Best Dispersed Camping near Salton City, CA

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.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Salton City, California (38)

    1. Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Salton City, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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"

    2. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    27 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. Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    2 Reviews
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Arroyo Salado Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Coolidge Springs, CA
    11 miles

    "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."

    5. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    31 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Mecca Hills Wilderness

    10 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    22 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."

    7. Octillo Wells OHV Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Salton City, CA
    13 miles

    "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."

    8. Box Canyon Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "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."

    9. Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "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."

    10. Painted Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    22 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Salton City, CA

187 Reviews of 38 Salton City Campgrounds



Guide to Salton City

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.

Explore Stunning Trails while Free Camping near Salton City

  • The Mecca Hills Wilderness features beautiful trails that wind through breathtaking rock formations, perfect for hiking and exploring the desert landscape.
  • At Box Canyon Dispersed, you can enjoy hiking up thin canyons surrounded by sheer cliffs, providing a unique perspective on the area's geological history.
  • The Painted Canyon offers a stunning array of colors and rock formations, making it an ideal spot for photography and nature walks.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Wildlife Experiences

  • While camping at Red Hill Marina Park, keep an eye out for various bird species, especially during migration seasons, as the area is known for its rich avian life.
  • The Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area is a great spot for off-road enthusiasts, where you might encounter desert wildlife while exploring the open terrain.
  • Campers at Peg Leg Dispersed can enjoy the company of curious foxes that often visit campsites, adding a touch of wildlife magic to your stay.

Stunning Sunsets and Starry Nights for Dispersed Campers

  • The Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is known for its incredible night skies, making it a perfect location for stargazing away from city lights.
  • At Niland Marina, you can witness breathtaking sunsets over the Salton Sea, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
  • The serene environment at Obsidian Butte allows for peaceful evenings under the stars, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the desert night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Salton City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salton City, CA is Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Salton City, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Salton City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.