Best Dispersed Camping near Ocotillo Wells, CA

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Ocotillo Wells, California, primarily within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and surrounding BLM lands. Several free primitive campgrounds serve this area, including Blair Valley Primitive Campground, Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area, and Ocotillo Wells OHV Recreation Area. These sites offer varying levels of solitude and terrain. According to reviews, "If you drive a little back you can get some privacy," though most areas become busier on weekends. The region features desert landscapes with mountain views, native vegetation including ocotillo and cholla cacti, and excellent stargazing conditions.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed sites. Many access roads are unpaved and may become challenging after rainfall. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for exploring beyond main roads, particularly in sandy areas. As one camper noted, "Be slow and cautious when driving on these dirt roads after a rainstorm; we saw two different trucks get stuck in the mud." Most sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though finding level ground can be difficult in some locations.

These primitive sites provide minimal to no amenities. No drinking water is available; visitors must bring all necessary supplies. Some areas have vault toilets, but most require self-contained waste management. Fire regulations permit campfires in established rock rings at most locations, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Cell service varies by location and provider. The desert climate brings extreme temperature variations; winter nights can be cold and windy while summer days often exceed 100°F. Visitors should prepare for these conditions and practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and respecting wildlife closure areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ocotillo Wells, California (39)

    1. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    17 miles
    Website

    "Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants."

    "Got up in the morning and went all the way until the end of the road on maps (Apple or Google) on our 2WD, was doable. 4 bars T Mobile LTE where we were.

    Campsite itself was very nice."

    2. Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Salton City, CA
    11 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"

    3. Octillo Wells OHV Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Salton City, CA
    3 miles

    "Lots of open space, just drive out and park. Might need an air down/up system depending on how far in you want to travel. No issues for the first 0.25-0.5 mile off the highway."

    4. Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    6 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    "The park has campgrounds near borrego springs that are easily accessible. Visiting the mud caves you’ll need 4x4 or an AWD car with high clearance."

    ", caves were warmest the whole time

    Road & Address: there were some soft sand spots, didn’t require a lot of clearance and I didn’t put my Jeep Compass into AWD at all."

    5. Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    2 Reviews
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    10 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."

    6. Arroyo Salado Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    9 miles

    "I drove about a mile back in the Arroyo and only saw one other vehicle. The road is a little Sandy and rough but quite possible with four-wheel drive."

    7. Galleta Meadows, Borrego Springs

    2 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    14 miles

    "On the outer southern edge of Borrego Springs is this private yet free camp area.

    A few dozen sites exist, each some five hundred feet or more apart."

    "The best feature of this free camping area is the awesome metal sculptures right near this campground. 

    Near the cute town of Borrego Springs, just a little off Borrego Springs road."

    8. Peg Leg Dispersed

    1 Review
    Borrego Springs, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-4205

    "Anza Borrego Desert SP allows dispersed camping in certain areas of the park, and this is one of them.  I tried to find it on the website, but found no mention of allowed camping in the park.  "

    9. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    41 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 area is managed by BLM, which means it's free to use for up to 14 days at a time. 

    There are no hookups or facilities, and it's pack it in, pack it out. "

    10. Yaqui Wash

    1 Review
    Borrego Springs, CA
    15 miles

    "This whole area is essentially within one valley, so you have mountains on both sides. It is well vegetated and allows for fairly easy hikes up the soft slopes."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ocotillo Wells, CA

190 Reviews of 39 Ocotillo Wells Campgrounds


  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2023

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved this spot

    Free. 30 day limit. Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants. A large area for big rvs right at the front left. To the right there were lots of pull offs and I found it easier to navigate in my station wagon road-wise. Lots of space. Some areas say not to walk there/ keep dogs out to protect plants and wildlife. I felt safe solo camping - there were a few other van and rv campers. Recommend visiting the sweet desert botanical garden in nearby Borrego Springs.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2023

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Busy, but a nice place to stay right outside of Joshua Tree National Park

    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. But I hadn't planned ahead, and all of Joshua Tree National Park's campgrounds were full. I quickly found out that my initial reaction was very wrong. This spot gets beautiful sunsets, is great for stargazing, and I had no complaints. I thought the light from the Coachella Valley would be too much to see the stars, but I popped out of my vehicle around midnight and the sky was incredible. 

    The campground: You can camp in the areas both to the left and right of the main road that goes from the highway up into Joshua Tree. If you're coming from the highway and see the Joshua Tree National Park sign, you've gone too far. Once you're off the main road things become really bumpy with ruts, dips, and one area that's been completely washed out, but I saw everything from cars to large RVs navigating this road. It's definitely easier to navigate during the daylight. There were so many places to camp that I was able to choose a spot I was most comfortable with while traveling solo. The campsites vary in their degree of cleanliness and level land. I found a couple bottle caps at one of my sites, but nothing major. Most of the sites have a rock fire ring (heads up: you may need a permit in CA for a fire, and always check in with the state's current fire restrictions). The area had quite a few campers, but the spots are spaced nicely and there's plenty of room to keep driving further off the main road to find a spot that's not around other campers. (If you're looking for somewhere that feels secluded, however, this is not it.) While I didn't notice much noise from the highway, there was a little bit of noise from campers arriving later in evening. The main downside to this campground was the wind. Both nights it was very windy. I definitely saw people camping in tents, but I also saw people really struggling to put up and secure their tents in the wind. 

    The area: The campground is right at the South Entrance to Joshua Tree, which is the Colorado Desert section of the park. (Mind you, it can take over an hour to get to the Northern area of Joshua Tree.) It's about 10-20 minutes away from Joshua Tree's Cottonwood Visitor Center, a picnic area with bathrooms (at the front of the Cottonwood campground), and the Lost Palms Oasis. There's also a gas station & small café about ten minutes down the highway (heading East); the gas there is pricey, but they have a decent sized food mart to go with it. 

    Booking: This is a dispersed BLM campsite; no booking or fee. Just drive in and find a spot. 

    Cell Service: Where I camped, I could use the internet and make calls no problem with Verizon, but there's very little cell service once inside the park.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Wash

    If you just want to get outdoors...

    There are a bunch of campsites along a service road that is parallel to a main road, several hundred feet away. This whole area is essentially within one valley, so you have mountains on both sides. It is well vegetated and allows for fairly easy hikes up the soft slopes.

    The parking spots are right alongside the road, so for van camping is not so great, but tents can be put away from the road and therefore it's much more suitable for tenting.

    The stretch of dirt road closest to the main road is Sandy, but manageable bull in a two wheel drive. This is where most of the campsites are. Further along the road, there are fewer camp sites, so they are more dispersed, however the road becomes more rocky and jutted, but for those wanting a bit more privacy, this is the spot to be.

    I would like to come back in camp in this location. So i'm going to mark it to return another time.

  • Javier L.
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Desert Wonderland

    Anza borrego state park has a lot of room to explore. The park has campgrounds near borrego springs that are easily accessible. Visiting the mud caves you’ll need 4x4 or an AWD car with high clearance. Anza borrego has been my wife & I go to camping area for over 5 years. Camping is allowed away from main trails and we typically sleep near the mud caves or within the slot canyons. Perfect place to star gave and wander around & explore. Bring plenty of water/ off road safety (enough fuel/ shovel/ traction boards) as towing out of this area is extremely expensive. (Pictures are from fonts point/ random hikes near camping spots).

  • Esther Y.
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Mecca Hills Wilderness

    Dispersed camping in the desert

    Came  here to hike Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon. Before the trailhead there are lots of areas for dispersed camping. It's an unpaved road that can be challenging to drive in at times, so would recommend 4x4 high clearance vehicle. Overall a nice remote place to camp out in the desert!

  • Angela G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2020

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Perfect Free BLM camping

    This campground (and I use the term loosely) is everything that I love about BLM land - dispersed, quiet, and FREE! No amenities and not a ton of privacy for outdoor bathroom usage, but not crowded enough for it to matter. Tons of spaces along several different dirt roads. Rock fire pits at most every campsite, the majority of which are flat and not too sandy.

    When coming from I10, head towards Joshua Tree NP and just before the NP sign (can’t be more than a couple hundred feet), you’ll see dirt roads going both left and right - we went right and had no issue on the road with our Subaru Crosstrek and small tow-behind popup camper, although it could’ve been more difficult for 2WD vehicles.

    Be aware that although this camping is super close to the park, the majority of park attractions and hikes are in the north end, so be prepared to drive through. However, it is super close (about 10 mins) to the Cottonwood Visitor Center, which has 24/7 bathrooms (I think?), and the Lost Palms Oasis Trail. Nearest gas station is in Chiriaco Summit, about 13 minutes away, and nearest city is Indio, which is about 35 minutes.

  • G
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Go Deeper for more stars

    We stopped and setup tents a little before little Blair valley. Night sky was alright, but couldn’t see the Milky Way, so not dark enough for that. Probably a Bortle 5. Got up in the morning and went all the way until the end of the road on maps (Apple or Google) on our 2WD, was doable. 4 bars T Mobile LTE where we were.

    Campsite itself was very nice. The place we found had a man made but multiple time used fire pit. Great sunset and sunrise, you have the chance to have as much or as little company around you. Little bit of trash at our site that we picked up.

    Leave no trace!

  • John  Y.
    May. 26, 2020

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Free camping just outside Joshua Tree

    This area is managed by BLM, which means it's free to use for up to 14 days at a time. 

    There are no hookups or facilities, and it's pack it in, pack it out.  There is a Chevron station just a short drive away (via either the freeway or dirt trails) that has bathrooms and all the basics in case you forgot something at home. There are tons of spots that are already at least partially cleared with fire rings left behind by previous campers (pro tip: if you see a tree with any semblance of shade, there's a fire ring near it).  

    I had planned on camping there even before the official park resumed operations after Covid.  There's plenty of room to spread out and keep some privacy.  That being said, the campgrounds in the park had filled up, and many people came here and used it as an overflow campground.  Perhaps these people weren't familiar with open camping like this, because for some reason 4 groups decided to camp within ear & eyeshot of my spot.  Come on people, you have a whole desert to choose from - spread out a little and enjoy the solitude.

  • Sheridan S.
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Beautiful location... if you can find a spot

    Great area--it's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE. Pine Creek Road itself is paved, and the camping spots are packed dirt so it's easy to get around even in a FWD. Warning though: if you're nervous about driving on single lane mountain roads, this is not the place for you! Pine Creek Road is several miles long, with some sections that are on sheer cliff edges with very few turn-off spots to allow for passing.

    Additional word of warning: the camping spots are not close together and there seemed to be very few of them. Even driving slowly, I counted only 6 or 7 sites total, separated by up to a mile. I saw only 1 other spot with campers, at least 2.5 miles from my site. Some of the sites are fairly large--could easily fit 2 cars and a couple tents--but others seemed to be just large enough to pull off the road and sleep in the car (no tent space). Some spots were tucked back from the road with lots of trees (I barely saw or heard any cars, even though I was probably only ~15ft from the road); but some were barely more than a shoulder with no trees for coverage. I stayed in the same spot two nights in a row, though I packed up during the day because I assumed I'd find another spot down the road. At least in the site I picked, there was very little trash from previous campers.

    Suggestion for the permit: make sure you apply for the free permit a few days in advance especially if you plan to go on the weekend. List the place you're going as "Pine Creek dispersed camping," and keep a printed copy in your car. I didn't have trouble with any rangers, but it's better to be safe than fined. Very spotty service (Verizon), which makes navigation and planning difficult if you don't pre-download trail maps.


Guide to Ocotillo Wells

Primitive camping near Ocotillo Wells, California offers desert enthusiasts over 85,000 acres of open terrain for exploration. The region sits at approximately 100 feet below sea level in California's Colorado Desert region, creating a distinctive landscape characterized by badlands, washes, and unique geological formations. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-75°F, making it an ideal destination from October through April.

What to do

Explore mud caves: At Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves, visitors can discover an extensive network of caves formed through natural erosion. "Awesome caves and walking around the area. Spectacular must do trip when around the area," reports Brett S. The caves maintain consistent temperatures around 60°F regardless of outside weather conditions.

View metal sculptures: Near Galleta Meadows, campers can view remarkable iron sculptures scattered throughout the desert. "The area is renowned for its hiking and other outdoor activities. It is also known for its iron sculptures, which many exist within this camp area," notes Abe C. These installations create unique photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Four-wheel driving: The extensive trail network supports vehicles from beginner to advanced skill levels. "Fun little place to 4x4. We went all the way to the top and found an abandoned building. It was super creepy and a lot of fun!" shares Taylor from Truckhaven. Many trails feature technical sections requiring proper vehicle preparation and recovery equipment.

What campers like

Dark sky stargazing: The region's minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Borrego Springs is a dark sky community, which means lights are kept to a minimum, thus enabling great star viewing," explains Abe C. from Galleta Meadows. Many campers report seeing the Milky Way and frequent meteor activity.

Winter camping climate: The moderate winter temperatures make this area particularly appealing during cooler months. "Temps averaged 70-75 during the day and dropped to 38-42 at night but with a small fire and proper gear, we were plenty comfortable," notes a Blair Valley camper. This seasonal window provides relief from summer extremes that regularly exceed 110°F.

Solitude opportunities: Many sites offer isolation despite overall popularity. "I followed the coordinates provided and it took us right to the trailhead. We saw a few other campers but overall, the campground was ours for the weekend," reports E. from Blair Valley Primitive Campground. Weekday visits typically provide the most seclusion.

What you should know

Wind conditions: Desert winds can be significant and unpredictable. "We are novice campers - didn't have sand tent pegs so with a little wind on the day we arrived it took some time to find the right site for us," explains Brett S. from Arroyo Tapiado. Using sand stakes and selecting protected camping spots helps mitigate this issue.

Road challenges: Access roads vary substantially in quality and difficulty. "The road is a little Sandy and rough but quite possible with four-wheel drive," notes Paul G. from Arroyo Salado Dispersed Camp. Many sites become inaccessible after rainfall, with muddy conditions persisting for days.

Limited amenities: Free primitive camping means self-sufficiency. "No cell signal, but plenty of solar. Primitive camping--no amenities," states Kathy B. about Blair Valley. Most locations lack water sources, requiring visitors to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day minimum.

Tips for camping with families

Cactus awareness: Desert vegetation poses hazards for children and pets. "Watch out for cactus and needles that are buried in the sand. It is not recommended to bring dogs or walk barefoot for this reason," advises E. from Blair Valley. Thorns can penetrate footwear, making closed shoes essential.

Site selection timing: Arriving early improves campsite options. "I got there at 1:15 on a Friday afternoon and there were some spots off the road on the way in that were open but the spots in the valley had filled up quickly," shares Brittany K. from Blair Valley Primitive Campground. Thursday arrivals typically secure optimal weekend spots.

Kid-friendly locations: Some areas provide better family experiences. "If you have kids, stay towards the first mile," recommends Katie O. regarding Blair Valley. Areas closer to main roads typically offer easier access and less challenging terrain.

Tips from RVers

Ground assessment: Sand conditions impact RV setup and stability. "Nice area, open enough you don't need to worry about interacting with or bothering your neighbors if you don't want to. Just be careful of the sandy areas, got dug in with my sprinter and needed someone to pull me out," cautions Andy D. from Joshua Tree South.

Wind protection: Positioning RVs strategically reduces wind exposure. "No hookups but you can stay for free on the bluffs. In some weather conditions the wind can be a bit much," explains Kevin F. from Truckhaven. North-south orientation often provides better wind resistance than east-west positioning.

Road reconnaissance: Checking roads before committing prevents getting stuck. "We had a few different campers within 50 yards and saw 3 of them get bogged in 3 different spots - two were proper 4WD's and one took two tow trucks to get it out so beware and scope out your drive off the main trail first," advises Brett S. about Joshua Tree South.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to camp in Ocotillo Wells for free?

Ocotillo Wells offers several excellent free camping options. Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping with basic toilets and is big-rig friendly, making it ideal for larger RVs and groups. For a more secluded experience, Arroyo Salado Dispersed Camp offers drive-in access with more primitive conditions. Throughout the recreation area, you can camp anywhere as long as you're 50 feet from any OHV trail. Remember that free camping here follows the standard 14-day limit within a 28-day period, and you should always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash.

What are the OHV rules and regulations for camping in Ocotillo Wells?

At Octillo Wells OHV Recreation Area, all vehicles must display a current OHV registration sticker (green or red sticker depending on vehicle type). Riders under 18 must wear helmets, and ATVs require safety flags. Speed limit is 15 mph when within 50 feet of campsites or people. Camping is permitted throughout the recreation area, but you must stay at least 50 feet away from any designated OHV trail. Quiet hours are typically enforced from 10pm to 6am, and all OHVs must have spark arrestors. Open fires are allowed in metal containers with metal lids, but check for fire restrictions during dry seasons.

Are there any water sources or amenities at Ocotillo Wells dispersed camping areas?

Water sources are extremely limited at Ocotillo Wells dispersed camping areas. Yaqui Wash and most areas throughout Ocotillo Wells require you to bring all water you'll need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. There are no hookups or water spigots at the dispersed sites. For amenities, some areas like Blair Valley Primitive Campground offer basic pit toilets, but no trash service is available anywhere—you must pack out everything you bring in. Cell service varies throughout the area but is generally spotty. Plan to be fully self-sufficient with water, food, and emergency supplies for the duration of your stay.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Ocotillo Wells?

The best time to camp in Ocotillo Wells is from late fall through early spring (October to April). Winter temperatures are mild, with daytime highs in the 60s-70s°F and cool evenings—perfect for exploring the desert and OHV activities. At Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves and throughout the area, visitors find comfortable camping conditions during these months. Avoid summer camping (May-September) when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, creating potentially dangerous conditions with little shade. Early spring offers the added bonus of possible wildflower blooms after winter rains. Holiday weekends during the prime season can be crowded, so midweek visits provide more solitude.