Best Dispersed Camping near Warner Springs, CA

Looking for dispersed camping near Warner Springs? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Warner Springs, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Warner Springs, CA (29)

Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Warner Springs

70 Reviews of 29 Warner Springs Campgrounds


  • E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Great escape from the city!

    I followed the coordinates provided and it took us right to the trailhead. We saw a few other campers but overall, the campground was ours for the weekend. We did some light hiking and exploring but otherwise took advantage of the peace and quiet that was available to us. Gorgeous sunsets and sunrises and epic star gazing! Being a dark sky community, we were able to see so many stars and constellations. We saw shooting stars nearly every minute and we were also able to find Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,  and Neptune all with the naked eye! Next time we will pack a small telescope and I'm sure we will see more! 

    Watch out for cactus and needles that are buried in the sand. It is not recommended to bring dogs or walk barefoot for this reason. Our sandals and boots both had many needles stuck in the rubber soles after the trip. Being in the valley, the winds were very light but there is a possibility of strong winds and sand storms so be prepared. Temps averaged 70-75 during the day and dropped to 38-42 at night but with a small fire and proper gear, we were plenty comfortable. Fire rings are provided at some locations however the ranger informed us we could build a rock ring and line it with tin foil which worked great. 

    The road in was a bit rough in some areas. Wash out and silty sand could pose problems for smaller vehicles or campers so use your best judgement. Single track roads in/out so you will need to yield off the main road when encountering larger oncoming vehicles, which could also be difficult for inexperienced offroad drivers.

  • 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)

  • Gabriel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Creek Road Camp
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Nice quick and easy getaway

    Quite easy to get to. I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road). 

    There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed. Luckily just gnats and no mosquitoes from what we experienced.

    We applied for a permit on Friday and did not get it by Saturday when we departed. Luckily, no rangers patrolled during our stay.

    Some spots with good shade.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Creek Road Camp
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Peaceful and secluded

    A great spot if you want to get away and enjoy some alone time. It’s a little warm in the day in august this time of year so you can’t hike around or explore too much. My girlfriend and I stopped in Julian on our way out to get a late lunch and then head to the campsite. The road is paved until you turn off Lone Creek Road and then it is a dirt road. I have a stock Rav4 and it was able to drive on it although there are a few spots you need to be careful at so you don’t scrape the bottom of your car. We only spent one night but we never saw another person during our stay

  • anna I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kitchen Creek Road
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Kitchen Creek Road

    Decent spot to stop

    Pretty small spot off the road, does get kind of loud from cars but overall a decent and clean spots

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Creek Road Camp
    May. 27, 2024

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Dispersed Camping

    This was a last minute Memorial Day weekend trip with my boyfriend and 2 dogs. 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. Easy to get there, easy directions once there just make you pass the sign that says leaving the recreation area after that you can find any spot and camp. It was a little bumpy but nothing too bad. Drove with my jeep renegade that isn’t a 4wheel drive. A little busy due to the holiday but not too bad. Cyclist riding by, vehicles, and hikers. Which was nice saying hi. Hardly any service for my carrier which is T-Mobile. Definitely will camp out here again.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kitchen Creek Road
    Feb. 4, 2024

    Kitchen Creek Road

    Decent. Tough time of the year

    Could be maintained. Went during a very rainy season. So it could definitely be attributed to the time of year. Will be another opportunity in the future.

  • Sarah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Box Canyon Dispersed
    Dec. 2, 2023

    Box Canyon Dispersed

    Deep sand, close to busy road side.

    This is ideally a good spot, but the sand is way too deep to get far enough off of the road.

  • Sarah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mecca Hills Wilderness
    Dec. 2, 2023

    Mecca Hills Wilderness

    4x4 required, super deep sand

    Drove up this road thinking it would be okay, but as I got closer to the location, the sand got deeper. At night it was especially hard to see. Any of the roads going off the main road were too deep with sand to get into without getting stuck. Had to turn around and ended up parking closer to JT park.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Canyon
    Nov. 26, 2023

    Painted Canyon

    Absolutely stunning & so much fun

    This place should be part of the park system. Stunning diversity in color and rock formations. If you hike to the top of the loop, you’ll not only feel like you’ve accomplished something special, but you’ll also get to see the rock formations and vegetation change with elevation. In the higher points of the hikes, you can see the Salton Sea from afar. Absolutely stunning at sunrise and sunset.



Guide to Warner Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Warner Springs, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from tent camping to RV setups.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Warner Springs, California

  • When visiting Blair Valley Primitive Campground, be prepared for stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Bring plenty of bug spray if you plan to camp at Yaqui Wash during late spring, as the area can be buzzing with bees and other insects.
  • Always check for any required permits before heading to places like Pine Creek Road Camp, where a permit is necessary for a hassle-free experience.

Scenic hikes while free camping near Warner Springs

  • The trails around Coachwhip Canyon offer breathtaking views and unique mud rock formations, making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • If you enjoy a bit of solitude, consider the less-traveled paths near Yaqui Pass Camp, where you can find peace away from the crowds.
  • For those who appreciate a good sunset, the area around Peg Leg Dispersed provides stunning views as the colors change in the evening sky.

Dispersed campers should check out Peg Leg Smith Historical Site

  • The Peg Leg Smith Historical Site is a unique spot for history buffs, offering a glimpse into the past while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • This area is ideal for those who want to combine camping with exploration, as it’s close to various hiking trails and historical landmarks.
  • Keep in mind that this site is more of a stopover than a full camping experience, so plan accordingly if you're looking for amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Warner Springs, CA is Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Warner Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.