Joshua Tree North Dispersed Camping
BLM
Write a Review Cascade Rd. / Sunflower Rd. Joshua Tree, CA 92252 760-833-7100 Official WebsiteGPS: 34.172, -116.2237
Overview of Joshua Tree North Dispersed Camping
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101*
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by Sislers on 4/16/2025
Longest RV Reported: 44 feet (Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel)
Reported by BandLOnWheels on 3/18/2023
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 2,329 ft / 709 m
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Joshua Tree North Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-833-7100
Reviews of Joshua Tree North Dispersed Camping 101 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 52 Users
Last reported 2/3/2025
Confirmed by 34 Users
Last reported 2/14/2024
Confirmed by 20 Users
Last reported 1/30/2024
“Fine area to check out the National Park”
Reviewed 4/16/2025
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 9 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
Overall Rating
We stayed there 9 nights in April 2025 in a 43' toy hauler. The road in is a little rough, but fine if you go slow. We had no worries going in or out. We stayed on the right side of the road and had a huge amount of space to ourselves. You can tell that some people are there permanently, but we had no issues. It would be nice if there ... more
We stayed there 9 nights in April 2025 in a 43' toy hauler. The road in is a little rough, but fine if you go slow. We had no worries going in or out. We stayed on the right side of the road and had a huge amount of space to ourselves. You can tell that some people are there permanently, but we had no issues. It would be nice if there were a dumpster - there was quite a bit of trash. But if you're boondocking, you understand that some of these areas could be cleaned up.
The location is excellent for visiting the National Park. It is pretty close to Joshua Tree and several other towns. We would definitely stay there again.
Sislers would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Would NEVER Recommend”
Reviewed 4/8/2025
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Overall Rating
We drove in here, but struggled incredibly on the road. SO many potholes/washouts that we were afraid for our vehicle (class c motorhome). Random uneven surfaces. It splits off from a road into any possible way you think your vehicle can make. Finally got our there and we ended up parking on a bunch of broken glass. I found many random... more
We drove in here, but struggled incredibly on the road. SO many potholes/washouts that we were afraid for our vehicle (class c motorhome). Random uneven surfaces. It splits off from a road into any possible way you think your vehicle can make. Finally got our there and we ended up parking on a bunch of broken glass. I found many random pieces of metal scattered. Many 'permanent' residents whose setups made us feel unsafe. Gross amount of trash piles, looks like people had almost lived out there with no vehicle! Did not feel safe, so we left, but the drive out took a while, obviously. I walked the path while the other drove so I made sure we did not drive over any glass/nails/metal. Ended up going to Cascade Mustang Sanctuary 10 min up the road for $30. Would highly recommend them. Will be writing a review on them.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Not The Worst But Not Great”
Reviewed 2/3/2025
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
Big drop when road turns to sand. It’s a place to sleep that’s not a parking lot. Pretty spread out but there’s people in most directions. 3 stars cause it’s close and free. Typical glass and garbage. The sand can be deceiving at how soft it is. I almost got stuck and was aware of all the comments on here. Lotta coyotes at night when I... more
Big drop when road turns to sand. It’s a place to sleep that’s not a parking lot. Pretty spread out but there’s people in most directions. 3 stars cause it’s close and free. Typical glass and garbage. The sand can be deceiving at how soft it is. I almost got stuck and was aware of all the comments on here. Lotta coyotes at night when I stayed and dogs barking at them. I didn’t mind the noise but I kept my little dog on a long leash always. Didn’t see any during the day but lots of prints and scat. More than normal which is why I’m mentioning it.
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Verizon 5G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Not Sure How To Say This”
Reviewed 2/14/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
It was our second time here (1st in 2019) so it can’t be that bad. However, It’s really just the proximity to Joshua Tree, surrounding conveniences and that it’s free that gives it 3 stars. Since it’s a dry lake bed the roads in can get really muddy with deep ruts after rainy weather. You do not want to stay here if any rain is in the... more
It was our second time here (1st in 2019) so it can’t be that bad. However, It’s really just the proximity to Joshua Tree, surrounding conveniences and that it’s free that gives it 3 stars. Since it’s a dry lake bed the roads in can get really muddy with deep ruts after rainy weather. You do not want to stay here if any rain is in the forecast or you will most likely get stuck. When we arrived, the lakebed was dry but the roads in were deeply rutted from recent rain. When we made it into the dry lake bed area we happened to park on top of a large pile of hundreds of nails, metal pieces and broken glass which were all half way buried into the sand so couldn’t be seen while driving. We headed out to leave but found a spot off Sunflower Rd that seemed good to stay. There was broken glass and some trash but being late afternoon we stayed the night. It was a quiet night and we slept well. Our next time here we will look at other options.
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AT&T 5G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Dry Lake Bed near Joshua Tree”
Reviewed 1/30/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
Overall Rating
Access via Sunflower Rd is washboard and somewhat rutted toward the end, but passable for high clearance vehicles of any size, assuming dry conditions. Make sure to continue east of Cascade Rd / powerlines to be on BLM land. There are many people camped in the brushy area west of Cascade, including some sketchier looking camps, but onc... more
Access via Sunflower Rd is washboard and somewhat rutted toward the end, but passable for high clearance vehicles of any size, assuming dry conditions. Make sure to continue east of Cascade Rd / powerlines to be on BLM land. There are many people camped in the brushy area west of Cascade, including some sketchier looking camps, but once you are on the lake bed, there is plenty of space to spread out.
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T-Mobile 5G
camper-718009 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“It’s A Giant Dried Up Lake Bed! ”
Reviewed 1/27/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 0 |
Overall Rating
DO NOT COME IF IT HAS RAINED YOU WILL GET STUCK!!! It rained 3 days before we arrived and I was a little nervous driving our Kia forte the wheels spun a little. Over all would do it again but would be mindful on the last time it rained. Would not suggest arriving at night because of how the road just ends. (Also not a very smoot... more
DO NOT COME IF IT HAS RAINED YOU WILL GET STUCK!!!
It rained 3 days before we arrived and I was a little nervous driving our Kia forte the wheels spun a little. Over all would do it again but would be mindful on the last time it rained.
Would not suggest arriving at night because of how the road just ends. (Also not a very smooth ride)
We had no issues with people felt safe leaving our rv while we explored JT.
The dirt road ends and you just find a place away from others to be. Not the fanciest place but FREE. And the location is close by the national park.
Overall will suggest this location and would come again!!!
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Verizon 5G
camper-901008 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Barren dirt but price is right and proximity to Joshua Tree National Park is superb”
Reviewed 12/13/2023
| Days stayed: | 4 |
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| RV Length: | 30' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
Dispersed camping on BLM land off of Cascade Road in Joshua Tree, California is easily found and accessed off of CA-162. It is basically a large open field, mostly dirt but with some grass and a few mesquite bushes. Road tracks head off in all directions and parking is anywhere you care to park. The tracks are somewhat rutted and so... more
Dispersed camping on BLM land off of Cascade Road in Joshua Tree, California is easily found and accessed off of CA-162. It is basically a large open field, mostly dirt but with some grass and a few mesquite bushes. Road tracks head off in all directions and parking is anywhere you care to park. The tracks are somewhat rutted and some have wash-boarding so go slow and avoid kicking up dust on your neighbors. We saw vehicles ranging from small sedans with tent campers to large Class A motorhomes. This is not a place to hang-out – there is no shade and it is bone dry – but the proximity to Joshua Tree National Park is outstanding. The area was not crowded when we were there in late April and we felt perfectly comfortable leaving our rig during the day to explore the park.
Tip: Fill your water tank at the “old” Oasis Visitor Center in 29 Palms for free. A few of the campgrounds in the National Park have dumps available to the public for $5 – check at the Visitors Center. Access the dispersed area by turning off of CA-162 at Sunfair Road, then onto Broadway and you will be on pavement to within a few blocks of the start of the BLM land (Cascade Road is a rutted dirt road from Highway).
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Verizon 5G
T-Mobile 5G
RickLight would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Sketchy AF”
Reviewed 11/21/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Overall Rating
Super sketchy. Lots of rundown, looking trailers with junk all in their front yard that look like they’ve been cooking meth there for a while. We left immediately. Didn’t feel safe.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great as a Joshua Tree NP overflow, but with little to offer in itself.”
Reviewed 11/20/2023
Overall Rating
Some BLM sites offer a fab location, or good well thought out facilities. This is just a big free RV park area. Gave it 3 stars as we have stayed in much better, BUT it's proximity to the over hyped and ridiculously busy Joshua Tree NP makes this a well sought after resource, especially amongst the young. VERY GLAD it exists.
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T-Mobile 5G
camper-879499 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Keep Coming Back”
Reviewed 11/13/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 25 |
Overall Rating
After nearly 4 years on the road JTN is probably one of our most stayed locations. Is there some trash? Yes, but that’s going to be almost anywhere you go in California. Is it busy? Depends on when you go. It’s wide open, can get a spot that’s several hundred feet away from anyone. The views are beautiful of the mountains and city, cel... more
After nearly 4 years on the road JTN is probably one of our most stayed locations. Is there some trash? Yes, but that’s going to be almost anywhere you go in California. Is it busy? Depends on when you go. It’s wide open, can get a spot that’s several hundred feet away from anyone. The views are beautiful of the mountains and city, cell service is good enough to stream and chill. It’s only a 15 minute drive to town and it’s free!
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AT&T 5G
TheWanderingWalter would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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2 reviews
“Check the forecasted wind conditions!!”
noted 2/21/2023
Check the forecasted wind conditions. The road is washboard, but that can be handled by driving slowly, but if there is wind like we experienced (45-70 mph) you will be in the middle of a sand storm down there. So we pulled up stakes and move to one of the RV Parks in the sector. It was rough but we avoided sandblasting our rig.
10 reviews
noted 12/1/2020
We found propane available at the 76 gas station just west of Walmart. We found a few dump stations in the area, but charged at least $20. We also found free water available at the Joshua Tree Ranger Station.
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Joshua Tree North - Aluminarium
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Recreation
- OHV
Site Amenities
- big rig
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