Looking for the best campgrounds near Salton City, CA? Salton City is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Salton City, reviewed by campers like you.
"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"
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"this 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."
"Great boondocking spot at the bottom of the canyon at the turn off to the painted cliffs."
"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."
"This is a lovely, free, no hookups, no oversite, BLM. As you drive down the dirt road there are numerous gravel/sand/dirt sites. Each with at least one rock circle fire ring."
"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."
GuideI 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.
RangerFree. 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.
GuideThere 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.
GuideAnza 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).
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!
GuideThis 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.
ScoutWe 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!
TravelerThis 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.
LegendWe 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Salton City, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of stunning landscapes and unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salton City?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Salton City. Octillo Wells OHV Recreation Area offers extensive free camping with basic toilets and plenty of space for all vehicle types. For a quieter experience, Arroyo Salado Dispersed Camp provides free dispersed camping in the desert landscape. Both are on BLM land with a typical 14-day stay limit. Remember to bring all necessary supplies as these areas have no hookups, water, or trash services. Pack everything out that you bring in and prepare for primitive desert camping conditions.
Is it safe to camp at Salton City?
Safety at Salton City varies by location and season. The area can experience extreme desert temperatures, particularly in summer, requiring proper hydration and heat protection. Mecca Hills Wilderness camping areas near Salton City have remote conditions requiring preparedness for emergencies. During cooler months (October-April), camping is generally safer weather-wise. Bring plenty of water, tell someone your plans, and check weather forecasts before going. Some areas have challenging unpaved roads, so vehicle preparedness is essential. While most campers have positive experiences, the isolated nature of dispersed camping means self-reliance is necessary for safety.
Can you camp in an RV at Salton Sea?
RV camping is well-accommodated at Salton Sea and surrounding areas. Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area is big-rig friendly with basic facilities. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed is another option with spacious areas that can accommodate various RV sizes. Most dispersed sites have no hookups, so come prepared for dry camping with sufficient water, power, and waste capacity. Road conditions vary significantly - some areas are accessible with any RV, while others require high clearance or 4WD. Research specific access points before bringing larger rigs, and consider scouting locations first in a smaller vehicle.
What are the rules for camping at Salton Sea?
Dispersed camping at Salton Sea follows BLM regulations with a typical 14-day stay limit in any 28-day period. Blair Valley Primitive Campground in nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has a 30-day limit with pit toilets but no water or trash service. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste. Campfires are permitted in established fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place, but you'll need to bring your own firewood. During high fire danger periods, restrictions may apply. Most areas require vehicles to stay on established roads and camp within designated dispersed areas or within 150 feet of roads.
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