Tent camping near Boulevard, California ranges from desert flats at 1,800 feet to pine-covered mountains reaching 4,600 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Camping conditions vary significantly by location, with Cleveland National Forest requiring free permits for dispersed camping while Anza-Borrego sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis during peak season from October through April.
What to do
Disc golf course access: At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, campers can enjoy a full-size professional disc golf course integrated with hiking trails. "I found out they have a full size professional disc golf course here! I don't bring my discs, but Carolyn and Bernie happily lent me some discs so I could try it out," notes Andrew A.
Explore desert geological features: The desert terrain near Boulevard offers unique geological formations to explore. At Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, "there are plenty of hidden gems out here whether it is the wind caves, oasis, of canyons to explore. Do your research before you head out there so you know what you want to see," advises Geoff H.
Seasonal creek hiking: Several campgrounds feature seasonal creeks that create temporary water features after rainfall. Stephen B. mentions that at Bow Willow Primitive Campground there's a "nice hike to a palm grove," while at Corral Canyon Campground, Andrew C. notes "the creek is flowing in mid-May of a wet winter."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location and limited light pollution make Boulevard an excellent spot for night sky viewing. "We just had good ol'e fashion camping fun. Games, camp fire, etc.," shares Geoff H. about Ocotillo Wells, adding that it's "great to enjoy the night sky and see some desert beauty."
What campers like
Uncrowded weekday camping: Many campers appreciate the solitude available at dispersed sites during non-holiday periods. At Corral Canyon Campground, Andrew C. reports, "Saturday night in May. All other public campgrounds nearby are booked solid, but there are only 3 other groups here beside me. 1 camper told me the CG is always empty."
Accessibility with standard vehicles: Despite the remote feeling, many campsites can be reached without specialized vehicles. At Pine Creek Road Camp, Gabriel S. shares, "Quite easy to get to. I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road)." Similarly, Nani D. reported accessing the area with "my jeep renegade that isn't a 4wheel drive."
Recently improved roads: Road conditions to several dispersed camping areas have been upgraded. Ruben notes about Pine Creek Road Camp, "Roads are PAVED, I think that's new because I don't remember that last year when I went!" This improvement makes access easier for standard passenger vehicles.
Variable site sizes: Camping spots range from small pull-offs to larger areas that accommodate multiple vehicles and tents. Sheridan S. observed at Pine Creek Road Camp, "Some of the sites are fairly large—could easily fit 2 cars and a couple tents—but others seemed to be just large enough to pull off the road and sleep in the car (no tent space)."
What you should know
Free permit requirements: Dispersed camping in Cleveland National Forest requires permits, though the process is straightforward. For Pine Creek Road Camp, Nani D. explains, "Friday sent an email to SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov requesting the free permit, filled out the form, and got it back in the same day."
Limited cell service: Prepare for unreliable communications in most camping areas. According to Sheridan S., there's "Very spotty service (Verizon), which makes navigation and planning difficult if you don't pre-download trail maps" around Pine Creek Road.
Extreme temperature fluctuations: Prepare for significant temperature changes between day and night, especially in desert locations. Ralitsa K. notes about Bow Willow Primitive Campground, "This campsite was first come first serve. We set up quickly and enjoyed ourselves a walk around the site. Not too many trailheads around and it was very hot and dry but we enjoyed it."
Insect preparations: Some camping areas experience seasonal insect activity. Gabriel S. warns about Pine Creek Road Camp: "There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed. Luckily just gnats and no mosquitoes from what we experienced."
Tips for camping with families
Urban-adjacent options: For families new to camping or wanting easier access to facilities, consider locations closer to urban areas. Kumeyaay Lake Campground offers a "Perfect campground located right in San Diego. Great for families with small kids and there are many close trails," according to Katie O., though she cautions to "beware of rattlesnakes. They are everywhere during the summer."
Enhanced amenities: Some sites offer more comfort-oriented features that work well for family camping. At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, Deborah F. appreciates that they have "3 huge custom stone showers with natural spring water & full bathrooms with sinks & flushing toilets," making it more manageable for children.
Educational opportunities: Many camping areas provide natural learning environments for children. The Mission Trails area includes educational facilities, with Elise F. noting, "The Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular" and that "Each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety. While camping at Kumeyaay, Katie O. emphasizes the importance of rattlesnake awareness during summer months, advising visitors to let "kids explore but beware of rattlesnakes. They are everywhere during the summer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: RV campers should carefully research access roads before arriving. For Mobiland RV Park, Taylor notes it's a "Giant RV park with many entrances" that provides more space than forest camping options.
Road clearance considerations: Even on improved roads, RVers should be cautious about clearance. At Pine Creek Road Camp, Sheridan S. advises, "Pine Creek Road itself is paved, and the camping spots are packed dirt so it's easy to get around even in a FWD. Warning though: if you're nervous about driving on single lane mountain roads, this is not the place for you!"
Plan for no hookups: Most camping areas near Boulevard lack RV amenities. Jennifer D. reminds campers at Ocotillo Wells, "obviously no rv hookups and no shade as it's the desert," emphasizing the need to be self-sufficient.
Weekend crowd management: RV campers should plan for higher occupancy during weekends. At Ocotillo Wells, Jennifer D. suggests "we get there early to get a prime uncrowded spot for our caravan," adding that "midweek is pretty empty. Holiday weekends fill up fast and get very loud."
