Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Johnson Valley, CA has a lot to offer. Johnson Valley is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"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."
"Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."
"Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like."
"It's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out."
"Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."
"As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."
"Giant Rock is a popular location. There is plenty of space for individual or group camping. A steady flow of visitors stop by for pictures, but overall, it's quiet during the week."
"As another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me."
"My favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space."
"Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.
- The most paved way in is to take Sunfair to Broadway."
"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 ."
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**** Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products."
"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others. "
"First come first served dispersed camping just outside Big Bear. Near bike trails. Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend."
"Multiple free camping spots from the Y up to Fish Creek all the way to Coon Creek Cabin. 1st spots on the left are big rig friendly, you do have about a mile of dirt road before you get to them."
"Nice clean off grid best place so far Rick water slides"
RangerAs another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me. Car camping I found the area I liked best was as follows: off 62 take Sunfair rd, right on cypress rd (dirt road which my GPS thought was Reagan Rd but is marked with a street sign Cypress) - go past ITH coyote ranch (no sign but may show up on map) Then right on cascade - an unmarked dirt rd. Then there is a large flat BLM area where rvs and vans were quite spread out, and a motorcycle with a tent was my neighbor (quite far away). No trash here when I was there. Zero facilities obviously so pack it out. Hot tip - water and restrooms 10 min away at the Indian Cove ranger station near Indian Cove Campground in JT park. I stayed here two nights car camping.
TravelerEverything 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.
GuideGreat free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others. Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.
GuideFree camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like. Previous campers have built fire pits from the rocks laying around. Beautiful views, off road vehicle recommend.
RangerIt's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out. The road going in isn't too rough, and you'll likely find makeshift fire pits. Work with what is already there instead of making making a mess. Bring your own shade too.
ScoutMy favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space. Although one of the nights I stayed there it rained, the water filled the potholes in the dirt road so my ford fusion couldn’t really go through them so it took a while trying to figure out a way going around the holes. It’s great for AWD vehicles though. Other than that it’s directly in the sun, no shade but I like the spacious land it has to offer. Far away from other campers.
LegendI 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.
ScoutHigh clearance 4x4 required Can be windy Great views
GuideOk. Now that's out of the way. It's a parking lot for The Amboy volcanic crater. There is plenty of room for camping overnight for any size rig. Clean pit toilets and paved parking area. Easy hike to the crater, but a hard pull to the top. No water. Excellent At&t 5g cell service. The nighttime sky viewing was great. Note: When leaving the monument onto 66, there's a no left turn sign. Ignore it. The road is open to Ludlow.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Johnson Valley, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Johnson Valley, CA is Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Johnson Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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