Best Dispersed Camping near San Diego, CA
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers several free dispersed camping areas near San Diego, with Blair Valley Primitive Campground and Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves being popular options. Both locations permit tent and RV camping with no reservations required and a 30-day stay limit. Blair Valley features vault toilets near the entrance but no drinking water, trash service, or hookups. The area has spacious sites with natural separation and good Verizon cell service in some sections.
Most dispersed sites around San Diego require careful vehicle consideration. Pine Creek Road Camp in Cleveland National Forest requires a free permit obtained by emailing the Descanso Ranger District. The road was recently paved but still has challenging sections. One camper noted, "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." Otay Mountain Camp on BLM land is primarily accessed from the south near the South Bay Rod and Gun Club, as northern routes may be gated. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with many desert sites prohibiting open flames entirely.