Best Dispersed Camping near Encinitas, CA

Dispersed camping near Encinitas, California is found primarily in areas to the east in the mountains and desert, rather than immediately along the coast. Primitive campsites are located within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and on surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands. The Blair Valley Primitive Campground in Anza-Borrego offers free dispersed camping in a desert setting approximately 60 miles from Encinitas. Several other primitive camping options exist along Pine Creek Road and Kitchen Creek Road in Cleveland National Forest, where campers can find sites with varying levels of seclusion.

Access roads to these dispersed camping areas vary in condition and difficulty. Pine Creek Road features some recently paved sections but transitions to dirt with occasional rough patches requiring careful navigation in passenger vehicles. Blair Valley has dirt roads that may become problematic after rain, with visitors reporting trucks getting stuck in mud. Many sites require a free permit, particularly those in Cleveland National Forest, which can be obtained by emailing the Descanso Ranger District. Most areas have no drinking water, limited or no toilet facilities, and strict fire regulations that vary seasonally.

These primitive camping locations provide open desert vistas, mountain scenery, and dark night skies. According to one visitor at Blair Valley, "The full moon night was so bright you could see everything with no lights," while another noted, "The stars were absolutely gorgeous." Pine Creek Road campers report spacious, secluded sites but caution about the narrow mountain roads with "some sections that are on sheer cliff edges with very few turn-off spots." Kitchen Creek Road sites are described as "pretty small spots off the road" that "get kind of loud from cars." Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with some areas offering surprisingly good connectivity. Campers consistently mention the importance of being prepared for desert conditions, including strong winds and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Encinitas, California (10)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Encinitas, CA

45 Reviews of 10 Encinitas Campgrounds


  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2023

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved this spot

    Free. 30 day limit. Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants. A large area for big rvs right at the front left. To the right there were lots of pull offs and I found it easier to navigate in my station wagon road-wise. Lots of space. Some areas say not to walk there/ keep dogs out to protect plants and wildlife. I felt safe solo camping - there were a few other van and rv campers. Recommend visiting the sweet desert botanical garden in nearby Borrego Springs.

  • G
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Go Deeper for more stars

    We stopped and setup tents a little before little Blair valley. Night sky was alright, but couldn’t see the Milky Way, so not dark enough for that. Probably a Bortle 5. Got up in the morning and went all the way until the end of the road on maps (Apple or Google) on our 2WD, was doable. 4 bars T Mobile LTE where we were.

    Campsite itself was very nice. The place we found had a man made but multiple time used fire pit. Great sunset and sunrise, you have the chance to have as much or as little company around you. Little bit of trash at our site that we picked up.

    Leave no trace!

  • Sheridan S.
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Beautiful location... if you can find a spot

    Great area--it's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE. Pine Creek Road itself is paved, and the camping spots are packed dirt so it's easy to get around even in a FWD. Warning though: if you're nervous about driving on single lane mountain roads, this is not the place for you! Pine Creek Road is several miles long, with some sections that are on sheer cliff edges with very few turn-off spots to allow for passing.

    Additional word of warning: the camping spots are not close together and there seemed to be very few of them. Even driving slowly, I counted only 6 or 7 sites total, separated by up to a mile. I saw only 1 other spot with campers, at least 2.5 miles from my site. Some of the sites are fairly large--could easily fit 2 cars and a couple tents--but others seemed to be just large enough to pull off the road and sleep in the car (no tent space). Some spots were tucked back from the road with lots of trees (I barely saw or heard any cars, even though I was probably only ~15ft from the road); but some were barely more than a shoulder with no trees for coverage. I stayed in the same spot two nights in a row, though I packed up during the day because I assumed I'd find another spot down the road. At least in the site I picked, there was very little trash from previous campers.

    Suggestion for the permit: make sure you apply for the free permit a few days in advance especially if you plan to go on the weekend. List the place you're going as "Pine Creek dispersed camping," and keep a printed copy in your car. I didn't have trouble with any rangers, but it's better to be safe than fined. Very spotty service (Verizon), which makes navigation and planning difficult if you don't pre-download trail maps.

  • Kathy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Didn't Want to Leave

    Spent 4 nights here in February. A good amount of other campers, but not too crowded. I found the perfect spot tucked up against the rocks. I had my own private rock garden with so many variety of cacti and lots of birds. So peaceful.  I would definitely come back here again. 

    No cell signal, but plenty of solar. Primitive camping--no amenities.

  • Justin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2023

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Beautiful Views and 5G Internet

    Came here to have a place for my popup camper while we checked out the flowers blooming 40 minutes away in Borrego Springs and it was perfect. There's no amenities except for a pit toilet, but the cell service here was better than anywhere in the area. I had better signal at this campsite than I did in Park Circle at the heart of Borrego Springs. Lots of people set up near the entrance, but if you drive a little back you can get some privacy. Also be slow and cautious when driving on these dirt roads after a rainstorm; we saw two different trucks get stuck in the mud. Luckily some people with a winch were able to get them both out. Also we were here in March so the nights were cold and windy so make sure you're prepared.

  • Jennifer D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    It’s free!!

    my home base for Anza Borrego fun. Little Blair valley has beautiful rocky hills that provide a great backdrop to your desert camping. Lots of climbing to be had, as well as several trails. Including pictographs! Simply choose your spot and set up camp!

    Ive witnessed some of the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets here. desert camping, so no trees, but plenty of ocotillo and creosote. I tend to getaway here in fall and winter months it’s just too hot otherwise

    Restrooms when you pull in off the highway. Dirt road. But very passable in a car.

  • E.
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Great escape from the city!

    I followed the coordinates provided and it took us right to the trailhead. We saw a few other campers but overall, the campground was ours for the weekend. We did some light hiking and exploring but otherwise took advantage of the peace and quiet that was available to us. Gorgeous sunsets and sunrises and epic star gazing! Being a dark sky community, we were able to see so many stars and constellations. We saw shooting stars nearly every minute and we were also able to find Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,  and Neptune all with the naked eye! Next time we will pack a small telescope and I'm sure we will see more! 

    Watch out for cactus and needles that are buried in the sand. It is not recommended to bring dogs or walk barefoot for this reason. Our sandals and boots both had many needles stuck in the rubber soles after the trip. Being in the valley, the winds were very light but there is a possibility of strong winds and sand storms so be prepared. Temps averaged 70-75 during the day and dropped to 38-42 at night but with a small fire and proper gear, we were plenty comfortable. Fire rings are provided at some locations however the ranger informed us we could build a rock ring and line it with tin foil which worked great. 

    The road in was a bit rough in some areas. Wash out and silty sand could pose problems for smaller vehicles or campers so use your best judgement. Single track roads in/out so you will need to yield off the main road when encountering larger oncoming vehicles, which could also be difficult for inexperienced offroad drivers.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    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


Guide to Encinitas

Dispersed camping near Encinitas, California requires driving east into the backcountry areas of San Diego County, with most sites located between 3,000-5,000 feet elevation. This transition zone between coastal and desert climates creates significant temperature variations, often 20-30 degrees warmer during summer days and considerably colder at night during winter months. Free camping options in Cleveland National Forest require permits that can be obtained by email, typically processed within 1-2 business days.

What to do

Explore historic petroglyphs: At Blair Valley Primitive Campground, several short hiking trails lead to ancient rock art. "Ochre petroglyphs, fantastic night sky views, a variety of flora and fauna, hiking, and some challenging 4x4 lines await you here," notes camper Jeremy A.

Stargaze under dark skies: The Anza-Borrego region offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. One Blair Valley camper reports, "We saw shooting stars nearly every minute and we were also able to find Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all with the naked eye!"

Visit Julian: This historic mining town is 15 miles from many dispersed camping areas and offers a charming downtown with apple pie shops and restaurants. "Just outside of Julian which is a charming little town," mentions a camper at Blair Valley.

What campers like

Solitude and space: Pine Creek Road Camp offers widely spaced sites with natural separation. "Some of the sites are fairly large—could easily fit 2 cars and a couple tents—but others seemed to be just large enough to pull off the road and sleep in the car," explains camper Sheridan S.

Desert wildflowers: Spring brings impressive desert blooms, especially after wet winters. A camper at Kwaaymii Point enjoyed "a private rock garden with so many variety of cacti and lots of birds. So peaceful."

Connectivity options: Cell service varies considerably by location. Jeffrey F. notes at Blair Valley, "Where I was, I had zero Verizon signal," while another camper reports, "4 bars T-Mobile LTE where we were" at Pine Creek Road.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads deteriorate quickly after rain. At Kitchen Creek Road, conditions can be challenging during wet seasons, with one camper noting, "Went during a very rainy season. So it could definitely be attributed to the time of year."

Fire restrictions change seasonally: Most areas prohibit ground fires during dry seasons, though metal containers may be allowed. One Blair Valley camper shares, "Fire rings are provided at some locations however the ranger informed us we could build a rock ring and line it with tin foil which worked great."

Pack extra water: No reliable water sources exist at most dispersed sites. A camper at Blair Valley advises, "Being in the valley, the winds were very light but there is a possibility of strong winds and sand storms so be prepared. Temps averaged 70-75 during the day and dropped to 38-42 at night."

Tips for camping with families

Watch for desert hazards: Granite Springs provides more contained camping areas with better facilities for families. "Primitive camp site with chemical bathrooms. Has 3 areas to set up tents," notes Chris M.

Plan for temperature swings: Desert areas can experience 30-40 degree temperature differences between day and night. A Blair Valley camper warns, "Watch out for cactus and needles that are buried in the sand. It is not recommended to bring dogs or walk barefoot for this reason."

Consider shorter stays: With limited facilities, first-time family dispersed campers might start with one night. "We only spent one night but we never saw another person during our stay," reports a camper at Pine Creek Road.

Tips from RVers

Scout ahead for size limitations: Most dispersed sites have space restrictions. At Roadside Pulloff in Pine Valley, a camper notes it's "just a pull off, not a full on camp site" though it's marked as big-rig friendly.

Be prepared for narrow roads: Pine Creek Road has challenges for larger vehicles. One camper cautions, "If you're nervous about driving on single lane mountain roads, this is not the place for you! Pine Creek Road is several miles long, with some sections that are on sheer cliff edges with very few turn-off spots to allow for passing."

Know where you can legally camp: Not all roadside areas permit overnight stays. A camper at Otay Mountain Camp advises, "Not all the roads that lead out to the mountain are legal to camp on so be careful where you park. Otay Mountain Rd and Otay Lakes Rd are the only two roads mentioned on the BLMs website."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Encinitas?

For free dispersed camping near Encinitas, head to Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which offers completely free camping with a 30-day limit. This beautiful desert location provides numerous pull-off spots and camping areas along rock walls filled with native plants. Another free option is Kwaaymii Point, which provides dispersed camping with scenic views. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance from Encinitas and offer the chance to enjoy Southern California's natural landscape without campground fees.

Is tent camping permitted at Encinitas dispersed camping areas?

Tent camping is fully permitted and popular at dispersed camping areas near Encinitas. Kitchen Creek Road is well-suited for tent campers with walk-in and hike-in access options. At Grapevine Canyon Road, you can find secluded spots perfect for setting up tents. Many campers report excellent experiences tent camping in these areas, enjoying stargazing, hiking, and peaceful surroundings. When tent camping at these dispersed sites, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and check seasonal weather conditions before your trip, as desert temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Encinitas?

Dispersed camping sites near Encinitas are typically primitive with minimal amenities. Pine Creek Road Camp offers packed dirt camping spots accessible by front-wheel drive vehicles, but no facilities. The area connects to nearby trails, making it ideal for hikers. At Scissors Crossing PCT Parking, you'll find a basic area suitable for larger vehicles but few amenities. Most dispersed sites in the region require you to pack in water, pack out trash, and be self-sufficient with no electricity, showers, or hookups available. Cell service varies by location, with some areas offering surprisingly good coverage.