Best Dispersed Camping near Rancho Mirage, CA

Join the fun near Rancho Mirage. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Rancho Mirage is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Rancho Mirage camping trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rancho Mirage, California (44)

    1. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    30 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."

    2. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    37 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. "

    3. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    2 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "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)"

    4. Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    1 Review
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

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

    5. Chinouapin Zone San Bernardino National Forest

    1 Review
    Idyllwild, CA
    16 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"

    6. Joshua Tree North BLM

    19 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    30 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."

    7. Mecca Hills Wilderness

    10 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    26 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."

    8. Thomas Mountain Road

    1 Review
    Mountain Center, CA
    16 miles

    9. Painted Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    27 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."

    10. North Joshua Tree

    12 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    30 miles

    "Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.

    1. 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 ."

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Showing results 1-10 of 44 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rancho Mirage, CA

242 Reviews of 44 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds



Guide to Rancho Mirage

Dispersed camping near Rancho Mirage, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of options, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Rancho Mirage, California

Scenic views and solitude at Joshua Tree

Dispersed campers should check out Mecca Hills Wilderness

  • The Mecca Hills Wilderness offers a unique desert landscape with opportunities for hiking and exploring, making it a great choice for adventurous campers.
  • Be aware that some areas may require a 4x4 vehicle due to sandy conditions, especially when accessing spots within Box Canyon Dispersed.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see various animals in their natural habitat while camping at Mecca Hills Wilderness, where the isolation provides a perfect backdrop for nature observation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rancho Mirage, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rancho Mirage, CA is Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 44 dispersed camping locations near Rancho Mirage, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.