Best Campgrounds near Mecca, CA

Mecca is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Mecca, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Mecca. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Mecca, California (263)

    1. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

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

    "Absolutely love staying just outside the park. Easy access to some beautiful trails and you can easily fill up with water, dump out, and use the garbage from your vehicle."

    "This is a great free site right at the edge of Joshua Tree National park. Spots are far apart and you don’t have to worry about other people. Area is flat and easy to set up and park on."

    2. Painted Canyon

    17 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "BLM land surrounded by Mecca wilderness good spot for boondocking. Washboard road into the camping area lots of sand so be careful and don't get dug in."

    "We love hiking the rope/ladder trail loop during the day and star gazing at night. No bugs and the weather is amazing if you’re at the base of the canyon."

    3. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    116 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    "bathrooms but no water access and the main entrance is about 45 drive, so come prepared. great access to climbing walking distance or short drive. stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets."

    4. Mecca Hills Wilderness

    10 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    3 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"

    "I didn’t have high expectations but after going, it’s perfect for any off-roader. We travel in large groups so this site is ideal for us!"

    5. Headquarters Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 393-3052

    $20 / night

    "This is our second stay at Salton Sea State Recreation Area; our first stay we stumbled upon and were easily able to walk-in for a campsite staying at sites 48 and 26."

    "If you’re looking for a campsite off the beaten path with gorgeous views and some unique exploring nearby, this is it.

    I stayed here in a 22 foot RV at one of the hookup sites."

    6. Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    26 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $55 / night

    "Water was a little tricky to find at first because it was tucked next to a campsite that had an RV parked out front.

    Wildflowers were blooming all around in mid-spring. "

    "Had great hikes on the many paths. Drove through Joshua Tree National forest, through Cholla and Ocotilla gardens. Saw Skull rock and the fabulous gigantic rock formations."

    7. Lake Cahuilla

    12 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 564-4712

    "Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."

    "Great view of the lake from most of the tent sections. Access to showers and restrooms. There is a pool in the summer and enough shade to stay as cool as the desert allows without A/C."

    8. Painted Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    5 miles

    "Recommend driving off to the sides were you will find event more tucked away campsites with fire rings around them. Only 1 bathroom near the beginning the the road."

    "The main road was a super easy drive, definitely doable 2 wheel drive but 4 wheel is recommended."

    9. Oasis Palms RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 397-1011

    "The only challenge was the highway noise. But it’s a sweet spot."

    "Very friendly staff and a great location to live."

    10. Box Canyon Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    5 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 263 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mecca, CA

1433 Reviews of 263 Mecca Campgrounds



Guide to Mecca

Camping near Mecca, California, offers a unique blend of desert beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around Joshua Tree National Park. One camper mentioned, “So much exploring to be had right from your campsite. The high desert is fascinating” at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
  • Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, Hidden Valley is a great spot. A visitor shared, “The campground flanks some large rock formations that host rock climbers during the day” at Hidden Valley Campground.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for amazing stargazing. One camper noted, “DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful” at Hidden Valley Campground.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Indian Cove Campground states, “What a beautiful place. It was really quiet when we were there and saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise.”
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground said, “We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Black Rock Campground are noted for being great for families. A reviewer mentioned, “The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Indian Cove Campground, lack showers and drinking water. A camper noted, “The sites are pretty big and there’s many different campgrounds with 20-180 sites in each.”
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak times. One visitor at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, “I arrived at 5 PM and already almost all spots were taken.”
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. 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 various amenities. A reviewer said, “The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly hikes and activities. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground noted, “There’s a trailhead to the oasis right in the campground.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water and snacks. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, “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 camper at Black Rock Campground advised, “The roads could use some work and if you have an RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level.”
  • Book Early: Reservations can fill up fast. A reviewer at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed said, “The campground while on the edge of Joshua Tree is not really inside the park. You don't pay park fees, but you can't go directly into the rest of the park from the campsite.”
  • Be Prepared for Dust: The desert can be dusty, so keep your RV clean. A camper at Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping mentioned, “The road was quite bumpy, but we managed with a campervan.”

Camping near Mecca, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mecca, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mecca, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 263 campgrounds and RV parks near Mecca, CA and 41 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mecca, CA?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mecca, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Mecca, CA.

What parks are near Mecca, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Mecca, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.