Top Free Dispersed Camping near Yucca Valley, CA
Want to go dispersed camping near Yucca Valley? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Yucca Valley, CA (31)
1. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
33 Reviews•60 Photos•612 Saves- Pets
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Joshua Tree North BLM
16 Reviews•36 Photos•153 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. North Joshua Tree
6 Reviews•14 Photos•93 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
4. BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree
6 Reviews•21 Photos•191 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
5. San Gorgonio Summit Camp
5 Reviews•55 Photos•170 SavesLimited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire. Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://sgwa.org/contact/ The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.
- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Joshua Tree Hilltop
1 Review•1 Photo•7 Saves- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
2 Reviews•11 Photos•28 SavesGroup size limited to 12 people and 8 pack/riding animals per group. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire. Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://sgwa.org/contact/ The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
9. Geology Tour Road Dispersed Camping (with permit)
1 Review•7 Photos•61 Saves- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
10. Vivian Creek Camp
1 Review•9 Photos•40 SavesLimited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire. Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://sgwa.org/contact/ The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Yucca Valley
193 Reviews of 31 Yucca Valley Campgrounds
- T
Tony B.
Traveler
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)
- CCarson S.Traveler
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.
- ssoph M.
Guide
Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
my all time favorite blm
absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself! easy road and so many open spots + so many cool people
Ciara W.Guide
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.
- SSamay C.Traveler
East Flats
Great secluded location
First time car camping. Solo trip with my fur babies. Trails a little rough but good thing I have X-Mode on my Subaru. Lol. Arrived around 5:30pm on a Wednesday. Drove past a few campers. A few with big RV’s. Closest camper is about 30 yards away. Could barely hear their generator running. Planned on staying a few nights but after the first night I was told there was a big archery event and that the whole campground was reserved so I had to pack up and leave.
- DDee M.Traveler
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Over a dozen sites
There are lots of sites on this road. The closer you are to the road the more dust will get in your site from the vehicles passing. The road here. I went a to the second fork after the Bluff lake fork. There’s a private campground near the Bluff Lake entrance which made noises i can hear from my site which was before Bluffs lake fork. There are over a dozen sites along the main road. If you can pull in, it’s a site. Some better than others and spaced out so you may not see your neighbors from your site. 2x4 accessible as long as it’s not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail.
Connor M.GuideMill Creek Dispersed Camping
Plenty of Spots
Overall great campground, there are definitely some permanent residents but there is more than enough spots to have some privacy.
Laura M.
Legend
Ord Mountain Dispersed
Actual location 34.684300, -116.960600
I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location. This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.
We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area.
Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.
Kique S.TravelerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Great spot!
This is a great area. I recommend you bring extra mosquito repellent. Have fun!
- CChandra B.Guide
East Flats
Quiet & Fresh Air
We are here RN! It is so peaceful and the air is so fresh! Pines, and clear blue skies! What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…
Dickie Simmons S.TravelerMill 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.
JJ D.GuideJoshua 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.
Francisco F.TravelerMill Creek Dispersed Camping
Beautiful Spot For 4x4, But NOT For RVs
My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot, after finding it on The Dyrt and a few other sites. It's definitely a beautiful place, and most of the road to the site is paved, but the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4, since the road is very thin and our SUV (a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder) is kind of thick. I'm sure it's probably nothing for people who are used to using their 4x4 for more than regular driving in the snow, etc., but it was too dodgy for us. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down the incline and then quite a ways down the pitted, gravel road to get out of it.
It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot - you wouldn't be there alone, and this was on a Thursday.
joel G.Guide
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.
Alexis O.TravelerEast Flats
great spacious area
loved this spot. easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. no amenities & great cell service.
- RRaymond M.
ScoutEast Flats
Nice lake!
No amenities but still nice and the price is right!
- MMo H.Traveler
Painted Canyon
Amazing stars
Absolutely quiet and an amazing starry sky
Ideal for tents
- DDaniel H.Traveler
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.
- JJin S.Scout
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Some areas are private land
Nice area but we were told that some areas have now become private land, so that’s something to watch out for.
- JJoe C.Scout
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.Scout
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.
Emmi O.GuideJoshua 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.GuideJoshua 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
Andrew B.Scout
Joshua Tree Hilltop
High clearance 4x4 camping JT
High clearance 4x4 required Can be windy Great views
Maura G.ScoutJoshua 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.
Sine N.TravelerJoshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Easy to find a spot
Free. Easy to find a spot, lots to choose from. Clean and quiet. Cell reception was ok. The road was quite bumpy, but we managed with a campervan.
Michaela H.ScoutNorth 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Guide to Yucca Valley
Camping near Yucca Valley, California, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers rave about the hikes near Jumbo Rocks Campground, with one reviewer noting, "So much exploring to be had right from your campsite."
- Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, Hidden Valley is a hotspot. A visitor mentioned, "The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on."
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Indian Cove Campground shared, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp, it was so peaceful."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A review for Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed said, "Absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself!"
- Privacy: Many appreciate the spacious sites. One camper at Black Rock Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spread out."
- Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms are a big plus. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."
What you should know:
- No Water at Some Sites: Many campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, do not have drinking water available. One camper advised, "Bring your own water too."
- First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Hidden Valley said, "Filled up by 4 PM in mid-May."
- Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping lack facilities. A camper noted, "No trash but smelled like urine."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Indian Cove Campground, which is described as "very family friendly."
- Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One camper at Lake Hemet Campground suggested, "If you have little ones, you can take them with a wagon."
- Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near rocks. A visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground said, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
- Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Roads can be rough. One camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed noted, "The road was quite bumpy, but we managed with a campervan."
- Cell Service Varies: Check your service provider. A visitor at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "Verizon 5G works great here."
With these insights, you’re all set for an enjoyable experience in the great outdoors around Yucca Valley, CA camping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Yucca Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Yucca Valley, CA is Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Yucca Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Yucca Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.