Pioneertown is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Pioneertown is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Pioneertown, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"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."
"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."
"Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.
- The most paved way in is to take Sunfair to Broadway."
"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 ."
"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."
"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."
"There were a bunch of camper vans parked but there’s so much space so you don’t feel crammed and still have plenty of privacy! Loved the night sky views as well."
"Verizon Cell service was non-existent at our site, but we would get 5G at the Rock.
Other than some graffiti the area was clean and well-kept."
"Giant Rock is a popular location. There is plenty of space for individual or group camping. A steady flow of visitors stop by for pictures, but overall, it's quiet during the week."
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**** Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products."
"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."
"Multiple free camping spots from the Y up to Fish Creek all the way to Coon Creek Cabin. 1st spots on the left are big rig friendly, you do have about a mile of dirt road before you get to them."
"Definitely recommend staying here when it’s dry. Huge open space. Very hot, no shade in the area."
TravelerYellow 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.
RangerAs 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.
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We stopped overnight at Amboy Crater during our vanlife road trip in our Hi 5 Campervan, and it was one of the most surreal camping spots we’ve experienced. It’s boondocking-style, so don't expect any hookups— but the peace, stars, and Mars-like vibes make it worth it.✅ What we loved: Easy access right off Route 66. Ample parking space for our Hi 5 campervan(ours is about 11 ft tall— no issues at all). Uninterrupted views of the crater and desert. Free and quiet overnight stay(just be respectful and leave no trace). Perfect for catching a sunrise or drone shot!⚠️ Good to know: No water or amenities— bring your own supplies. Cell service is very weak, so download offline maps in advance. Gets windy at night, so secure your gear. Trail to the crater rim is doable but not shaded— hike early morning or sunset.🎥 This spot was a dream for content creation. We got epic drone boomerang shots of our van parked solo in the desert. You won't find a vibe like this in Canada!
TravelerEverything 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.
RangerCame 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!
GuideGreat 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.
GuideEasy to access dirt road off of Amboy leads you to BLM land. Left over fire rings mark sites, however many sites are covered in glass and bullet casing from people using this area for target practice. Sunsets are gorgeous, however desert winds are harsh. Wouldn’t go back but free camping doesn’t hurt.
GuideFree camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like. Previous campers have built fire pits from the rocks laying around. Beautiful views, off road vehicle recommend.
Rangerthis 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. after driving a few minutes you come into the canyon and there are a few places to pull off and set up camp. there are no amenities and no trash cans so pack in/pack out. the area is pretty quiet but can be extremely hot in the summer so I wouldn't reccomend it other than winter. there is a lot of hiking but make sure to have a map as it's very easy to get lost. my favorite is the ladder canyon hike which has you climb up a series of ladders in the canyon. most of the time they are well maintained and replaced if they are falling apart but beware just in case.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pioneertown, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Pioneertown?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Pioneertown. Joshua Tree North BLM offers extensive free camping - access via Sunfair Road to Cypress Road (dirt road). Stay on designated BLM land and be aware some areas have trash. BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree provides wide-open land with no designated sites where you can park and camp freely - just watch for private property boundaries. Both areas are relatively close to Pioneertown and offer the authentic desert camping experience without facilities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies and pack out all trash.
Is dispersed camping available near Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown?
Yes, dispersed camping is available within driving distance of Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown. Giant Rock Dispersed offers free camping that's big-rig friendly and relatively close to Pioneertown. For those willing to drive a bit further, Mecca Hills Wilderness provides remote desert camping options with unpaved roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. Neither location has amenities, so bring everything you need including water, and be prepared to pack out all trash. These areas provide convenient bases for visiting Pappy and Harriet's while enjoying the solitude of dispersed desert camping.
Are there any regulations or permits needed for dispersed camping in Pioneertown?
Dispersed camping near Pioneertown follows standard BLM regulations with no specific permits required, though you should always verify current rules before your trip. At Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping, camping is free but you must pack in and pack out all supplies and waste. Amboy Crater Dispersed follows similar rules for boondocking. Be aware of seasonal fire bans - many areas prohibit campfires during dry months, typically lifting restrictions around October. Always use existing fire rings when allowed, maintain a clean campsite, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Maximum stay limits typically apply (usually 14 days) on BLM land.
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