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 Adventure-Sue on 4/14/2024
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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Featured Video by The Wandering Shores
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-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 139 people have reviewed this location.
“beautiful boondocking spot”
Reviewed 2/15/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
RV Length: | 34' |
This is a great place to stop overnight or for a few days. You don't really get the boondocking "feel" because it seems to be a busy place and you can easily see the freeway and all its lights, but it's free, the spots are easy to find, and incredibly beautiful so it didn't bother us. I'd guess the nearest grocery store is a bit of a d... more
This is a great place to stop overnight or for a few days. You don't really get the boondocking "feel" because it seems to be a busy place and you can easily see the freeway and all its lights, but it's free, the spots are easy to find, and incredibly beautiful so it didn't bother us. I'd guess the nearest grocery store is a bit of a drive so that is something to take into consideration.
You turn before the southern entrance of Joshua Tree and can choose between two long roads that have a bunch of spots carved out on either side. We arrived when it was nearly dark so we didn't venture too far down the right road - we didn't want to get stuck at night - but managed to find a large space near the entrance.
Overall, I would definitely stay here again but it feels more like an overnight stop for us rather than a week-long spot.
Uproot Travel would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice, quiet spot near Joshua Tree”
Reviewed 2/12/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 8 |
RV Length: | 33' (Fifth Wheel) |
This is a great place to stay if you want to visit Joshua Tree and have a quiet, free place to camp. You're a bit far from most of the Joshua Tree attractions (~1 hr), but you avoid the noise and crowds that tend to fill the North BLM site. You're also about 30 min from most amenities (Indio). There are some supplies at Chiriaco Summi... more
This is a great place to stay if you want to visit Joshua Tree and have a quiet, free place to camp. You're a bit far from most of the Joshua Tree attractions (~1 hr), but you avoid the noise and crowds that tend to fill the North BLM site. You're also about 30 min from most amenities (Indio). There are some supplies at Chiriaco Summit about 5 min away (propane, fuel, some food), but it's very expensive. I'm giving the site 4 stars due to it's distance from things, but otherwise it has been great!
When you're approaching from the interstate, there are multiple dirt roads both east and west. You'll see one marked with cones/flags. That's the one that is maintained, and I recommend taking it instead of the others. The road is a little washboarded but not bad. There is a berm along the road, but in the areas that are cleared for camping, you'll be able to drive over it without any problem. Satellite view on Google Maps is a good way to scout for areas to camp or turn around. If you're unsure, just scout ahead before driving your rig down.
The west side camping area has a bunch of sites close together near the road, but if you travel past that, the sites get more spread out. The east side is spread out the whole way down. We scouted both directions, and it seems roughly the same either way. Some spots are only big enough for one right, but other spots can fit 4+ rigs (assuming you're a group and want to be somewhat close together). If you're all alone, try to take a smaller spot so groups can grab the bigger ones.
Awesome RV Adventure would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great views, defined sites spaced nicely”
Reviewed 2/9/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
This is a great spot! We stayed on the east side of the main road and had a nice big site. There were plenty of other people but the sites are fairly defined and ours spaced a bit apart from each other. The road is sand and fine gravel with some areas damaged presumably from rain water flowing through. We were able to get in with ou... more
This is a great spot! We stayed on the east side of the main road and had a nice big site. There were plenty of other people but the sites are fairly defined and ours spaced a bit apart from each other.
The road is sand and fine gravel with some areas damaged presumably from rain water flowing through. We were able to get in with our RWD Sprinter with no issues but use caution and aim to arrive in daylight.
Consistent 3 bars Verizon LTE ranging up to full bars. Full bars with the WeBoost 4GX RV.
FilmoreTheVan would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great site close to Joshua tree national park”
Reviewed 1/8/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
RV Length: | 33' (Fifth Wheel) |
Good boondocking site. Only stayed one night but will be back. Nice and quiet and so many stars at night.
Natureboy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Free Camping”
Reviewed 12/12/2018
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 6 |
Site Number: | N/A |
RV Length: | 34' (Fifth Wheel) |
This site was BLM land just outside the south entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Large sites easily designated by fire pits. You can see the neighbors but not hear the neighbors. We used the Water Dept access road to get to our site. The usual road to the property had some washouts. It was a great site with easy access to the ... more
This site was BLM land just outside the south entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Large sites easily designated by fire pits. You can see the neighbors but not hear the neighbors. We used the Water Dept access road to get to our site. The usual road to the property had some washouts. It was a great site with easy access to the park. About a 30 minute drive to town.
Brian would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome high desert BLM camping. Can be windy. Great Verizon. Don't get stuck in sand.”
Reviewed 12/7/2018
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 14 |
RV Length: | 33' (Fifth Wheel) |
This is a great spot to dry camp. Easy access, plenty of spaces marked by fire rings, and lots of room for large rigs. I've uploaded a Google satellite image of the roads and marked which one to take. If you take any other road, it could be washed out or have deep, soft sand. We've seen several rigs get stuck. Cell/Internet is grea... more
This is a great spot to dry camp. Easy access, plenty of spaces marked by fire rings, and lots of room for large rigs. I've uploaded a Google satellite image of the roads and marked which one to take. If you take any other road, it could be washed out or have deep, soft sand. We've seen several rigs get stuck.
Cell/Internet is great; 3-4 bars of Verizon LTE.
A previous reviewer indicated that the NP has a free dump station. There is now a $5 pay box, plus entrance into the park (if you don't have a pass).
The gas station in Chiriaco Summit has propane ~$4 and some expensive supplies. The Indio Travel America has propane for ~$3 (cheapest we found) and there are plenty of grocery options.
Unknown_Normal would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Chasing the sun!”
Reviewed 5/27/2018
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 14 |
Site Number: | No numbers |
We were here in April 2018. Huge parking right before park entrance. No amenities but, hey....its free! The view was good! Lots of sand, firepits and even some trees!! We don't know how many sites. There are A LOT!!! We left and actually went back, because we loved it so much!! Dump and potable water are approximately 7 ... more
We were here in April 2018.
Huge parking right before park entrance. No amenities but, hey....its free! The view was good!
Lots of sand, firepits and even some trees!!
We don't know how many sites. There are A LOT!!!
We left and actually went back, because we loved it so much!!
Dump and potable water are approximately 7 miles away . You need to go into park and turn right at welcome station. About 1/4 mile and it will be on left. Free!!
Campendium folks....you ROCK!!
THANKS SO MUCH!!
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Got stuck”
Reviewed 4/5/2018
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 0 |
This could be a great place. Access isn't bad off I-10. Problem we had was it was pretty full in early April. We made the first turn to the west as we saw several RV's and tents that direction. We are in a large class A with a tow. Most of the sites we're taken, those that weren't had loose sand or it would be impossible to turn. ... more
This could be a great place. Access isn't bad off I-10. Problem we had was it was pretty full in early April. We made the first turn to the west as we saw several RV's and tents that direction. We are in a large class A with a tow. Most of the sites we're taken, those that weren't had loose sand or it would be impossible to turn. Got concerned when we could see the end with large boulders blocking it. Tried to take a loop and got stuck in soft sand. This was not a mood improving expierence. Was able to get out with some help jacking and boards. Talked to some other campers and getting stuck is not uncommon here. 3 or 4 that week. Didn't try the other roads in the area. Should have explored first.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Over night stop”
Reviewed 3/23/2018
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Only crashed for the one night and headed out early. Place was very crowded and very loose gravel however we did arrive after dark. We will give this another try when we come back through to check out Joshua tree!!!
LesleyCPhoto would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great place to stay”
Reviewed 3/19/2018
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 38' |
We stayed here over the weekend and this is a great option when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. It is easy to find and the sites are easy to access. There were a few that were sandy and that wasn't going to work for our setup. There were quite a few people at this location so if you are staying in a RV I recommend getting here e... more
We stayed here over the weekend and this is a great option when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. It is easy to find and the sites are easy to access. There were a few that were sandy and that wasn't going to work for our setup.
There were quite a few people at this location so if you are staying in a RV I recommend getting here early to get a spot. It was fairly windy while we were here especially at night. The only downside for us was the distance to the attractions in Joshua Tree. You should plan for at least a hour to get to anything of note in the park. Also plan a hour to get back.
Movn Along would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Site Amenities
- big rig
Pets
- pets
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