Places to go Camping in the California Desert

Afton Canyon Natural Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted only in the Afton Canyon Campground. This campground is a first-come first-served fee area. Read More...

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (California State Parks)

There are two developed campgrounds in Anza-Borrego, at Borrego Palm Canyon and Tamarisk Grove. Read More...

Argus Range Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Big Maria Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Bighorn Mountain Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Black Mountain Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Bradshaw Trail (BLM Public Land)

The campground provides 15 campsites with picnic tables, shade ramadas and grills. Handicapped accessible restrooms are available in the campground. Read More...

Bright Star Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Bristol Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Cadiz Dunes Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Calico Ghost Town (San Bernardino County Regional Parks)

In the canyons below town, a full service campground, camping cabins, and bunkhouse provide the opportunity for extended stays. Read More...

Camp Cady Wildlife Area (California Fish & Game Wilderness)

Camping is allowed in parking lot at entrance to headquarters and also at the Harvard Road "dove" field. Read More...

Carrizo Gorge Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Cottonwood Campground is located 1.5 miles west of the north end of Carrizo Gorge Wilderness. Lark Canyon Camground is located 1 mile west of the southern end of the Wilderness area. Disbursed camping is allowed within the wilderness. Read More...

Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Chimney Peak Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Clipper Mountain Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Collis Mayflower Park (Riverside County Regional Park & Open Space District)

Features 152 campsites with water, electricity, and a dump station, as well as additional dry camping sites. Read More...

Corn Springs Campground (BLM Public Land)

Corn Springs Campground is an area with beautiful views in a serene desert setting. Read More...

Coso Range Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Coyote Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Darwin Falls Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Dead Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Death Valley National Park (National Park Service)

Death Valley National Park has 9 camp grounds with about 750 camp sites. Space is limited in some camp grounds, so reservations will be required. Death Valley National Park's backcountry has a variety of rugged mountain and desert terrain. More than 3 million acres of wilderness and over 400 miles of backcountry dirt roads are open to camping. Read More...

Dove Springs Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

The entire OHV area and surrounding public lands are open to primitive camping. Within the Dove Springs area there are numerous camping and OHV staging/offloading areas. Read More...

Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area as long as . . . Read More...

El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted on the lakebed, but no more than 100 feet from the edge. Read More...

El Paso Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Fish Creek Campground is located adjacent to the Fish Creek Wilderness in Anza Borrego State Park. Read More...

Funeral Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Golden Valley Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Grass Valley Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

Recreational vehicle and tent camping is available at the Five Mile Landing concession at Topock Marsh. Camping in wilderness area is by permit only and is restricted to areas over 1 mile from the river. All other areas of the refuge are closed to camping. Nearby Park Moabi has several full hookup RV sites and unlimited tent sites; general store, marina, etc. Read More...

Heber Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area (California State Parks)

This area has land that was part of the Imperial County Park System. It is primarily used for off-road recreation, however, camping, picnicking, and baseball are also popular activities in the park. Read More...

Hollow Hills Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Horse Thief Camp (BLM Public Land)

This campground is a first-come first-served area. Read More...

Ibex Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (BLM Public Land)

Parking pads, trash cans, and pit toilets are provided at the BLM's Gecko and Roadrunner Campgrounds, south of State Highway 78 on Gecko Road. Read More...

Imperial Wildlife Area (California Fish & Game Wilderness)

Camping is also allowed. Read More...

Indian Pass Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Inyo Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Ivanpah Dry Lake (BLM Public Land)

All staging and camping activities shall occur within the area designated for these purposes. Read More...

Jacumba Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Jawbone Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

The entire OHV area and surrounding public lands are open to primitive camping. Read More...

Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area that does not block travel on a road and is limited to 14 days. Read More...

Joshua Tree National Park (National Park Service)

Joshua Tree National Park has 9 campgrounds with over 480 campsites available year round. Read More...

Juniper Flats (BLM Public Land)

Camping and parking is permitted within 300 feet of a designated open route. Read More...

Kelso Dunes Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Kiavah Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Kingston Range Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Lake Cahuilla Park (Riverside County Regional Parks & Open Space District)

Individual camping is available on a first come, first serve basis or by reservation. Read More...

Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Little Picacho Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

CAMPING: Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Malpais Mesa Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Manly Peak Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

McCain Valley (BLM Public Land)

Lark Canyon Campground and Cottonwood Campground have tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and water (not tested safe for drinking). A $6.00 per campsite fee is required for camping at all BLM campsites. Read More...

Mecca Hills Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Mesquite Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Moabi Regional Park (San Bernardino County Regional Parks)

Here you can camp, fish, boat, swim, water ski and relax in one of the premiere recreation areas of Southern California. Read More...

Mojave Narrows Regional Park (San Bernardino County Regional Parks)

Fish, boat, camp, hike nature trails, and enjoy horseback riding on 840 acres along the ancient riverbed of the Mojave River. Read More...

Mojave National Preserve (National Park Service)

Mojave National Preserve is a camper’s paradise. Read More...

Newberry Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Nopah Range Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Ocotillo Wells Vehicle Recreation Area (California State Parks)

Open camping is permitted throughout the unit for up to 30 days per calendar year. Read More...

Old Woman Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Orocopia Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Owens Peak Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Pahrump Valley Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Palen McCoy Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Palo Verde Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Picacho Peak Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

CAMPING: Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Picacho State Recreation Area (California State Parks)

The main campground, located in the eastern section of the park, has 54 primitive campsites, a group campground, and two boat-in group sites. Read More...

Piper Mountain Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Piute Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area/Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve (California State Parks)

At 4,300 feet in elevation, the campground offers superb views of the surrounding desert. Read More...

Rainbow Basin Natural Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted only in the Owl Canyon Campground. Read More...

Rasor Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area that does not block travel on a road. Camping is limited to a 14 day stay. Read More...

Red Rock Canyon State Park (California State Parks)

Camping in developed sites only in Ricardo Campground. Read More...

Resting Spring Range Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Rice Valley Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Riverside Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Rodman Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Help BLM preserve California's fragile deserts. Please park your vehicle or set up camp in previously disturbed sites. Gathering wood for campfires, when permitted, is limited to dead and down materials. Live vegatation cannot be cut. The BLM encourages all desert recreationists and travelers exploring public lands, not only within southern California but through the west, to use propylene glycol bases antifreeze/coolant in their touring and recreation vehicles. Proven safer, it will have minmal impacts on both the wildlife and the environment should a leak occur. Read More...

Sacatar Trail Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Saddle Peak Hills Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Saddleback Butte State Park (California State Parks )

The family campground is first-come, first-served and offers 50 units with tables, stoves, fire rings, and shade ramadas. Read More...

Salton Sea State Recreation Area (California State Parks)

Six campgrounds offer a total of 1,500 campsites, including some with full hookups. Read More...

San Gorgonio Additions Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Sand Canyon (BLM Public Land)

Dispersed primitive camping is also permitted in Sand Canyon for periods of up to 14 days. Read More...

Santa Rosa Additions Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (BLM Public Land)

Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds only. Read More...

Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

CAMPING: Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Sheephole Valley Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Short Canyon (BLM Public Land)

Primitive camping for up to 14 days is permitted within Short Canyon and the Owens Peak Wilderness. Please park or set up camp in previously disturbed sites. Read More...

South Nopah Range Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

CAMPING: Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Spangler Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted anywhere in the open area, but is limited to a maximum of 14 days. The draining of holding tanks is prohibited. Read More...

Stateline Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Stepladder Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Stoddard Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area (BLM Public Land)

Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area that does not block travel on a road. Camping is limited to a 14 day stay. Read More...

Surprise Canyon Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Sylvania Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Trilobite Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Trona Pinnacles (BLM Public Land)

Primitive camping is permitted at Trona Pinnacles and campers are encouraged to use existing campsites and fire rings and to pack out all trash. Read More...

Turtle Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...

Whipple Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site. Read More...