Best Dispersed Camping near Indio, CA
Want to go dispersed camping near Indio? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Indio. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Indio just for you.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Indio, CA (44)
1. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
Mecca, California58 Reviews•158 Photos•874 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Market
2. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Joshua Tree, California33 Reviews•60 Photos•629 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Mecca Hills Wilderness
Mecca, California8 Reviews•17 Photos•280 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Joshua tree BLM by entrance
Mecca, California12 Reviews•10 Photos•191 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
5. Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
Mecca, California12 Reviews•40 Photos•91 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Joshua Tree North BLM
Joshua Tree, California17 Reviews•37 Photos•157 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Julian, California33 Reviews•116 Photos•1037 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
10. BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree
Twentynine Palms, California6 Reviews•21 Photos•206 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Indio
232 Reviews of 44 Indio Campgrounds
Ryan L.
Traveler
Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Free Desert Camping
Grateful for free camping sites. Just outside of Julian which is a charming little town.
Decent for some seclusion/isloation as the road through is winding.
When in early January. 65-70 during the day. ~45 at night.
The quiet was my favorite part.
- MMichael W.Traveler
Octillo Wells OHV Recreation Area
It’s desert time!
It’s technically the Republic of Slowjamistan.
Lots of open space, just drive out and park. Might need an air down/up system depending on how far in you want to travel. No issues for the first 0.25-0.5 mile off the highway.
ATV rentals available. There are some picnic tables and compost hole restrooms.
Steve
Scout
Joshua Tree North BLM
Close to the park but problematic
Dry lake bed. Lots of room and easy to park with ability to put a lot of space between you and others.
Pros: free, close to the park.
Cons: people are clearly living here. Drug deals going down at night with people sitting on the edges with high beams on. Peoplenliving here running generators from 8 pm until they run out of gas at 3 am. 230 am donuts in a pickup followed by screaming for his dogs he let out of his trailer.
We stayed on the south side of the park first and that was much better.
E.ScoutBlair 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.
- TTony B.Traveler
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)
Laura M.
Legend
Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
One of our favorites
We love this BLM dispersed boondock area. It’s one of our go-tos. There’s always room, even though there are always lots of other campers here. Once you leave the main road and drive on the dirt road for a bit in either direction, people start to thin out and you have your own huge patch of camping.
The road is washboard in parts, but manageable. Heads up that the BLM land is a checkerboard type situation, but nobody seemed to care. People were camped anywhere, and we’ve never seen anyone from BLM come by.
Cell service is great out here. Getting your spot level is tricky each time, and we usually have to dig a hole on one side and use levels on the other just to get our rig level. Of course we fill the holes back in when we leave.
- CCarson S.Traveler
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.
- ssoph M.
GuideJoshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
my all time favorite blm
absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself! easy road and so many open spots + so many cool people
Rose D.TravelerBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
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.Guide
East Flats
Wildlife but super dusty!
Starlink internet here was great and we stayed 2 days to work here. Saw multiple deer walking by our site.
Easy to drag in dust and very annoying. We easily found a spot for our van.
- Ciara W.Guide
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.
- SSamay C.Traveler
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.
Kique S.TravelerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Great spot!
This is a great area. I recommend you bring extra mosquito repellent. Have fun!
- CChandra B.Guide
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.GuideJoshua 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.Guide
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.TravelerEast Flats
great spacious area
loved this spot. easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. no amenities & great cell service.
- RRaymond M.Scout
East Flats
Nice lake!
No amenities but still nice and the price is right!
Carter M.ScoutBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
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
- MMo H.Traveler
Painted Canyon
Amazing stars
Absolutely quiet and an amazing starry sky
Ideal for tents
- DDaniel H.Traveler
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.
- JJin S.Scout
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Some areas are private land
Nice area but we were told that some areas have now become private land, so that’s something to watch out for.
Anne M.ScoutBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
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.
Heather K.
RangerBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Great spot for a night or two
Tons of dispersed spots down the road.
Dickie Simmons S.TravelerBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
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.
- JJoe C.Scout
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.Scout
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.
Guide to Indio
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Indio, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.
Stunning Sunrises at Mecca Hills Wilderness
- This area is known for its breathtaking sunrises, making it an ideal spot for early risers who want to start their day surrounded by nature.
- The trails in the Mecca Hills Wilderness provide excellent hiking opportunities, allowing you to explore the unique rock formations and desert flora.
- With no permit required and free camping options, it’s a budget-friendly choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Adventure Awaits at Box Canyon Dispersed
- The sandy terrain in Box Canyon Dispersed is perfect for off-road enthusiasts, but be prepared for some deep sand that may require a 4WD vehicle.
- This location is known for its sheer cliffs and unique geological features, making it a great spot for photography and exploration.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife, as visitors have reported encounters with foxes and other desert creatures during their stay.
Explore the Colors of Painted Canyon
- Painted Canyon is famous for its vibrant rock formations, offering a stunning backdrop for hiking and photography.
- The area is incredibly quiet at night, providing a perfect setting for stargazing under the clear desert sky.
- With easy access and plenty of space for tents or RVs, this spot is well-suited for both solo campers and families looking to enjoy a peaceful getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Indio, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Indio, CA is Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Indio, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 dispersed camping locations near Indio, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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