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Best Dispersed Camping near San Diego, CA

59 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near San Diego, California (19)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near San Diego, CA

40 Photos of 19 San Diego Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near San Diego, CA

59 Reviews of 19 San Diego Campgrounds

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2023

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved this spot

    Free. 30 day limit. Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants. A large area for big rvs right at the front left. To the right there were lots of pull offs and I found it easier to navigate in my station wagon road-wise. Lots of space. Some areas say not to walk there/ keep dogs out to protect plants and wildlife. I felt safe solo camping - there were a few other van and rv campers. Recommend visiting the sweet desert botanical garden in nearby Borrego Springs.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Javier L.
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Desert Wonderland

    Anza borrego state park has a lot of room to explore. The park has campgrounds near borrego springs that are easily accessible. Visiting the mud caves you’ll need 4x4 or an AWD car with high clearance. Anza borrego has been my wife & I go to camping area for over 5 years. Camping is allowed away from main trails and we typically sleep near the mud caves or within the slot canyons. Perfect place to star gave and wander around & explore. Bring plenty of water/ off road safety (enough fuel/ shovel/ traction boards) as towing out of this area is extremely expensive. (Pictures are from fonts point/ random hikes near camping spots).

  • G
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Go Deeper for more stars

    We stopped and setup tents a little before little Blair valley. Night sky was alright, but couldn’t see the Milky Way, so not dark enough for that. Probably a Bortle 5. Got up in the morning and went all the way until the end of the road on maps (Apple or Google) on our 2WD, was doable. 4 bars T Mobile LTE where we were.

    Campsite itself was very nice. The place we found had a man made but multiple time used fire pit. Great sunset and sunrise, you have the chance to have as much or as little company around you. Little bit of trash at our site that we picked up.

    Leave no trace!

  • Sheridan S.
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Pine Creek Road Camp

    Beautiful location... if you can find a spot

    Great area--it's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE. Pine Creek Road itself is paved, and the camping spots are packed dirt so it's easy to get around even in a FWD. Warning though: if you're nervous about driving on single lane mountain roads, this is not the place for you! Pine Creek Road is several miles long, with some sections that are on sheer cliff edges with very few turn-off spots to allow for passing.

    Additional word of warning: the camping spots are not close together and there seemed to be very few of them. Even driving slowly, I counted only 6 or 7 sites total, separated by up to a mile. I saw only 1 other spot with campers, at least 2.5 miles from my site. Some of the sites are fairly large--could easily fit 2 cars and a couple tents--but others seemed to be just large enough to pull off the road and sleep in the car (no tent space). Some spots were tucked back from the road with lots of trees (I barely saw or heard any cars, even though I was probably only ~15ft from the road); but some were barely more than a shoulder with no trees for coverage. I stayed in the same spot two nights in a row, though I packed up during the day because I assumed I'd find another spot down the road. At least in the site I picked, there was very little trash from previous campers.

    Suggestion for the permit: make sure you apply for the free permit a few days in advance especially if you plan to go on the weekend. List the place you're going as "Pine Creek dispersed camping," and keep a printed copy in your car. I didn't have trouble with any rangers, but it's better to be safe than fined. Very spotty service (Verizon), which makes navigation and planning difficult if you don't pre-download trail maps.

  • Kathy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Didn't Want to Leave

    Spent 4 nights here in February. A good amount of other campers, but not too crowded. I found the perfect spot tucked up against the rocks. I had my own private rock garden with so many variety of cacti and lots of birds. So peaceful.  I would definitely come back here again. 

    No cell signal, but plenty of solar. Primitive camping--no amenities.

  • Justin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2023

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Beautiful Views and 5G Internet

    Came here to have a place for my popup camper while we checked out the flowers blooming 40 minutes away in Borrego Springs and it was perfect. There's no amenities except for a pit toilet, but the cell service here was better than anywhere in the area. I had better signal at this campsite than I did in Park Circle at the heart of Borrego Springs. Lots of people set up near the entrance, but if you drive a little back you can get some privacy. Also be slow and cautious when driving on these dirt roads after a rainstorm; we saw two different trucks get stuck in the mud. Luckily some people with a winch were able to get them both out. Also we were here in March so the nights were cold and windy so make sure you're prepared.

  • Jennifer D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    It’s free!!

    my home base for Anza Borrego fun. Little Blair valley has beautiful rocky hills that provide a great backdrop to your desert camping. Lots of climbing to be had, as well as several trails. Including pictographs! Simply choose your spot and set up camp!

    Ive witnessed some of the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets here. desert camping, so no trees, but plenty of ocotillo and creosote. I tend to getaway here in fall and winter months it’s just too hot otherwise

    Restrooms when you pull in off the highway. Dirt road. But very passable in a car.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2025

    Galleta Meadows, Borrego Springs

    Galleta Meadows - Rusty Creatures and Dark Skys

    On the outer southern edge of Borrego Springs is this private yet free camp area.

    A few dozen sites exist, each some five hundred feet or more apart. All have views of the surrounding mountains, and the wide open skies.

    Borrego Springs is a dark sky community, which means lights are kept to a minimum, thus enabling great star viewing.

    The area is renowned for its hiking and other outdoor activities. It is also known for its iron sculptures, which many exist within this camp area.

Guide to San Diego

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near San Diego, California, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near San Diego

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails available near Kitchen Creek Road, where you can explore the lush surroundings and enjoy the sounds of nature.
  • For those interested in shooting sports, Otay Mountain Camp is a popular spot frequented by shooting enthusiasts, providing a unique outdoor experience.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Yaqui Wash offers a serene environment perfect for relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Pine Creek Road Camp

  • Pine Creek Road Camp is known for its secluded spots, making it an ideal choice for those seeking privacy and tranquility while camping.
  • The area is accessible for both tents and RVs, allowing for a versatile camping experience that caters to different preferences.
  • Visitors have reported a peaceful atmosphere at Pine Creek Road Camp, making it a great option for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for boondocking in San Diego?

When boondocking near San Diego, you must follow specific regulations. At Galleta Meadows, Borrego Springs, camping is permitted on private land with sites spaced about 500 feet apart, offering mountain views and dark skies. Peg Leg Dispersed in Anza-Borrego has designated areas for legal dispersed camping. General boondocking rules include: stay in designated areas only, observe length-of-stay limits (typically 14-30 days), pack out all trash, practice Leave No Trace principles, no ground fires in most areas (use fire pans or existing rings where permitted), stay at least 100 feet from water sources, and be self-contained with your own water and waste disposal.

Is BLM land available for dispersed camping in San Diego County?

While San Diego County has limited BLM land compared to other California regions, there are some options. Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park isn't BLM land but offers similar dispersed camping experiences in a state park that allows free dispersed camping in designated areas. For true BLM camping, you'll need to travel slightly further to areas like Yaqui Wash, which offers camping spots along a service road with mountain views. Most BLM sites near San Diego require high-clearance vehicles, have no facilities, and mandate pack-it-in, pack-it-out practices. For more BLM options, consider traveling east toward Imperial County or north toward Riverside County.

Can you go free beach camping in San Diego?

Free beach camping directly on San Diego beaches is not permitted. All official beach campgrounds in San Diego County charge fees and require reservations, such as San Elijo State Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach. These locations offer legal beach camping with amenities but at a cost of $35-75 per night. For budget-friendly alternatives near the coast, consider Kitchen Creek Road or Smuggler's Gulch Dispersed, which offer free dispersed camping within driving distance of beaches. Always verify current regulations before camping, as enforcement of no-camping ordinances on beaches and in beach parking lots is strict throughout San Diego County.

Where can I find free dispersed camping areas near San Diego?

The best free dispersed camping near San Diego can be found in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, about 90 minutes east of the city. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers free camping with a 30-day limit and basic pit toilets but no water or trash service. Another excellent option is Pine Creek Road Camp, which provides free spots on packed dirt roads accessible even with FWD vehicles. The area connects to nearby trails and paid campgrounds. Other free options include Yaqui Wash, Galleta Meadows in Borrego Springs, and Peg Leg Dispersed. Most dispersed sites require you to pack out all trash, bring your own water, and be self-contained.

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