Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
BLM
Write a Review Cottonwood Spring Rd. Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201 760-833-7100 Official WebsiteGPS: 33.6745, -115.8019
Overview of Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by camper-908058 on 4/9/2025
Longest RV Reported: 42 feet (Class A)
Reported by WeavingRVer on 12/7/2017
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 1,771 ft / 539 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-833-7100
camper-637483 asked on 11/14/2024
How safe is it to leave our RV in the campground while driving and site seeing and living the rigs alone?
camper-836124 asked on 12/11/2023
Where do people shower when staying here longer term? Seems like planet fitness in Coachella is the closest?
Joni asked on 2/22/2022
Do we have to let any one know where we are camping or can we just find our spot and settle in?
Sal asked on 2/21/2022
Are there many ticks or rattlesnakes at Joshua Tree South? Thanks!
Jess asked on 2/20/2022
Generator okay to use at Joshua Tree South? Like inverted type? Thanks!
Wandering Webers asked on 11/2/2021
How far back can a Class A RV get on those roads? How is the weather in February? Thanks!
FJara asked on 5/12/2021
Hello I’m new to camping and I was wondering if I’m doing tent camping, no RV just my truck, how does the restroom si...
Reviews of Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping 146 people have reviewed this location.
“Great spot close to the south entrance”
Reviewed 4/11/2025
| Days stayed: | 1 |
|---|
Great spot very close to the south entrance of Joshua tree. Very easy access right off of the main road. The road into the campsites was fairly smooth. A little bit of high noise, but nothing that would keep you awake at night. Beautiful sunset and sunrise. The only downside is that it is very far from most of the main things that we w... more
Great spot very close to the south entrance of Joshua tree. Very easy access right off of the main road. The road into the campsites was fairly smooth. A little bit of high noise, but nothing that would keep you awake at night. Beautiful sunset and sunrise. The only downside is that it is very far from most of the main things that we wanted to see in Joshua Tree.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Just Outside of Joshua Tree South Entrance ”
Reviewed 4/9/2025
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
Stayed here for 3 nights to explore Joshua Tree and the Salton Sea area. It’s far enough from the freeway that noise is minimal and there’s plenty of room for many campsites. I’m only leaving now because of heat in the next couple days. Spring through fall can be very hot here.
camper-908058 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Easy Spot For A 43’ Fifth Wheel”
Reviewed 12/9/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
We easily found a spot that had plenty of room for our 43 ft fifth wheel. After spending a week in Los Angeles we LOVED boondocking here! The area felt safe. We had some neighbors, but there was plenty of space between us so that wasn’t an issue. There was lots of wind. I’m not sure if that’s typical or not.
cmorris333 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wow!! Beautiful, Quiet, And Free!!”
Reviewed 12/1/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|
Amazing campground, right at the south entrance to the park. Very peaceful and the folks sharing the campground were all respectfully distanced. Everyone was quiet, no bumping music or loud partying. The interstate is about a mile off, it didn’t bother me though. You can hear occasional sounds but nothing too crazy. It’s 45min across... more
Amazing campground, right at the south entrance to the park. Very peaceful and the folks sharing the campground were all respectfully distanced. Everyone was quiet, no bumping music or loud partying. The interstate is about a mile off, it didn’t bother me though. You can hear occasional sounds but nothing too crazy.
It’s 45min across the park to reach the really famous landmarks, but it was a pretty drive.
Cell signal for Verizon was great, starlink had no issues, and there’s no trees so solar wasn’t a problem. First come, first serve, free, and 14 day limit like all BLM spots. Paved road in and dirt road to the spots, but the dirt road is short. You can take either of the roads to the right or left of the main road to find campsites. I have a 28ft class a towing a mini cooper on a dolly and had no issue accessing the spots. There’s groceries about 30min away driving north into town.
camper-905829 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great overnighter”
Reviewed 11/22/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 30' (Class C) |
Stop here on the way to Riverside each year for Thanksgiving. Mid November weather is perfect. As I work from the road mobile service is necessary and it is very good here (T-Mobile). There are two dirt roads to the left and two to the right just south of the Joshua Tree National park entrance. I typically take the first one on the ... more
Stop here on the way to Riverside each year for Thanksgiving. Mid November weather is perfect.
As I work from the road mobile service is necessary and it is very good here (T-Mobile).
There are two dirt roads to the left and two to the right just south of the Joshua Tree National park entrance.
I typically take the first one on the left and have never had an issue finding a spot. Sites are not that level but doesn't bother me, have been in much worse.
Wind can get pretty hairy here. 2 years ago it was blowing so hard (Northerly wind) I had to face the rig North-South as when it was east west it was shaking wildly.
As I write this, this afternoon, it is absolutely perfect as the sun goes down along with a couple of stiff gin and tonic's.
AussieTX would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Right By The south Entrance To Joshua tree! ”
Reviewed 11/9/2024
| Days stayed: | 2 |
|---|
Great Place, Right By The South Entrance Of Joshua tree National park. Beautiful Views, And Even Though I’d Only A Mike From The Freeway You Can’t Hear Any Noises. We stayed the weekend of Veteran’s Day. The national park was full. We arrived right by sunset and we score an amazing flat place with a tree and a rock fire pit. Super quie... more
Great Place, Right By The South Entrance Of Joshua tree National park. Beautiful Views, And Even Though I’d Only A Mike From The Freeway You Can’t Hear Any Noises. We stayed the weekend of Veteran’s Day. The national park was full. We arrived right by sunset and we score an amazing flat place with a tree and a rock fire pit. Super quiet and plenty of space between boodockers.
camper-930131 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Easy, Clean, Nice Spot ”
Reviewed 6/30/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
We arrived around 10pm coming from the direction of the park and went to the right. We saw no trespassing signs that made us question if we were on the right road, but we were. We drove about a mile up the dirt road and found a spot on the left. It was hot in a tent but not terrible. Hardly any noise from the Highway. Lots of spots. Ve... more
We arrived around 10pm coming from the direction of the park and went to the right. We saw no trespassing signs that made us question if we were on the right road, but we were. We drove about a mile up the dirt road and found a spot on the left. It was hot in a tent but not terrible. Hardly any noise from the Highway. Lots of spots. Very clean and nice spot.
Amber would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Good location for visiting Joshua Tree”
Reviewed 4/14/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
Nice location just outside the south end of Joshua Tree. Plenty of sites. Most will need you to use your leveling devices. I chose 1 that had a Tree for shade. It was much appreciated when it got warm. We were there early April and the wildflowers were blooming. Although it is right off the freeway there was very little traffic noise. ... more
Nice location just outside the south end of Joshua Tree. Plenty of sites. Most will need you to use your leveling devices. I chose 1 that had a Tree for shade. It was much appreciated when it got warm. We were there early April and the wildflowers were blooming. Although it is right off the freeway there was very little traffic noise.
No services, water, toilets, or garbage containers. Come prepared with water and pack out you trash. It can get a bit windy so as always be VERY cautious with camp fires.
I have a 25' tow behind pulled by a Tundra. No problems getting into a site or traveling the dirt road.
Adventure-Sue would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Good location for visiting Joshua Tree”
Reviewed 4/14/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
Nice location just outside the south end of Joshua Tree. Plenty of sites. Most will need you to use your leveling devices. I chose 1 that had a Tree for shade. It was much appreciated when it got warm. We were there early April and the wildflowers were blooming. Although it is right off the freeway there was very little traffic noise. ... more
Nice location just outside the south end of Joshua Tree. Plenty of sites. Most will need you to use your leveling devices. I chose 1 that had a Tree for shade. It was much appreciated when it got warm. We were there early April and the wildflowers were blooming. Although it is right off the freeway there was very little traffic noise.
No services, water, toilets, or garbage containers. Come prepared with water and pack out you trash. It can get a bit windy so as always be VERY cautious with camp fires.
I have a 25' tow behind pulled by a Tundra. No problems getting into a site or traveling the dirt road.
Adventure-Sue would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfect for an overnight.”
Reviewed 3/23/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
As a solo camper I was very comfortable here. It was my first time Boondocking on BLM land. It’s very accessible and you can easily see the condition of the road so it’s reassuring for those that haven’t done much. Lots of spaces. Pretty quiet. Right outside the gate to Joshua tree, so I walked into it for a sunset walk, and it was mag... more
As a solo camper I was very comfortable here. It was my first time Boondocking on BLM land. It’s very accessible and you can easily see the condition of the road so it’s reassuring for those that haven’t done much. Lots of spaces. Pretty quiet. Right outside the gate to Joshua tree, so I walked into it for a sunset walk, and it was magical.
Mary would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Our Journey Begins and Joshua Tree National Park, Riverside County, CA – Two Plus Lu
February 8, 2017 was our official Launch Day! There was no way we could be more ready. Our equipment was packed. Our grocery list for two weeks was written. The camper was as powered as we could get...
Life's Little Adventures: Slots and Ladders
On Tuesday we hooked up the car and took the long and winding road from north to south through Joshua Tree National Park. Our destination was the south overflow camping area on Cottonwood Springs Rd...
Joshua Tree Boondocking - WatsonsWander
Three winters ago we went on a day trip through Joshua Tree National Park. An entire day of driving took us through the park from south to north where we saw Pinto Mountain, strolled around the...
Joshua Tree South - Aluminarium
There are a few free dispersed RV camping areas at Joshua Tree National Park. We’ve been referring to them as North Joshua Tree and South Joshua Tree. We were disappointed when we first arriv...
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Site Amenities
- big rig
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Chiriaco Summit-Patton Museum Dry Camp Area
Nice and convenient for an overnight stay
- roadtrippers-jpainting
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