Free Sites,
Pay Sites,
Pass/Permit Required
A friendly little town 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 next to the [...]
$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 [...]
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.
$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 [...]
$10 per vehicle per night. No hook ups. 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 Hwy.395 south Drive 13 miles to Big Pine Turn west on County Road (Opposite of Hwy.168) At [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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
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/
– 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 [...]
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.
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.
Jackson State Forest – free permit required There is no fee for camping. Permits are required for overnight camping and can be obtained from the Camp Host or at the CDF office in Fort Bragg at no charge. Camp One also offers several group campsites. These group campsites can be reserved in advance by contacting [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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/
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. 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 east. 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 [...]
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
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 [...]
$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 tucked into the foothills of the Sierra [...]
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
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
$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 – First Come, First Served, No reservations accepted.
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
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 [...]
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 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
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.
$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 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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
$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 [...]
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, [...]
$2 a night (1/2 price with ATB age and access passes), 75 sites, pit toilets, no water, electricity, or sewer. There is a 60 day limit. A climbing and bouldering paradise. Both trash and recycling receptacles are provided.
$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.
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 [...]
Food and drug store – Courtesy of MovinSue
Food and drug store – Courtesy of MovinSue
$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), [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Conflicting prices. Either $6 or $12/night in season. Free from November-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 [...]
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
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.
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 [...]
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. [...]
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. This is a BLM Campground, was recently upgraded Drinking Water** available from March 1st to October 31st. Restrooms: 9 Vault Toilets Dumpstation: Available March – [...]
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 [...]
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.