Free Sites,
Pay Sites,
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A friendly little town on Highway 395 that allows overnight parking next to the municipal park. There are even restrooms for you to use although they are not very clean. Several water faucets and a narrow dog area complete this nice place to stop for the night after a long day on the road. Right [...]
An RV only overflow campground on the June Lake Loop of California’s Inyo National Forest. 10 campsites with picnic tables. No water or hookups. Cost $11. Elevation: 7,200′ No reservations – first come, first camped.
$6 per night – 22 sites, first come first serve. Located in the Mojave Desert @ an elevation of 1414′ Known locally as “The Grand Canyon of the Mojave” for its dramatic geological formations, this is the only place where the Mojave River flows above ground year-round – providing significant riparian (riverbank) wildlife habitat amid [...]
Free dispersed camping among oh so climbable and out of this world granite boulders. Nestled below the west side of the Sierra mountains. The views of Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous USA at an elevation of 14,497′, and her kin are magnificent. Take care to tread lightly. This area is under the [...]
BLM land two miles west of Amboy. A big open graveled area. This is the trailhead to an extinct volcano. Two vault toilets, not maintained often. Picnic tables with shade. No shade elsewhere. If you decide to hike out to the distant crater, head to the right side. Its easier to climb inside because the [...]
Would make a decent overnight parking spot. Large flat paved area at the junction of 78 and S2 North. No dumping sign. Any sized rig (though there are length restrictions on the road of 30′ kingpin to axle). Appears to be an access point for the PCT.
Just a few miles south of Idyllwild, CA in the San Bernadino National Forest. Very easy to find. A 4×4 should not be needed. Apple Canyon Rd is nice and paved and the sites are pretty close to the road, in fact the sites northWest of the road are very close to the road, which [...]
$10.00 for a single unit $15.00 for a double unit Half-price with Senior or Access Cards. Located in three miles north of the Lytle Creek Ranger Station in the San Bernardino National Forest, the campground provides an easy get-away. Trees surround the campsites and Lytle Creek flows across the street at Applewhite Picnic Area. Dump [...]
This free, primitive camping area is located on HWY S22 near the Northeastern entrance to Anza Borrego Desert State Park (about 19 miles east of the Visitor Center. ). Pit toilet. No garbage services – Pack it in, pack it out! No ground fires. All fires must be in an enclosed metal container that you [...]
On highway 101 midway between San Francisco and Las Angeles. If you’re looking for a dump site take the Curbaril turnoff 101. Head east, inland. Turn right after you cross the railroad. Go to the end of the road and you will find the water treatment plant that has a dump. There is a pullout [...]
Dispersed camping on the beach of Lake Isabella. A recreation pass is required. The Interagency or the Sierra one will work. Elevation: 2650. Three toilets (some flush), water (was on in October), and picnic tables near the entrance. No designated campsites or facilities in the camping area along the beach. No shade. Very windy. Sandy [...]
Continue reading about Auxiliary Dam Campground at Lake Isabella
$10 per vehicle per night. No hook ups. Inyo County campground close to Big Pine and US Highway 395. Amenities Vault toilets, stream fishing, well water, tables, grills and fire rings. 70 camp spaces. Can accommodate RV’s up to 27 ft. No shower facilities are available From Bishop take Highway 395 south Drive 13 miles [...]
Free, very lightly used campground in an OHV area near Bald Mountain Spring. Up the road you will find Bald Mountain Lookout Station This is a dispersed camping area. No amenities. No reservations. See www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5247500.pdf for more information about dispersed camping in the Inyo National Forest. Camping area managed by MONO LAKE RANGER STATION P.O. [...]
Situated near the edge of the Snow Mountain Wilderness area, it’s a pretty spot, set beside Bear Creek near its confluence with Blue Slides Creek, with plenty of spacing between campsites, and only about 6 miles northwest of Crabtree Hot Springs. Editor’s note: I received the following email on 05/14/2012 and have removed the photos [...]
$10/night $2 for each additional vehicle. $1 for each pet $40 to $75 for group sites 25 CAMPSITES AVAILABLE on first come, first served basis*. No reservations are accepted. Most campsites are on the river; some are on a tributary creek that feeds into the river. Camping is permitted only in designated areas. Directions: From [...]
Pretty far off of the main path, but it’s a quiet secluded lake with lots of campsites scattered around it. Lots of fishing, beautiful scenery. Unless it’s a holiday weekend, there is likely to be no one else there.
Klamath National Forest Operating Days: 150 2,400 elevation. 10 campsites (Total Capacity: 40) next to meadows lush with spring wildflowers. Dirt/Gravel parking, but several nice flat spaces. Pit toilet. The Southern Pacific Railroad tracks go right past the campground, occasionally campers can enjoy the trains as they go by. Butte Creek is regularly stocked with [...]
A circular park on the side of the road. Picnic tables and grills are in the center of the circle. No other facilities. Take your everything that you brought with you when you leave. Good for a night or two. There’s room for a couple of small rigs. If you are legally able to travel [...]
Eight individual campsites in the San Bernardino National Forest. A Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required. First Come/First Serve, No Reservations! Each campsites has one picnic table and one fire ring. There are no restroom facilities. There is no drinking water. Pack it in -> Pack it out! There is a limit of eight [...]
Mesa overlooking Big River,Ca. and Parker, Az
Free camping in the Inyo National Forest.Located 13 miles north of Mammoth Lakes and 20 miles south from the junction of highway 395 and Tioga Pass (The gateway to Yosemite). Elevation 7300 feet. 26 sites. Picnic tables, fire rings, four pit toilets but no other services (water, elec, dump, etc.)The junction of US 395 and [...]
Staging area for off road vehicle trails. Large flat open area. No shade. Wind and Dust. No amenities, slightly bumpy gravel road. Visited on a Tuesday, might be crowded on the weekends. It looks like there are camping spots all along the road, but they are 4×4 trails. The nice big flat camping area is [...]
Continue reading about Bighorn Mountain Wilderness – Barnes Rd
Dispersed camping near the Kern River. The section of the Kern River below the Lake Isabella dams to the base of the canyon is known as the Lower Kern. The canyon is narrow, steep and dry with occasional foothill pines, buckeye, oaks, and grasses. The river’s edge supports large sycamores and willows. The close proximity [...]
Continue reading about Black Gulch – Sequoia National Forest
BLM desert land halfway between Blythe and Brawley on highway 78. Isolated and only a few good parking places. Pictures and more info at http://techno-viking.com/posts/black-mountain-road/ Near an official wilderness area.
Scenic, dispersed camping in a remote area of the San Bernardino National Forest. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required. The six sites are suitable for tent camping, car camping and truck camper camping. Picnic tables and fire rings are the only amenities at these campsites. No toilet, trash services, or water. So, if [...]
Blair Valley, in the Anza-Borrego State Park, allows camping on clear places near the dirt roads. No cell phone signals. There are hiking trails, some to archiological sites. Pictures and more info in my blog entry http://techno-viking.com/posts/blair-valley/
Four free campsites at trail head for Bloody Canyon Trail. No services at all – no water, no toilets, etc. Pets are OK if leashed. Elevation: 8,400′ No Reservations – first come, first camped On Forest Road 1S23 Near Mono Lake and US highway 395 – South of Yosemite – North or Mammoth Lakes Directions: [...]
Boondocking off of US95 25 miles north of Blythe. More info and pictures at http://techno-viking.com/posts/blythe-vidal/
– Courtesy of MovinSue
$5/Night for single unit or Adventure Pass/Interagency (ATB, senior, or access) 20 sites (mix of sunny and shaded) in the Corral Canyon OHV Area of the Cleveland National Forest Descanso Ranger District. Most are tent, many are RV (27′ max). Watch for low branches. OHVs (Green Sticker required) are allowed. Ranger stopped in and was [...]
The forest is open year-round for public recreation and is frequently used for camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There are 22 miles of unimproved roads and more than 14 miles of non-motorized use trails that cover a variety of terrain including meadows, ridge tops, and dense forests. Campsites consist of tables and fire [...]
Many RVers have overnighted in this rest area. Located 3.9 miles West of Boron in Kern County. The overnight area is dirt and is beyond the pet area in the rear of the car section. Do not follow truck and trailer signs. Stay to the far right when entering rest areas.
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest – Campsites are $10/night (1/2 price for ATB access and senior) for up to 8 people and one vehicle. A site must be reserved for a minimum of 3 nights on major holidays. Some first come, first serve sites are available. This is a campground for hikers, mountain [...]
Lots of room for boondocking all along Box Canyon Rd. Very neat area. We parked in the shade of a cliff. Looks kind of like you are on the moon. A very unique landscape (see area description below). At twilight there were lots of bats flying around. There’s a little bit of trash in the [...]
Fishing Season and Regulations: Brush Creek is located within California Department of Fish and Game’s Sierra District. Fishing within this portion of the Sierra district is open to fishing between the last Saturday in April through November 15. The daily bag limit is 5 fish per day and the possession limit is 10. Check fishing [...]
Continue reading about Brush Creek Dispersed – Sequoia National Forest
Distributed camping along Buckeye Road near Buckeye Creek. Pictures and more info at http://techno-viking.com/posts/buckeye/
Shasta-Trinity National Forest Directions: Travel west from the Big Bar Ranger, 16 miles to Burnt Ranch. Continue on to the Burnt Ranch Post Office on the south side of 299. Travel ¼ mile, making a right turn at the entrance of the campground.
Free camping in the Inyo National forest just outside of Bishop, CA. This is a dispersed recreation area, which means that camping is allowed and campfires are permitted with a valid California campfire permit when conditions allow. This is not a developed campground… or even a campground for that mater. There are no amenities other [...]
Located along the Kings River on large sandy flat area. Good shade provide by oak and pine trees. Elevation: 1000′ Take Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns in Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Travel past Kirch Flat [...]
Camping is allowed in parking lot at entrance to headquarters and also at the Harvard Road “dove” field. Directions: 20 miles east of Barstow on Mojave River and about 5 miles north of Newberry Springs in San Bernardino County.
Great Spots, FREE, water, dump station, pit toilet, trash pickup, water access, wild horses, good fishing, paved roads to camp ground.
Driving directions: Hwy. 99 to Panama Lane, Exit #20. Head West on Panama Lane. Right on Wible Rd. Right on Harris Rd. RV Services Offered: Product Installation Oil & Lube Changes Vehicle Inspections Tire Installation Battery Installation Winterization & Dewinterization RV Spa Appliance Service Special Order Parts Product Warranties & Recalls Roof Repair Propane Station [...]
Driving directions: Interstate 5 South – Exit Valley View, immediate Left onto frontage road onto Firestone. Store located 1/2 mile on Right. Interstate 5 North – Exit Artesia, turn Left off Fwy, turn Left onto Artesia, under the I-5 overpass, turn Right onto Firestone. Store located 1/4 Mile on Left. 91 Fwy East – Exit [...]
Driving directions: Fom I-80 W – Exit Sierra College Blvd, turn Right off exit, turn Left onto Granite Drive. From I-80 E – Exit Rocklin Road, turn Left off exit, turn Right onto Granite Drive. RV Services Offered: Oil & Lube Changes Vehicle Inspections Tire Installation Battery Installation Winterization & Dewinterization Appliance Service Special Order [...]
Camping World offers free RV parking in the parking lot of every store. RV Services Offered at this location: Collision Center Please consider us as your source for RV Supplies, RV Accessories & RV Parts for Motorhomes, Campers, Travel Trailers & 5th Wheel Campers. Enjoy your stay!
Located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this is a signed overlook pull out from the main road. A single track dirt road runs for a half mile or so generally paralleling Sweeny Pass Rd. There are a few available pull outs along the road, the largest of which easily will fit a 40 ft motorhome [...]
Fruit Stand, Restaurant, RV Park, Museum and Truck stop with Gas. You can stay overnight with the sleeping trucks in a gravel parking lot. Gas station has bathrooms. Just of the highway.
Free overnight RV parking in designated part of the asphalt lot at a casino. See inside for details. Twenty four lane bowling alley onsite. Day spa. Dump station with water available at the fuel station. $15 use fee. $5 for tribal members or free with a fill up of 50+ gallons.
There’s an RV lot here. No tents, sleep in your vehicle. Water is available.
Free camping in California. BLM. 32 sites. Nestled in a wooded setting at 5,700 feet in elevation. There is plenty of room to spread out, even on holiday weekends. During the summer, days can be warm and dry. Access is from the graded dirt Canebrake Road which is part of the Chimney Peak Back Country [...]
A free dry camping area behind the General Patton Museum. No facilities at campsites. Fuel, gift shop, post office, mini-mart, and restaurant nearby. Check out the website for more services and facilities. Look for sign “Free Dry Camping” at east edge of museum parking lot directing you to camping area behind museum. Multiple camp sites [...]
This free campsite is a yellow post site in the San Bernardino National Forest. There is only one campsite. It has a fire ring and nothing else. It offers an isolated scenic location ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. This site is within a short driving distance [...]
From Hwy 88, south to Bear River Res., over dam and follow Cole Creek Rd. GPS location 52.05249047600099,-117.0703125 All free area.
Here is a way to get free camping when you go visit King’s Canyon National Park! Enter the park after dark when the kiosk is closed, so you don’t have to pay the entrance fee. You will pass by the General Grant Tree, and the pay campsite. Then you exit the National Park for a [...]
Nineteen marked dispersed campsites in the San Bernardino National Forest. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required to use these sites. Each campsite will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations. Each campsite has one picnic table and one fire ring. No other facilities provided – No restrooms, no trash services, no drinking [...]
Camping Fee: $6/night Nine camp sites including one group site is available with tables, grills, potable water, and shade ramadas. Handicap accessible vaulted toilets are also available in this campground. The 10 miles of gravel road to the springs from I-10 is very rough: average speed about 12 MPH. The Corn Springs Campground is located [...]
$5/night OR an Adventure pass OR an Interagency pass (America the Beautiful). 20 site OHV campground in the Cleveland National Forest. Some day hikes in the area. Picnic tables, drinking water and vault toilets. 3500′ elevation. Nearest RV dumpstation is located at the I8 exit 54 rest area. There is no fee for it’s use. [...]
Continue reading about Corral Canyon Campground – Cleveland NF
$7/night under 62yrs old $5/night seniors On the beach camping. Toilets, recycling containers, picnic tables, water spigot (not at campsites), trash cans, and fishing. Pay Showers and dump station located at Headquarters Campground to the north. Active train tracks near by. Can be dusty during high winds.
– Courtesy of MovinSue
A nice little campground in the Angeles National Forest. No extra charge beond the Adventure pass or America the Beutiful pass you would need to park. My review at http://techno-viking.com/posts/shakedown-cottonwood/
Free, primitive camping out in the boondocks. Moderate-high use campground with at least two obvious sites, toilet facilities, signs, and fire rings. Campground at end of Route 01S17B at the southwestern edge of Crooked Meadows. At about 8800′ elevation. No reservations. First come, first camped. Inyo National Forest.
47 RV/tent sites, pull through trailer spaces. First Come, First Served, No reservations accepted. $5.00/night per site, Long Term Visitor Area permits accepted. 4 Vault Toilets. RV Dump Station. Campground Host On-Site. Campfire rings (bring your own wood), tables, lantern holders. This campground offers stunning views of Crowley Lake and the Glass Mountains to the [...]
Free, primitive camping just inside the west entrance of Aza Borrego Desert State Park. Pit toilet, no water, several open camp areas. At 3,300ft. A great area for early fall or late spring camping. First-come first-served – No reservations! Directions Take the S22 (Montezuma Valley Road) and Take dirt road north off the highway that [...]
A few spurs provide free, dispersed camping along this rough, dirt road in the Cleveland National Forest outside of Mt Laguna, CA. This road looks like it can get real rough. If you are low clearance, better to scout ahead or seek refuge elsewhere. You may camp a maximum of 14 days out of every [...]
Continue reading about Desert View – Cleveland National Forest
Casino in Susanville.
Free boondocking (dry camping) in the tress alongside Dinky Creek Road. This area is packed during the height of the season. Rangers visit regularly and will enforce the 14 day rule.
A secluded little valley just west of Verdi, Nevada on the California side of the State line in Sierra County. Easy access during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. Once the snow sets in, it becomes harder to get to unless you have 4×4 traction and good tires. During the spring months there [...]
The Dowling Fruit Orchard, 1 mi W of Beaumont on HWY-60, offers free overnight parking and a wide variety of fresh fruit in season. Dried fruit and standard market vegetables are available year round
The camping area is directly off of highway 127. One mile south of Dumount Dunes Rd in the Little Dunes camping area. THere isn’t a charge for camping but every vehicle entering the area is required to have a pass. The pass is sold in weekly($30) or yearly($90) increments. Camping is limited to 14 days. [...]
Dispersed camping by Eagle Lake, CA. The east side of Rocky Point has nice water views and is quiet. Continue along the side of the lake to the point for the best sites. Not all are level. BLM vault toilet available. Solid 3G cell signal.
Nice warm lake. Jet skiing and boating. Big fish. Nice spots on the lake.
Free. There is a large wash on the right before you reach the lake. There is plenty of camping for any sized rig there. There are two vehicle accessible campsites on the water. There are also a couple of others along the road. There are other sites on the water for those who have a [...]
Camping at an elevation of 6300′ in the San Bernardino National Forest near Idyllwild. These forested campsites are $10/night. ATB Senior and Access pass holders get 1/2 price camping. Each (possibly not level) campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table and can accommodate up to 8 people and 1 vehicle and one tow. [...]
Free dry Boondocamping in Finney-Ramer Unit of Imperial Wildlife Area. Pit toilet, vandalized portajohns, trash barrels, stone fire rings. Bird watching. Feedlot stench if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. Directions: From Calipatria, Take CA-115 S/Eddins Rd/E Main St for 8.3mi. Turn right at Pickett Rd go 3.1 mi. Destination will be on [...]
Much of Anza-Borrego is free camping but you can’t hold a fire unless you bring your own metal bottomed container. This is the only site within the Nation’s largest desert park that is free, gas firepits and pit toilets. Dry camping otherwise. No one was here with us. Lovely view of the mountain and a [...]
Limited parking for RVs but two or three can parallel park near the picnic area. Smaller RVs could presumably take up two spots in the fast food parking area. The truck stop has RV gas lanes, propane and water/dump. However, odd configuration means that if you want propane, you block anyone behind you wanting gas [...]
Camping for $6/night within walking distance of the beautiful Fossil Falls. It is only about mile off of Highway 395. The Fossil Falls Campground has 11 sites (about 5 are RV suitable) that are located within the ACEC. The camping area has a restroom – vault, a spigot-less hand pump for potable water – Walter’s [...]
Just an open area on the side of the road that’s suitable for an overnight parking. It’s right near the corner of highway 14 and highway 178 so traffic noise might be a problem. California Historical Plaque #744 resides at this location. It reads: “Explorer Joseph R. Walker passed this junction of Indian trails in [...]
The campground includes showers, campsites with water and electrical hook-ups available for $17 – dry sites are $12. Camping spaces available for larger RV’s. No dump station available. Great bas camp for visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Directions: Located one-half mile north of the Community of Big Pine, CA on Highway 395.
A free campground. Primitive/dry camping with no amenities. This is a heavily used campground with a small creek running along side it. There is a camphost on site. Elevation 7600 feet. 50 sites. Campsites will accommodate a up to a 45 foot vehicle and/or tents. Picnic tables and fire pits. No drinking water is available. [...]
$5.00/night per site, Long Term Visitor Area permits accepted. First Come, First Served, No reservations accepted. 62 RV/tent sites, pull through trailer spaces. Drinking Water available from opening to October 31st. 5 Vault Toilets. Campground Host On-Site. Campfire rings (bring your own wood), tables, lantern holders. Campground is just off of highway 395 and tucked [...]
This place is like paradise! The water is drinkable, even in winter rains it’s not too cold! There is a myriad of wildlife and photographs waiting to be taken. GO THERE!! Camping area managed by Los Angeles River Ranger District, 4600 Oak Grove Drive , Flintridge, CA, 91011
Grandview campground is located just outside the boundary for the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and is a popular overnight spot for hikers planning to climb White Mountain. A maintenance donation of $5.00 per night requested, pay at fee tube at campground. Reservations not available, access limited in winter. Each campsite has picnic tables and a [...]
Sandy road. Looked like a flash flood area/wash. Didn’t go very far in and explore. No verizon signal/internet. Only saw a couple of spots for small rigs or car campers.
Located along north side of the Kings River on a large sandy flat area. No Shade. Elevation: 1000′ Directions: Take Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns into Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Travel past Kirch Flat campground, [...]
Continue reading about Gravel Flat Campground – Sierra National Forest
Overnight parking for RV’s Free!
Free, primitive campground in the Inyo National Forest near Mono Lake, South of Yosemite and North of Mammoth Lakes. Elevation 8400 feet. 20 sites. Sites will accommodate a 45 foot vehicle. 21 day stay limit. No bear lockers are available. Water, sewer, and trash Pit toilets are available. For backpackers and the like with water [...]
Viewpoint with views of Hat Creek, Mt Lassen, Mt Shasta, etc. Pictures and more info at http://techno-viking.com/posts/hat-creek-rim/
Boondocking in the high desert near a well-maintained dirt road. Pictures and more details at http://techno-viking.com/posts/helendale/
Free Camping on the King’s River in the Sequoia National Forest. Fire permits are required. No garbage service, pack out what you bring in.
Continue reading about Hermit’s Hole – Sequoia National Forest
Nice, quiet, well lit rest area located 7.7 miles north of of Milford California on U.S.395. Good boondock alternative to the Walmart and the Casino in Susanville.
$8/night Reservations: no Description: Five campsites in a woodland of California buckeyes & oaks offering a mix of sun & shade. Honeydew Creek with its clear tumbling waters, flows adjacent to the campground. Directions: U.S. 101 at South/Fork Honeydew exit. Follow signs to Honeydew, turn south onto Wilder Ridge Road toward Ettersburg for 1 mile. [...]
$10/night for up to 8 people and two vehicles. Suitable for tents and car camping. First come/First Serve. No Reservations. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Located in the Big Bear District of the San Bernardino National Forest Elevation:5800 Directions Approximately 12 miles north of Fawnskin, CA.
$5.00/night per site, Long Term Visitor Area permits accepted. Just outside of Bishop, California and only a couple of miles off of the “Three Flags Highway” – US Highway 395. Some campsites have shade. Pull-thrus available. Primitive camping – no rv hookups. Picnic tables, fire rings and lantern holders at each campsite. One potable water [...]
Vault toilets are located across the street from Hot Spring North. Trash dumpsters on site. Dump station and water facilities located in Holtville. The on site historic and still active hot spring attracts both local and winter visitors. Winter visitors who wish to stay in an LTVA (Long Term Visitors Area), must purchase a long [...]
Free camping on BLM land. stayed here overnight (03/27/09) parked in the back where the gravel is large and there isn’t a distinct road. There was a large class A with a toad nearer the hwy. They set off fireworks and had a fire.
Permit: $40/two weeks and $180/seven months The Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) was created in 1983 to fulfill the needs of winter visitors and to protect the local desert ecosystem from over-use. The campground is approximately 3,500 acres in size, flat landscape, sparsely vegetated with plants such as Creosote bushes, Palo Verde trees, [...]
$10 per vehicle per night. An Inyo County Park with no hook-ups. Vault toilet, stream, tables, grills, potable water, fire rings. Can accommodate RV’s up to 30 ft. No shower facilities are available. First-come First-served, No Reservations. Directions Via U.S. 395, turn west in Independence on Market Street, 1-mile to campground.
This put-in along the Merced River has toilets and tables. While the forest service does not consider it a ‘campground’, dispersed camping in this area is legal. Take care camping here during rafting season (late April to mid July). Some sites in the same forest do not allow camping at put-ins during rafting season, although [...]
Continue reading about Indian Flat Put In – Merced River, Sierra National Forest
The only legal non-backpacking camping in Lava Beds National Monument. $10/night in addition to the park admission. (senior/access pass discount) Many of the lava-tube caves in walking distance. Heated flush restrooms. no reservations. Pictures and more info at http://techno-viking.com/posts/lava-beds/
Jawbone Canyon/Dove Creek is a great place for all sorts of campers. OHV people tend to fill it up on the weekends, so if you don’t like the buzzy sound of motorbikes and ATVs, avoid it then. If you come here during the week like we did, it’s absolutely silent and peaceful. We hiked all [...]
125 site campground amoung large bolders. Amplitheater with talks some nights. (friday/saturday on the schedule when I was there) nature trail. Picture and longer description at http://techno-viking.com/posts/jumbo-rocks/
Eight picnic tables and eight fire pits There is no fee for campfire permits and they may be obtained at the Goodwin Education Center, the Bakersfield BLM office and from any BLM Ranger in the area.
Nine marked, dispersed campsites in the San Bernardino National Forest. This is a paved road but is very narrow and not recommended for trailers or RV’s. While not recommended, they are allowed as are tents. Amenities include 1 picnic table and 1 fire ring. There are no restroom facilities. There is no drinking water. Please [...]
The Keyesville Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA); located near the communities of Lake Isabella and Kernville, consists of approximately 7,000 acres of BLM-managed land contiguous to the US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest. The area, noted and named for its historic mining community, provides the setting for a full array of recreational opportunities, including nationally [...]
Located along the Kings River on large sandy flat area. Good shade provide by oak and pine trees. Elevation: 1000′ Directions: Take Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns in Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Campground is located [...]
Continue reading about Kirch Flat Campground – Sierra National Forest
Free overnight parking at the Pilot truck stop. It is located at the intersection of highway 295 and hwy 58 AKA Kramer’s Junction. “Subway”,Showers, ATMs, CAT Scale, Check Cashing, Fed Ex Box, Game Room, Money Orders, Showers, ULSD, UPS, Western Union, Wireless Internet(not free)
Boondocking spot (not a developed campground, USFS) south of Lake Tahoe, CA. 2.5 mi SW of the hwy 88/89 jct and 4.5 mi S of hwy 88 on Blue Lakes Rd. 7500 ft.
$6/night Among the live oaks in southeastern San Diego County, is the Lark Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area and Campground. Located in McCain Valley Resource Conservation Area, Lark Canyon OHV Area is designed specifically for motorcycles. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) might experience difficulty using the narrow trails. Several miles of trails are located in the [...]
A couple of well spaced, free campsites. Some are adjacent to a nice little creek. Located about 8 miles from the town of Mammoth Lakes. Only one (very sunny) campsite can really accommodate a large rig. The others are small and are not level. Shade comes from Aspens. Not far from highway 395.
Boondocking on BLM land less than 2 miles past the Laws Museum, six miles from Bishop. Just up the road is Inyo National Forest which also allows boondocking. A small stream is hidden in the vegitation. Pictures and more info at http://techno-viking.com/posts/laws-blm/
Free camping in California. Long Valley Campground is located in a semi -wooded setting at 5,200 feet in elevation. Containing 13 sites, this area is the trailhead for a 3-mile trail down to the South Fork of the Kern River within the Dome Land Wilderness. Access is from the Long Valley Loop Road, which is [...]
Free, primitive camping in an Inyo National Forest campground near the June Lake Loop and just a couple of miles off of highway 395. There are 15 single campsites and one double. This is bear country but bear boxes are not provided. No drinking water. This campground is managed by the Mono Lake Ranger District [...]
Free w/o facilities from Sept 16th – April 14th $8/night April $15 – Sept 15th Elevation: 1085 Average max. trailer size = 30 foot. No piped water. There are no permanent facilities at the Lower Salt Creek area. Portable restrooms and trash receptacles are provided during the operating season (apr – sept). Directions: Located approximately [...]
Continue reading about Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground
Low elevation pine and oak forested site on the Tuolumne River one mile from South Fork Campground, within the Tuolumne-Lumsden Recreation Area. Elevation: 1500? Directions: From Groveland travel approximately 10 miles to Ferretti Road, turn left; Take Lumsden Road off of Ferretti Road. Lumsden Road is subject to closure during inclement weather. Note: Dispersed camping [...]
Continue reading about Lumsden Bridge Campground – Stanislaus National Forest
Low elevation pine and oak forested site on the Tuolumne River one mile from South Fork Campground, within the Tuolumne-Lumsden Recreation Area. Not recommended for trailers by the Forest Service. Directions: From Groveland travel approximately 10 miles to Ferretti Road, turn left; Take Lumsden Road off of Ferretti Road. Lumsden Road is subject to closure [...]
Continue reading about Lumsden Campground – Stanislaus National Forest
This Mono County campground charges $12/per night. It’s $11/night if you are going to stay for 30 or more days and paid in advance. Interagency passes are not accepted. No refunds. No reservations. There are 50 campsites most are along Mill Creek and partly shaded. It is open from the end of April through mid-November, [...]
Hwy 89 south of South Lake Tahoe. A developed campground with pit toilets and bear boxes. Free. Not great for RV’s, but a couple spots will work in a pinch. Definitely not for big rigs/long trailers.
The $10/night ($5/night for ATB Senior and Access Passes) campsites are located in a forested area of the San Bernardino National Forest near Idyllwild. Road and spurs are paved but might not be level. Campsites are can be reserved – Some first come, first serve sites may be available. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, [...]
Beach campground near mouth of the Mattole river. Take Lighthouse Road from Petrolia Road, campground is on right with day-use and restrooms on left. $8/night, 14 day/year limit applies for all campgrounds in this BLM district. North end of the 25-mile lost coast trail. Seasonal catch-and-release fishing in portions of the river, see signs.
A large open lot next to a park and two baseball fields. This boondocking location is good for one night only. Restrooms, bbq grills, tables, and water spigot in park.
$10/Night Beginning in the high country of Yosemite National Park, the Merced River makes a headlong rush through glacially-carved canyons, rugged mountains and foothills to the San Joaquin Valley. Multiple access points allow skilled whitewater enthusiasts to challenge the rapids at your own pace. Enjoy a day of fishing before gathering around the campfire to [...]
Trash dumpsters, dump station, and payphone on site. Every year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM´s Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), where visitors may camp for as long as seven months. Winter visitors who wish to stay in an LTVA, must purchase a long term permit [...]
Located along the Kings River and Mill Creek. Most sites have shade. Elevation: 1000′ Directions: Take Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns in Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Travel past Kirch Flat campground, crossing over the Kings [...]
Continue reading about Mill Creek Campground – Sierra National Forest
Singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6 million acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. Located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Mojave provides serenity and solitude from the crowds of [...]
Free camping in a dirt turn out. No facilities. Dispersed camping. Mountain view to the west. Mono Lake view to the northeast. One half of a mile east of Highway 395 down a single lane, paved road. There are no campgrounds in the State Natural Reserve or the Scenic Area. Dispersed camping is permitted in [...]
Free designated campground. Had a vault toilet and nothing else. Pretty small, not much room – best suited for tent and car campers. A few rigs could camp here, but I don’t suggest it unless you need the toilet. There are much better places to camp in the rest of Anza Borrego State Desert Park. [...]
Mule Mountains LTVA encompasses 3,424 acres and includes both Wiley’s Well Campground and Coon Hollow Campground. This LTVA is located on Wiley’s Well Road, nine miles south, on a washboard road, of Interstate 10. The Bureau of Land Management established eight Long Term Visitor Areas in the Arizona and California deserts to accommodate visitors who [...]
Dispersed camping in the Sequoia National Forest along the Kings River. No facilities. Located just above Mule Hole on the river.
Free camping – boondocking. No facilities. Los Padres National Forest – Monterey Ranger District. The sites are just a pull outs along a road with spectacular views of the ocean. There are numerous pull outs along the road with the first one being about 1/4 mile from route 1. The road is paved but doesn’t [...]
This free campsite was one of a number of free spots along a forest road off Nacimiento Road, which can be reached from the PCH. Our site had some beautiful views of the Pacific, and we could tell that if you continued down the road there were even prettier sites. To reach the site from [...]
Dispersed camping in a National Forest. Picture and more info at http://techno-viking.com/posts/modoc/ Beside a dry creek-bed.
An abandoned Imperial County park on the Salton Sea. Plenty of room to boondock. There are a few campers and a shack that look pretty permanent. There are old buildings that have been used as restrooms for both birds and people. You can swim, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The Salton Sea is 90% agricultural [...]
Dispersed camping at the confluence of the North Fork Kings River and Kings River. Fishing, camping and whitewater rafting are popular in this area.
Big open flat area. Appears to be a dry lake bed. People were playing with remote controlled planes for a couple of hours. Other than that, very quiet. The access road was somewhat bumpy and washboard. Stayed here 04/06/09. Decent Sprint EVDO connection.
Dispersed camping in the Sequoia National Forest. Located on the North side of the King’s River.
Continue reading about Oak Flats Put In – Sequoia National Forest
– Courtesy of MovinSue
Adjacent to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this area has desert terrain, from below sea level to 400 foot elevations. It is a motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle, and dune buggy use area. The wash-and-ridge terrain includes a butte with dunes and a sand bowl, a blow-sand dune, springs and a camp on a former homestead [...]
BLM 14 day camping areas all along Ogilby Road north of I-8. As you come up from the highway there are several large spots along the left side of the road, that appear to have access to Imperial Dunes. Five miles up from the highway you will cross some railroad tracks and see immediately on [...]
An actual genuine 1950s rest area–really just a concrete turnout–where you can legally pull over for a night. Having spoken to the ranger, you can probably take a full 14 nights here, though you probably wouldn’t want to; it’s roadside. Points of interest: Lots of geocaches near here; old abandoned Ford; bases from old picnic [...]
Continue reading about Old Route 66 Rest Area #1–Cadiz Summit
Camping is permitted only in Owl Canyon Campground. This campground is first-come first-served and requires a $6.00 fee per site. Each site has a table, shelter and campfire grates in place. A water tank and pit toilets are located in the campground. PLEASE BRING WATER WITH YOU, as the water tank can run dry as [...]
Open desert canyon camping. Can be soft sand at times and hot in the summer. Do not visit the area if there is any threat of rain. This is a flash flood area. The roads wash out and get closed. The Mecca Hills are located about 40 miles southeast of Palm Springs. They were formed [...]
Overnight RV camping. $5/night and for casino customers only. It is dry camping in a fenced off, grassy area with spurs and trees. Register with security. 5 night limit. Trash dumpsters provided. Shuttle service.
$5/day car camping along the Colorado River. Some sites are shaded. Flush toilets and sinks. Trash dumpster. Many websites list this location as free. I contacted the county and they said that tents are $5/night and RV/Trailers are $15. The host on site will collect the fee. If there isn’t a host on site, you [...]
2 free roadside campgrounds near Wrightwood California.Right on the Big Pines Highway between Wrightwood and Pear Blossom in the San Gabriel mountain range.California Adventure pass or National Parks inter agency pass needed. $5 day passes can be bought at the Big Pines station.Jackson lake just down the road.Website has pics.Apple tree can handle big rigs [...]
Primitive camping around and near The Peg Leg Smith Marker and rockpile. During the winter a “character” of sorts serves as an unofficial camp host. No amenities whatsoever. Pack it in, pack it out. This area is private land within the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and desert foothills. It’s located approximately five miles NE [...]
A large flat & level parking lot adjacent to restaurant. There are other restaurants and a Truck fuel stops in the area with room to park.
Free camping on the west side of the Imperial Dam, but only suitable for vans, car campers, and tent campers. Small parking lot with a large grassy area for camping. Picnic tables, trees and upright BBQ grills spread throughout. Vault toilets. No drinking water. All boating is discouraged in this area because of treacherous currents [...]
Turn south off I-8 at MM164-Sidewinder Road. Turn directly before the LTVA, 14 day Camping sign says 1.4 miles. Drive west for 1.2 miles and the free 14 day camping area. Water and an RV sanitation dump station are nearby on Sidewinder at the Shell station (760-572-2053). The Shell also sell propane at a reasonable [...]
The area in and around Pilot Knob is rich in both human and natural history. At one time, Patton’s troops trained here in preparation for desert fighting in World War II. A State of California Historic Marker lies on the site of Patton’s camp. The marker is located just north of Interstate 8 on Sidewinder [...]
Numerous free campsites along Pine Creek Road in the White Mountain Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest near Bishop, California. Some are marked and are considered primitive campsites. Others are true dispersed camping. Stay Limit On Inyo National Forest land, you may camp up to 28 days per six months on any one ranger [...]
This San Bernardino National Forest is located within the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument at 4400′. It has a total of 18 campsites – dirt parking. Both tent and RV camping (no pull thrus). Picnic tables and fire rings at each of the campsites. There are seven water spigots spread throughout the campground. Handicap accessible. [...]
Dispersed camping along the Kings River. Nice Sandy beaches, but no facilities. Pack out your garbage. No cell phone coverage in the area. Pay phone is available at Balch Camp. When fire restrictions are in place, (usually during summer months) no campfires or charcoal fires are permitted. Camp stoves are permitted. Great place for camping [...]
Continue reading about Pirate Cove – Sequoia National Forest
BLM site: The recently redesigned campground features seven individual campsites, a group campsite, and a day use area ideal for fishing and picnicking. Campsites feature fire rings, tables and barbecues. Barbecues and picnic tables are available at the day use site. Those with walking difficulties can fish from an accessible fishing pier, while kayakers can [...]
Plaster City OHV area is BLM desert used by off-highway vehicles. There are two “staging areas” where you can park/camp/whatever or you can just wander out. Picture on my blog entry at http://techno-viking.com/posts/plaster-city/
An Inyo County Park with 200 campsites(some for larger RVs). Each campsite is $10/night. None of them have hook ups. However, there are potable water spigots, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in the campground. No shower facilities or hookups are available. First-come First-served, No Reservations Fishing Year round fishing in the Owens River, [...]
A high desert campground just off highway 395. $2 a night (1/2 price with ATB age and access passes), 75 designated campsites. Almost all of them have picnic tables. Most have metal fire rings with grills. Others have primitive fire rings. No shade at all! Four pit toilets that are well maintained. No water, electricity, [...]
$10 per vehicle per night. No hook-ups. First-come First-served, No Reservations. Vault toilets, tables, grills, potable water, fire rings, stream, 15 camp spaces. Can accommodate RV’s up to 30 ft.. No shower facilities are available. Directions Via U.S. 395, turn west in Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, 1-mile to Tuttle Creek Road, turn south [...]
This is a nice area with the Mojave Preserve close by and plenty of old abandoned mines: gold, silver, turquoise, talc, iron ore. Stop at the BLM office at the giant thermometer and get info for the area. Take Highway 127 toward Death Valley, go about 10 miles to the big electric line and take [...]
Several (4-6) dispersed camping spots along the road that are large enough for camping. Must have an Forest Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful (any of the three). Great views. No facilities at all. No campfires allowed ever. Ranger stopped by and informed us that we are supposed to have a dispersed camping permit as [...]
Boondocking on Quenchan Indian Land. Popular areas in a wash near the interstate. Train noise is frequent and loud. Directions: Take I-8 exit 166 (Algodones Road) north onto County Hwy S24 (AKA Hwy 186). Camping in on the right side of the hwy.
Free BLM boondocking just outside of Victorville, CA. Lots of shooting in the area… especially near the hills sides. You can also camp on the NW edge of the dry lake bed. There is an official private shooting range nearby but a lot of folks just shoot at plywood targets on the BLM land.
Casino blacktop boondocking in an unlevel parking lot. Security will shuttle you from the parking area to the casino. Great for an overnight stay when you’re feeling lucky.
Camping Fees: $7/night dry camping $12/night with hookups Managed by Imperial County. Picnic tables w/ pavilions & grills. Chemical toilets. Shower house. What to see and do! Lots of cool things to do in the area. * Visit the mud pots nearby @ 33.2001,-115.577574. * Go birding at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife [...]
Cow Mountain South staging area for OHV trails. During the day, the place was packed when we stayed here. Half of the people packed up their atvs and left just before dark. This was on a weekend. I am sure its pretty empty during the week. The views from some of the campsites are very [...]
Free camping in a parking lot near a hot spring in the Sequoia National Forest for up to 14 days. Limit is enforced by local sheriff. No facilities at all. The hot spring is 1/4 of a mile down a trail and is clothing optional. No glass, soap, or drugs allowed! And whatever you do, [...]
A second original route 66 area–a paved area to the right when traveling northeast on old route 66. This area is closer to the freeway but somewhat sheltered from the highway by trees. There was more traffic at this location as it is close to where old 66 meets the Interstate, and there was also [...]
Food and drug store – Courtesy of MovinSue
Food and drug store – Courtesy of MovinSue
Free campground 11 miles north of Truckee, CA on Hwy 89. Elevation: 6500 Tahoe National Forest primitive camping. Vault toilets. 10 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. No other facilities. Camping outside designated campground is prohibited in this area. Not big rig friendly! Definitely not a quick overnight rv parking spot. It was well [...]
Free campground. No services. Dry camping in the boondocks. Lightly used. Elevation around 8140′. No reservations. First come – first camped. Nice views – Mono Lake and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Flat area lines with trees. 2 1/4 miles from Highway 120 on Forest Road #1N02 (dirt)
$7/night under 62yrs old $5/night seniors On the beach camping. It is popular with fishermen and bird watchers. Salt Creek runs through the campground and is host to many species of birds, including some considered very rare. The endangered pupfish also live in Salt Creek. Toilets, recycling containers, picnic tables, water spigot (not at campsites), [...]
YP1 is located on 2N04X at N34° 15. 995 W116° 57.105 A view of Big Bear Lake! Lots of shade. Room for a few tents and vehicles. Down a spur road. Not RV friendly. YP1 will be the next YP we stay at. 2N04X will need a bit of brushing on the way in.
YP2 is located on 2N80 at N34° 16.616 W116° 58.094 RV friendly. Huge open area. Large enough for 6 tents and vehicles. Not much shade. Near a busy forest road (2N13)
YP25 is located on 2N44Y at N34° 13.363 W116° 56.449. Lots of shade all day long. A small creek is flowing near camp. Room for 2 tents. Currently there is not a table or fire ring. There is a hiking trail that cuts right through the campsite. Not recommended for RV’s by the USFS. The [...]
YP26 is located on 2N52Y at N34° 13.027 W116° 56.694 Wide open area. Down a spur road (less traffic). Can fit 4 tents and vehicles or an RV. Not much shade.
Yellow Post 27 YP27 is located on 2N10D at N34° 12.896 W116° 57.359 Lots of shade. A small creek is flowing near camp. Down a spur road. Room for a couple of vehicles and tents. Low profile cars will not make it all the way to camp. No RV’s
YP28 is located on 2N11 at N34° 12.805 W116° 58.783 Large area for parking. Room for 4 tents. Down a spur road. Some shade. Not RV friendly.
YP29 is located on 2N11 at N34° 12.950 W116° 58.650 Some shade. Room for 3 vehicles. Down a spur road. Not much flat space for tents. Not RV friendly.
YP30 is located on 2N86 at N34° 13.950 W116° 58.805 Lots of shade. Lots of parking. Room for 6 tents. Down a spur road. Not RV friendly. This is the YP site that was ransacked by a bear last year.
YP31 is located on 2N09A (on the map) or 2N09F(sign at turn off) at N34° 17.316 W116° 55.221 Large area for many vehicles and tents. No shade. No RVs.
YP34 is located on 3N08 at N34° 18.659 W116° 57.619 Medium open area with room for a few vehicles and tents. No shade. 2wd with clearance or 4wd. No RVs.
YP4 is located on 2N68 at N34° 16.498 W116° 58.964 Room for 2 vehicles and tents. Some shade. Not RV friendly
YP5 is located on 2N84A at N34° 17. 579 W116° 57.652 Room for 6 tents and vehicles. Some shade. Small RVs could make it. Down a spur road.
YP6 is located on 3N97D at N34° 18.566 W117° 00.348 YP6 is a LARGE site. RV firendly. Some shade. Room for 8 or more vehicles. Close to the green sticker trails. Probably the most used YP site in Big Bear.
YP7 is located on 3N14G at N34° 19.132 W117° 00.363 RV firendly (although not a lot of flat area). Room for 6 vehicles and tents. Down a short spur road. Not much shade. Close to the green sticker trails.
Camping and Lodging Facilities: There are two campgrounds available. One is a Group camp with two (2) walk-in tent sites, which can accommodate up to 300 people. The other campground is located at the trail head and has six (6) walk-in tent sites, with a maximum of 8 people per site, double and triple sites [...]
Continue reading about San Joaquin River Gorge Management Area
Located at 7200′ in the San Bernardino National Forest. I don’t really have any information about this campsite. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required to camp at this location. Directions Graded dirt road. I assume that only high clearance vehicles want to try. From Palm Desert, go south on CA 74, then turn [...]
Free, primitive in isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Fourteen sites that are no more than a clearing with a fire ring near Idyllwild in the San Bernardino National Forest. You wont find any drinking water, toilets, or trash cans here. You need to [...]
Free camping in the Inyo National Forest. At about 9200′ elevation. Just after the Glass Mountain Trailhead on Sawmill Meadows Road. Primitive camping in the boondocks. No services or reservations. Camping area managed by MONO LAKE RANGER STATION P.O. Box 429 Lee Vining, CA 93541 Phone: (760) 647-3044 TDD: (760) 647-3045
Free ( so far) BLM campground in a lovely boulder strewn valley. A favorite of rock climbers. This place had climbers from Europe but I never knew until recently. There are 13 sites with Riatas,tables grills and fire pits. 2 pit toilets and everything is new. No water or trash. Campground host. Almost exactly half [...]
There’s a scenic overlook a few miles off CA 20 from the I-80 going towards Nevada City, CA. It’s a USFS area and good for a night of boondocking/dry camping. No hookups but there are picnic tables. Any size rig can easily get in and out.
Toiyabe National Forest. Dispersed camping. Haven’t explored too much, but definitely good r.v. camping right off Hwy 88 and a big network of roads.
5 picnic tables 4 fire pits no shade There is no fee for campfire permits and they may be obtained at the Goodwin Education Center, the Bakersfield BLM office and from any BLM Ranger in the area.
No charge, primitive camping on BLM Land. Most rigs will want to park at the trailhead for Short Canyon Trail. Spring is the best time to be in this area. The weather is right, the birds are migrating through, the flowers are blooming and there is usually a waterfall. Hiking Trails The Short Canyon trail [...]
1 1/2 car-width to 2-car width dirt road just south of American Girl Mine Road and north of the railroad. Multiple wide, flat areas both sides of the road. Obey posted signs as this is a “restricted” area where you can only camp off numbered BLM roads on a brown marker (they remove those markers [...]
Free dry camping. BLM boondocking on dry lake bed. Hard, flat, natural gravel and sparse vegetation. Directions: Entrances between mm18 and mm22 on HWY127 North of Baker, CA.
Silver Lake Overflow Site, located up highway 88 past the paid Silver Lake campsites. Only 1-2 miles from Silver Lake. Make a left at the right hand turn in the road (usually marked by other campers with signs and banners) to find the sites. The Campsites are built around the old highway 88, some of [...]
Slab City may be the most wonderful, weird and disturbing campsite in the country. Go with an open mind or don’t go at all. Annual Events: The Range – live music and entertainment every Saturday night * The Stage Door – live music most Friday nights. * Solar Mike’s Potluck on the last Wednesday in [...]
Free, blacktop boondocking at a casino near Hemet, California. Currently offering $15 free play to new players club card members.
Good easy access & parking for about 10 cars/sm RV’s plus rest rooms, Visitor Center and boat ramp
Continue reading about Sonoma Coast State Beach/Jennea Visitor Center
BLM 14 day dry camping on graded gravel just off the Cottonwood Springs Road immediately south of the South Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Just over a mile from I-10 on. Lat/Lon N33 40.473 W115 48.159
$12/night in season. Free from mid October-April. Just inside Sequoia National Park, a beautiful campsite at 3600 feet elevation. Free from November through April, but otherwise costs money. Lots of green and a nice running river next to camp. It’s about 15 miles southeast of Three Rivers, a city that’s on highway 198. Be advised, [...]
Low elevation site near the confluence of the South Fork Tuolumne River and the Tuolumne River one mile from Lumsden Campground, within the Tuolumne-Lumsden Recreation Area. Elevation: 1500′ Directions: From Groveland travel approximately 10 miles to Ferretti Road, turn left; Take Lumsden Road off of Ferretti Road. Lumsden Road is subject to closure during inclement [...]
Continue reading about South Fork Campground – Stanislaus National Forest
Camping is permitted anywhere in the open area, but is limited to a maximum of 14 days. The draining of holding tanks is prohibited. Coordinates are approximate. The most popular staging area is Teagle Wash, located east of the Trona-Red Mountain Road on BLM Route RM143. This site provides a large area for camping, unloading, [...]
Nineteen free, dispersed campsites in a remote location withing the San Bernardino National Forest. These are scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Each site is located beneath or near mature trees that provide ample shade from the sun. (Please note that in 2002, a fire [...]
Desert camping halfway between Victorville and Barstow. Seems popular with the ATV and offroad motorcycle crowd, so isn’t very quiet. Rockhounds go to the abandoned quarrys to collect marble. Blog entry here. Weak cell signals.
A nice little stop for a day or two of hiking. Part of Anza-Borrego State Park. You can connect to a couple of different trails here including the PCT. The parking area is the trailhead for Lucky 5 trail. There are restrooms and horse tie posts. Not a campground, just a large dirt parking lot. [...]
Free dry-overnight camping at Sycuan Casino (more than 1 night possible if you call ahead). RV camping is on HUGE paved lot on hill above the Casino (behind the employee parking lot). Easily space for 30 RVs of any size. Quiet and not used much. View of casino and surrounding hills. Security will come by [...]
This $10/night campground is manged by the County of Inyo. It has vault toilets, stream, well water, tables, grills, fire rings, stream fishing, 50 camp spaces. Can accommodate larger RV”s. No shower facilities are available. No hook ups. No Reservations. Directions Via U.S. 395, 14-miles north of Independence, turn west on Taboose Creek Road, 2- [...]
Tamarisk LTVA is the smallest of the three LTVAs managed by the El Centro Field Office. Surrounded by tamarisks, this campground is also the most secluded of the three LTVAs. Due to the remote location, Tamarisk LTVA is quiet and peaceful. Nearest facilities are located in Yuma, AZ or Holtville, CA. Winter visitors who wish [...]
Free, primitive campground with few campsites and a vault toilet. Dry camping in the boondocks. 6.5 miles from Highway 120. 7354′ elevation. Camping area managed by MONO LAKE RANGER STATION P.O. Box 429 Lee Vining, CA 93541 Phone: (760) 647-3044 TDD: (760) 647-3045
Dispersed camping available close to Tecopa Hot Springs. Best areas are located off of Furnace Creek Rd (well graded dirt) on the west side of Hwy 127. Typical open desert camping. No shade. Flat parking spots, some with fire rings. Fuel/non-potable water in Shoshone CA. RV parks in area for dumping/water.
Five free, remote camping sites in the San Bernardino National Forest locations for tent and car camping. There are some mature shade trees near the sites, but other than a metal fire ring for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms [...]
Continue reading about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Maintained by Inyo County. This campground costs $10 per night. There are no hookups available. Amenities include Vault toilets, stream, grills, fire rings, tables, stream fishing. There are 55 camp spaces some of which can accommodate larger RV’s. No shower facilities are available. No potable water, no hook ups. First-come First-served, No Reservations. Directions Via [...]
Campground with six campsites near Thomas Mountain in California’s San Bernardino National Forest. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required to stay in this campground. Elevation: 6500′
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, these ten free campsites provide no more than a clearing with a fire ring in isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Bring everything you need with you (water, food, etc.) as nothing is provided at this site. [...]
Primitive camping is permitted at Trona Pinnacles and campers are encouraged to use existing campsites and fire rings and to pack out all trash. If you plan on having a campfire, bring your own firewood. Camping is limited to 14 days. The only development of any facilities is a vault type toilet. There are no [...]
Located at the east end of commercial row free 6pm to 10am
Free boondocking near the ghost mining town of Tumco. Larger rigs should be mindful of where they go. There are some dips in the road that could cause trajectory issues. Across Olgilby road and down Gold Rock Ranch Road, you will find a privately owned pay campground. The campground hosts a muesum/antique store. Here you [...]
$5.00/night per site, Long Term Visitor Area permits accepted, Golden Age and Golden Access passes accepted for daily fee discounts. First Come, First Served, No reservations accepted except group campsite. Located just a couple of miles off of Highway 395 outside of Lone Pine. Near Mount Whitney, Alabama Hills (superb rock climbing and bouldering), and [...]
Dispersed camping along the Upper Kern River. Multiple sites along the Kern River Rd / Mountain Highway 99. Fishing, boating and hiking are popular activities in the area.
Continue reading about Upper Kern River – Sequioa National Forest
Free blacktop boondocking – not camping – park in a parking lot. You must register with the security office inside the building at the east entrance. You are allowed to stay 72hrs max and the form they give you to fill out requires an exact departure date. There are free shuttles that come through the [...]
Free camping at a BLM administered OHV area. Wide open space with lots of rock formations. Vault toilet. No other facilities. 15 miles outside of Ridgecrest. Directions Take hwy 178 east out of Ridgecreast Turn right onto Trona Road. Wagon Wheel is about 6 miles.
Free camping in California. BLM. Elevation: 5043′ Small rigs only! Donations are appreciated and go directly to campground upkeep. 13 sites total but nine of them are tent only. Pack it in, pack it out! No trash collection on site. Dry toilets. Drinking water is no longer available, but an alternate source of water is [...]
$10/night Neat area. You camp between giant boulders. Place was full every night in the 3 nights (early April) we were in the area. The spots are very small too. The sign at the gate says something like 25′ limit. No reservations(first-come, first-served). Toilets, picnic tables and fire grates available. Campsites are limited to six [...]
Camping Fees: $12.00/night 30A, water, tables, grills. $7.00/night Dry camping An Imperial County park. Bathrooms. Access to Wiest Lake. Water Skiing. Jet Skiing. Directions: Go N on SR-111 about half way to Calipatria, then E on CR-S26 (Rutherford Rd) about 2.2 mi. Just past lake, turn S on Dietrich Rd. CG is on right about [...]
Free camping – boondocking. No facilities. Los Padres National Forest – Monterey Ranger District. This site is just a pull out along a forestry road. However, the area is just amazingly beautiful. Spectacular views of San Martin Rock and the Pacific Ocean. Everything was in bloom while we were there. There were lots of black [...]
Free Dry Camping in Imperial Wildlife Area. Facilities at the area include roads, parking areas, portable restrooms, flat hiking trails, public phones, primitive camping, maps, bird check lists, and a special viewing platform is available. Drinking water, however, is not available. Highlights: * Fantastic birding – Imperial Wildlife Area is a crossroads for birds from [...]
Woods Lake TH has a campground–but it also has some nice dispersed, free camping nearby. It’s in the Eldorado National Forest, just south of Hwy 88, just west of Carson Pass and the Pacific Crest Trail. I think you could get a fairly good sized r.v. in there. The website I’m providing is for the [...]
Free camping in a gravel parking lot with no amenities. In Anza-Borrego State Park. Picture and more info at http://techno-viking.com/posts/yaqui-pass/ A trailhead for Bill Kenyon Overlook Trail is located at this camping area. No signal with an non-amplified verizon phone.
Free camping in unmarked sites along a hard-packed dirt road. This area is part of Anza Borrego State Park. Most sites are loose sand. No cellular signals with non-amplified sprint and verizon phones. Not suggested for large rigs or low clearance. First come-first served. No Reservations.

