Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
BLM
Write a Review Cottonwood Spring Rd. Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201 760-833-7100 Official WebsiteGPS: 33.6745, -115.8019
Overview of Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by Amber on 6/30/2024
Longest RV Reported: 42 feet (Class A)
Reported by WeavingRVer on 12/7/2017
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 1,771 ft / 539 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-833-7100
camper-836124 asked on 12/11/2023
Where do people shower when staying here longer term? Seems like planet fitness in Coachella is the closest?
Joni asked on 2/22/2022
Do we have to let any one know where we are camping or can we just find our spot and settle in?
Sal asked on 2/21/2022
Are there many ticks or rattlesnakes at Joshua Tree South? Thanks!
Jess asked on 2/20/2022
Generator okay to use at Joshua Tree South? Like inverted type? Thanks!
Wandering Webers asked on 11/2/2021
How far back can a Class A RV get on those roads? How is the weather in February? Thanks!
FJara asked on 5/12/2021
Hello I’m new to camping and I was wondering if I’m doing tent camping, no RV just my truck, how does the restroom si...
Reviews of Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping 141 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 88 Users
Last reported 11/9/2024
Confirmed by 48 Users
Last reported 6/30/2024
Confirmed by 23 Users
Last reported 6/30/2024
“Great views and quiet”
Reviewed 2/17/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
| RV Length: | 30' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Free camping on BLM area just before park. If you need to dump drive up to the park (not in) and signs will direct you to the dump station. The dump is free! Others have posted how to get here so I'll find it not necessary. An all out great spot.
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T-Mobile 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Handy To Joshua Tree But Hard To Find A Level Site”
Reviewed 2/16/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 6 |
| RV Length: | 33' |
Overall Rating
We picked this site for it's proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. It is right next to the park entrance and just a couple of miles from the Cottonwood Visitor Center. There were maybe 15 other campers in the area and room for more. Our issue was that it was impossible to find a somewhat level spot. We tried a couple of different on... more
We picked this site for it's proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. It is right next to the park entrance and just a couple of miles from the Cottonwood Visitor Center. There were maybe 15 other campers in the area and room for more. Our issue was that it was impossible to find a somewhat level spot. We tried a couple of different ones but our leveling system was unable to make us level in any of them. If you have a smaller rig or a van it's not an issue but for our 34' fifth wheel it just didn't work. Eventually we had to settle for close enough.
Other than that the location is fine. It's far enough from Interstate 10 that the noise doesn't reach the campsite, although you can see it.
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“I stay here often since it's an easy pull off from I-10 and close to Joshua Tree Park”
Reviewed 2/13/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 14 |
| Site Number: | Dispersed |
| RV Length: | 33' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
BLM Free Camping just south of the park outside Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California near I-10. There is a dump station just a couple miles from the gate.
See my video at: https://youtu.be/KfVijsx1C8o
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great boondocking close to enhance of NP”
Reviewed 2/5/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
| RV Length: | 31' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
Stayed early Feb 2017. Lots of sites on East and west sides. Easy access. We spent our time exploring the surrounding areas. Definitely stop at the cafe and museum on the summit which is only 4 or 5 miles away.
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Verizon 4G
Linda and John would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet Camping Right Outside Joshua Tree”
Reviewed 1/14/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
I stayed in this quiet, pretty BLM "overflow" area on my way out of Joshua Tree. It's a ways from the main attractions, being outside the southern part of the park, but the sites are large, the access easy, the neighbors were quiet, and there was little interstate noise. Sunset and sunrise over the desert were incredible! Fantastic dry... more
I stayed in this quiet, pretty BLM "overflow" area on my way out of Joshua Tree. It's a ways from the main attractions, being outside the southern part of the park, but the sites are large, the access easy, the neighbors were quiet, and there was little interstate noise. Sunset and sunrise over the desert were incredible! Fantastic dry camping.
Updated 12/31/17: We came back to this spot to stay for a few nights around Christmas and New Years. It was packed, as expected, and we unfortunately dealt with some rude neighbors. Still, a decent spot to stay. Remember this is a busy BLM site - expectations of quiet and solitude will be best met at another location.
TigerNomad would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful, quiet, windy & free.”
Reviewed 4/15/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| RV Length: | 34' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
Spent 5 days enjoying the low price of free on the BLM land South of Joshua Tree. We chose to park the big rig on the last road on the right (when entering Joshua Tree from I10- so South East of the entrance). We had difficulty turning the beast around (so that we were facing towards the Joshua Tree entrance (we figured we'd turn her w... more
Spent 5 days enjoying the low price of free on the BLM land South of Joshua Tree. We chose to park the big rig on the last road on the right (when entering Joshua Tree from I10- so South East of the entrance). We had difficulty turning the beast around (so that we were facing towards the Joshua Tree entrance (we figured we'd turn her when we arrived so we wouldn't have to do it when we left), as the dirt roads are narrow and connecting roads don't angle well for a turn. We then proceeded to choose a pull-through spot (with a fire ring) to the north of this road, got stuck in the sand, and spent a few hours playing with our leveling system and blocks to get her out (our bad). In the morning, (Sunday) we were greeted by a security dude from an aqueduct company who, in the nicest way possible, told us we were on private (rented) property and would have to move the rig just across the dirt road (20 feet). I won't rant about how frustrated we were (BLM land rules state that public has the right to use land, even when rented), but we decided it best not to argue and just move. We ended up swiping up a sweet spot down the road (closer to the park), that a group had vacated a bit earlier (this place fills up on weekends!). A ranger confirmed we were good.
Once we were in our 'sweet spot', this place was killer. Killer scenery. Free space for our cat to roam. Free space for our nephew to roam (and not bother anyone else). It did get pretty windy one night and then randomly for a few minutes on another day, so be wary of how your rig/gear is angled (and that tents are bolted down). Loved watching the headlights on the highway at night; mesmerizing (and you don't hear them at all).
Just be wary of sand depth if you choose to head over to the less crowded Eastern side of the Joshua Tree entrance road (don't make our mistake!) Adorable cafe just a few minutes away in Chiriaco Summit (also gas & amenities). We used this as a base to check out the East Coast of the Salton Sea (super interesting), The International Banana Museum (great mango banana ice cream) and The Slabs. Good Verizon cell service with booster (2 bars without), although, once you enter the park all service disappears.
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful sunrises, quiet, and close to Joshua Tree National Park”
Reviewed 3/24/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 8 |
| RV Length: | 35' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
This boondocking spot had some stellar sunsets over the mountains to the west. When we arrived on Saturday night, it was quite crowded. Headlights, motorcycles and tenters everywhere. On Sunday though, everyone picked up and left and it was quiet once again. You're 1/2 mile from I10, but you won't hear the road noise. Being that ... more
This boondocking spot had some stellar sunsets over the mountains to the west.
When we arrived on Saturday night, it was quite crowded. Headlights, motorcycles and tenters everywhere. On Sunday though, everyone picked up and left and it was quiet once again.
You're 1/2 mile from I10, but you won't hear the road noise. Being that close, you can drive into Mecca or Indio for supplies in 30 minutes. Also, the national park is literally right up the road. You won't see any Joshua trees for 45 minutes until you get to the northern part of the park.
There are plenty of spots available, even for bigger rigs. We saw a 45 foot fifth wheel toy hauler parked comfortably. My advice would be to turn left onto the second road, the northern most road. Coming off of 10, you'll see one left turn, then another one 40 feet from that. Make that second left. Google Maps shows two parallel roads heading west, but the southern road was washed out right next to where we stayed.
Also, if you make a right instead of a left, there are some spots over toward the east.
Dump station: Nearest dump station is Cottonwood Springs Campground inside the park. $5 self-registration dump fee.
Water: Nearest potable water is Cottonwood Springs Campground too.
Where we stayed for our 8 nights: 33.674881, -115.808515
Where we should have stayed: Somewhere around 33.680221, -115.822085
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Verizon 4G
188sqft would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Free camping outside a national park!”
Reviewed 2/17/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 6 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
This is great alternative to camping inside the park where the majority of campgrounds are usually full during the busy season. As other reviews have noted the location is on the south end of Joshua Tree NP, which means it's quite a drive to get to the "good stuff", but with such gorgeous views all around we didn't mind. There are ... more
This is great alternative to camping inside the park where the majority of campgrounds are usually full during the busy season. As other reviews have noted the location is on the south end of Joshua Tree NP, which means it's quite a drive to get to the "good stuff", but with such gorgeous views all around we didn't mind.
There are tons of potential sites on both sides of Cottonwood Springs Rd. My advice would be to drive a few miles if you want privacy as the beginning of the road can get quiet congested. The site quality here is mixed - some level, some very slanted, some with trees, some with deep sand. It's hard to complain though when the price is FREE!
The interstate is only a few miles away, but from where we parked you could barely see it during the day, and at night it was a mere twinkling of lights. We also could not hear any road noise. The good part of being so close to I-10 was that is was only a 30 minute drive into Indio for supplies.
While we originally thought it would be fun to stay inside the park, we need cell service for work so this was the best alternative. It ended up not really being a compromise as we loved the spot and would certainly come back again.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
WatsonsWander would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Screaming Streaming”
Reviewed 2/10/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 8 |
| RV Length: | 33' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
We arrived at Joshua Tree NP on the weekend and found all of the campgrounds full. The Ranger gave us a flyer showing BLM camping locations just outside the south entrance to the Park (photos attached). Although the BLM camping is most of an hours' drive away from the Joshua Trees themselves and most hiking in the NW corner of the Park... more
We arrived at Joshua Tree NP on the weekend and found all of the campgrounds full. The Ranger gave us a flyer showing BLM camping locations just outside the south entrance to the Park (photos attached). Although the BLM camping is most of an hours' drive away from the Joshua Trees themselves and most hiking in the NW corner of the Park we would definitely stay here again. Unlike the RV sites inside the Park, there is plenty of room to spread out here on BLM land and the speed of Verizon internet made working and streaming online a breeze (AT&T signal was strong, but speeds were lackluster. There is NO cell signal inside most of the Park.). At the time of our visit, the access road had been recently graded and provided easy access for even large RVs. If you have an off-road capable vehicle, there are multiple trails in the southern portion of the Park, with easy access from this site. Cottonwood Campground is just 15 minutes away (inside the Park) and you can dump and fill with freshwater for $5. We were initially disappointed that I-10 was so close, but cannot hear any traffic noise here and the lights at night are strangely mesmerizing - like watching fish in an aquarium. We too had a couple of nights of high wind (gusts in the 40's, possibly higher) but repositioned the RV into the wind and weren't bothered by it.
Pluses: large free sites, blazing fast Verizon internet, close to cheap dump/fill, fairly close to shopping.
Negatives: sites not very level, long drive to attractions inside Joshua Tree NP, windy.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Jeneric Ramblings would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Pretty location, but a little far from Joshua Tree main sights. ”
Reviewed 1/27/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 5 |
| RV Length: | 27' |
Overall Rating
We pulled in off Cottonwood springs road and found about half a dozen other RVs parked on this dirt road. We ventured just a few hundred yards further along through one of the rocky washes and suddenly we were on our own. We found a beautiful space,big enough for our friends rig to join us the next day. We had to level our rig quit... more
We pulled in off Cottonwood springs road and found about half a dozen other RVs parked on this dirt road. We ventured just a few hundred yards further along through one of the rocky washes and suddenly we were on our own. We found a beautiful space,big enough for our friends rig to join us the next day.
We had to level our rig quite a bit,but we expect that when boondocking. From our space we saw gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and very few people passed by. We did have a couple of nights of extreme wind. So much so we couldn't sleep. I don't know if it is typical for the area,but we had 2 nights out of the five that were a serious issue.
Location wise,we loved being close enough to the Coachella Valley that we could go and get groceries and do laundry. This spot is also close to the south entrance of the park, but you should know that the majority of the sights, including the Joshua Trees are in the North and this is a big park. Plan for about an hour to drive each way to a lot of the hikes. This was fine for us as we travel full time and had 5 days to explore, but if you just had a day or two that journey might get old.
We would come back here as it had the best combo of cell signal and location for us.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Kate at The Scenic Route would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 14 of 15
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