Dispersed camping within Joshua Tree National Park is not permitted. Nevertheless, there are numerous dispersed campsites located just beyond the park’s borders for those who are aware of the spots.
The most exceptional among these cost-free campsites are situated approximately thirty minutes away from the park. These options are accessible near all three entry points. They cater to various types of accommodations, from tents, vans, and passenger vehicles to RVs and trailers, including larger vehicles.
Without delay, let’s delve into my favored selection of free dispersed campsites in proximity to Joshua Tree.
The Best Free Campsites Around Joshua Tree
While dispersed camping within Joshua Tree National Park isn’t an option, there’s a wealth of free camping spots available on the neighboring Bureau of Land Management (BLM) territories. Here, I’ve rounded up seven of the most appealing choices for your outdoor getaway.
Giant Rock (North Entrance)
Nestled a bit further from the national park compared to other free campsites on my list, Giant Rock is still conveniently situated within around 45 minutes of both the west entrance near Joshua Tree Village and the north entrance near Twentynine Palms.
What sets Giant Rock apart is its sheer uniqueness—a massive boulder dramatically situated in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Standing nearly seven stories tall, it holds the distinction of being the largest free-standing boulder in the United States, and possibly even the entire world.
Numerous dispersed campsites are scattered across the vicinity, some even situated in close proximity to the imposing rock itself. Among my personal favorites are those located just to the south of the boulder on the east side of Landers Lane.
Keep in mind that the access road, being unpaved, can get quite rough and some camping spots might be sandy. To ensure a suitable spot, I recommend surveying the area on foot before committing, especially if you’re maneuvering an RV or hauling a trailer.
Regrettably, it’s worth noting that Giant Rock tends to attract a local party crowd. Weekend campers often contribute to a lively and noisy atmosphere. Additionally, the area’s popularity extends to target shooting and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Giant Rock |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management |
| Camping Policy | Dispersed camping allowed for up to 14 days |
| Ranger District Contact | Barstow Ranger District: (760) 252-6000 |
| GPS Coordinates | 34.332881, -116.388354 |
Painted Canyon (South Entrance)
Painted Canyon is my preferred choice for enjoying cost-free camping near Joshua Tree. It’s situated within the Mecca Hills Wilderness, overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, and conveniently located just a half hour away from the southern entrance of the national park.
Numerous campsites are positioned just off Painted Canyon Road. While the most frequented sites are near the Painted Canyon Trailhead at the road’s end, I personally favor the ones just prior to entering the canyon itself.
Initially, Painted Canyon Road traverses the Torres-Martinez Indian Reservation for approximately the first two to three miles before transitioning onto BLM land. Ensuring you’re on BLM land before setting up camp is essential.
This area is best suited for passenger vehicles (high-clearance or 4WD is unnecessary). However, it’s not uncommon to observe individuals boondocking in RVs and trailers. Prior to parking, it’s advisable to thoroughly examine your chosen campsite due to the presence of deep sand.
Be cautious about visiting Painted Canyon during forecasted rain. The roads become impassable after rainfall, and the region is susceptible to flash floods.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Painted Canyon |
| Area | Mecca Hills Wilderness |
| Camping Policy | Dispersed camping allowed for up to 14 days |
| Field Office Contact | Palm Springs South Coast Field Office: (760) 833-7100 |
| GPS Coordinates | 33.606194, -116.021417 |
Box Canyon (South Entrance)
Box Canyon presents another excellent opportunity for dispersed camping within the Mecca Hills Wilderness. These no-cost camping sites are conveniently located just a brief 10 to 15-minute drive from the Painted Canyon sites. Interestingly, Box Canyon Road and Painted Canyon Road intersect at this location.
While Box Canyon Road itself is paved, exercising caution when transitioning from the road to a campsite is essential. Numerous roadside pullouts and side roads tend to have substantial sandy patches.
Boondocking is a popular choice here, but I strongly recommend that RVs and trailers stay close to the main road due to the potential hazard of encountering deep, loose sand. It’s crucial to step out of your vehicle and explore on foot before finalizing your camping spot.
The most desirable campsites are actually situated along side roads. While a high-clearance vehicle might suffice, having a 4WD vehicle is highly advantageous. Once again, it’s important to remain vigilant against the prevalent deep sand that can catch unaware campers off-guard.
Despite the sandy conditions and occasional strong winds, the captivating beauty of the area makes the experience of dispersed camping here well worth the associated risks. The breathtaking sunrise and sunset against the canyon walls are particularly remarkable.
- It’s advisable to avoid visiting Box Canyon if rain is predicted. The roads tend to become impassable after rainfall, and the area is susceptible to flash floods.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Box Canyon |
| Area | Mecca Hills Wilderness |
| Camping Policy | Dispersed camping allowed for up to 14 days |
| Field Office Contact | Palm Springs South Coast Field Office: (760) 833-7100 |
| GPS Coordinates | 33.584417, -115.938389 |
North Joshua Tree BLM (North Entrance)
This expanse of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) territory, encompassing a dry lake bed, stands as possibly the closest option for free camping near the north and west entrances of Joshua Tree National Park.
To locate it, begin your search just east of Sunfair, situated on the eastern side of Cascade Road, near the following GPS coordinates: 34.167907, -116.229164. This area is often denoted online by names such as “North Joshua Tree BLM” or “Joshua Tree North Dispersed Camping.”
The region sprawls expansively, offering an open and flat landscape with adequately maintained access roads (though they are unpaved). This attribute positions it among the top choices for boondocking in close proximity to Joshua Tree. It accommodates RVs and trailers of varying sizes, including larger vehicles.
The popularity of North Joshua Tree BLM attracts a considerable crowd, and instances of visitors exceeding the 14-day stay limit are common (sometimes by several months). Nevertheless, venturing farther east across the lake bed generally allows for greater solitude.
While the scenery boasts appealing vistas, it might not be the most picturesque dispersed camping location. Rather, it serves as a convenient base for expeditions into Joshua Tree National Park, rather than a place to linger at the campsite for extended periods.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North Joshua Tree BLM |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management |
| Camping Policy | Dispersed camping allowed for up to 14 days |
| Field Office Contact | Barstow Field Office: (760) 252-6000 |
| GPS Coordinates | 34.171611, -116.229111 |
South Joshua Tree BLM (South Entrance)
- For a cost-free camping experience just moments away from Joshua Tree’s south entrance, your ideal destination is South Joshua Tree BLM;
- Similar to its counterpart, North Joshua Tree BLM, this portion of BLM land lacks an official designation. Beyond its title of South Joshua Tree BLM, it is commonly recognized as “Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping” online.
Access these dispersed campsites by veering north from Interstate 10 onto Cottonwood Springs Road, leading towards Joshua Tree’s south entrance. Almost immediately, you’ll come across campsites flanking either side of this road.
However, these initial campsites are in close proximity to the highway. Many campers proceed north for roughly a mile before choosing to pull off into a turnout or onto one of the numerous unnamed dirt roads.
My preferred camping spots are located just south of the Joshua Tree National Park South Entrance Sign, positioned on the western side of Cottonwood Springs Road. To discover a slightly more secluded site, I suggest journeying about a mile west along this unpaved road.
Similar to North Joshua Tree BLM, these BLM lands adjacent to the park’s southern entrance offer an excellent opportunity for RV boondocking. Both RVs and trailers of various sizes will encounter roomy, even campsites in this area. While the roads might be a bit uneven, they remain navigable for all types of vehicles.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South Joshua Tree BLM |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management |
| Camping Policy | Dispersed camping allowed for up to 14 days |
| Field Office Contact | Palm Springs South Coast Field Office: (760) 833-7100 |
| GPS Coordinates | 33.682861, -115.840806 |
Mojave Trails National Monument (North Entrance)
- Mojave Trails National Monument presents an excellent alternative for seekers of free dispersed camping in the northern vicinity of Joshua Tree;
- The most strategically positioned campsites for those intending to explore the national park are situated just a stone’s throw from Amboy Road. This road stretches from Twentynine Palms to Amboy, where it intersects with Route 66.
While an array of complimentary campsites is available, my personal favorites are nestled within the Sheephole Valley Wilderness and Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness segments of the national monument.
Depending on your chosen camping spot, you’ll still be a mere 30 to 45 minutes away from the north entrance of Joshua Tree. Yet, despite this proximity, the region is noticeably less congested (with ample space for spreading out) compared to most other free camping sites featured in this compilation.
The majority of Mojave Trails National Monument offers an accommodating landscape for boondocking enthusiasts, whether in RVs, trailers, or even larger vehicles.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mojave Trails National Monument |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management |
| Camping Policy | Dispersed camping allowed for up to 14 days |
| Field Office Contact | Needles Field Office: (760) 326-7000 |
| GPS Coordinates | 34.267167, -115.707222 |
Chiriaco Summit (South Entrance)
Chiriaco Summit sets itself apart from the other free camping options around Joshua Tree in a unique manner.
While it remains completely cost-free, it differentiates itself by not being situated on public land. Instead, it’s under private ownership by a local family.
Nestled discreetly behind the General Patton Memorial Museum, this campground sprawls expansively with an open layout. The generously sized, level campsites render it an ideal choice for RVs and trailers of various dimensions.
Given that this campsite falls within the private domain and is overseen by nearby camp hosts, there’s a sense of security that allows you to confidently leave your trailer, tent, or other belongings untouched while you embark on your day’s exploration of the national park.
Despite not being entirely shielded from the surroundings and some highway noise from I-10, the amiable hosts and the superb location merely 10 minutes from Joshua Tree’s south entrance contribute to the overall value of staying here.
It’s worth noting that this site offers only dry camping options. While amenities are absent, you’ll find a gas station, convenience store, and café within convenient walking distance.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Family owned and operated |
| Camping Policy | Free camping allowed for up to 7 days |
| Contact Information | Owners’ Phone: (760) 227-3227 |
| GPS Coordinates | 33.663472, -115.722697 |
Can You Disperse Camp in Joshua Tree NP?
Joshua Tree National Park does not permit dispersed camping within its boundaries. For camping within the national park, you are required to utilize one of the 500 designated campsites that are situated across 8 distinct campgrounds.
The majority of these campsites within Joshua Tree are available through advanced reservations, although certain more basic sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
These first-come, first-served campgrounds (Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds) come at a rate of just $15 per night. However, it’s important to note that they tend to fill up swiftly, particularly during weekends from September through May, and on numerous weeknights during the bustling spring season.
Should your plans for camping in Joshua Tree National Park involve a reservation-less approach and all the available first-come, first-served spots are taken, an excellent alternative is to consider dispersed camping on nearby BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land.
Conclusion
While Joshua Tree National Park doesn’t allow dispersed camping, nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas provide a range of exceptional free camping options. From the iconic Giant Rock to the captivating landscapes of Painted Canyon and Box Canyon, these sites offer diverse camping experiences for various preferences. With proximity to the park’s entrances and stunning desert scenery, these dispersed camping areas serve as perfect starting points for both adventure and exploration.