Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Joshua Tree National Park? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Joshua Tree National Park's most popular destinations.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Scout
Verizon had excellent reception, enough room between campers to run a generator without bothering anyone. Lots of litter everywhere. It would be nice if people would haul out more trash than what they bring in. After all it is free camping.
Guide
35.08627305276245,-117.54092669125416 Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise.
TravelerIt was an aight spot. did the job. the spots are like behind a sketchy gas station, so i drove down a little bit so i wasn’t near it. tons of garbage. other than that, decent morning view ! stayed safe the whole night. can’t complain.
Legend
I 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.
Travelermany Trucks at night. don't drive to the campground just search a space after road ends
Scout
Great place to stop off the 15 on the way to where ever you're going! One other car other than us at this spot. Few other campers closer to the main road.
TravelerLarge flat open space with several fire pits. Some highway noise, but nothing terrible
Traveler
Forest setting, no one around when we went. Definitely need a 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicle on some of the roads. Was a great experience.
GuideSeveral firepits, leveled big area. You can continue on this dirt road to get farther from the freeway to get a quieter sleep. I dropped in very late, so I didn't want to go further exploring in the dark, but I saw campers drive further out.
GuideIf you’re into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful. 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. There wasn’t many other vehicles around the times I’ve been out there. Nice scenery and peaceful.
TravelerQuite a crowd with the limited spots here. Some were quite close to one another.
ScoutBit of an awkward spot to camp in my opinion. It’s pretty much an open sandy area in the town of Baker. You can hear the highway and noise from the town. If you prefer more remote areas, choose a different place. It was difficult to find in the dark as well because the coordinates provided aren’t technically in the camping area. I had to zoom in on the map to make sure I was on BLM land.
TravelerGreat location for exit out of Death Valley and close to Interstate 15. Mojave Preserve closed so stayed in Baker, CA on BLM land. Simple gravel pad, quite, opposite School. Close to overhead power lines. Mad Greek Restaurant awesome for evening meal and Chevron Gas station has great bathrooms and supplies!!
ScoutEasy access, great dispersed camping. Not far from the road, but not too loud either. Very convenient.
Traveler
We stayed 3 nights, we might've stayed longer but the wind was terrible. We didn't explore much at all
TravelerFirst night testing out a dispersed campground but once we were confident we’d found it, was perfect.
No signs mark this spot. When you find it, is a large flat area. Literally tucked just off the road, few different entry points can be used to access it.
We were the only ones staying the night so was a great quiet spot. Located right near town & off the main highway without being too close. Few cars at night but nothing crazy.
GuideArriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew. So we decided the next day to go a little further in the woods where you’re no longer in the campground base. So this is called wild camping. And that was amazing not a single sound far from everybody, off the grid.
We went in April, and still had a little bit of snow. All the trail roads are mostly for 4 x 4 vehicles that really enjoy just going at it throughout the day. A lot of fun to witness that. The wild hikes surrounding the campground are really fun. Just remember where you camped. It seems like fires aren’t allowed during certain periods. Just be aware, we brought our own off the ground stove. And it was perfectly fine.
LegendDirt Biking heaven! Our friends brought their toy-haulers and we played in the desert for a few nights. The weather was pretty good for November. Plenty of space to have 2 RV’s, a van, and a few guests. Definitely head over to Slash-X cafe if you get a chance and grab a beer while listening to live music in the back patio!
RangerAbsolutely amazing free dispersed camping at Silurian dry lake bed.
Visited in late December, and there were zero other campers out on the lake bed. Lots of entrances to the site from the highway, just be sure to follow an already made path. The farthest you can camp is about a mile off of the road. Very level, great place for boondocking.
This is BLM managed land, make sure to go online for a free fire permit if you plan to have a campfire.
TravelerThis is a popular camping site for OHV riders during the winter. There are several sites at this location that each can hold 5-7 RVs. Each of the sites has a primitive fire ring, but there is no wood in the area, so bring your own. There are no toilets or water either.
It is the desert, so it gets warm/hot during the summer, but during the fall and winter, it is comfortable and can get cold at night.
The sites are far enough away that the noises of the other sites are not usually a problem, but it can occur. In the mornings, riders can be disturbing as they ride by.
Because of the OHV on weekends and holidays, it can get BUSY. First come, first serve.
For someone passing through, it can be a great one night stop and if you live local it makes a great few days away from the grind.
LegendBecause the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed. Dogs are allowed, and the trails in the area are dog-friendly.
LegendIt is a free campground, first come first serve. There are no developed facilities (i.e., no firepits, outhouses, etc.) but it is beautiful and there are plenty of flat places to set up a tent. This area is used almost exclusively by rock climbers, but anyone is welcomed. As long as you follow the guidelines for the area, you can set up your tent anywhere you see a spot.
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 BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Joshua Tree National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Joshua Tree National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
