Best Dispersed Camping near Earp, CA

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Earp, California, with several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites offering free primitive camping. The BLM mp 138.0 spur area provides the closest access to Earp and Parker, featuring numerous campsites along rocky two-track dirt roads. According to reviews, "the turnoff is difficult to see in time, so be careful for the fast-moving semi traffic." Additional options include the Parker to Needles Wagon Road Dispersed area and BLM spur at MP 133.8, all operating under the standard 14-day stay limit.

These sites are characterized by flat, open desert terrain with minimal amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities are available at any of the dispersed sites. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with multiple reviewers noting "good cell signal on all providers." Fire regulations permit campfires in most locations, but visitors should bring their own firewood and practice proper fire safety in this arid environment.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Many access roads are unpaved with rocky, washboard surfaces that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. Several campers report that positioning away from highways reduces traffic noise considerably. The area experiences extreme summer temperatures, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Parker, Arizona (just across the Colorado River) serves as the nearest supply point with grocery stores, fuel, and other necessities. The desert landscape offers minimal shade, so appropriate sun protection is essential for comfortable camping.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Earp, California (55)

    1. Havasu BLM Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    20 miles
    Website

    "Only minutes from Lake Havasu City. Lots of room to find a semi level spot. You can park far enough off the highway no highway noise. Lots of big rigs. No issue for 40’ pusher and 24’ car hauler"

    "Havasu BLM is Dispersed camping. Relatively flat, a lot of space to find a spot to park. Surfaces are hard packed generally with gravel base."

    2. Shea Road BLM Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Parker, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "I headed out on the road toward the coordinates but ended up camping about 4 miles before even getting to them. Maybe it gets more secluded?"

    "Not super remote. Had two bars of ATT service was able to stream movies. We were about 75 yards from the next camper which was a little close and I think that’s gonna be the norm at this location."

    3. BLM dispersed camping spur at MP 133.8

    3 Reviews
    Earp, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-7000

    "I learned quick that I need to add a shovel to my essential supplies for BLM camping. My van was able to negotiate making an entrance, but I am leary of getting stuck."

    4. BLM mp 138.0 spur Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Earp, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-7000

    "There are full timers not moving after 14 days as is required by law. Some have really set up shop and this visit we are near someone who is running their generator all day and into the night."

    6. Parker Pit Road Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Parker, AZ
    11 miles

    "This is an open BLM camping area. The access is between Mike 134 and 133 on AZ hwy 95. It is about 11 miles south of Parker, AZ. You cross a cattle guard to access, then head down a dirt road."

    "We roof top a lot with our boat. If you are looking for a place to stay while fishing the Parker strip you can safely bring your boat down this road and there are places to turn around."

    8. AZ State Land Recreational Area Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Parker Dam, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    $15 - $20 / night

    "There is access to the Lake Havasu, but only by OHV or on foot, we chose the latter. 

    The roads in from the highway are rough and rocky, but doable if you take it slow. "

    9. Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area

    27 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "Found a great spot away from the main campground areas. Road is very rough going in. Recommend high clearance vehicles. Made a great fireplace protected within the the rocks."

    "This is a 14 day BLM campground. The entrance is just north of Walmart on the east side of the road. We drove up about 2.5 miles and found a fairly flat open space with fabulous cellular service."

    10. Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    29 Reviews
    Quartzsite, AZ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 317-3200

    "If you're looking for a no-frills yet enjoyable boondocking experience, Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area near Quartzsite, Arizona, is a great pick."

    "Free dispersed camping, about 3 miles north of Quartzsite, with no services available, but lots of space and beautiful views of surrounding mountains."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Earp, CA

255 Reviews of 55 Earp Campgrounds


  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Very Large14 day limit BLM

    This is one five of 14 Day LVTA camping areas in the Quartzsite vicinity. 

    It was a very large site that had entrances on both sides of the road that each had their own host. Lots of flat open spaces. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). BLM lands have special rules, fees( sometimes none) and can be popular with boon-docking.. I have seen other reviews saying it was free to stay here, but there are signs that say LTVA permits are required for use between September 15th and April 15th. Seasonal fee is $180.00 and 14 day permits were $40.00

    I only had a look around, and decide to move on looking for actual free locations.

  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Plomosa Road

    OK, but not for me.

    This is one five of 14 Day LVTA camping areas in the Quartzsite vicinity. It has a host on site. Lots of flat open spaces. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). BLM lands have special rules, fees ( sometimes none) and can be popular with boon-docking. I only had a look around,. It did seem smaller and more densely populated than the other areas. I decided to continue on up the road and ended up staying in open BLM area just beyond Quinn pass. I have T-mobile service and phone was good, but data was painfully slow.

  • Wayne B.
    Jan. 19, 2023

    Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    14 day free BLM camping

    This is my third night staying at this BLM camping area. First and foremost it offers 14 days of free camping, so any things that it lacks in convenience, should be somewhat expected. The camp host you sign in with was super friendly and told me of events going on in Quartzite. It's mostly flat and rocky with some taller trees for shade depending where you set up at. There's no water or black tank dump site in the camping area. It's only a couple miles from town which is pretty convenient. Town gets busy so plan ahead for food and water. Stores can run low on supplies for sure. If you Park close to entrance side, you will hear traffic noise ALL night. Very busy highway.

  • Pinkie K.
    Feb. 28, 2021

    Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Place and Lots of Cactus

    We attended a camper rally Feb 10-14, 2021 and this also happened to be the first time we took our new rig out on the road. The drive to the spot from the 10 was easy and the camping spots (pull out areas) are nice and flat. It was quiet and the stars were clear and beautiful. During the day, there were several off road vehicles the drove by as where we camped was just off the dirt road so you may want to pull off the road as far as possible since it's very dusty. We brought our son's bike and we were glad we did. Lots of places to ride and gave him something to do.

    Great place to walk and explore but if you have a dog, please keep them close as there are a LOT of cactus and big thorns everywhere. Our dog got wrapped up in some and it was quite the moment but he's OK. It's also very rocky so watch those tender paws.

    The site's close to the town of Quartzsite which is cute and quirky but has everything you need; water, dump station, food, etc. Noise was non-existent at Roadrunner and we had a great time.

    No amenities so pack in and pack out and please, leave no trace. This area was very clean so let's leave it that way. Happy Camping!

    ***

    March 12-14, 2021

    Ended up back in Quartzsite for a family birthday and it was cool to know the area and where to park ours and a rental RV.  I truly dig this place. We parked further back from the dirt road this time so didn't have to worry about closing our camper door every time someone drove by in a off-road vehicle. Also had boots for our dog to keep the paws safe. He's still getting used to them.  =)

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Hill Free Campsites

    Crystal hill rock hounding

    Crystal Hill-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

    Free remote dispersed camping. South of Quartzite along hwy 95.

    NEVERMIND the BLM no camping sign at the hwy turnoff, go 3.1 mi to Kofa Refuge boundary and then to the 5.7 mi point and you reach Crystal Hill. There is a loop with about several back in remote style campsites. No signs, no toilets, no water, no trash, no tables, no fire rings. However cell seems good. 14d camping limit. The road in is washboard rocky gravel. Also more camping spots between the Kofa boundary and Crystal Hill.

    Important note! The turnoff from hwy 95 is between mp 96 and mp 95. As of Nov 2024 there is a significant dip leaving the hwy that may be problematic for trailers or long RVs, causing you to drag the rear end or hitch... Recon first..

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2022

    Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Nice free BLM dispersed, close to Q

    This camping area is one of 5 BLM free 14d dispersed camping areas in the Q area. Host on site to issue free permits but not sure why? Lots of nice open desert pavement areas and some scattered saguaros. Cell signal is fair to good. No amenities, no water, no trash, no toilets. Only a few miles south of Q on hwy #95. LTVAs are between here and back to Q.

  • Jeffrey F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2024

    Swansea Ghost Town

    Very remote, but interesting

    This location is very remote and a high clearance vehicle is needed. The drive in is a dirt road and very tough the last couple of miles. I didn’t see many spots right at the ghost town, but plenty all over before and after. I had one or two bars of service on Verizon. If you like exploring and solitude, this place is for you.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2023

    Gold Nugget Road - Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot for OHV

    The views of the mountains are nice here! Right off the highway, there is lots of noise. This area is a bunch of level gravel lots. Accessible to any kind of big rig or camper. You can explore a bit to get a place that is more private, but you will want 4x4 and high clearance. Lots of fire rings scattered about, and some trash here and there.

    If you want to get some exercise in, there is an abandoned mine 1.5 miles up the road. Seems like lots of people take off-road vehicles up that way.

    No services, pack in, pack out. Verizon service was good.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2023

    Snaggletooth Primitive RV Camp

    Gorgeous spot to relax and take in a sunset or two

    I ended up here after the place I had originally intended to stay didn't work out, and I am so glad I did. Yes, the front of this camping area, right off the highway, has a ton of trash. But it doesn't take much driving to get past it, and once you do you end up with a beautiful view of mountains and horizon. The highlight was watching the sun set behind the mountains. 

    The campground: The road leading back is dirt and gravel, and it does have some ruts and a few big dips. It was a jarring ride, but ultimately my crossover did fine. Some of the sites do have markers with numbers; I was back near marker #6 where I found a clean, flat gravel space to park for the night. There were only two other campers, both closer to the front, and we were all able to be very spaced out. The noise from the highway was minimal, just an occasional low rumble. I felt pretty comfortable traveling on my own there, but there is very little privacy because everything is so wide open. I think if someone had parked closer to me, I would have felt like everything I was doing was on display and would have been less comfortable. 

    The area: This place is right off of highway 95, and your closest gas/food is about 20 miles away (Needles, CA). Needles tends to have pretty pricey gas, so I recommend you have as close to a full tank before you head down or up 95. 

    Booking: Primitive camping on public land: no booking, no fee, no assigned spots. 

    Cell service: I have Verizon and this is maybe the best cell service I have ever had.


Guide to Earp

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Earp, California, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Vidal Junction - Dispersed Camping

  • This area offers a unique experience with its proximity to a Chevron station, making it convenient for quick supplies, though the surroundings can be less than pristine.
  • Campers have noted that the location is essentially a dirt lot, which can be noisy due to nearby truck traffic, but it provides a free option for those in need of a place to rest.
  • Despite its drawbacks, the site is well-suited for a quick overnight stay, especially for those traveling through the area.

Stunning views await at BLM Earp-Parker to Needles Wagon Road Dispersed

  • This dispersed camping area features a rocky two-track road that leads to numerous campsites, perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure.
  • Campers appreciate the good cell service available, making it easier to stay connected while enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • The site is close to Parker, where you can find amenities like Walmart and gas stations, ensuring you have everything you need for your stay.

Top activities while free camping near Earp

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to explore the rugged terrain around the BLM mp 138.0 spur Dispersed, which offers a variety of trails and stunning desert landscapes.
  • The area is popular for ATV riding, with many campers enjoying the thrill of off-road adventures right from their camping spots.
  • For those looking to stargaze, the clear desert skies provide an excellent backdrop for observing constellations and enjoying the tranquility of the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Earp, CA is Havasu BLM Dispersed with a 3.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 55 dispersed camping locations near Earp, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.