Best Dispersed Camping 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 Dispersed Sites Near Mecca, California (40)

    1. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    17 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!"

    "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."

    2. 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"

    "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."

    3. Painted Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    5 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."

    4. 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."

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

    5. Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    17 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."

    "This is a lovely, free, no hookups, no oversite, BLM. As you drive down the dirt road there are numerous gravel/sand/dirt sites. Each with at least one rock circle fire ring."

    6. Joshua tree BLM by entrance

    13 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    17 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."

    7. Mecca Hills Wilderness Dispersed Camping

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

    "Very nice camping area, beautiful sunrise, nice trails. Its pack in pack out, pit toilets. Watch little dogs as the area has hawks."

    8. Joshua Tree South Entrance

    6 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    17 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."

    9. Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Salton City, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    "No hookups but you can stay for free on the bluffs. In some weather conditions the wind can be a bit much."

    "Make your campsite anywhere, restrooms near by, driving distance to a few stores & gas station. Great camping & 4x4 in truck haven, cool off-road in event for Tierra Del Sol/TDS-in March"

    10. Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    2 Reviews
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    "Coachwhip Canyon is accessible from the Berrago Salton Freeway, it’s right on the Ella Wash. You can drive back through the canyon through a variety of areas people pull over and camp."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mecca, CA

257 Reviews of 40 Mecca Campgrounds



Guide to Mecca

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mecca, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

  • This area is known for its spacious sites, allowing campers to find their own private patch of land after venturing off the main road.
  • Many visitors appreciate the great cell service available, making it easier to stay connected while enjoying the wilderness.
  • Campers can enjoy the freedom of no permits required, making it a hassle-free option for spontaneous trips.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mecca, California

  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; some areas may have washboard roads that require careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, as many spots, like Joshua Tree BLM by entrance, have no trash disposal facilities.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends when popular areas can get busy.

Explore stunning landscapes while free camping near Mecca

  • The Mecca Hills Wilderness offers breathtaking views and a chance to hike through unique rock formations, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Box Canyon Dispersed provides access to deep canyons and scenic trails, but be cautious of sandy roads that may require a 4WD vehicle.
  • Campers at Painted Canyon can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets, with a diverse landscape that changes dramatically with elevation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mecca, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mecca, CA 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 Mecca, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 dispersed camping locations near Mecca, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.