Truckhaven at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area

Bluffs overlooking the open Sonoran desert floor define the camping experience at Truckhaven, a free dispersed area within Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area near Salton City, California. There are no designated sites. Campers set up wherever the terrain suits them, and the bluffs give elevated positions with open sightlines across the desert flats below. Cell service is available, and trash pickup is provided, which is less common for dispersed camping in this region.

The area draws a strong off-road crowd. Multiple reviewers mention 4x4 driving as the primary draw, and one camper found an abandoned building while exploring the upper terrain. The Tierra Del Sol off-road event in March brings additional traffic to the area. Wind can be a factor depending on conditions, so positioning a rig with that in mind makes sense. Nights here get dark enough that, as one reviewer noted, "night skies are spectacular." Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome, and the site is ADA accessible and big-rig friendly.

Resupply is straightforward. A gas station and food are close by, which matters for trips heading toward Arizona or deeper into the desert. Borrego Salton Seaway (S22) Dispersed — Ocotillo Wells SVRA sits less than a mile to the west and provides a comparable free dispersed option for campers who want to spread out further, while Calcite Mine Road Dispersed — Anza-Borrego Desert SP to the west offers a different desert dispersed setting for those exploring the broader area.