Top Free Dispersed Camping near Indian Wells, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Indian Wells, CA (41)

Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Indian Wells

214 Reviews of 41 Indian Wells Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
    Sep. 27, 2024

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Awesome dispersed site with amazing views

    Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree
    Aug. 25, 2024

    BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

    Definition of Dispersed Camping

    Everything about this site is not only free, but literally free to park and camp anywhere. There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October. So campfires would be a great idea out here as well.

  • Rose  D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Quiet

    Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views. Didn’t even know I had neighbors until I walked around in the morning and saw neighboring campers over the hill. Clear skies when I went back in November, could get pretty windy. Saw some coyotes pass by my camp.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Base camp close to Joshua Tree

    We stayed here for 2 nights and worked from here with our starlink. Great internet - we had 2 people doing video calls.

    Each site is pretty large and can fit at least 3 vans but they’re only about 100 ft off the dirt road.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Aug. 1, 2024

    East Flats

    Great secluded location

    First time car camping. Solo trip with my fur babies. Trails a little rough but good thing I have X-Mode on my Subaru. Lol. Arrived around 5:30pm on a Wednesday. Drove past a few campers. A few with big RV’s. Closest camper is about 30 yards away. Could barely hear their generator running. Planned on staying a few nights but after the first night I was told there was a big archery event and that the whole campground was reserved so I had to pack up and leave.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Jun. 28, 2024

    East Flats

    Quiet & Fresh Air

    We are here RN! It is so peaceful and the air is so fresh! Pines, and clear blue skies! What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…

  • JJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Ease of access and free

    Great location in proximity just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. There are plenty of spots for tents, pop-ups, campers, or RVs. Fire rings are already established.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Park Road Camp
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Gold Park Road Camp

    South of 29 Palms

    Takes a bit of time to find just the right spot, as some areas are a little trashy. Quiet, beautiful evening sunset enjoyed. Cools down nicely at night.

  • Alexis O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Jun. 7, 2024

    East Flats

    great spacious area

    loved this spot. easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. no amenities & great cell service.

  • Carter M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    May. 30, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Beautiful area but lots of bugs

    Here in late May and the bees and other bugs have been nonstop on me the whole time I've been here. It's a really beautiful area and the spots are spacious

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    May. 12, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    GOOD ENOUGH

    The area was easy to navigate; even when we pulled in late at night. There were a lot of people coming in and out as well. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for privacy. Aside from that, I would camp if you’re looking for something easy, safe, and accessible.

  • Anne M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    May. 7, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Great weeknight spot

    Visited early May. Arrived right before sunset, there were people close to the bathrooms, but lots of space to spread out if you drive a little.

  • Dickie Simmons  S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Great off grid camping w/ easy access

    Easy access to most designated campsites. Enjoy the changing colors at dusk. My area had 2 bars of verizion service.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Canyon Dispersed
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Box Canyon Dispersed

    Sweet spot

    Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without. got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there.

  • Rainer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Joshua Tree
    Apr. 14, 2024

    North Joshua Tree

    Nice stay, plenty of space

    We arrived early in the afternoon around 4:30 pm and found a vast, open place witziges only few, dispersed campers. Access was easy, Solid ground . Only the partly littered areas prevent us from giving 5 stars.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Wash
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Wash

    If you just want to get outdoors...

    There are a bunch of campsites along a service road that is parallel to a main road, several hundred feet away. This whole area is essentially within one valley, so you have mountains on both sides. It is well vegetated and allows for fairly easy hikes up the soft slopes.

    The parking spots are right alongside the road, so for van camping is not so great, but tents can be put away from the road and therefore it's much more suitable for tenting.

    The stretch of dirt road closest to the main road is Sandy, but manageable bull in a two wheel drive. This is where most of the campsites are. Further along the road, there are fewer camp sites, so they are more dispersed, however the road becomes more rocky and jutted, but for those wanting a bit more privacy, this is the spot to be.

    I would like to come back in camp in this location. So i'm going to mark it to return another time.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Pass Camp
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Pass Camp

    Easy stop if you need, otherwise keep driving

    Drove in..., drove out. As another review noted, it's a big parking lot. Fine if you just need a place to pull over, nothing of value there..., maybe proximity to a hiking trail.

  • Emmi O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    Ok for one night stay

    We arrived late in the evening and spent one night there. There was couple of other campers too, so we felt safe. No trash but smelled like urine. Cell service was okay.

  • amanda R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Great night!

    Really convenient if you’re in Joshua Tree. The sunset was a 10/10. Very quiet, but we went in July so it was miserably hot. There are fire circles scattered throughout each site. Cell service for xfinity was great. Very nice quiet night

  • Maura G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    Stolen Tent

    Not a bad spot in close proximity to Joshua Tree, but our tent disappeared from our site on 3/12. We left in the morning to hike and returned to our site to find that every piece of our tent and sleeping gear was gone.



Guide to Indian Wells

Camping near Indian Wells, California, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from Jumbo Rocks Campground saying, "So much exploring to be had right from your campsite."
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Hidden Valley Campground is a hotspot. A visitor mentioned, "The campground flanks some large rock formations that host rock climbers during the day."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for incredible stargazing. A camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed noted, "DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the breathtaking views. One happy camper at Indian Cove Campground said, "What a beautiful place. It was really quiet when we were there and saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the spacious sites. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground shared, "The sites are nicely spread out. Bathrooms are extremely clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families find the campgrounds welcoming. A visitor at William Heise County Park mentioned, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "The Campground offers the most basic accommodations as toilets; no water or showers."
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak times. A reviewer at Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping mentioned, "There were a lot of people coming in and out as well. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for privacy."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Indian Cove Campground shared, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp, it was so peaceful."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park, which offers a variety of activities. A family camper said, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A reviewer at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled up. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground suggested, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground advised, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Desert nights can get chilly. A camper at Indian Cove Campground noted, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade."
  • Use Reservations Wisely: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, "I arrived at 5pm and already almost all spots were taken."

Camping near Indian Wells, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there’s something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Indian Wells, CA is Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 41 dispersed camping locations near Indian Wells, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.