Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Hinkley? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Dispersed camping is allowed on for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. There is no potable water or developed facilities other than a single vault toilet on site. Pack out all trash. There are no trash services. In the desert environment, even natural items like orange peels take years to decompose. Travel on existing roads and trails. Vegetation in this climate can take decades to recover when crushed by off road driving or parking. Camp in campgrounds if available. Using campgrounds reduces the number of vehicles, so that the great views are not blocked. Have a great time. The Trona Pinnacles are a great place to explore natural wonders and experience your public lands.
Guide
35.08627305276245,-117.54092669125416 Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise.
Guide
This place is really cool to explore. Nice star gazing too. We took our www.hitched4fun.com RZR out on the many dirt roads in the area too. Had a blast 💥.
Traveler
We arrived in the evening, when it was still 33 celcius (95f), but the whole day it was about 45 celcius (113f). So the place was as hot as it can be. But that won’t change my rating too much. Because if the weather was a bit cooler I would have loved this even more, when we woke up, we were greeted by a beautiful desert. If you have an AC that you can put on during the night, it shouldn’t be a problem!
Legend
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.
Guide
By Rim of the world scenic byway and mormon rocks. Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly ;)
Guide
The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around. You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out or brakes. We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull. Disappointed because pictures from others looked great and it is a beautiful area. We found a spot near the road that I’ll post for others.
Travelermany Trucks at night. don't drive to the campground just search a space after road ends
TravelerWe stayed here 1 night and had the place to ourselves. It is a very large area and quite beautiful.
TravelerArrived in the dark and woke up to find a beautiful spot. Quiet, plenty of space and very few people here. Be prepared for freezing temps overnight in colder months.
Traveler
Forest setting, no one around when we went. Definitely need a 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicle on some of the roads. Was a great experience.
GuideIf 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.
TravelerQuite a crowd with the limited spots here. Some were quite close to one another.
Traveler
Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don’t need to worry about people driving by. There is nothing out here. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained Would definitely recommend high clearance vehicle if you want to be further away then 100 feet from the highway. Lots of wash outs. Beautiful sunrise. We were the only people there.
ScoutThe trail was closed as of May 7, 2023, No idea when it will be open.
TravelerFirst time going to the desert to camp. After the abundance of rain it was surprisingly green. Several types of wildflowers in bloom right now. Truly got the desert camping experience here. Spring time was ideal, weather was pleasant and mild. The biggest downside to the whole trip was the wind. Best thing I could recommend is finding an area that creates a natural barrier to it. The gusts are strong enough to really blow your tent hard and jerk you awake. The winds starts around dinner time/dusk and really doesn't let up u til midnight. So if you are down to clown, this place is absolutely beautiful. Clear enough to see the stars and if you come with the full moon (or close to it) you can really navigate around by moonlight. There really is only one vault toilet. And makeshift fire ring dispersed around the area. All the cool/good spots to camp are pretty far away from the toilet. Additionally, bring your own TP. Pack in/out and be respectful as this is BLM land
ScoutWe have been here for 5 days. The spot we are currently in has 3-4 bars 5G Verizon. Lots of sites with privacy with varying levels of cell signal. Vault toilet and fire pits.
Traveler
We stayed 3 nights, we might've stayed longer but the wind was terrible. We didn't explore much at all
RangerRecommend entering into your GPS because there are a lot of side roads before hitting the parking lot/outhouse. Pack out pack in area.
Beautiful place to play, make sure to bring lots of water
TravelerFirst time headed out here and it was a great spot for a disconnected weekend. Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot.
GuideArriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew. So we decided the next day to go a little further in the woods where you’re no longer in the campground base. So this is called wild camping. And that was amazing not a single sound far from everybody, off the grid.
We went in April, and still had a little bit of snow. All the trail roads are mostly for 4 x 4 vehicles that really enjoy just going at it throughout the day. A lot of fun to witness that. The wild hikes surrounding the campground are really fun. Just remember where you camped. It seems like fires aren’t allowed during certain periods. Just be aware, we brought our own off the ground stove. And it was perfectly fine.
GuideWe drove our skoolie in and didn’t have any trouble with the small bumps and sand. There were a few rvs and one tent, but it is so spread out that we never heard them. There are two toilets as well. The location has access to off-road trails, but the riders stopped before dark and we had a quiet night.
LegendDirt Biking heaven! Our friends brought their toy-haulers and we played in the desert for a few nights. The weather was pretty good for November. Plenty of space to have 2 RV’s, a van, and a few guests. Definitely head over to Slash-X cafe if you get a chance and grab a beer while listening to live music in the back patio!
GuideWe went right after Christmas 2021 since the roads up to Tahoe were closed. Due to the weather we were the only ones there for the first night and then saw a few cars roll in. We camped at the northern group of Tufas and recommend a 4x4 vehicle due to the road not being as smooth as the initial road. Sunset is beautiful and the night sky is even more breath taking.
GuideHeard about this place from someone I met on the road and decided to check it out. I made it there with my honda civic. Rough but definitely doable! But for driving the loop and anything beyond, I wouldn’t recommend. As some reviews on Google mentions it, this place can get WINDY! I thought about pitching my tent but decided to sleep in the car instead. The wind woke me up at 3am ish and kept me up all night. So be prepared!(maybe bring some earplugs?)
Overall, great place for photos and solitude. I will probably return and hopefully it won’t be too windy then.
TravelerThis is a popular camping site for OHV riders during the winter. 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. There are no toilets or water either.
It is the desert, so it gets warm/hot during the summer, but during the fall and winter, it is comfortable and can get cold at night.
The sites are far enough away that the noises of the other sites are not usually a problem, but it can occur. In the mornings, riders can be disturbing as they ride by.
Because of the OHV on weekends and holidays, it can get BUSY. First come, first serve.
For someone passing through, it can be a great one night stop and if you live local it makes a great few days away from the grind.
GuideEase of access
4x4 recommended anything south- west of the pinnacles.
Any vehicle with standard clearance can drive through the pinnacles.
TravelerThe road in/out of Pinnacles is rough - but totally worth it. There are numerous places and spaces to park/camp and when it’s empty the place takes on an almost surreal alien landscape. Stunning night skies, and amazing sunrise/sunsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hinkley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hinkley, CA is BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hinkley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Hinkley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
