Best Dispersed Camping near Valley Center, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Valley Center, CA? Valley Center is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Valley Center, California (16)

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

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    38 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."

    2. Pine Creek Road Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    39 miles

    "It’s a little warm in the day in august this time of year so you can’t hike around or explore too much."

    "Friday sent an email to SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov requesting the free permit (after doing research and finding out you need one), filled out the form, and got it back in the same day."

    3. Galleta Meadows, Borrego Springs

    2 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    38 miles

    "On the outer southern edge of Borrego Springs is this private yet free camp area.

    A few dozen sites exist, each some five hundred feet or more apart."

    "The best feature of this free camping area is the awesome metal sculptures right near this campground. 

    Near the cute town of Borrego Springs, just a little off Borrego Springs road."

    4. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    2 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "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)"

    5. Yaqui Wash

    1 Review
    Borrego Springs, CA
    37 miles

    "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."

    6. Kitchen Creek Road

    4 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    42 miles

    7. Thomas Mountain Road

    1 Review
    Mountain Center, CA
    36 miles

    8. Chinouapin Zone San Bernardino National Forest

    1 Review
    Idyllwild, CA
    40 miles

    "There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California"

    9. Peg Leg Dispersed

    1 Review
    Borrego Springs, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-4205

    "Anza Borrego Desert SP allows dispersed camping in certain areas of the park, and this is one of them.  I tried to find it on the website, but found no mention of allowed camping in the park.  "

    10. Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    1 Review
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    42 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "This campsite is located at the junctionof the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT, and is breathtaking."

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Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Valley Center, CA

51 Reviews of 16 Valley Center Campgrounds



Guide to Valley Center

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Valley Center, California, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Valley Center, California

Activities While Free Camping Near Valley Center

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails near Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park, which connects to popular routes like the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Explore the unique desert landscape at Peg Leg Dispersed, where you can enjoy stargazing and the beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert.
  • For a more adventurous experience, consider visiting Grapevine Canyon Road, where you can engage in off-road driving and discover hidden gems in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Valley Center, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Valley Center, CA is Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Valley Center, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Valley Center, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.