Top Free Dispersed Camping near Imperial, CA

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Imperial? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Imperial, CA (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site

    1. Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    15 Saves

    Thank you for visiting the Hot Spring LTVA managed by the BLM El Centro Field Office. You must have a permit to camp in a designated LTVA between September 15 and April 15.

    Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), where visitors can camp for as long as seven months. The Hot Springs LTVA is known for it's historic and still active hot spring attracting both local and winter visitors.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park

    2. Red Hill Marina Park

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    17 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
    • No image available

      5. Supersitition Mountain

      Be the first to review!
      4 Saves

      This dispersed campsite is located on an offroading designated area.

        Camper-submitted photo from Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

        6. Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

        1 Review
        6 Photos
        38 Saves

        Located in the southeast corner of California, the Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in the state. Formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the dune system extends for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide. Dunes often reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor, providing outstanding opportunities for recreation. A favorite place for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals. With most of the off-road action taking place in the recreation area south of Highway 78, the open areas allow all types of vehicle recreation. Limited areas surround the dunes require vehicles to travel on designated routes. Closed areas prohibit motorized vehicle use entirely. Information and maps for all of these areas are available at the ranger stations. The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness offers a tranquil alternative to the fast-paced action of the main dunes. This wilderness encompasses more than 26,000 acres, with the largest and tallest dunes located in the central area. Visitors are welcome to walk or ride horses in this remote area. The wilderness is closed to all vehicles and mechanized use.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Group
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Palm Springs Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Palm Springs Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Palm Springs Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Palm Springs Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Palm Springs Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Palm Springs Camp
        • No image available
          • No image available

            9. Slab City

            1 Review
            2 Saves

            Slab City is a small unicorportated town that was originally a small military base. It now remains as a unique place to escape the mainstream.

            • Pets
            • Fires
            • Phone Service
            • ADA Access
            • RVs
            • Tents
            Camper-submitted photo from Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive
            Camper-submitted photo from Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive
            Camper-submitted photo from Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive
            Camper-submitted photo from Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive
            Camper-submitted photo from Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive
            Camper-submitted photo from Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive

            10. Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive

            5 Reviews
            12 Photos
            19 Saves

            The area in and around Pilot Knob is rich in both human and natural history. At one time, Patton's troops trained here in preparation for desert fighting in World War II. A State of California Historic Marker lies on the site of Patton's camp. The marker is located just north of Interstate 8 on Sidewinder Road. The Fort Yuma Indian Reservation borders public lands near Pilot Knob. Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), where visitors can camp for as long as seven months.

            • Pets
            • Fires
            • Phone Service
            • ADA Access
            • RVs
            • Tents

            $75 - $180 / night

          Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Imperial

          25 Reviews of 27 Imperial Campgrounds


          • Bubble G.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Road Camp
            Jun. 2, 2024

            Black Mountain Road Camp

            Beautiful Views, Quiet Solitude

            Traveling down Black Mountain road for about 2miles of wash boards before turning down the camping road.

            All the sites were empty as it was almost 100degrees outside and nothing for shade of a creature larger than a bird could find. But here we found quiet solitude and a cooler evening, perhaps the winds helped.

            If you have furry friends keep a watch for their paws, there’s small cacti/pokeys scattered about.

            Lovely sunrise and sunset 360 views.

            Good Verizon service!

          • Katrina M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive
            Apr. 11, 2024

            Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area Dispersed Primitive

            Easy access - close to Yuma

            Big rig friendly - lots of space to spread out. Nice areas to hike and climb. Can get rather windy and there is some smelly smoke at times from Mexico area. Can drive to Mexico for various doctor/dentist/etc. Easy drive to Yuma as well. Great deal for the winter! Present when the 'scary' situation occurred in March as noted by someone else. Involved 2 parties with dogs loose. We did not and do not feel unsafe at all here.

          • C
            Camper-submitted photo from Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site
            Jan. 7, 2024

            Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site

            Amazing Soaks to be had!

            We loved this spot. FREE Dispersed camping is located just past power lines behind the actual hot springs. To stay at the LTVA you must have self contained trailer, van, rv…we didn’t know this. It worked out better-FREE camping and just a lil over an ¼ mile to the springs. It is well maintained by camp host Bill. Vault toilets, with TP & bonus there is great food at The Holtville Taco Shop 7 miles from springs. The Del Sol market has great marinated chicken for the BBQ and the tortillas are best outside of Mexico I have found. We will be back as the sunsets are too good not to experience over and over again…cold at night this time of year…

          • Karin P.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site
            May. 9, 2023

            Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site

            Good

            Area was nice, no trash, host was nice, the only thing was there was A LOT OF FLIES. Other than the flies it’s an good campground, there are pit toilets across the street at the hot springs along with trash cans.

          • Karin P.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
            May. 7, 2023

            Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed

            Decent

            Good if you need to get off the highway to catch some sleep. People shoot here so there’s shells, rusty metal, and broken glass everywhere.

          • a A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
            Jan. 7, 2023

            Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed

            Not bad

            Decent spot to pull over and stretch the legs , stayed here for a full moon in the winter, some freeway noise but good enough

          • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Ogilby Road Dispersed BLM
            Dec. 4, 2022

            Ogilby Road Dispersed BLM

            Decent and convenient dispersed camping

            Tons of space. Right off Oligby rd. Many pre established sites with rock fire pits. Some close to the road and others a drive in. Even fairly close to the road we had lots of privacy. Didn’t seem to be many folks close by - however we could see many people camping in the area. “Roads” we’re varying depending on how far out you go. There are train tracks close by and we heard the occasional train but wasn’t bothersome. Not a lot of trees/shrubs for privacy but 🤷🏻‍♀️ this is the desert.

          • Rachel S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed
            Oct. 12, 2022

            Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed

            Easy off the highway, scenic, but with a catch

            People come out here to shoot so be warned! Theres also a lot of broken glass/rusty cans! Really pretty area though and tons of flat areas to choose from. You can spread out and go explore further up the road like we did. Need a car with clearance for just one part (no sedans). Easy on and off to the highway.

          • G
            Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
            Jan. 21, 2022

            Red Hill Marina Park

            Super Sketchy

            No view of the sea. No office staff to check in with. Follow backroads & dirt roads to get here. Seemed like a place where people checked in & decided to live there. We did not stay. Did not feel comfortable.

          • KThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
            Jan. 17, 2022

            Red Hill Marina Park

            Beautiful but mosquito ridden

            Great spot all to ourselves near the Sultan Sea. Sunset was beautiful, the smell was a bit strong off the sea, but then the mosquitos came and they were brutal! Tiny little suckers that could come through the screens.

            Great spot for an early start to check out Slab City and the morning bombing practices from the air force base nearly (very dystopian!)

          • Kayla D.
            Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves
            Mar. 19, 2021

            Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves

            Empty on weeknights but a little hard to find

            Dates & Weather: March 12, 2021. Night temps weren’t too bad down in the canyon we stayed in, mid-40’s and during the day it was 50 with high winds up on top of the dirt mountains(?), caves were warmest the whole time

            Road & Address: there were some soft sand spots, didn’t require a lot of clearance and I didn’t put my Jeep Compass into AWD at all. Probably wouldn’t bring a sedan, but there were SUVs pulling pop-ups. Make sure you follow your GPS even if it doesn’t show a road (I missed the first left that goes to the caves & had to backtrack two miles through soft sand)

            Amenities: none, pack in/pack out

            Things to do: tons of caves to explore (the signs recommend not going in) bring a light (because you will go in.) Cool groups of overlanders out there and also saw a ton of families setting up camp as I was leaving Saturday morning.

            DO NOT PARK CLOSE TO THE DIRT WALLS. (Mostly the overhanging ones) During the night I was out there, high winds brought a down huge chunk that we had passed on the way in. Glad I skipped that spot—I have a huge moonroof, yikes. There’s plenty of open spaces to set up camp safely away from the walls.

            AT&T had no service whatsoever on low ground, but was strong if you went up the mountain (they’re like 40 feet, not actual mountains)

          • Brett S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves
            Jan. 3, 2021

            Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves

            Amazing scenery and plenty of free camp sites

            We are novice campers - didn't have sand tent pegs so with a little wind on the day we arrived it took some time to find the right site for us which really was only after the wind died down after 4pm. Picture a few frustrated moments here while wind picked up tent and wife..... :)

            Lesson learned, take sand capable tent pegs and set up site later in the day and not on a nice hill.

            Once the wind died down we found a site and settled in for a lovely night.

            Awesome caves and walking around the area. Spectacular must do trip when around the area.

          • James
            Camper-submitted photo from Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
            Dec. 10, 2020

            Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

            Ice cream anyone

            My first time here we arrived a week before our friend group to secure a good location before the busy thanksgiving weekend and we were the only ones out by the dunes, but the ice cream truck still managed to find us! 😂

            There are a lot of regulars who come to the dunes for group camping, and some of them have incredible set-ups, our neighbors rolled in with an 18 wheeler filled with side-by-sides, a flatbed filled with quads, and a hauler filled with bikes, along with 6 big rig RV’s.

            This place isn’t actually free you need to buy either a weekly or season pass which runs from November to April ($35 or $150) and the longest you can stay is two weeks without moving your set-up. You can buy a pass at any ATV store or shop, but there is no way to buy one once you’re out here. Rangers and border patrol make the rounds to make sure everyone has a pass, and obeys all ATV rules on the dunes and sand drags.

            There is trash at the entrance, slightly inside are toilets. Cell phone service is 5 stars (we work from our RV and had no issues), you can pay to dump and fill up water at the RV park a couple miles from here. The sand is soft, heavy rigs may need to air down.

            This is not only a beautiful place, it is also a way of life, and a must do for anyone with a way to get out into the dunes.

          • Taylor
            Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves
            Nov. 17, 2020

            Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves

            Perfect

            The mud caves are a MUST see when down here. This is the perfect area for off-roading and great views! It’s easy to spend a whole day here.

          • Javier L.
            Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves
            Oct. 31, 2020

            Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves

            Desert Wonderland

            Anza borrego state park has a lot of room to explore. The park has campgrounds near borrego springs that are easily accessible. Visiting the mud caves you’ll need 4x4 or an AWD car with high clearance. Anza borrego has been my wife & I go to camping area for over 5 years. Camping is allowed away from main trails and we typically sleep near the mud caves or within the slot canyons. Perfect place to star gave and wander around & explore. Bring plenty of water/ off road safety (enough fuel/ shovel/ traction boards) as towing out of this area is extremely expensive. (Pictures are from fonts point/ random hikes near camping spots).

          • Dyl A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves
            Mar. 28, 2020

            Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves

            Beautiful caves and isolated camping

            There are more than five different areas to camp in this box canyon.
            The caves are cool, dark, and spooky!
            no matter how hot it is in the desert the caves are always about 60F.
            Don't come here if it's going to rain because the cliff-sides may fall and block the trail.

          • Jill F.
            Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
            Aug. 31, 2018

            Red Hill Marina Park

            Salton Sea looks bleak these days

            There are a few long-term campers here that aren’t very friendly. They have tent sites and hookups.

            Major plus is birding at the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

          • Chad F.
            Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
            Jul. 5, 2017

            Red Hill Marina Park

            Red Hill Marina Imperial Valley

            Very Primitive location but beautiful in its own right. Gets dusty, tons of birds, close to the Salton Sea and no complaints. $7 per night for a tent site, a little more for hookups. $2 day rate use fee.



          Guide to Imperial

          Camping near Imperial, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

          What to do:

          • Hiking: Explore the trails around Culp Valley Primitive Campground. One reviewer said, "Access to great hikes from the campground," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
          • Wildlife Watching: At Agua Caliente County Park Campground, you might spot desert bighorn sheep. A visitor mentioned, "The highlight was seeing some desert bighorn sheep!"
          • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. One camper at Blair Valley Primitive Campground noted, "Enjoy the changing colors at dusk," perfect for night sky enthusiasts.

          What campers like:

          • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed states, "Absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself!"
          • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper at William Heise County Park shared, "It was quiet and clean," making it a great escape from city noise.
          • Accessibility: Campgrounds like Paso Picacho Campground are easy to reach. A visitor mentioned, "We spent 5 days here... The campground was nice and relatively empty during the week."

          What you should know:

          • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, such as Blair Valley Primitive Campground, lack facilities like drinking water and showers. A reviewer noted, "No facilities but good cell service."
          • Weather Considerations: The desert can get hot during the day and chilly at night. One camper at Culp Valley Primitive Campground mentioned, "It is consistently several degrees cooler than the others in Anza."
          • Crowds on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed said, "I arrived at 5pm and already almost all spots were taken."

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park, which offers amenities like picnic tables and clean restrooms. A family shared, "The campsites were spacious and well-equipped."
          • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground said, "There’s a trailhead to the oasis right in the campground."
          • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers for chilly nights. A visitor at Paso Picacho Campground noted, "It started out great... but it got cold at night."

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Culp Valley Primitive Campground warned, "Don’t go in with any big rigs very tight."
          • Look for Hookups: If you need amenities, consider campgrounds like Agua Caliente County Park Campground, which offers electric hookups. One camper mentioned, "Clean facilities and well-kept grounds."
          • Be Prepared for Dust: The desert can be dusty, so bring a good dust cover for your RV. A visitor at Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area noted, "It can be hot and there are not amenities at the campground itself."

          Camping near Imperial, California, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for families and RVers alike.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Imperial, CA?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Imperial, CA is Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Imperial, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.