Top Free Dispersed Camping near Coolidge Springs, CA

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Coolidge Springs? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Coolidge Springs, CA (39)

Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Coolidge Springs

157 Reviews of 39 Coolidge Springs Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
    Sep. 27, 2024

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Awesome dispersed site with amazing views

    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)

  • Gabriel S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Creek Road Camp
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Nice quick and easy getaway

    Quite easy to get to. I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road). 

    There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed. Luckily just gnats and no mosquitoes from what we experienced.

    We applied for a permit on Friday and did not get it by Saturday when we departed. Luckily, no rangers patrolled during our stay.

    Some spots with good shade.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Creek Road Camp
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Peaceful and secluded

    A great spot if you want to get away and enjoy some alone time. It’s a little warm in the day in august this time of year so you can’t hike around or explore too much. My girlfriend and I stopped in Julian on our way out to get a late lunch and then head to the campsite. The road is paved until you turn off Lone Creek Road and then it is a dirt road. I have a stock Rav4 and it was able to drive on it although there are a few spots you need to be careful at so you don’t scrape the bottom of your car. We only spent one night but we never saw another person during our stay

  • Rose  D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Quiet

    Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views. Didn’t even know I had neighbors until I walked around in the morning and saw neighboring campers over the hill. Clear skies when I went back in November, could get pretty windy. Saw some coyotes pass by my camp.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Base camp close to Joshua Tree

    We stayed here for 2 nights and worked from here with our starlink. Great internet - we had 2 people doing video calls.

    Each site is pretty large and can fit at least 3 vans but they’re only about 100 ft off the dirt road.

  • anna I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kitchen Creek Road
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Kitchen Creek Road

    Decent spot to stop

    Pretty small spot off the road, does get kind of loud from cars but overall a decent and clean spots

  • JJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Ease of access and free

    Great location in proximity just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. There are plenty of spots for tents, pop-ups, campers, or RVs. Fire rings are already established.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Park Road Camp
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Gold Park Road Camp

    South of 29 Palms

    Takes a bit of time to find just the right spot, as some areas are a little trashy. Quiet, beautiful evening sunset enjoyed. Cools down nicely at night.

  • Carter M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    May. 30, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Beautiful area but lots of bugs

    Here in late May and the bees and other bugs have been nonstop on me the whole time I've been here. It's a really beautiful area and the spots are spacious

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Creek Road Camp
    May. 27, 2024

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Dispersed Camping

    This was a last minute Memorial Day weekend trip with my boyfriend and 2 dogs. Friday sent an email to SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov requesting the free permit (after doing research and finding out you need one), filled out the form, and got it back in the same day. Easy to get there, easy directions once there just make you pass the sign that says leaving the recreation area after that you can find any spot and camp. It was a little bumpy but nothing too bad. Drove with my jeep renegade that isn’t a 4wheel drive. A little busy due to the holiday but not too bad. Cyclist riding by, vehicles, and hikers. Which was nice saying hi. Hardly any service for my carrier which is T-Mobile. Definitely will camp out here again.

  • Anne M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    May. 7, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Great weeknight spot

    Visited early May. Arrived right before sunset, there were people close to the bathrooms, but lots of space to spread out if you drive a little.

  • Dickie Simmons  S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Great off grid camping w/ easy access

    Easy access to most designated campsites. Enjoy the changing colors at dusk. My area had 2 bars of verizion service.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Canyon Dispersed
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Box Canyon Dispersed

    Sweet spot

    Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without. got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Wash
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Pass Camp
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Pass Camp

    Easy stop if you need, otherwise keep driving

    Drove in..., drove out. As another review noted, it's a big parking lot. Fine if you just need a place to pull over, nothing of value there..., maybe proximity to a hiking trail.

  • amanda R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Great night!

    Really convenient if you’re in Joshua Tree. The sunset was a 10/10. Very quiet, but we went in July so it was miserably hot. There are fire circles scattered throughout each site. Cell service for xfinity was great. Very nice quiet night

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Kitchen Creek Road
    Feb. 4, 2024

    Kitchen Creek Road

    Decent. Tough time of the year

    Could be maintained. Went during a very rainy season. So it could definitely be attributed to the time of year. Will be another opportunity in the future.

  • Mary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Blair Valley

    Serenity

    We arrived passed 10pm on the dirt road with no other campers. Beautiful site in a quiet location with endless views and there’s no fee. Who could ask for more?

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Entrance
    Dec. 24, 2023

    Joshua Tree South Entrance

    Avoid long vehicles far down the road

    Nice little spot about two miles from the highway, fairly secluded with many sites scattered around. Suggest arriving before nightfall as it’s difficult to see into the sites at night. I would STRONGLY suggest any trailer vehicles or vehicles over 24 feet, do not continue beyond a few miles- the road starts to become more of a trail, 4x4 experience- narrow corridors and blind hills with short tracts of very high grade. A class A or travel trailer WILL get stuck here!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 14, 2023

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Good times!

    Been here quite a few times. Depending on the time of year, there can be others close to you...visible...sometimes audible. But, usually you can choose if you want folks close, grab one at the start...if you want to be more solo...dig deeper.

  • Sarah M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Canyon Dispersed
    Dec. 2, 2023

    Box Canyon Dispersed

    Deep sand, close to busy road side.

    This is ideally a good spot, but the sand is way too deep to get far enough off of the road.



Guide to Coolidge Springs

Camping near Coolidge Springs, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. Many campers recommend the trails around Borrego Palm Canyon Campground for their beautiful views. One visitor shared, "The Palm Canyon trail starts from the campground - no need to drive to the trailhead, and it is a hike worth doing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife. A camper at Agua Caliente County Park Campground mentioned, "We saw some desert bighorn sheep pass by our camp."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for excellent stargazing opportunities. A reviewer at Culp Valley Primitive Campground noted, "The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views at various campgrounds. One happy camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed said, "Absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself!"
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Blair Valley Primitive Campground mentioned, "Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views."
  • Free Camping: The option to camp for free is a big plus. A reviewer at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed stated, "No fee required to camp here. Was not busy at all end of March."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Culp Valley Primitive Campground, lack basic facilities. A camper noted, "No water, but the drop toilets were great and the spots are roomy with fire rings."
  • Weather Considerations: The desert can get hot during the day and chilly at night. A visitor at Blair Valley Primitive Campground mentioned, "It could get pretty windy. Saw some coyotes pass by my camp."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed shared, "I arrived at 5pm and already almost all spots were taken."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Facilities: Look for campgrounds that offer toilets and picnic tables, like Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. A camper said, "Flush toilets, bathrooms, well lit, and warm showers."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One visitor at Agua Caliente County Park Campground mentioned, "There are hiking trails and ample roads to walk the dog on."
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some areas can be remote, pack games or books for downtime. A camper at Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area noted, "Perfect spot if you need a place to sleep overnight and be able to be on the road the next day."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "Sites are a bit narrow for big rigs with slides, but we made it happen."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds, like Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, lack hookups. A camper advised, "What an amazing place. Just be sure to pack what you need as there are very few bathrooms."
  • Plan for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads. A visitor at Painted Canyon noted, "Deep sand at times. They recommend 4 wheel drive."

Camping near Coolidge Springs, California, has something for everyone, from stunning views to quiet nights under the stars. Just be prepared for the unique challenges of desert camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Coolidge Springs, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Coolidge Springs, CA is Joshua tree BLM by entrance with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Coolidge Springs, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 39 dispersed camping locations near Coolidge Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.