    1 Review
    Borrego Springs, CA
    7 miles

    8. Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Salton City, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    "No hookups but you can stay for free on the bluffs. In some weather conditions the wind can be a bit much."

    "Make your campsite anywhere, restrooms near by, driving distance to a few stores & gas station. Great camping & 4x4 in truck haven, cool off-road in event for Tierra Del Sol/TDS-in March"

    9. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "This campground (and I use the term loosely) is everything that I love about BLM land - dispersed, quiet, and FREE!"

    "This area is managed by BLM, which means it's free to use for up to 14 days at a time. 

    There are no hookups or facilities, and it's pack it in, pack it out. "

    10. Octillo Wells OHV Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Salton City, CA
    18 miles

    "Lots of open space, just drive out and park. Might need an air down/up system depending on how far in you want to travel. No issues for the first 0.25-0.5 mile off the highway."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Borrego Springs, CA

191 Reviews of 39 Borrego Springs Campgrounds


  • E B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Yellow post number 2

    Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.

    Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.

    Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.

    A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2023

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved this spot

    Free. 30 day limit. Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants. A large area for big rvs right at the front left. To the right there were lots of pull offs and I found it easier to navigate in my station wagon road-wise. Lots of space. Some areas say not to walk there/ keep dogs out to protect plants and wildlife. I felt safe solo camping - there were a few other van and rv campers. Recommend visiting the sweet desert botanical garden in nearby Borrego Springs.

  • Javier L.
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Desert Wonderland

    Anza borrego state park has a lot of room to explore. The park has campgrounds near borrego springs that are easily accessible. Visiting the mud caves you’ll need 4x4 or an AWD car with high clearance. Anza borrego has been my wife & I go to camping area for over 5 years. Camping is allowed away from main trails and we typically sleep near the mud caves or within the slot canyons. Perfect place to star gave and wander around & explore. Bring plenty of water/ off road safety (enough fuel/ shovel/ traction boards) as towing out of this area is extremely expensive. (Pictures are from fonts point/ random hikes near camping spots).

  • Justin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2023

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Beautiful Views and 5G Internet

    Came here to have a place for my popup camper while we checked out the flowers blooming 40 minutes away in Borrego Springs and it was perfect. There's no amenities except for a pit toilet, but the cell service here was better than anywhere in the area. I had better signal at this campsite than I did in Park Circle at the heart of Borrego Springs. Lots of people set up near the entrance, but if you drive a little back you can get some privacy. Also be slow and cautious when driving on these dirt roads after a rainstorm; we saw two different trucks get stuck in the mud. Luckily some people with a winch were able to get them both out. Also we were here in March so the nights were cold and windy so make sure you're prepared.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2023

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Busy, but a nice place to stay right outside of Joshua Tree National Park

    I didn't originally want to stay here; it wasn't that far off the highway, there was lots of trash along the main road, and the immediate landscape was pretty barren. But I hadn't planned ahead, and all of Joshua Tree National Park's campgrounds were full. I quickly found out that my initial reaction was very wrong. This spot gets beautiful sunsets, is great for stargazing, and I had no complaints. I thought the light from the Coachella Valley would be too much to see the stars, but I popped out of my vehicle around midnight and the sky was incredible. 

    The campground: You can camp in the areas both to the left and right of the main road that goes from the highway up into Joshua Tree. If you're coming from the highway and see the Joshua Tree National Park sign, you've gone too far. Once you're off the main road things become really bumpy with ruts, dips, and one area that's been completely washed out, but I saw everything from cars to large RVs navigating this road. It's definitely easier to navigate during the daylight. There were so many places to camp that I was able to choose a spot I was most comfortable with while traveling solo. The campsites vary in their degree of cleanliness and level land. I found a couple bottle caps at one of my sites, but nothing major. Most of the sites have a rock fire ring (heads up: you may need a permit in CA for a fire, and always check in with the state's current fire restrictions). The area had quite a few campers, but the spots are spaced nicely and there's plenty of room to keep driving further off the main road to find a spot that's not around other campers. (If you're looking for somewhere that feels secluded, however, this is not it.) While I didn't notice much noise from the highway, there was a little bit of noise from campers arriving later in evening. The main downside to this campground was the wind. Both nights it was very windy. I definitely saw people camping in tents, but I also saw people really struggling to put up and secure their tents in the wind. 

    The area: The campground is right at the South Entrance to Joshua Tree, which is the Colorado Desert section of the park. (Mind you, it can take over an hour to get to the Northern area of Joshua Tree.) It's about 10-20 minutes away from Joshua Tree's Cottonwood Visitor Center, a picnic area with bathrooms (at the front of the Cottonwood campground), and the Lost Palms Oasis. There's also a gas station & small café about ten minutes down the highway (heading East); the gas there is pricey, but they have a decent sized food mart to go with it. 

    Booking: This is a dispersed BLM campsite; no booking or fee. Just drive in and find a spot. 

    Cell Service: Where I camped, I could use the internet and make calls no problem with Verizon, but there's very little cell service once inside the park.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Wash

    If you just want to get outdoors...

    There are a bunch of campsites along a service road that is parallel to a main road, several hundred feet away. This whole area is essentially within one valley, so you have mountains on both sides. It is well vegetated and allows for fairly easy hikes up the soft slopes.

    The parking spots are right alongside the road, so for van camping is not so great, but tents can be put away from the road and therefore it's much more suitable for tenting.

    The stretch of dirt road closest to the main road is Sandy, but manageable bull in a two wheel drive. This is where most of the campsites are. Further along the road, there are fewer camp sites, so they are more dispersed, however the road becomes more rocky and jutted, but for those wanting a bit more privacy, this is the spot to be.

    I would like to come back in camp in this location. So i'm going to mark it to return another time.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2025

    Galleta Meadows, Borrego Springs

    Galleta Meadows - Rusty Creatures and Dark Skys

    On the outer southern edge of Borrego Springs is this private yet free camp area.

    A few dozen sites exist, each some five hundred feet or more apart. All have views of the surrounding mountains, and the wide open skies.

    Borrego Springs is a dark sky community, which means lights are kept to a minimum, thus enabling great star viewing.

    The area is renowned for its hiking and other outdoor activities. It is also known for its iron sculptures, which many exist within this camp area.

  • Kathy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2025

    Galleta Meadows, Borrego Springs

    Easy Access, Fun Place

    The best feature of this free camping area is the awesome metal sculptures right near this campground. 

    Near the cute town of Borrego Springs, just a little off Borrego Springs road. Not secluded by any means. Please use existing pull outs. Keep it clean so we can continue to enjoy this free spot. 

    It's one road in. The further back you go, the more privacy. I stayed fairly close to the front as I was only there one night.

  • Esther Y.
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Mecca Hills Wilderness

    Dispersed camping in the desert

    Came  here to hike Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon. Before the trailhead there are lots of areas for dispersed camping. It's an unpaved road that can be challenging to drive in at times, so would recommend 4x4 high clearance vehicle. Overall a nice remote place to camp out in the desert!


Guide to Borrego Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Borrego Springs, California, where the desert landscape offers a unique escape into nature. With a variety of spots to choose from, campers can enjoy the tranquility and stunning views that this region has to offer.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Borrego Springs, California

Exploring the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves for dispersed campers

  • The Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves provide a fascinating backdrop for campers looking to explore unique geological formations while enjoying the solitude of the desert.
  • This area is known for its stunning scenery and offers plenty of free campsites, making it a great choice for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without the crowds.
  • Be cautious of the weather conditions, as high winds can affect your camping experience, particularly in exposed areas near the mud caves.

Dispersed campers should check out Coachwhip Canyon

  • Coachwhip Canyon is a hidden gem that features beautiful mud rock formations and offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quieter camping experience.
  • The canyon is accessible via a drive-in route, making it convenient for campers with tents or RVs looking for a unique spot to set up camp.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see various desert creatures, adding to the overall experience of camping in this picturesque location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Anza Borrego Desert State Park?

Anza Borrego offers extensive dispersed camping opportunities throughout the park. Blair Valley Primitive Campground is a popular option with easily accessible pull-offs and camping areas along rock walls filled with native desert plants. For a unique experience, Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves provides dispersed camping near fascinating geological features, though you'll need 4x4 or high-clearance AWD vehicles to access this area. Remember that Anza Borrego allows camping anywhere that's at least 100 feet from water sources and 1 mile from developed areas. Always use existing pull-outs to minimize impact, and check with park rangers about current conditions and restrictions, especially during wildflower season when certain areas may be protected.

Is there a map available for dispersed camping areas in Anza Borrego?

Yes, maps for dispersed camping in Anza Borrego are available through multiple sources. The official Anza Borrego Desert State Park visitor center in Borrego Springs provides detailed maps showing designated dispersed camping areas. These maps highlight locations like Yaqui Wash, which offers campsites along service roads with mountain views. Online resources include downloadable PDF maps on the California State Parks website and interactive maps through apps like The Dyrt. The Galleta Meadows area is also marked on most maps, showing this popular free camping area near the metal sculptures. For safety, it's recommended to obtain a current map before exploring, as desert conditions and regulations can change seasonally.

What amenities are available at primitive camping sites in Anza Borrego?

Primitive camping sites in Anza Borrego offer minimal amenities, emphasizing a true wilderness experience. At Arroyo Salado Dispersed Camp, you'll find virtually no facilities - no water, electricity, or trash service. Some areas like Box Canyon Dispersed may have existing fire rings, but you should always verify current fire restrictions. Select primitive sites such as Blair Valley have pit toilets, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. Cell service varies dramatically throughout the park - some areas report surprisingly good coverage while others have none. There are no hookups or dump stations at primitive sites, so RVers must be fully self-contained. Remember to bring all necessary water, as no potable water sources exist at these primitive locations.

Is free camping allowed in Anza Borrego Desert State Park?

Yes, free camping is definitely allowed in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Unlike many other California state parks, Anza Borrego permits free dispersed camping throughout much of its vast wilderness. Coachwhip Canyon offers free dispersed camping opportunities in a scenic desert setting. Additionally, Peg Leg Dispersed provides free camping areas that don't require permits or reservations. The standard stay limit is 30 days within the park. While camping is free, there are important regulations to follow: stay at least 100 feet from water sources, camp 1 mile away from developed areas, use existing fire rings only (when fire restrictions allow), and always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste.