Best Dispersed Camping near Palm Springs, CA
Looking for the best Palm Springs dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Palm Springs, CA (43)
1. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
Mecca, California58 Reviews•158 Photos•864 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Market
2. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Joshua Tree, California33 Reviews•60 Photos•622 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Joshua Tree North BLM
Joshua Tree, California16 Reviews•36 Photos•154 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Idyllwild, California2 Reviews•7 Photos•65 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
5. East Flats
San Bernardino National Forest, California8 Reviews•32 Photos•257 Saves- Pets
- Dispersed
- WiFi
- Alcohol
6. Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California1 Review•2 Photos•110 Saves- Reservable
- Dispersed
$5 / night
7. San Gorgonio Summit Camp
Forest Falls, California5 Reviews•55 Photos•171 SavesLimited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire.
Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://www.sgwa.org/contact-us
The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.
- Pets
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Mecca Hills Wilderness
Mecca, California8 Reviews•17 Photos•275 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
9. North Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree, California6 Reviews•14 Photos•101 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
10. BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree
Twentynine Palms, California6 Reviews•21 Photos•200 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Palm Springs
204 Reviews of 43 Palm Springs Campgrounds
- T
Tony B.
Traveler
South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Awesome dispersed site with amazing views
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)
Laura M.
Legend
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.
- CCarson S.Traveler
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.
- ssoph M.
GuideJoshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
my all time favorite blm
absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself! easy road and so many open spots + so many cool people
Ciara W.Guide
East Flats
Wildlife but super dusty!
Starlink internet here was great and we stayed 2 days to work here. Saw multiple deer walking by our site.
Easy to drag in dust and very annoying. We easily found a spot for our van.
- Ciara W.Guide
Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
Base camp close to Joshua Tree
We stayed here for 2 nights and worked from here with our starlink. Great internet - we had 2 people doing video calls.
Each site is pretty large and can fit at least 3 vans but they’re only about 100 ft off the dirt road.
- SSamay C.Traveler
East Flats
Great secluded location
First time car camping. Solo trip with my fur babies. Trails a little rough but good thing I have X-Mode on my Subaru. Lol. Arrived around 5:30pm on a Wednesday. Drove past a few campers. A few with big RV’s. Closest camper is about 30 yards away. Could barely hear their generator running. Planned on staying a few nights but after the first night I was told there was a big archery event and that the whole campground was reserved so I had to pack up and leave.
- DDee M.Traveler
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Over a dozen sites
There are lots of sites on this road. The closer you are to the road the more dust will get in your site from the vehicles passing. The road here. I went a to the second fork after the Bluff lake fork. There’s a private campground near the Bluff Lake entrance which made noises i can hear from my site which was before Bluffs lake fork. There are over a dozen sites along the main road. If you can pull in, it’s a site. Some better than others and spaced out so you may not see your neighbors from your site. 2x4 accessible as long as it’s not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail.
Connor M.GuideMill Creek Dispersed Camping
Plenty of Spots
Overall great campground, there are definitely some permanent residents but there is more than enough spots to have some privacy.
Kique S.TravelerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Great spot!
This is a great area. I recommend you bring extra mosquito repellent. Have fun!
- CChandra B.Guide
East Flats
Quiet & Fresh Air
We are here RN! It is so peaceful and the air is so fresh! Pines, and clear blue skies! What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…
Dickie Simmons S.TravelerMill 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.
JJ D.GuideJoshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
Ease of access and free
Great location in proximity just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. There are plenty of spots for tents, pop-ups, campers, or RVs. Fire rings are already established.
Francisco F.TravelerMill Creek Dispersed Camping
Beautiful Spot For 4x4, But NOT For RVs
My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot, after finding it on The Dyrt and a few other sites. It's definitely a beautiful place, and most of the road to the site is paved, but the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4, since the road is very thin and our SUV (a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder) is kind of thick. I'm sure it's probably nothing for people who are used to using their 4x4 for more than regular driving in the snow, etc., but it was too dodgy for us. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down the incline and then quite a ways down the pitted, gravel road to get out of it.
It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot - you wouldn't be there alone, and this was on a Thursday.
joel G.Guide
Gold Park Road Camp
South of 29 Palms
Takes a bit of time to find just the right spot, as some areas are a little trashy. Quiet, beautiful evening sunset enjoyed. Cools down nicely at night.
Alexis O.TravelerEast Flats
great spacious area
loved this spot. easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. no amenities & great cell service.
- RRaymond M.
ScoutEast Flats
Nice lake!
No amenities but still nice and the price is right!
- MMo H.Traveler
Painted Canyon
Amazing stars
Absolutely quiet and an amazing starry sky
Ideal for tents
- DDaniel H.Traveler
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
GOOD ENOUGH
The area was easy to navigate; even when we pulled in late at night. There were a lot of people coming in and out as well. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for privacy. Aside from that, I would camp if you’re looking for something easy, safe, and accessible.
- JJin S.Scout
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Some areas are private land
Nice area but we were told that some areas have now become private land, so that’s something to watch out for.
- JJoe C.Scout
Box Canyon Dispersed
Sweet spot
Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without. got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there.
Rainer R.Scout
North Joshua Tree
Nice stay, plenty of space
We arrived early in the afternoon around 4:30 pm and found a vast, open place witziges only few, dispersed campers. Access was easy, Solid ground . Only the partly littered areas prevent us from giving 5 stars.
- AAbe C.Guide
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.
- AAbe C.Guide
Yaqui Pass Camp
Easy stop if you need, otherwise keep driving
Drove in..., drove out. As another review noted, it's a big parking lot. Fine if you just need a place to pull over, nothing of value there..., maybe proximity to a hiking trail.
Emmi O.GuideJoshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Ok for one night stay
We arrived late in the evening and spent one night there. There was couple of other campers too, so we felt safe. No trash but smelled like urine. Cell service was okay.
amanda R.GuideJoshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
Great night!
Really convenient if you’re in Joshua Tree. The sunset was a 10/10. Very quiet, but we went in July so it was miserably hot. There are fire circles scattered throughout each site. Cell service for xfinity was great. Very nice quiet night
T&A Adventures *.GuideJoshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
Joshua Tree Free
Stayed 1 night in this easy to access free area near entrance to the National Park. No fee required to camp here. Was not busy at all end of March. Fire Rings randomly throughout. Verizon 5G works great here.
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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Palm Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Palm Springs, CA is Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Palm Springs, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 dispersed camping locations near Palm Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.