Free camping might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Palm Springs, but the best options aren’t far away!
Whether you’re exploring Joshua Tree or taking in the city’s art and architecture, there’s a comfortable, complimentary campsite nearby with your name on it.
Today, we’re showcasing some of the best free camping near Palm Springs, California.
Let’s get into it!
Why Should You RV in Palm Springs?
Many know Palm Springs as a SoCal getaway for the rich and famous. After all, Hollywood royalty has flocked to this desert oasis since the 1920s.
While the town is packed with gourmet restaurants, high-end boutiques, and palatial mid-century modern homes, it also offers plenty of attractions for budget travelers. Weekly community events like VillageFest attract locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, you can stroll through botanical gardens, admire local artwork at the city’s many galleries, or simply walk the streets and soak in the vibe.
Most people visit from fall to spring to avoid the heat of summer, when the average high temperature is well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
When you get here, you’ll find tons of hiking opportunities in the surrounding public lands, including Joshua Tree National Park, San Bernadino National Forest, and Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Pretty much everyone can find something to love about this destination. So, check out our list of the best free camping locations in Palm Springs!
#1 Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites
Perched high atop Santa Rosa Mountain in San Bernadino National Forest, you’ll find 14 primitive campsites suitable for both RVs and tents. There are rarely crowds here, but the spots offer unbelievable sunsets, sunrises, and views of the starry night sky.
Don’t expect any amenities aside from fire rings and a couple of water taps throughout the property.
To get here, take Highway 74 to Forest Road 7S02. This 11-mile route can be tough to traverse. We hear it’s only suitable for vehicles with high clearance and four-wheel drive. It often closes in winter, when snow and ice make it dangerous for travel. For up-to-date information, you can call the nearby Idyllwild Ranger Station.
Find It Here: 33.537651, -116.459053
Learn about the Best Budget-Friendly Attractions in Palm Springs.
#2 Chiriaco Summit
When it comes to boondocking near Joshua Tree, it’s hard to beat Chiriaco Summit. Located behind the General Patton Museum, this spot is close to plenty of amenities. However, there aren’t any on-site. Despite being close to I-10, most people say the traffic noise isn’t too bad.
Once you pass the museum, start looking for the Free Dry Camping signs. The camp host will likely be there to greet you and direct you to appropriate spots for your rig. We hear RVs up to 40 feet had no trouble with the spacious back-in pads.
Sites at this privately owned property are only available for seven days at a time. The campground is wide open and easy to access, and you can admire the massive tanks located on the parcel.
Find It Here: 33.663864, -115.723976
#3 Painted Canyon
Painted Canyon is an idyllic locale surrounded by the Mecca Hills. The scenery here is stunning, with staggering rock faces all around. You’ll have access to the Painted Canyon Trail, which includes ladders, steep ascents, and breathtaking views.
This desert camping destination is ideal for summer when the threat of rain is low. It’s located in a wash and can become dangerous during and after storms. No matter when you visit, you should only attempt to camp here with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It’s easy to get stuck in the soft sand, otherwise.
Be aware that part of Painted Springs Road is on Native American land. Camping there is prohibited. You’ll have to continue on until the route makes a hard turn to the north.
While there aren’t any amenities here, this boondocking spot is only a few minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
Find It Here: 33.619301, -116.000076
Here are the Most Dangerous Creatures in Joshua Tree National Park.
#4 North Joshua Tree BLM Land
Joshua Tree and the surrounding area offer some of the best free camping near Palm Springs. Just north of the park, there’s BLM land where you can overnight for free up to 14 days.
This location is a dry lake bed with plenty of space for big rigs. Once again, you’ll want to avoid this area during or after rainstorms, as flash floods are possible. However, this spot is a great alternative to camping in the park in the dry season.
To get here, take Sunflower Road to Cascade Road and look for the vast open expanse. The roads can be hard on your vehicle. We suggest only attempting this trek with a 4×4.
Find It Here: 34.172932, -116.224663
#5 South Entrance of Joshua Tree
Our final free camping destination near Palm Springs just might be the best. This is a prime-time boondocking spot located just outside the south entrance of Joshua Tree.
While this campground is wildly popular, you should still have plenty of room and sites to choose from. It’s on BLM land, so you’ll have to limit your stay to 14 days, even if you’d prefer to move in permanently.
Sites have firepits but no other amenities. However, you’ll be a short drive from all the luxuries of Joshua Tree National Park. The Cottonwood Campground is only minutes away and includes potable water and a dump station, which you can use for a few bucks.
You’ll need to watch out for sandy spots where it’s easy to get stuck. Some folks opt to pull off on the side of the road rather than trekking to established campsites. Either way, we suggest visiting in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to be safe.
Find It Here: 33.674534, -115.802651
Start planning your next trip with a copy of Joshua Tree National Park: The Complete Guide.
Some of the Best Camping in Palm Springs is Free!
If you ask us, the best trip to Palm Springs includes utilizing the plentiful free camping throughout the area. Whether you want to boondock near Joshua Tree National Park or overnight a little closer to the city, you’ll find many exciting adventures to enjoy.
The next time you head to the Southern California desert, be sure to make the most of your trip by staying at some of these destinations!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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