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Best Dispersed Camping near Twentynine Palms, CA

263 Reviews

Dispersed camping surrounds Twentynine Palms, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land north of Joshua Tree National Park. Several free primitive camping areas exist including Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping, Joshua Tree North BLM, North Joshua Tree, and BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree. These sites provide off-grid camping opportunities within 15-30 minutes of Joshua Tree National Park entrances. Gold Park Road Camp and Sheephole Valley Wilderness offer additional primitive options further from the main tourist areas.

Access roads to these dispersed camping areas range from moderately rough to very challenging. Most sites require slow driving on bumpy, rutted dirt roads that become more difficult after rain. While some areas like Joshua Tree Lake are accessible with standard vehicles driven cautiously, others may require high-clearance vehicles. As one visitor noted, "The unpaved road was a bit bumpy however our kids enjoyed the 'roller coaster'." Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most locations. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services exist at these primitive sites. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with several areas allowing campfires in established rings when no fire bans are in effect.

The desert landscape provides expansive views and exceptional stargazing opportunities. Campers describe finding ample space to spread out, particularly at Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping and BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "There's essentially unlimited space. It can get a little windy since it's the desert, but it was great." While the areas closest to paved roads show evidence of heavy use, visitors seeking more seclusion can find quieter spots by driving further into the desert. Cell service is generally reliable across most areas, with multiple reviewers noting they maintained connectivity. The Joshua Tree Lake area offers the additional convenience of a sanitary dump station, making it suitable for RVs. Gold Park Road Camp receives less favorable reviews, with visitors mentioning accumulated trash and excessive OHV noise on weekends.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Twentynine Palms, California (44)

    1. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    7 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 North BLM

    19 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    8 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."

    3. North Joshua Tree

    12 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    8 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 ."

    4. BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

    6 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Gold Park Road Camp

    4 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    7 miles

    6. Joshua Tree Hilltop

    1 Review
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    "High clearance 4x4 required Can be windy Great views"

    7. Coyote Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "Definitely recommend staying here when it’s dry. Huge open space. Very hot, no shade in the area."

    8. Geology Tour Road Dispersed Camping — Joshua Tree National Park

    1 Review
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    13 miles

    "We ran a 5 day backpacking trip out of this meet up and around Jtree in March and it was one of the most exciting backpacks we have done."

    9. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    38 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. "

    10. Sheephole Valley Wilderness

    6 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    "To begin please be careful of the roads as they very sandy and you can get stuck easily if you don't have a 4x4, that being said I made it in and out with a 2 wheel drive truck but I almost got stuck."

    "There is some sand to drive through, but I don't think you'll need a 4wd vehicle tbh."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Twentynine Palms, CA

225 Photos of 44 Twentynine Palms Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Twentynine Palms, CA

263 Reviews of 44 Twentynine Palms Campgrounds

  • E B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Yellow post number 2

    Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.

    Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.

    Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.

    A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Joshua Tree North BLM

    Great stop once I scouted a good fit.

    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. Car camping I found the area I liked best was as follows: off 62 take Sunfair rd, right on cypress rd (dirt road which my GPS thought was Reagan Rd but is marked with a street sign Cypress) - go past ITH coyote ranch (no sign but may show up on map) Then right on cascade - an unmarked dirt rd. Then there is a large flat BLM area where rvs and vans were quite spread out, and a motorcycle with a tent was my neighbor (quite far away). No trash here when I was there. Zero facilities obviously so pack it out. Hot tip - water and restrooms 10 min away at the Indian Cove ranger station near Indian Cove Campground in JT park. I stayed here two nights car camping.

  • PRINCE C.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Amboy Crater Dispersed

    Route 66 Hidden Gem: Camping with Crater Views!

    Follow on You tube: https://www.youtube.com/@prince\_chopra\_TWE

    Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/the_whirling_escapes

    We stopped overnight at Amboy Crater during our vanlife road trip in our Hi 5 Campervan, and it was one of the most surreal camping spots we’ve experienced. It’s boondocking-style, so don't expect any hookups— but the peace, stars, and Mars-like vibes make it worth it.✅ What we loved: Easy access right off Route 66. Ample parking space for our Hi 5 campervan(ours is about 11 ft tall— no issues at all). Uninterrupted views of the crater and desert. Free and quiet overnight stay(just be respectful and leave no trace). Perfect for catching a sunrise or drone shot!⚠️ Good to know: No water or amenities— bring your own supplies. Cell service is very weak, so download offline maps in advance. Gets windy at night, so secure your gear. Trail to the crater rim is doable but not shaded— hike early morning or sunset.🎥 This spot was a dream for content creation. We got epic drone boomerang shots of our van parked solo in the desert. You won't find a vibe like this in Canada!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2023

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Busy, but a nice place to stay right outside of Joshua Tree National Park

    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. 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Esther Y.
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Mecca Hills Wilderness

    Dispersed camping in the desert

    Came  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!

  • Angela G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2020

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Perfect Free BLM camping

    This 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.

  • Dickie Simmons S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Convenient free camping just outside of town

    Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others.  Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.

  • Kayla H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2020

    Sheephole Valley Wilderness

    Windy, sparse, with panoramic views.

    Easy to access dirt road off of Amboy leads you to BLM land. Left over fire rings mark sites, however many sites are covered in glass and bullet casing from people using this area for target practice. Sunsets are gorgeous, however desert winds are harsh. Wouldn’t go back but free camping doesn’t hurt.

Guide to Twentynine Palms

Dispersed camping near Twentynine Palms, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping area provides easy access to beautiful vistas and is known for its spaciousness, making it a great choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
  • At North Joshua Tree, campers can enjoy expansive views and a sense of solitude, perfect for stargazing and appreciating the desert's natural beauty.
  • For those looking for a more adventurous experience, BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree offers vast open spaces and stunning sunsets, ideal for capturing memorable photographs.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Twentynine Palms, California

  • When visiting Joshua Tree North BLM, be prepared for some trash in the area, as it can detract from the natural beauty; bringing a trash bag to pack out what you bring in is always a good practice.
  • If you plan to camp at Gold Park Road Camp, be aware that finding a clean spot may take some time, but the quiet and beautiful sunsets make it worthwhile.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Sheephole Valley Wilderness, where you can enjoy the vastness of the desert, but be cautious of the sandy roads that may require a 4WD vehicle.

Activities While Free Camping Near Twentynine Palms

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of Giant Rock, which offers unique geological features and a rich history to explore.
  • The area around Joshua Tree Hilltop is perfect for those who enjoy off-roading, with high-clearance vehicles needed to navigate the rugged terrain while enjoying breathtaking views.
  • For a truly immersive experience, the Geology Tour Road Dispersed Camping area is ideal for backpacking and wildlife observation, providing a chance to connect with nature in a more intimate setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Joshua Tree National Park?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed offers free camping for up to 14 days with plenty of sites along multiple dirt roads. Many spots have rock fire pits, though no amenities are provided. Another excellent option is Joshua Tree North BLM, accessed via Sunfair Road and Cypress Road. Both areas require you to pack in and pack out all supplies. Additional free options include Amboy Crater Dispersed, Sheephole Valley Wilderness, and BLM land near Twentynine Palms. Remember to stay on designated BLM land, as private property exists throughout the area.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Twentynine Palms?

Dispersed camping around Twentynine Palms follows standard BLM regulations. The 14-day stay limit is strictly enforced. Amboy Crater Dispersed and other BLM sites require pack-in, pack-out practices with no trash services available. Fire regulations vary seasonally—fire bans are common during dry periods, typically lifting around October. Mecca Hills Wilderness and similar areas require proper waste disposal with no facilities available. Camping must occur in previously disturbed areas, and vehicles must stay on existing routes. Always check current fire restrictions and obtain any necessary permits from the BLM office before camping.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Twentynine Palms, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Twentynine Palms, 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 Twentynine Palms, CA?

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

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