Best Dispersed Camping near Cathedral City, CA

Cathedral City is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Cathedral City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Cathedral City, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cathedral City, California (47)

    1. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    28 miles
    Website

    "Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like."

    "It's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out."

    2. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    2 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"

    3. Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    1 Review
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "This campsite is located at the junctionof the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT, and is breathtaking."

    4. Chinouapin Zone San Bernardino National Forest

    1 Review
    Idyllwild, CA
    15 miles

    "There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California"

    5. Joshua Tree North BLM

    19 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "As another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me."

    "My favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space."

    6. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    40 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. "

    7. North Joshua Tree

    12 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    28 miles

    "Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.

    1. The most paved way in is to take Sunfair to Broadway."

    "We arrived early in the afternoon around 4:30 pm and found a vast, open place witziges only few, dispersed campers. Access was easy, Solid ground ."

    8. Thomas Mountain Road

    1 Review
    Mountain Center, CA
    16 miles

    9. Mecca Hills Wilderness

    10 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "I researched this spot a ton and was hesitant to go - mostly because my 1987 VW Westfalia isn’t 4WD, and everything I read said you must have an off road vehicle, but the area looked beautiful and we didn"

    "At the end of the dirt road through the winding rocks we nestled into a campsite closed to the trailhead. We barely had any neighbors it was so quiet."

    10. BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

    6 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    29 miles
    Website

    "There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October."

    "There were a bunch of camper vans parked but there’s so much space so you don’t feel crammed and still have plenty of privacy! Loved the night sky views as well."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cathedral City, CA

243 Reviews of 47 Cathedral City Campgrounds



Guide to Cathedral City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cathedral City, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic views.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cathedral City, California

  • Always check for local regulations and permits before setting up camp, especially at places like Geology Tour Road Dispersed Camping, where a permit is required.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies, as many sites, including South Ridge Yellow Post Sites, do not offer drinking water or other amenities.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions; higher elevations like Vivian Creek Camp can get quite cold, especially at night.

Scenic views and hiking opportunities for dispersed campers

Top activities while free camping near Cathedral City

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cathedral City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cathedral City, CA is Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 47 dispersed camping locations near Cathedral City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.