When we pulled our 16-foot travel trailer into American Girl Mine, it felt like we’d landed on another planet. This off-the-grid spot in Winterhaven, CA, is the kind of place where wide-open desert meets big skies, and you can truly get away from it all.
With nothing but miles of sand and rugged terrain around us, we knew this was the perfect spot to disconnect, soak up the desert vibes, and enjoy some serious peace and quiet.
If boondocking in the middle of nowhere sounds like your kind of adventure, American Girl Mine should be on your radar.
The Scoop on American Girl Mine
American Girl Mine isn’t your average campground—it’s boondocking at its best.
Located just off I-8, this spot is a hidden gem for those looking to camp for free in the middle of the Southern California desert. There are no hookups, no facilities, and definitely no reservations. What you do get, though, is endless space to park your rig and panoramic views of the mountains and desert that make for epic sunrises and sunsets.
We set up our 16-footer with plenty of room to spare, and the lack of light pollution made for some of the best stargazing we’ve ever seen.
It’s not for everyone—you’ve got to come prepared with your own water, power, and waste solutions—but if you’re into off-grid camping and want to experience true desert solitude, American Girl Mine delivers big time.
Location: American Girl Mine Rd, Winterhaven, CA
GPS: 32.8368, -114.812
Date/Temp: We pulled into AGM during the last week of January. It was beautifully sunny, with daytime highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 50s.
Amenities: The campsite offers no amenities. It’s true dry-camping, so make sure you bring water, food, and power! There is fresh water and dumpster access at an interstate rest stop 3 miles west on I-8.
Wifi/Cell: Cellular Internet connection is amazing at AGM. T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T all worked at blazing fast speeds. We didn’t need to turn on our booster at all!
Noise: This is spaced-out desert boondocking at its best. It was hushed, except for an occasional train in the far-off distance.
Grocery/Errands: Yuma is about 15 miles away and has everything you need. There are many grocery stores (we prefer Food City for the low prices).
But, driving back to the campsite, you must cross California’s agriculture checkpoint.
Dog Friendly: The campground is dog friendly and the ground is pretty tame (not many cacti or sharp rocks). As with all BLM land, dogs must be kept on a leash.
Entertainment: Just a few miles from camp is a historic ghost town (more ghost than town) and in Yuma there’s a ton of history to explore. Yuma also has more traditional entertainment like movies, shopping, bowling, etc. We prefer the free stuff!
Our Overall Takeaway from American Girl Mine
Camping at American Girl Mine was a total reset for us—a break from the usual hustle and a chance to fully embrace the desert’s wild beauty. With nothing but open space, starry nights, and the quiet hum of nature, this spot gave us exactly what we didn’t know we needed.
Sure, it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking to disconnect and dive into some serious boondocking, this place is a must.
Just come prepared and let the desert do the rest. Trust us, once you’ve experienced the peace out here, you’ll be hooked.
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Have you done any boondocking in SW Utha if so could you give some locations.
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