Top Tent Camping near Coolidge Springs, CA

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Best Tent Sites Near Coolidge Springs, CA (22)

Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Coolidge Springs

1123 Reviews of 22 Coolidge Springs Campgrounds


  • Karen D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ryan Campground
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Ryan Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    We stayed two nights here in a campervan. It's a really great location to explore the park. The rocks give some good shade. Space #9 was shady in the mornings. The toilets were fine. It was really quiet, they're were a few other campers mostly in tents. No sign of any rattlesnakes or other critters either. Except loads of cute squirrels, and some mice and lizards.

  • 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)

  • Kate
    Camper-submitted photo from Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area

    free camping outside joshua tree

    i loved camping here! the campsites are pretty close together but only a few others were there when we visited so we were spaced out. the first campsite we chose had a few pretty big ant hills so we moved to another which had none. wood fires are allowed. the stars were absolutely beautiful at night! you are near the highway so you will get headlights shining towards you occasionally but it was overall still pretty dark and quiet. no amenities but you’re within a half mile of a cute family restaurant and gift shop, the general patton museum, and a gas station. when you first drive into the campground, you will pass some old tanks. keep going until you see the campground sign. i had an amazing time camping here with my dog and my friend. i hope to come back here with my family sometime!!

  • Annie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Fry Creek Campground

    Very beautiful

    This is a very nice and quiet campground and everyone there was very respectful of quite hours. The place was very clean and very beautiful. The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because of the swarm of wasps... I wish there were some kind of rangers or someone there that I could have asked for help about this, or I wish someone would do something about this issue but I guess it is what it is at this location lol 😆 Other than not being able to cook and eat without wasps in your face and In your food, it was really nice

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground

    Canpsites a plenty

    There’s a few designated camp areas up this way. Went out in early Sept 2024 and the road was fine. I drive a lifted AWD overloaded Honda Element and I had no issue. There were two sections on the final ascent loop to the top of Thomas Mountain that were a little scratchy. You do not need to complete the final ascent to the top to enjoy the camping areas. Although if your car is capable there’s an excellent spot at the very end of the loop.

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    We were too big

    Heads up about this place if you’re in an RV like we are. We reserved spot #40, we are a 26ft class c (28 ft total length) and the length limit for this spot is 30 ft, and RVs are allowed. But we felt like we barely fit side to side, and definitely wouldn’t have put our slides out. Not to mention it was so unlevel that we wouldn't have wanted to take the slides out anyway. The spot was cute, a little spot by itself between a hill and the “bump out” type parking spot where you’d park your vehicle. There’s a picnic table, a grill, and a fire pit. We ended up parking there for a bit, walking over to skull rock and the discovery trail to face rock (dogs not allowed on trails), walked back, and left. We would have been way too uncomfortable if we’d tried to stay the night. Oh well- we only lost $20. 

    There are dumpsters throughout the campground, and recycling at the entrance. We didn’t see any hosts or staff. There are pit toilets as well. We did see some other RVs in spots that looked fine, but overall I’d recommend this place for tents only unless you know for sure you’ll fit in the spot. Zero cell service in the entire park.

  • 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

  • Glen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Laguna Campground

    Wonderful for dry RV or tent camping

    The scenery is incredible and varied from deeply forested to open meadow.  There are miles of hiking trails.  The campground layout is nice and for many of the loops it is possible to find a site that feels separated from your fellow campers.  This place fills up during the weekends in the spring through fall seasons, so book sites early on recreation.gov.  As implied by my title, there are no hookups here so any RV camping is dry camping.  For RVs with a good solar array, it is possible to find open spots that keep the energy flowing throughout the day.  There is one loop dedicated to longer RVs.  As a personal note, I don't recommend Site 62 for RV camping - it is angled and has some erosion issues coming off of the asphalt pad.  I have been to this campground several times as both a tent camper and an RV camper and have not had any problems with cleanliness of the facilities or excessively noisy neighbors.

  • Heather L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone Creek Campground
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Stone Creek Campground

    Some of the Campsites are great, others not so much

    We traveled as a group of 17 campers and were able to disperse evenly between 4 close together campsites. We were in 19, 20, 21 and 23. Even though the website says it allowed 2 cars per site we were charged for the 2nd vehicle. In each site. I had also checked online prior to make sure we would have cell service with that many people meeting us. Only those of us that had Verizon had only a single bar. The campsites in the inner ring (ours was #21) are VERY close together. Not at all private, your camp is literally up against a couple others. We had children from the other sites running all through ours and it was so close you could hear everyone else’s private conversations. #19 and #20 were on the outer circle but just enough space to park and then walk through very sticky manzanita trees into the campsite and picnic table area. None of them had much or any shade. Our saving grace was our 4th spot - which gave us enough room to have all of us sit out of the way of the sticky trees and one tree in the middle to give us a touch of shade throughout the day. It had 2 picnic tables and was much more private so we didn’t disturb anyone and we didn’t have everyone else disturbing us. The vault toilets (yes, I know what they entail, and yes, it’s summer) were horrendous and barely useable, but we had 2 within very quick walking distance of us. They do allow dogs (we had 5 dogs and 3 cats with us) and it’s a short drive into the little town of Idyllwild. It’s a campground that served its purpose in getting all of us together and of course we had a blast, but it’s not on my “must camp here again” list.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Glen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort

    Perfect for Snow Birds and winter get-aways

    We have stayed here a few times now.  The best times are during the fall and winter months as the park welcomes back its community of Snow Birds coming from Canada and the northern US.  During those times the atmosphere in the evening is always festive, often with live music and an outdoor bar.  The staff are pleasant and accommodating.   It is also a pretty good overnight spot if you are passing through in the summer, but the temperatures in this area soar during the summer and are frequently above 110 degrees.  During summer time the pool becomes too warm to be refreshing, and the restaurant and bar are closed.  The rates are much lower in the summer.  This is also one of the few parks that accepts Passport America all days of the week.  Note that Passport America discounts cannot be used with pull-through sites.  The sites are fairly spacious and generally separated by hedges so you are not looking directly at your neighbor's rig.  Scenery around the park is beautiful any time of year, and for those who enjoy the RV Resort lifestyle the only reason to go out of the park during the snow bird season is for groceries.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Observatory Campground
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Observatory Campground

    Great place! Bad timing!

    The pictures can be deceiving. It’s beautiful there, however, other than the picture showing flat ground, and wide space, this isn’t accurate.

    This time of year, mosquitos and flies everywhere to the point where it really ruined the experience. No matter what sprays, lotions, candles or anything we tried, it was not working.

  • 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.

  • Russ S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Wash Primitive Campground - Yaqui Well I'll
    May. 23, 2024

    Yaqui Wash Primitive Campground - Yaqui Well I'll

    Nice but small sites, easy access, good views

    I don't think this map pin is correct for Yaqui Wells Primitive Camp, the location according to Google Maps is a little further south just off Yaqui Pass Road off Highway 78. There are two different camps similarly named, Yaqui Wells and Yaqui Pass, fairly close to each other. Anyway, we stayed here at Yaqui Wells for one night after attempting to camp at Blair Valley but getting swarmed by bees. Only saw 2 other vehicles, and while the sites are pretty small and close to the dirt road, they are nice enough. BE AWARE THOUGH: pull your vehicle well into the sites, we had 6 lifted off road trucks come flying through around midnight at a ridiculously high speed without slowing down at all and it could have been catastrophic if we were closer to the road or if we had been walking our dog at that time.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Tamarisk Grove Campground
    May. 11, 2024

    Tamarisk Grove Campground

    Desert campground

    I stopped here for lunch. You're in the desert, so hot during the day. There are some trees for shade, especially for the campsites along Yaqui Pass Road. All sites have lattice-work shelters for shade over the picnic tables. Water is listed as non-potable at all faucets. Besides campsites, there are one-room cabins for rent. $35/night for the campsites is a lot, but that is state park practice in CA. National Forest campgrounds are cheaper.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
    May. 11, 2024

    Fry Creek Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    I grew up right down the road in the early 60's. Great Campground with a lot of trails, awesome views, and some opportunities for fishing. Taught my very young nephew how to trout fish at Dohnes Pond, right below the Observatory.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Grove Campground
    May. 11, 2024

    Oak Grove Campground

    Pleasant campground

    A pleasant campground. I was able to find a shaded campsite with no reservation on a Friday in May at 5 pm. A few bugs, but nothing outrageous. My dog's happy. I'm happy. She's enjoying a chew stick. I'm enjoying a beer.

  • 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.



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 tent campsite near Coolidge Springs, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Coolidge Springs, CA is Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Coolidge Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.