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Best Dispersed Camping near Cantil, CA

107 Reviews

Jawbone Canyon OHV Area provides multiple free dispersed camping options near Cantil, California on Bureau of Land Management land. The area features wide-open desert terrain with ample space for vehicles to spread out, offering privacy despite its popularity among off-road enthusiasts. Most sites are accessible via paved roads leading to dirt paths, though high clearance vehicles are advantageous for accessing more remote spots. No amenities are provided beyond vault toilets at designated locations, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water.

Several primitive camping areas surround Cantil, including East Mojave Camp, Cuddeback Road Dispersed Camping, and BLM Desert Site. A visitor noted, "Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise." Wind is frequently mentioned as a challenge in this region, particularly at Jawbone Canyon where it can be substantial overnight. Fire regulations vary by location, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely. The desert landscape offers exceptional stargazing opportunities and dramatic sunrises, though summer temperatures can be extreme.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cantil, California (25)

    1. Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Cantil, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 384-5400

    "This is BLM land camping in an OHV area that we used for an overnight. For this purpose it was great. A paved road leads to endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon."

    "It can get really warm so we set up under a shaded tree which helped a lot. We had a fire pit for the evenings too, so that was nice. Lots of trails to ride - for beginners to advanced."

    2. BLM Jawbone Canyon Dispersed Site

    Be the first to review!
    Cantil, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 384-5400

    3. Wagon Wheel Staging Area

    13 Reviews
    Ridgecrest, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 384-5400

    "Great place to dry camp(boondock). Love camping out here. Most of all it's free."

    "It’s literally a big open desert flat and you park wherever so there’s plenty of room for privacy. As far as facilities, there are 2 privies and that’s it, so you’ll be dry camping."

    4. East Mojave Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mojave, CA
    21 miles

    5. Stine Cove Recreation Site

    15 Reviews
    Weldon, CA
    32 miles
    Website

    "Good location. I would definitely do this again. I'm planning to stay for the full 14 days. Tip - Evening winds come from a westerly direction."

    "We love lake Isabella and just discovered this free camp spot right on the beach…"

    6. Cuddeback Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Red Mountain, CA
    21 miles

    7. Trona Pinnacles

    17 Reviews
    Trona, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 384-5400

    "I never knew this was here and grew up camping in California. Filming for the remake of Planet of the Apes happened here."

    "Free BLM dispersed camping here, so bring everything you need and take everything with you when you leave. The landscape is like no other."

    8. BLM Desert Site

    4 Reviews
    California City, CA
    29 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."

    9. Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Lake Isabella, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "You can park RVs right next to the water but it gets very busy, there are more secluded spots accessible to even Class A rigs further down."

    "We pulled in at night time around 10:30PM. I was scared it would be sketchy, but turned out to be a smooth dirt road. We encountered multiple other campers as well before we found a suitable turnout."

    10. Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    7 Reviews
    Weldon, CA
    34 miles
    Website

    "Great hideaway with plenty of dispersed sites. I spent two days here and only seen a handful of vehicles drive through, mostly US Forest Service trucks. Pack in, pack out."

    "On my way into Sequoia NF I was so excited to see Hanning Flats dispersed camping area. My pup and I stayed for three nights and didn’t see another person or vehicle the whole time."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cantil, CA

66 Photos of 25 Cantil Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cantil, CA

107 Reviews of 25 Cantil 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.

  • Mike N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Great hideaway

    Great hideaway with plenty of dispersed sites. I spent two days here and only seen a handful of vehicles drive through, mostly US Forest Service trucks. Pack in, pack out. No toilets, showers, or water so bring in everything you need. 14 days of free camping every 30 days. A great find to get away from it all.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2023

    East Mojave Camp

    Very very remote

    Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don’t need to worry about people driving by. There is nothing out here. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained Would definitely recommend high clearance vehicle if you want to be further away then 100 feet from the highway. Lots of wash outs. Beautiful sunrise. We were the only people there.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area

    Jawbone Canyon OHV

    This is BLM land camping in an OHV area that we used for an overnight. For this purpose it was great. A paved road leads to endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon. There were a few OHVs but we arrived late on a weekday and OHV traffic stopped altogether in the evening. Wind was a problem and made sleeping hard. We camped in a 24’ travel trailer with a high clearance truck. While not necessary, the larger truck was nice to have on the dirt portions. There are sites that would be accessible by car as well just be more discerning. Verizon was at 1 bar the whole time.

  • l
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Not Great

    Chico Flat Dispersed Campsite offers many areas with flat ground to tent upon, as well as a large parking lot to car camp if that’s your thing. However there aren’t loads of trees to hammock camp on. You cannot build a campfire here. There is a pit toilet. There is river access right next to the campsite. There is also spotty cell reception if you want that.

    Let it be known, this campsite is not clean. The previous campers that came long before me left two things: trash, and a message. There was a menagerie of bottle caps and broken glass strewn practically everywhere for me to pick up. This can be said for dare I say everywhere in this whole campsite. Additionally, this trash acted as a proverbial “go ahead” for other people to litter and make the litter situation worse; not cool.

    If you want to really get away from people, don’t come here. When I went people brought the whole kit-and-kaboodle: a suburb of tents, gas generators, bright lights, loud music, etcetera.

    Perhaps this isn’t how this site always is, but man it got crowded, noisy, and annoying. I’ll spare you from the whole story.

    If you’re looking for a quick spot to crash, look no further. If you’re intent on bringing generators, lights, dogs and speakers, this is unfortunately for you. If you’re looking to get away and spend time in nature like myself, this isn’t for you.

  • Amy and Alan R.
    Nov. 24, 2020

    Trona Pinnacles

    Magical Landscape

    A very out of the way place to plant yourself if you are looking for space. I never knew this was here and grew up camping in California. Filming for the remake of Planet of the Apes happened here. There is so much room and a huge choice when camping here, there isn’t however, potable water or shade unless you bring your own. Amazing views and stunning sunsets. Pretty decent star gazing as well, tho there are lights from Trona it’s self and a glow of light on the horizon to the south. We spent a few days camping with family here. It’s easy to social distance when you need binoculars to see most of the fellow campers in the area. There is one pit toilet at the main parking area and some people to camp there as well. Close to Spangler Hills Off Rd area as well.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    West Keyville Dispersed

    Beautiful scenery, challenging access

    I drove past a couple of camp grounds directly at the lake and was very disappointed what I found. Yes, you can camp right at the lake but only if you appreciate the charme of a Walmart parking lot. There is basically next to no trees or any nature for that matter.

    So I looked a little further and was very happy to have found this site. Beautifully located right at a river, surrounded by trees, big boulders and the stunning mountain scenerey.

    However, be aware that this is not serviced at all. There is no electricity, water, dump stations or anything else than the actual spot. And BEWARE: there is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow. Also I smacked some leaves off of a tree on my way in with my 13“ clearance.

  • 07JKRedrock S.
    Apr. 20, 2021

    Trona Pinnacles

    Felt like I was in a sci-fi flick

    Really enjoyed staying at the Pinnacles over the weekend. Free BLM dispersed camping here, so bring everything you need and take everything with you when you leave.

    The landscape is like no other. Felt like Skywalker or Spock was going to walk around a formation at any minute. Very cool vibes out there.

    A bit breezy when we stayed in mid-April but nothing outrageous. Temps were warmer and we had our own shade.

    Somebody commented it's the type of dust that sticks to everything and they were right.

    If you have the option, air down your tires at the trailhead of the Trona dirt road. It makes the last 5 miles much more comfortable.

Guide to Cantil

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cantil, California, where vast landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cantil, California

Off-road adventures for dispersed campers

  • The Jawbone Canyon OHV Area is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, featuring numerous trails suitable for all skill levels.
  • If you're seeking solitude while riding, the expansive space at East Mojave Camp allows for plenty of room to explore without the worry of nearby traffic.
  • For those looking to combine camping with off-roading, the Red Mountain Football Field / Spangler Hills OHV offers a drive-in option that accommodates both tents and RVs.

Scenic views and natural beauty while free camping near Cantil

  • Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at the BLM Desert Site, where the remote location provides stunning views away from city lights.
  • The Wagon Wheel Staging Area is known for its picturesque desert landscape, making it an ideal spot for stargazing on clear nights.
  • For a truly secluded experience, the Cuddeback Road Dispersed Camping offers a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, perfect for those looking to unwind and connect with the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cantil, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cantil, CA is Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cantil, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 25 dispersed camping locations near Cantil, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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