Best Dispersed Camping near Palm Springs, CA

Several dispersed camping areas near Palm Springs accommodate campers who don't mind going without amenities. The San Gorgonio Wilderness has spots where you'll need to bring everything and take care of yourself. Vivian Creek Camp sits in this wilderness and gives you good views of the mountains while camping without facilities. You can also find free camping not far from Joshua Tree National Park if you're looking for backcountry sites. Since these are all undeveloped spots, following Leave No Trace practices is crucial. Public land rules require staying a certain distance from roads and water. Most places limit stays to 14 days so everyone gets a chance to use them. Some remote areas need high-clearance vehicles to reach. You'll have to carry in what you need and carry out all trash from these basic sites. Fire bans are common, particularly when it's dry, to prevent wildfires. Fall and spring work best for camping here when it's not too hot. Summer gets extremely hot, while winter nights can be cold, especially higher up. There's no water or bathrooms anywhere, so come prepared. Always check if areas are closed or have special rules before you head out. These backcountry spots around Palm Springs give you quiet and natural settings.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Palm Springs, California (48)

    1. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    3 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."

    "Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"

    2. Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    1 Review
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "This campsite is located at the junctionof the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT, and is breathtaking."

    3. Chinouapin Zone San Bernardino National Forest

    1 Review
    Idyllwild, CA
    9 miles

    "There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California"

    4. Thomas Mountain Road

    2 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    10 miles

    "Nice spot, close to road with shade from the trees"

    5. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    34 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. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    45 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. "

    7. Joshua Tree North BLM

    19 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "As another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me."

    "My favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space."

    8. East Flats

    11 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    32 miles
    Website

    "Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."

    "As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."

    9. San Gorgonio Summit Camp

    5 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "You can see Joshua Tree, San Jacinto Mountain, Palm Springs, Moreno Valley/Perris, Rancho Cucamonga, and further on a clear day. ( Side Note: Southern California has had a lot of fires recently, so visibility"

    "There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Palm Springs, CA

245 Reviews of 48 Palm Springs Campgrounds


  • E B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Yellow post number 2

    Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.

    Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.

    Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.

    A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Joshua Tree North BLM

    Great stop once I scouted a good fit.

    As another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me. Car camping I found the area I liked best was as follows: off 62 take Sunfair rd, right on cypress rd (dirt road which my GPS thought was Reagan Rd but is marked with a street sign Cypress) - go past ITH coyote ranch (no sign but may show up on map) Then right on cascade - an unmarked dirt rd. Then there is a large flat BLM area where rvs and vans were quite spread out, and a motorcycle with a tent was my neighbor (quite far away). No trash here when I was there. Zero facilities obviously so pack it out. Hot tip - water and restrooms 10 min away at the Indian Cove ranger station near Indian Cove Campground in JT park. I stayed here two nights car camping.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2024

    BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

    Definition of Dispersed Camping

    Everything about this site is not only free, but literally free to park and camp anywhere. There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October. So campfires would be a great idea out here as well.

  • 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.

  • Dickie Simmons  S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Convenient free camping just outside of town

    Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others.  Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    One of our favorites

    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. Once you leave the main road and drive on the dirt road for a bit in either direction, people start to thin out and you have your own huge patch of camping. 

    The road is washboard in parts, but manageable. Heads up that the BLM land is a checkerboard type situation, but nobody seemed to care. People were camped anywhere, and we’ve never seen anyone from BLM come by. 

    Cell service is great out here. Getting your spot level is tricky each time, and we usually have to dig a hole on one side and use levels on the other just to get our rig level. Of course we fill the holes back in when we leave.


Guide to Palm Springs

Dispersed camping near Palm Springs, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Palm Springs, California

  • Always check for water availability before heading out, as many spots, like South Ridge Yellow Post Sites, do not provide drinking water.
  • Bring your own firewood and be aware of fire restrictions, especially in areas like Vivian Creek Camp, where fires are allowed but wood must be sourced elsewhere.
  • Ensure you have a reliable navigation system, as some dispersed sites, such as Thomas Mountain Road, may be less marked and require careful driving.

Scenic hikes while free camping near Palm Springs

  • The Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park area offers breathtaking views and access to the Pacific Crest Trail, making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • For those looking for a challenge, the trails around Vivian Creek Camp lead to the summit of San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California.
  • Explore the unique rock formations and diverse landscapes at Painted Canyon, where hiking reveals stunning vistas and a variety of geological features.

Dispersed campers should check out Little Thomas

  • Little Thomas Dispersed is a great option for those traveling with pets, as it allows furry friends to join in on the adventure.
  • This area is known for its privacy and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal spot for a quiet getaway away from the crowds.
  • With no reservations required, Little Thomas Dispersed offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the California wilderness at a moment's notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palm Springs?

Several excellent free dispersed camping options exist near Palm Springs. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed offers spacious sites along dirt roads where you can camp for up to 14 days. The area provides plenty of room even during busy periods. For a forested alternative, South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offers secluded first-come-first-served tent sites tucked in the San Bernardino National Forest. Other options include Mecca Hills Wilderness (great for desert camping near Ladder Canyon), Mill Creek Dispersed Camping (good for when established campgrounds are full), and the BLM land north of Joshua Tree. Most dispersed sites require self-sufficiency as they lack facilities, and many areas need high-clearance vehicles to access. Always check current regulations and fire restrictions before your trip.

What are the rules for camping on BLM land near Palm Springs?

When camping on BLM land near Palm Springs, you must stay for no more than 14 consecutive days. Joshua Tree North BLM and other BLM areas follow strict pack-in, pack-out principles—all trash must be removed when you leave. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons, with complete bans typically in place during summer and early fall that may be lifted around October. Always use established fire rings where fires are permitted. Mecca Hills Wilderness and similar areas require careful navigation of boundaries—verify you're on public land using maps or GPS. Respect private property and wilderness boundaries. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many access roads. No reservations are needed—all sites are first-come, first-served, and generally free of charge.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Palm Springs?

Dispersed camping sites around Palm Springs typically offer minimal to no amenities, requiring self-sufficiency. Yaqui Wash features natural scenery with mountains on both sides and vegetated areas suitable for hiking, but no facilities. At Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, you'll find various sized sites along the road with good cellular reception but no developed facilities. Some yellow post sites like those in San Bernardino National Forest include fire rings and picnic tables. Most dispersed areas have no toilets, running water, or trash service. Cell reception varies dramatically by location—excellent in some areas, non-existent in others. Nearby towns offer necessities; for example, campers at Joshua Tree South mention a Chevron station a short drive away with bathrooms and basic supplies. Always bring all necessary water, food, and waste disposal solutions.