Clark Dry Lake
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Write a Review Borrego Salton Seaway S22 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 760-767-5311 Official WebsiteGPS: 33.2986, -116.273
Overview of Clark Dry Lake
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
Learn more: Boondocking 101
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by BSandy on 4/6/2023
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet
Reported by WheelingIt on 2/10/2015
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 656 ft / 199 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Clark Dry Lake
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-767-5311
sraskin asked on 12/27/2019
I've heard that camping has been banned at the Rockhouse Trail dispersed site near S22. Does anyone know if boondocki...
Reviews of Clark Dry Lake 14 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 7 Users
Last reported 4/6/2023
Confirmed by 7 Users
Last reported 3/16/2019
“Ok Spot To Camp”
Reviewed 4/6/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
We decided to stay here because we needed service the next morning. There are many spots to camp but it was a bit busy. Service was spotty, best area is next to the road. Windy too but a nice sunset and sunrise.
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“The area up Rockhouse Trail is closed to all traffic. ”
Reviewed 1/24/2020
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 0 |
| RV Length: | 32' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Rockhouse Trail is paved for a few hundred feet, the there is dirt. At the beginning of the dirt trail there is a large sign the states the area is closed. The vast area from this point onward is totally empty, where in previous years we stayed along with dozens of others. The area across the highway (S22) is currently available f... more
Rockhouse Trail is paved for a few hundred feet, the there is dirt. At the beginning of the dirt trail there is a large sign the states the area is closed. The vast area from this point onward is totally empty, where in previous years we stayed along with dozens of others.
The area across the highway (S22) is currently available for boondocking. There are lots of rigs in this area, but it is private property judging from the For Sale sign at the entrance @ 33.292576 -116.297772. There are no signs regarding usage.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Reviewed 1/18/2020
| RV Length: | 22' (Class B) |
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Overall Rating
Closed as of fall 2019. Can camp across the road from peg leg smith campsite on private land.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Excellent boondocking with fantastic views, a huge playground for the pup, and solitude (during the week).”
Reviewed 3/17/2019
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
| RV Length: | 33' |
Overall Rating
We had initially planned to stay at the huge and very popular Rockhouse Canyon BLM boondocking area. There was space, but we’d be one of a very large crowd of RVs. Just a few miles further down Rockhouse Canyon Road and we found an excellent spot adjacent to the Clark Dry Lake Bed. As noted, the lake bed is off-limits to motorized vehi... more
We had initially planned to stay at the huge and very popular Rockhouse Canyon BLM boondocking area. There was space, but we’d be one of a very large crowd of RVs. Just a few miles further down Rockhouse Canyon Road and we found an excellent spot adjacent to the Clark Dry Lake Bed. As noted, the lake bed is off-limits to motorized vehicles, but there are a few spots where you park on the edge of lake bed without going past the signs. (We did see several vehicles and a couple of Airstreams that drove right past the signs onto the lake bed, sigh.) We were thrilled with the relative solitude and beautiful views across the lakebed.
Rockhouse Canyon road is a washboard in places, but still accessible for any sized rig. Just be sure to scout to determine road conditions.
During the week, we had the area pretty much to ourselves. On the weekends, every available spot was taken. We were camping with a friend, so our spot was large enough for two RVs. No amenities and we had no Verizon cell service at all.
The town of Borrego Springs has a fantastic library with fast wifi, a couple small grocery stores, a hardware store, restaurants, etc. The Friday Farmer’s Market is worth checking out. We enjoyed hiking at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, hunting and finding the snake rock art near Rockhouse Canyon camping area and we LOVED the metal sculptures (Sky Art) scattered around Borrego Springs. We also were there for the spring wildflowers and the annual Art Show at Christmas Circle Park – which undoubtedly contributed to the large number of RV’s in the boondocking area.
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Verizon
Teddi & Roger would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great!”
Reviewed 3/16/2019
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | BLM |
Overall Rating
Fairly easy access. Fairly level. Gorgeous views. Next to a road but any traffic dies down to negligible at night. We first went to Rockhouse Trail a half mile west on the same road. Useless internet and about fifty or so other trailer/motor home campers there. Clark Dry Lake is the eastern end of three blm sites one after the... more
Fairly easy access.
Fairly level.
Gorgeous views.
Next to a road but any traffic dies down to negligible at night.
We first went to Rockhouse Trail a half mile west on the same road.
Useless internet and about fifty or so other trailer/motor home campers there.
Clark Dry Lake is the eastern end of three blm sites one after the other.
It is not on popular sites like Allstate so I believe relatively unknown.
There was only one other camper there and this was during super bloom.
Verizon Internet signal dims in the afternoon but is fine other times. Atmospheric dust? I dunno.
ATT fills in fine.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
orcuttnyc would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A Safe and Peaceful Place to Stay Near Borrego Springs”
Reviewed 2/12/2019
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 17' |
Overall Rating
Check out our video here: https://youtu.be/hlGiPRx910c This is a great BLM free camping spot where tons of snowbirds park in the winter time. It is a large area so you don't feel too closed in, and it is close to Borrego Springs. The public library in town has fast, and free wifi and the new building is beautiful. There are also two... more
Check out our video here: https://youtu.be/hlGiPRx910c
This is a great BLM free camping spot where tons of snowbirds park in the winter time. It is a large area so you don't feel too closed in, and it is close to Borrego Springs. The public library in town has fast, and free wifi and the new building is beautiful. There are also two grocery stores in town and gas stations. We will definitely be back since it is such a peaceful and convenient spot.
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AT&T 4G
DoriandMena would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“It's been reduced in size, can only fit a couple of rigs close to the road now”
Reviewed 11/20/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
| RV Length: | 19' |
Overall Rating
So as it's been reported above, this camping area has been reduced significantly. You could cram a handful of rigs here, or have 2 or 3 if you all want space from each other. The available space is right by the road too, so road traffic can be loud at night. However, it's very easy access and flat, so if you're getting to the area afte... more
So as it's been reported above, this camping area has been reduced significantly. You could cram a handful of rigs here, or have 2 or 3 if you all want space from each other. The available space is right by the road too, so road traffic can be loud at night. However, it's very easy access and flat, so if you're getting to the area after dark or are just looking for a quick overnight, this spot will suit you fine.
A stone's throw away is the Rockhouse camping area, which will allow you a ton more room and access to the Clark Dry Lake bed via vehicle. So I'd recommend that as an alternative since this spot has been reduced in size so much.
As a fall 2017 update, cell tower overload in the Borrego Springs area has made data virtually unuseable, even though you'll have a 4G signal here. Calls could be made and texts and emails could (slowly) be sent and received, but if you work from the road, the lack of useable data will drive you insane. Huge bummer, as it's a great camping area.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Magical & Social”
Reviewed 2/28/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 21 |
Overall Rating
This is fabulous boondocking - wide open spaces and views, decent cell signal and close to a small funky little town with the basic amenities. This particular spit of land is still privately owned, and there are no stay limits. You can dump coming into town off the Salton Sea at the gas station (free when we were there), or drive a... more
This is fabulous boondocking - wide open spaces and views, decent cell signal and close to a small funky little town with the basic amenities.
This particular spit of land is still privately owned, and there are no stay limits. You can dump coming into town off the Salton Sea at the gas station (free when we were there), or drive a few miles up the road and pay a $5 day use fee to use the dump station at the state park campground.
This is also some of the more social boondocking we've ever done. During our 3+ weeks there, we had a constant flow of fellow boondockers. Many have been coming for years, and happy hours and socials are frequent. If you enjoy complete isolation... you can find it, but there are many in the area. If you like a mix of lots of gorgeous space around you AND some community feel - this is perfection.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Technomadia would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“One of our favorite CA boondocking sites”
Reviewed 2/10/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 18 |
| RV Length: | 40' |
Overall Rating
We stay here every year, and always keep coming back. Cute town not far away, beautiful surroundings, lots of hiking and exploring opportunities. The place does get crowded over the big holidays, and Verizon signal is only good closer to the main road (it drops off fast as you drive towards the lake bed), so most RVs crowd closer to S2... more
We stay here every year, and always keep coming back. Cute town not far away, beautiful surroundings, lots of hiking and exploring opportunities. The place does get crowded over the big holidays, and Verizon signal is only good closer to the main road (it drops off fast as you drive towards the lake bed), so most RVs crowd closer to S22. If you have satellite, or don't care about signal you can drive way back and get a sweet, secluded site.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
WheelingIt would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A gorgeous setting in the desert with brilliant desert sunsets and endless skies at night”
Reviewed 1/19/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 13 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
This is our second time boondocking in this area. Both times during the month of January. It's a truly spectacular setting in the Anza-Borrego State Park near the town of Borrego Springs. Although this area seems very popular, there is enough space to allow for some privacy. The location is great to access all kinds of exploring,... more
This is our second time boondocking in this area. Both times during the month of January. It's a truly spectacular setting in the Anza-Borrego State Park near the town of Borrego Springs.
Although this area seems very popular, there is enough space to allow for some privacy. The location is great to access all kinds of exploring, whether walking from the campsite itself or driving out to other areas of the state park for short or long hikes through slot canyons, cactus "gardens" and badlands.
The town of Borrego Springs is a fifteen minute drive from here and has a few restaurants, small grocery stores (The Market is the largest), liquor stores, as well as a few other shops. There is also a new art institute and a performing arts center (we didn't make it there).
The most unique aspect of the town are the Galleta Meadows Sculptures, over 130 freestanding life-size sculptures of creatures that include prehistoric dinosaurs that lived in this area millions of years ago, scattered all over the desert on private parcels of land opened to the public for their enjoyment by Dennis Avery (now deceased) - pick up a map at the Visitor Center and allow a couple of days to visit them.
Cell service is best near the main road but can be quite spotty. At times, we had good signal on Verizon, but were unable to access the internet, not sure if the tower was overloaded. Further away from the road there is no service, but lots of great sites.
Soft sand and few cacti make this a great area for doggies, but there are coyotes in the area, heard almost every night, so dogs shouldn't be left unattended.
Island Girl Walkabout would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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3 reviews
noted 12/8/2019
All camping along Rockhouse Canyon Trail is now closed. Peg Leg appears to still be open. This is as of early December 2019. We believe (unconfirmed) that the road (Rockhouse Canyon) can still be driven to allow access to Clark Dry Lake, Butler Canyon, and Rockhouse Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park even though there are No Trespassing signs posted. We DID find a post on freecampsites.net from the owner - below.
We are the owners of what you have listed as “Rockhouse Campground” in Borrego Springs. It is a private property and not open to camping / public. Signs are now posted throughout. May you please remove this listing from your public website? Or, may we amend the listing to state it is in fact “Private property – Violators will be prosecuted”… etc. The parks department and sheriff are aware and will be enforcing.
1 review
noted 12/6/2019
This campground is CURRENTLY CLOSED. We tried to use it 11/26/2019 and found it vacant. We met someone coming out who gave us the word. We then stayed just below in Peg Leg which is ok but nearer the road. I went up a few days later and chatted there with a State Park Ranger/Peace Officer who said the section most people use is under new ownership and they are having the Sheriff run people off. It is unclear now if you can use the road that goes through this parcel and pass onto the ABDSP land on the other side. The Ranger said she could offer no clear guidance. Maybe we should all write to the ABDSP Foundation to express support. The Foundation evidently wanted it but could not purchase it.
So for now, you'll need other sites. Truckhaven, Peg Leg, Blair Valley and others are available.
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