BLM Dispersed Camping Area for JNP — Hotel in Joshua Tree

I tried to roll the dice and nab a camping spot in Joshua Tree National Park on a weekend during peak season. Not the best decision! I ended up finding a fantastic campsite at the BLM Dispersed Camping area which is a short drive from the park. My initial plan was to camp at the BLM through the weekend and reserve a couple nights at Jumbo Rock during the week. I liked where I was at so much that I just stayed at the BLM and drove into Joshua Tree for hikes during the day. The pros of camping at the BLM area outweigh the cons. It's free, you absolutely can find a spot away from other campers if you want privacy, and there are generally less restrictions than in Joshua Tree.

For a secluded spot, drive out toward the mountains in the distance off the main road. If you want to be a bit closer to other campers, stay close to the entrance. If you have 4 Wheel Drive you can venture up into the mountains a ways and really get...

Spent a couple of days here while visiting Joshua Tree National Park - great alternative to camping in the park or at a private campground. Google maps takes you right to the correct spot, you'll likely see others set up nearby. Basically a patch of dried up lake bed so there's no protection from the sun. Be wary if it is rainy or rained recently if you have a low car or no 4WD, some of the gravel roads are rutted pretty bad so be careful with smaller vehicles - that being said my ford focus and friend's Malibu handled it fine in dry weather

Free, dispersed camping for up to 14 days - no facilities so be aware and bring...

I was here for several days and enjoyed it a lot. I mean it is was it is...flat, open desert. I pulled in the area right after you reach the end of the pavement. It was quiet, friendly folks, and most importantly, as a solo female traveler, I felt safe. Left my suitcase solar panels, and generator (chained to the RV stairs) 24/7. No problem. In some of the pictures, you'll see a beautiful sculpture, called "Transmission". It's just a short drive up Sunfair Rd. (The main road uou turn onto of of 62 to access the BLM land. I felt it was definitely wprth the 10 minute drive to see it. It's pretty...