Top Free Dispersed Camping near Thermal, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Thermal, CA (38)

Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Thermal

212 Reviews of 38 Thermal Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
    Sep. 27, 2024

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Awesome dispersed site with amazing views

    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)

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree
    Aug. 25, 2024

    BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

    Definition of Dispersed Camping

    Everything 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.

  • Rose  D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Quiet

    Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views. Didn’t even know I had neighbors until I walked around in the morning and saw neighboring campers over the hill. Clear skies when I went back in November, could get pretty windy. Saw some coyotes pass by my camp.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Base camp close to Joshua Tree

    We stayed here for 2 nights and worked from here with our starlink. Great internet - we had 2 people doing video calls.

    Each site is pretty large and can fit at least 3 vans but they’re only about 100 ft off the dirt road.

  • JJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Ease of access and free

    Great location in proximity just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. There are plenty of spots for tents, pop-ups, campers, or RVs. Fire rings are already established.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Park Road Camp
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Gold Park Road Camp

    South of 29 Palms

    Takes a bit of time to find just the right spot, as some areas are a little trashy. Quiet, beautiful evening sunset enjoyed. Cools down nicely at night.

  • Carter M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    May. 30, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Beautiful area but lots of bugs

    Here in late May and the bees and other bugs have been nonstop on me the whole time I've been here. It's a really beautiful area and the spots are spacious

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    May. 12, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    GOOD ENOUGH

    The area was easy to navigate; even when we pulled in late at night. There were a lot of people coming in and out as well. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for privacy. Aside from that, I would camp if you’re looking for something easy, safe, and accessible.

  • Anne M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    May. 7, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Great weeknight spot

    Visited early May. Arrived right before sunset, there were people close to the bathrooms, but lots of space to spread out if you drive a little.

  • Dickie Simmons  S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Blair Valley

    Great off grid camping w/ easy access

    Easy access to most designated campsites. Enjoy the changing colors at dusk. My area had 2 bars of verizion service.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Canyon Dispersed
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Box Canyon Dispersed

    Sweet spot

    Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without. got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there.

  • Rainer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Joshua Tree
    Apr. 14, 2024

    North Joshua Tree

    Nice stay, plenty of space

    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 . Only the partly littered areas prevent us from giving 5 stars.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Wash
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Wash

    If you just want to get outdoors...

    There 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Pass Camp
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Pass Camp

    Easy stop if you need, otherwise keep driving

    Drove in..., drove out. As another review noted, it's a big parking lot. Fine if you just need a place to pull over, nothing of value there..., maybe proximity to a hiking trail.

  • Emmi O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    Ok for one night stay

    We arrived late in the evening and spent one night there. There was couple of other campers too, so we felt safe. No trash but smelled like urine. Cell service was okay.

  • amanda R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Great night!

    Really convenient if you’re in Joshua Tree. The sunset was a 10/10. Very quiet, but we went in July so it was miserably hot. There are fire circles scattered throughout each site. Cell service for xfinity was great. Very nice quiet night

  • Maura G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    Stolen Tent

    Not a bad spot in close proximity to Joshua Tree, but our tent disappeared from our site on 3/12. We left in the morning to hike and returned to our site to find that every piece of our tent and sleeping gear was gone.

  • Michaela H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Joshua Tree
    Mar. 8, 2024

    North Joshua Tree

    Good camping with dump station nearby

    Stayed here for two weeks in February and found it very enjoyable. 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. Sites are technically in and next to the Coyote Lake bed, but so long as it’s not too crowded the residents next to the solar farm don’t seem to mind parking closer to them, which is a lifesaver during rain because you do NOT want to get trapped in lake mud trying to leave. There’s a large compacted area to the left and right once you pass the solar farm. NOTE: if you park closer to the solar farm, just be aware that there are farm animals so it smells appropriately like manure.
    2. BE CAREFUL!! Don’t drive into areas with any kind of grasses growing or even dead, this is a good indicator you’ve gotten to the sandier soil which is NOT your friend and WILL sink you with only 2WD.
    3. Further up Sunfair is a family run campground, wonderful people, standard site pricing ($30 dry, $55 full hookup). Convenient to have nearby because they’ll let you use the dump station for $20, fill your water for $5, and shower for $10.
    4. When I was here we had rangers driving through semi regularly, but I never saw them stop or approach a rig at any point. Definitely nice to just be left alone!
  • Jess L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree
    Mar. 7, 2024

    BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

    Awesome

    Loved camping here, my fiancé and I went to a show at Pappy and Harriet’s and afterwards set up camp here. Easy to find and you have SO much space! 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. We will for sure be returning here in the future.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from North Joshua Tree
    Feb. 7, 2024

    North Joshua Tree

    Early February Visit

    It’s everything you need, flat, free and spacious! There was loads of place for space between campers. The weather had been good so the track was not rough. Would love to come back here again the views are amazing.

    Small bits of noise from music, fireworks and ATVs during our stay but that’s part of the experience.



Guide to Thermal

Camping near Thermal, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from Jumbo Rocks Campground saying, "Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly."
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Hidden Valley Campground is a hotspot. A visitor noted, "The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on" at Hidden Valley Campground.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities. One camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, "DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A review from Indian Cove Campground highlights, "What a beautiful place. It was really quiet when we were there and saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Blair Valley Primitive Campground said, "Didn’t even know I had neighbors until I walked around in the morning."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like William Heise County Park are noted for being great for families, with one reviewer stating, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, such as Black Rock Campground, have basic facilities. One camper mentioned, "The roads could use some work and if you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, like Hidden Valley Campground. A visitor noted, "Filled up by 4PM in mid May."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Indian Cove Campground shared, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park, which offers various activities for kids. One family said, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A reviewer at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone hydrated and fed. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground advised, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Black Rock Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spread out. Bathrooms are extremely clean."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Roads can be bumpy. One RV traveler at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, "The road was quite bumpy, but we managed with a campervan."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Many sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Indian Cove Campground suggested, "Smaller rigs only. Not very level sights."

Camping near Thermal, California, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Thermal, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Thermal, CA is Joshua tree BLM by entrance with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Thermal, CA?

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