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 140 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 87 Users
Last reported 6/30/2024
Confirmed by 48 Users
Last reported 6/30/2024
Confirmed by 23 Users
Last reported 6/30/2024
“Quiet and clean”
Reviewed 2/22/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 6 |
Overall Rating
Some days it’s a little more crowded but there’s so much room out here, there’s a decent amount of space in between rigs. It can be sandy so be sure to walk around where you plan to park first. Roads are decent but washboard and a bit rocky but if you take your time, it’s no problem. Free camping, dry camping, so pack it out and keep i... more
Some days it’s a little more crowded but there’s so much room out here, there’s a decent amount of space in between rigs. It can be sandy so be sure to walk around where you plan to park first. Roads are decent but washboard and a bit rocky but if you take your time, it’s no problem. Free camping, dry camping, so pack it out and keep it clean so NPS continues to allow folks to camp here.
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Verizon 4G
T-Mobile 4G
The McMillan Express would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wonderful boondocking in an awesome location”
Reviewed 2/5/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 14 |
Overall Rating
I have a 44' 5th wheel and I'm on the road solo. I was skeptical of being able to not get stuck here based on previous reviews but you'd honestly have to not be paying attention to get stuck. Seems pretty common sense to me to not attempt to park in a sand mound. Excellent location and sites. I found a large U shaped site with a sm... more
I have a 44' 5th wheel and I'm on the road solo. I was skeptical of being able to not get stuck here based on previous reviews but you'd honestly have to not be paying attention to get stuck. Seems pretty common sense to me to not attempt to park in a sand mound.
Excellent location and sites. I found a large U shaped site with a small tree in the middle with a stone fire pit that my big rig easily fit in plus room for a couple more RVs. I had this site to myself the entire time I was there. No noise whatsoever at night and the most stars I have ever seen in my life. I've lived on the road full time for years and have star gazed across the country. This is the best so far.
You are right around the bend from the Joshua Tree National Park sign on the south side. Lots of hiking and nature walks. The different, natural topography is absolutely amazing as you drive through the park.
I did a trash pick up and filled an entire trash bag just doing the area within a hundred feet or so from my rig. Gross humans! Clean it up!
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Verizon 4G
T-Mobile 4G
Independentlezzy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Reasonable Access to Joshua Tree ”
Reviewed 2/2/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 9 |
| RV Length: | 28' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
The boondocking spots are along the unpaved road that runs east-west from Cottonwood Springs Road. Most of the sites are close to Cottonwood Springs Road but you can go a few miles either way and find spots. You'll want to pay attention to whether the site is level and also be on the lookout for soft sand. Some sites are separated... more
The boondocking spots are along the unpaved road that runs east-west from Cottonwood Springs Road. Most of the sites are close to Cottonwood Springs Road but you can go a few miles either way and find spots. You'll want to pay attention to whether the site is level and also be on the lookout for soft sand. Some sites are separated from others while many are near to each other. Regardless of the size of your rig, you should fit in the large open areas right at the intersection with Cottonwood Springs Road. That area seemed the least popular because it was so wide open. You'll need to get your water and empty tanks at the Cottonwood Springs Campground about 7 miles into the park. There was a small amount of off-road traffic along the roads, but overall compared to many desert areas of the Southwest, it wasn't too bad. One thing to keep in mind when staying on the south side is that the most popular sights in Joshua Tree are on the north end. So you should expect to drive 30-45 minutes to reach them.
If you can't find anything that suits you on the BLM land, don't forget about the Chiriaco Summit campground. It's free for seven days. We stayed on a site just north of the campground and there were never more than 3 or 4 rigs in there over the Thanksgiving holiday. Most of them were just overnighting.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Beerboy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Reviewed 1/19/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 9 |
| RV Length: | 37' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
Approximately 1 mile from I-10 near the South entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Lots of wide open spaces to choose from. Not very level as it is a general downward slope. We are a 37 foot class A and had no problem leveling with our jacks. Be aware that while the main roads to the general camping spots are pretty good, some of the... more
Approximately 1 mile from I-10 near the South entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Lots of wide open spaces to choose from. Not very level as it is a general downward slope. We are a 37 foot class A and had no problem leveling with our jacks. Be aware that while the main roads to the general camping spots are pretty good, some of the offshoots to camping spots can be pretty soft sand. If any doubt get out and walk the area first. We saw a truck and trailer get stuck and need to be pulled out (but he wasn’t on a clearly defined road) and a van get stuck as well. Can be dusty especially when windy or cars go speeding by. Very quiet, didn’t notice much trash lying around the desert. People were friendly. Felt comfortable leaving RV for the day to explore the National Park. Proximity to South area of Joshua Tree National Park was great. Dump station & potable water available near the campground in the NP for $5. Also, about 30-45 minutes from Coachella/Indio areas. Verizon signal was 2-3 bars. Would slow down some in the evenings.
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Verizon 4G
Dawn would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfect, quiet, and FREE”
Reviewed 1/12/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 30' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
We have a 30’ Class A and a tow dolly. I was a little nervous because all the reviews were for smaller rigs unless parked at the entrance. We drove way back. The road is washboard so just know that. Not too bad though. The first site we chose we got stuck. And it wasn’t as level as it looked. Highly recommend walking the site first... more
We have a 30’ Class A and a tow dolly. I was a little nervous because all the reviews were for smaller rigs unless parked at the entrance. We drove way back. The road is washboard so just know that. Not too bad though.
The first site we chose we got stuck. And it wasn’t as level as it looked. Highly recommend walking the site first.
We moved two sites down and it was perfect. Quiet. Beautiful sunsets. And right at the entrance to the park!
We looked at the sites inside JT and although they looked cool, I’m glad we chose this one. The only benefit I can see to being inside is if you want to hike multiple places in one day. It is about 45 minutes before you see any Joshua Trees. But it’s all so beautiful.
I wish we could have stayed longer.
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Verizon 4G
WasserLife would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Fine area”
Reviewed 1/8/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 0 |
| RV Length: | 30' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
Price is right and found nothing to object to except the rough dirt road which really you must expect. Really a quiet spot for catching the beautiful sunset, stars, and sunrise.
Michael would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“It's so close to the entrance”
Reviewed 1/7/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 21' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
Being so close to the entrance is the best thing about this location. Once you drive in you can go left or right and have plenty of options. We actually chose a site that was full of nails and glass, so scout your area. People are nice and spread out. Saw a coyote, and a spectacular sunset. Getting 4 bars of 4G on Tmobile. The road... more
Being so close to the entrance is the best thing about this location. Once you drive in you can go left or right and have plenty of options. We actually chose a site that was full of nails and glass, so scout your area.
People are nice and spread out. Saw a coyote, and a spectacular sunset.
Getting 4 bars of 4G on Tmobile.
The road in to our spot was super washboard, but that's BLM! And many sites looked very sandy.
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T-Mobile 4G
Corndog Caravan would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Excellent Location for Joshua Tree NP”
Reviewed 12/21/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
| RV Length: | 28' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Immediately south of the South Entrance sign for JTNP. Don’t take the road immediately south of the berm, but the next one south. Dirt road and sites. Some more level than others. Beware of some soft sand spots. Far enough away from the highway as to not hear the noise. About a 40 minute drive into Indio which has both Home Depot and ... more
Immediately south of the South Entrance sign for JTNP. Don’t take the road immediately south of the berm, but the next one south. Dirt road and sites. Some more level than others. Beware of some soft sand spots.
Far enough away from the highway as to not hear the noise. About a 40 minute drive into Indio which has both Home Depot and Walmart. I was there in December and the number of campers varied between a half to a full dozen, well spread out.
If you’re into it the General Patton tank museum is just east on the highway.
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AT&T 4G
Kaybee would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice, big area”
Reviewed 11/29/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 28' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
Easy access to a big boondock area. Can’t get any closer to Joshua Tree NP. Not much around here. Come prestocked.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
glasgows_onthego would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“great dispersed camping”
Reviewed 11/22/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
pros: lots of space & spread out sites so you don't have to be near anyone if you don't want to be, great service, sunset & sunrise views, right outside the southern entrance to joshua tree, super quiet,
cons: no bathrooms & since it's the desert not many good places to use the bathroom without driving into the park
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Verizon 4G
Paige would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 4 of 14
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Amenities
Hookups
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- Dispersed Camping
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