Best Dispersed Camping near Daggett, CA

Dispersed camping areas surround Daggett, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands. BLM Barstow Dispersed Camp Area, Ord Mountain Dispersed, and Bell Mountain Road offer free primitive camping options with varying levels of accessibility. These sites feature minimal to no amenities and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Several campers report these areas provide peaceful desert camping experiences with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The terrain is typically flat with sparse vegetation, allowing for adequate spacing between campsites.

Road conditions to most sites require careful navigation. Many access roads contain potholes, washboard sections, and occasional steep grades. According to reviews, "Some potholes are inevitable and high clearance is needed to access" certain areas. While some sites accommodate large RVs and trailers within the first quarter-mile of entrance roads, others are better suited for smaller vehicles. Cell service is generally available but varies by location and provider.

No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities exist at these dispersed sites. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally; fire rings exist at some locations, but campers need to bring their own firewood. The desert climate brings extreme temperature variations with hot days and cold nights, particularly during fall and winter. Weekends and holidays can become busy, especially in areas popular with off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. As one camper noted about BLM Barstow, "This is a popular camping site for OHV riders during the winter... Because of the OHV on weekends and holidays, it can get BUSY."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Daggett, California (23)

    1. Stoddard Valley OHV

    2 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    11 miles

    "There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL!"

    2. BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

    4 Reviews
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "There are several sites at this location that each can hold 5-7 RVs. Each of the sites has a primitive fire ring, but there is no wood in the area, so bring your own."

    3. Ord Mountain Dispersed

    1 Review
    Daggett, CA
    13 miles

    "I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location.  "

    4. Bell Mountain Road

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    24 miles

    "There is some garbage, target shooting in the distance and the occasional maniac driving through too fast and kicking up lots of dust. Generally it was quiet."

    "many Trucks at night. don't drive to the campground just search a space after road ends"

    5. Cougar Buttes in Johnson Valley

    1 Review
    Lucerne Valley, CA
    26 miles

    "There are other cover areas around the buttes to camp in for more privacy as the main area can get crazy with big numbers of "neighbor" (if you like that)."

    7. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    7 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    39 miles
    Website

    "Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites."

    "Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."

    8. South Soggy Dry Lake on Bessemer Mine Road

    1 Review
    Johnson Valley, CA
    31 miles

    "From there you can reach all that Johnson Valley has to offer, can get busy but not nearly like Cougar Buttes, Anderson, or Means Lakebed."

    9. East Flats

    11 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    48 miles
    Website

    "Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."

    "As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."

    10. Arrowhead Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
    30 miles
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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Daggett, CA

47 Reviews of 23 Daggett 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.

  • Dickie Simmons  S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Convenient free camping just outside of town

    Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others.  Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Ord Mountain Dispersed

    Actual location 34.684300, -116.960600

    I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location.  This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.

    We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area. 

    Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    Site of gold discovery in the 1800s.

    If you’re into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful. Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites. There wasn’t many other vehicles around the times I’ve been out there. Nice scenery and peaceful.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2018

    Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    unlimited backcountry camping

    Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed. Dogs are allowed, and the trails in the area are dog-friendly.

  • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2023

    East Flats

    East Flats-very nice

    Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2021

    East Flats

    Terrific Dispersed Spot

    My wife and our friends love this spot. As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy.

  • Francisco F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Spot For 4x4, But NOT For RVs

    My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot, after finding it on The Dyrt and a few other sites. It's definitely a beautiful place, and most of the road to the site is paved, but the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4, since the road is very thin and our SUV (a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder) is kind of thick. I'm sure it's probably nothing for people who are used to using their 4x4 for more than regular driving in the snow, etc., but it was too dodgy for us. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down the incline and then quite a ways down the pitted, gravel road to get out of it. 

    It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot - you wouldn't be there alone, and this was on a Thursday.


Guide to Daggett

Dispersed camping near Daggett, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Dispersed campers should check out BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

  • This area is known for its rugged terrain and is particularly popular among off-road vehicle enthusiasts, making it a great destination for adventure seekers.
  • Visitors have noted the strong winds, which can be a challenge, but the stunning desert landscape compensates for it, providing breathtaking views.
  • The BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area allows pets and fires, making it a welcoming spot for families and friends looking to enjoy a campfire under the stars.

Great off-roading opportunities at Ord Mountain Dispersed

  • Located near the New Jack City rock climbing area, this spot is ideal for those who enjoy both climbing and camping in a scenic environment.
  • The area is spacious enough to accommodate larger groups, making it perfect for gatherings or family trips.
  • At Ord Mountain Dispersed, visitors can expect a peaceful atmosphere, although it’s wise to be prepared for the lack of amenities like water and toilets.

Enjoy the tranquility of Razor Road Dispersed Camping

  • This location offers a flat, open space that is perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the surrounding desert views.
  • While there may be some highway noise, many campers find it manageable, especially when positioned further from the road.
  • The Razor Road Dispersed Camping area is pet-friendly and allows campfires, making it a cozy spot for a night under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Daggett, CA is Stoddard Valley OHV with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Daggett, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.