Best Dispersed Camping near Joshua Tree National Park

Dispersed camping around Joshua Tree National Park gives you a chance to sleep under the stars without the crowds of developed campgrounds. The park has a number of primitive sites where you won't find any facilities - just you and the desert. Since there's no water, toilets, or trash service, you need to bring everything in and take everything out. Your campsite must be at least 200 feet from any road or water source, following public land rules. The maximum stay is 14 days to help protect the fragile desert ecosystem. Some of the better spots require driving on rough dirt roads, so a vehicle with good clearance helps, especially after rain. Fire bans are common in this dry area, so always check current restrictions before planning to have a campfire. The nearest supplies are in Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley, both about 30-45 minutes from most dispersed sites. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. The reward for going primitive is incredible night skies - the Milky Way is clearly visible on moonless nights. Wildlife like coyotes and jackrabbits are common visitors, so store food properly. Most cell service disappears once you're a few miles from the main roads, so download maps before heading out. The BLM land west and south of the park offers additional dispersed options if the park areas are full.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Joshua Tree National Park (33)

    1. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "This campground (and I use the term loosely) is everything that I love about BLM land - dispersed, quiet, and FREE!"

    "This is a great area if you want BLM land super close to Joshua Tree National Park. It is literally right next to the south entrance of the back door of the park. Great night sky viewing as well."

    2. Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "I didn't originally want to stay here; it wasn't that far off the highway, there was lots of trash along the main road, and the immediate landscape was pretty barren."

    "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."

    3. Joshua tree BLM by entrance

    13 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "This is dispersed/rustic camping only and not an RV park. Decent cell phone coverage and lots of open lots on BLM land just outside of park entrance. Large RV friendly on in certain areas."

    "Great spot, no noise from I-10, simple to get to, scenic, and very close to the park."

    4. Joshua Tree South Entrance

    6 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    14 miles

    "We absolutely love Cottonwood BLM Dispersed Camping! We've stayed here a couple of times now, and it's become a reliable favorite for our desert adventures."

    "The trash right off the freeway is so sad, but the actual BLM further in is clean. I was able to get our CTC level and we love our spot."

    5. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    30 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Mecca Hills Wilderness

    10 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "I researched this spot a ton and was hesitant to go - mostly because my 1987 VW Westfalia isn’t 4WD, and everything I read said you must have an off road vehicle, but the area looked beautiful and we didn"

    "At the end of the dirt road through the winding rocks we nestled into a campsite closed to the trailhead. We barely had any neighbors it was so quiet."

    7. Painted Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    20 miles

    "We went past the main part and went towards the end of the dirt road. With a 4WD you can easily make it through the thick sand."

    "They are marked and theres also pit toilets halfway through the main road to turnaround point. Hummingbirds came right up to my face! Didn’t even know they lived out here also saw whiptail lizard."

    8. Geology Tour Road Dispersed Camping — Joshua Tree National Park

    1 Review
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    16 miles

    "We ran a 5 day backpacking trip out of this meet up and around Jtree in March and it was one of the most exciting backpacks we have done."

    9. Box Canyon Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "this is a dispersed location on box canyon in Mecca. the road is loose sand and is possible by most vehicles as long as you stay on the road."

    "Great boondocking spot at the bottom of the canyon at the turn off to the painted cliffs."

    10. Gold Park Road Camp

    4 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    18 miles
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Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Joshua Tree National Park

221 Reviews of 33 Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

Dispersed camping near Joshua Tree National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the stunning desert landscape while taking advantage of the freedom that comes with free camping.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park

  • For dirt biking enthusiasts, the BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area is a popular spot, providing ample space for off-road vehicles and easy access to trails.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Razor Road Dispersed Camping offers a quiet environment with plenty of room between campers, making it ideal for relaxation and stargazing.
  • Adventurers can explore the rugged terrain at Ord Mountain Dispersed, which is perfect for larger groups wanting to ride ATVs or dirt bikes in a spacious setting.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park, California

  • Always pack in and pack out your trash, especially at sites like BLM Desert Site, where amenities are minimal and litter can detract from the natural beauty.
  • Be prepared for the elements; locations such as South Soggy Dry Lake on Bessemer Mine Road can experience high winds, so securing your gear is essential.
  • Since many areas lack facilities, including Monarch-Rand Mine, it's crucial to bring your own water and firewood to ensure a comfortable stay.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out BLM Desert Site

  • The BLM Desert Site is well-loved for its stunning sunsets and sunrises, making it a picturesque spot for photography and relaxation.
  • With no amenities available, this site encourages a true back-to-nature experience, perfect for those who enjoy solitude and the great outdoors.
  • Located away from the highway, it provides a serene atmosphere, allowing campers to fully appreciate the desert landscape without disturbances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Joshua Tree National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Joshua Tree National Park is Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 59 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Joshua Tree National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Joshua Tree National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.