Looking for the best dispersed camping near Shoshone? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
Dispersed camping allows you to “get away from it all.” Peace, solitude and adventure are some of the advantages to choosing an undeveloped campsite. Since there are no facilities, you must bring your own water, camp at least 100 feet from all water sources and dig a hole at least six inches deep for disposal of human waste. Remember all Forest rules and regulations apply even in dispersed sites.
The NPS established nine campsites along Echo Canyon Road and six along Hole in the Wall Road. No camping is allowed along these roads, except with a permit in designated site. Permits can only be acquired in person at Furnace Creek Visitor Center (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) and Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station (intermittent hours). The free permits can be issued for stays of up to seven nights, but cannot be reserved in advance.
Roadside camping along these routes has increased greatly over the past decade. When campsites were full, people drove off road to create new sites. By limiting camping to designated sites, the NPS hopes that campers will be able to experience the solitude and quiet of the surrounding wilderness. Limiting the number and location of campsites will also reduce human impacts on the desert.
Permits are a way for park rangers to communicate with campers about Leave No Trace ethics, NPS regulations and other ways users can help protect the environment. Park staff compare usage information from permits with resource impacts on the ground to determine if use limitations are needed to protect the fragile desert. Permits are also valuable during search-and-rescue efforts. Backpacking and roadside camping permits are not required for any other area of the park, but they are encouraged.
Scout
For an rv like 3 spots not even spots just turn arounds at start of shitty road other than that do not go unless you have dirt bike..etc stayed maybe 1 hr barely cooler than vegas went
Scout
Was so nice to get out of Vegas and have trees around! We enjoyed a relatively cool day and just enjoyed the nature.
Keep in mind that as other have mentioned, many people leave trash, ride ATVs, play music, etc.
You can not have fires, only propane, fuel stoves with a shut off.
T-Mobile has no signal here.
Traveler
Parking Coordinates: (36.3636285, -115.6685757)
Relatively easy dirt road. This spot was located right before the road closure. Was able to fit the truck and a ground tent with amazing views overlooking the valley below. Visited June 22nd it was 110 in the city but up here at 7700 feet it was a nice 85-90 during the day and a cool 65-70 at night. Not a lot of tree shade at this spot but if you create your own it helps during the day.
ScoutFair warning, my boyfriend and I camped on the Saturday of Father's Day weekend so this may have skewed my rating.
The campsite was amazing! Private, very big for just the two of us, and a good combination of sun and shade. The site was very easy to get to in a 4WD truck even on the narrow two way road, smaller cars may have some issues. The views were limited but beautiful! It was hot during the day and wonderfully chilly at night. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and good food that you can eat cold or heat up on a propane stove - no fires allowed!
The bugs were BAD all day, I swore off DEET but that trip I would've bathed in it. I was very excited for a quiet get away and quiet I did not get because of a group that rode their ATV up and down Champion road incessantly. Due to this, the dust was absolutely horrible and unfortunately the birds stayed away which is my favorite part of camping :(. The campsite was LITTERED with used pieces of toilet paper, baby wipes, glass, plastic - all the trash you can think of. We spent about a hour trying to pick up as much trash as possible, please do the same. We decided to call it a night when the sun set however people were blasting music in a neighboring campsite... why do people play loud music in nature? No clue.
So to summarize, my boyfriend and I had a WONDERFUL trip however inconsiderate people really know how to test a camper's patience.
Guide
We went further up near intersection of 157 and 158. Lots of open spots and almost no one around. Height of your rig could limit site selection. Even with high roof Sprinter we had some issues with low branches. Lots of shade. No real views, but lots of privacy. Some trash. Not horrible, but a good reminder to pick up after yourself so we can keep these public lands open.
Scout
There are several spots to camp. Beautiful sight.
ScoutStayed for one night during the week and wasn't surprised by the higher traffic based on the other reviews. Nice spot to get out of the heat and enjoy the beautiful terrain.
TravelerWe arrived before sunset, full of small spots along the road, which allows everyone to have their own space surrounded by vegetation. We have a van, it is easy to leave the main concrete road to enter the pitches, some are bumpier than others. The sites I saw were clean with leftover campfire pits. I recommend this spot, it is specific to Death Valley and located 30 minutes from Red Rock or 1 hour from Las Vegas. For the night of May 2, no problem with the wind, very good weather conditions
ScoutNone of the other reviews mention that there's a rehab center compound located here with lots of in and out traffic at all hours. We spoke with a local ranger and that's how we learned about it because it's hidden. We then looked it up online and read scary reviews about it. Others need to be aware and make their own decisions. We also found questionable items in our site here.
Scout
Great place to stop off the 15 on the way to where ever you're going! One other car other than us at this spot. Few other campers closer to the main road.
ScoutLots of spots, but the area is trashed. Garbage all over the place and used tires, looks like folks use this area as a dump. Also looks like there are some folks living in a fifth wheel near the highway.
Guide
Nice place to camp for free if you don't mind having some neighbors. Close to the highway but little traffic noise. Worked well for an overnight before going into the park the next morning.
Guide
Be careful, the location this takes you to is a wildlife refuge. It is posted as day use only, no camping. A super cool place to visit during the day. Be sure you are not on private property or within the refuge and there are spots to pull over to camp in your vehicle.
GuideLarge space, you can park on the pads or the dirt. Very close to the park. Right off the highway and easy to find. No water, no restrooms and no cell service. Be careful if you tent camp off the pads. My tent got some holes from the tiny rocks, even with a good foot print. Some are just very pointy. Overall great free spot, can’t complain. Would definitely camp there again.
Ranger
This was so peaceful and quiet. The road is gravel but recommend 4x4 with clearance.
The new setup is the sites are designated and must be reserved at the visitor center. The Ranger was really helpful.
ScoutSearch for a clean area. Up higher. Seems like lower down people leave a mess.
Guide
The options were nice and the views were gorgeous but there seems to be a lot of long term living people around in their cars as well as a decently large homeless population around. I didn’t feel very safe so I only stayed one night. Along with that, there was so much litter and trash.
GuideThis was a short drive north of Vegas, and it’s worth it to get up into the mountains! The views are great, and it’s a fun place to explore. There’s a spot right off the road and then a few spots as you go up the road.
TravelerGreat spot for whatever you are camping in. Lots of spots. Got there after dark and found a spot with no problem. Spectacular scenery, especially at the top. A little bumpy, but our Airstream Interstate X had no problem. Plenty of spots for big rigs.
TravelerBeautiful view overlooking the town and mountains. Quite a few pull off areas as you go up Wheeler rd, I ended up parking at coordinates: (36.2420331, -115.9001200). Well maintained gravel road getting up here.
GuideSuper easy to find a few miles before the entrance to Death Valley. Theres a ton of pads to park on, in a few different sections along the road. The section I was in had 10+ pads, each with their own fire pit. I was lucky enough to get the whole section to myself so it was very quiet and peaceful! Definitely recommend, but no water or bathrooms so come prepared.
TravelerNot sure how fun this would be in a tent, but we slept in the back of our vehicle up on top of a cliff surrounded by Joshua trees. Very sweet spot to spend the night.
We took a right off of the main road towards the gravel pit and took a left which headed up to a secluded location.
GuideLocation is good, right outside the park. Not much for views and it’s right on the side of the road. As others have said there are a bunch of Cement pads that you can put a RV or camper on. No very private and spots are close together but it works for a night.
ScoutVery quiet during the week. Busier on weekends.
ScoutBit of an awkward spot to camp in my opinion. It’s pretty much an open sandy area in the town of Baker. You can hear the highway and noise from the town. If you prefer more remote areas, choose a different place. It was difficult to find in the dark as well because the coordinates provided aren’t technically in the camping area. I had to zoom in on the map to make sure I was on BLM land.
ScoutFree sites close to the park entrance? Score. Was here in March and there were about 15 other vehicles camping. Everyone was spread out and noise was very minimal. Only downside is lack of privacy. I camped near some tall grass so I could pee with some cover.
RangerBe prepared to hunt for a good spot when the weather is nice. There are many pull off areas along the main road but they fill up quickly. We ended up in a flat canyon area at the bottom of the road which wasn’t bad and had plenty of room but not a great view since we were in the bottom of the canyon. No cell service.
Camping near Shoshone, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
Camping near Shoshone, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while being close to unique attractions. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone in this beautiful desert landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shoshone, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shoshone, CA is Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed with a 4.4-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Shoshone, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Shoshone, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
