Slab City

Educate yourself before you come here. I’m not sure if this is considered camping, in the middle of the desert on old military testing land. There’s no law here. Stuck between an art instillation, peoples homes, and random attractions. You can stay here via Air bnb. It’s close to the boarder of Mexico and you will come through customs a few times if coming down the west coast, salvation mountain is before you hit slab city. We were offered to stay the night in a locals place when we visited and smoked with a local who ended up being from the same small town as we did in Oregon, SMALL WORLD. Everyone was super inviting and nice, others not so much and gave the vibe that you should stay away. Don’t bother people, this is where some folks live so be respectful! Don’t money if possible too.

This place is very remote. No water, electricity, or sewer. We stayed a week there. People living out of there cars and some run down trailers. They are pretty self sufficient. They have free internet at the Internet cafe. We didn’t have any time that we did not feel safe. We were able to leave and nothing was stolen or damaged. We had our inverter generator for power. Had great cell phone coverage 5g signal. Was able to stream on our TV with roku. Great sunsets and sun rises. Great view of the stars at night. Very close to salton sea. Walmart was about a half an hour away for supplies. There was also a lot of trash scatterd around. We did our part and cleaned up our campsite. This was our 2nd time there, so we knew where a safe place was to set up camp.

Slab City can be a dark and depressing place, but is also an interesting view into the human spectrum. You'll see all types of rigs, from new class A setups to people living out of their cars. Some attractions to check out are East Jesus, an artist community and Salvation Mountain, one man's lifelong project devoted to his faith. Worth a trip if you keep an open mind.

Ok I went here hoping to spend more than 24 hrs and explore and what not but I stuck out like a sore thumb with a military truck and decent travel trailer. Theirs TOOO much need in this community (comparable to skid row if your familiar but in the desert) This is more than just DISPERSED camping where you pull over and kick back. Its literally survival at all times because that’s what THEY are doing in the desert. I could not sleep with all the evening noises and people tweaking/high on something walking around. That all said Salvation Mountain is pretty amazing and safe due to its state protected and at entrance into the Slabs so it’s well traveled. So much LOVE went into it. Do drive around the outskirts of the slabs some too and you’ll find plenty of random desert art that Slabs City is known for.

Nice place to visit and chill for a while!

As a tent camper this one was a bit of a stretch for me to feel comfortable, however if you are a boondocker this is an ideal spot for the adventurer who wants to be off grid with a community designed for just that.

Slab City and East Jesus are known as the last free place in America as noamads flock here during cool months and find themselves in many cases not wanting to leave. It is a community without a city limits but with basic rules of understanding that everyone dwelling there or camping there basically respects the thoughts of respecting one another and living self sustaining lifestyle.

Most staying are in travel vehicles of many kinds and have large water catchment systems as there is no sewer or water supply available. For an average tent camper you can visit however there are no amenities making for a rough stay if you opt in for more than a day or so.

There is within the community Salvation Mountain and a outdoor art gallery constructed from the leavings of those in the desert. You will find things made of old parts, used tires, pieces of old buildings repurposed and all free!!

I give it a 4 for the unique experience and urge you to check into the “library” if you make it there. They will let you know if you have arrived during any special occasions such as their community prom or karaoke night at their nomadic bar. Yep, it is a can’t miss.

we went here at the beginning of the summer for a photography project. most of the regulars have moved on to cooler locations but there were some people left. everyone was very friendly and helpful in telling us cool things to see. we found the hot spring pool that was fun to relax in, the library was pretty interesting too. there is a cistern shower too with cold water, it smells though... so be brave.. no restroom facilitiesc

If you're a fan of the novel/movie "Into the Wild" then this place is absolutely a "must visit"!! The people are different in a positive way. Bring everything you will need since there isn't a store in the place. Every Saturday is the "Talent Show".