Boondocking in California | 12 Of The Best Boondocking Spots in California
Boondocking in California offers countless free camping spots, allowing you to explore the state's diverse landscapes. From the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park and various options near the Pacific Crest Trail, California is a boondocker's paradise waiting to be discovered.
Whether you're an experienced road warrior or a newcomer to off-grid camping, there's a spot in California just for you, promising unparalleled beauty and serenity away from the crowds.
In this guide, we'll explore 12 of the best spots for boondocking in California, each offering unique charm and allure. Imagine waking up to the crisp mountain air with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains or finding a secluded spot amid the otherworldly landscapes in the desert or along the Pacific Ocean.
These locations provide the perfect backdrop for your next adventure, offering endless opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and reconnecting with nature. So, grab your camping gear and hit the road—California's hidden gems await you to explore and create unforgettable memories.
Can I Boondock in California?
You can boondock in California! And it's a fantastic way to explore the state's beautiful landscapes. Dispersed camping is allowed on many public lands, providing plenty of opportunities for RV enthusiasts to find a secluded natural spot.
Don't expect to be alone. But there are plenty of great boondocking options where you can avoid much of the overcrowding of camping in national and state parks. Be prepared to drive down a dirt road from time to time before you reach camp. And be aware that you will be responsible for maintaining any campsite as if camping on private land.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees vast federal lands in California, including deserts, mountains, and coastal regions, where you can camp for free. This type of camping allows you to experience the state's raw beauty, from the wide-open spaces of the Mojave Desert to the lush forests of northern California. Just be sure to check specific rules and regulations for free campsites in public lands, as they can vary depending on the area.
National forests are also great options for finding free camping and boondocking in California. With millions of acres of forested land, including popular destinations like the Angeles National Forest and the Inyo National Forest, you can set up camp away from the crowds.
These areas often provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding and wildlife watching. While there might be restrictions on where you can park your RV, most national forests have designated areas for dispersed camping that allow you to enjoy the peace and tranquility of California's natural wonders.
RELATED READING: Check out our Ultimate RV Boondocking Guide
Tips for Boondocking in California
When boondocking in California with your RV, you must be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards of off-grid camping. First, always research and plan your route ahead of time, focusing on areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management or national forests, where dispersed camping is typically allowed.
We recommend using iOverlander or other apps to help you find free camping in the parts of California you plan to visit. Also, consider checking the weather and whether or not you will have cell service where you plan to camp.
Second, practice "Leave No Trace" principles to help preserve the beauty of California's landscapes; pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and leave your campsite as you found it. Fire pits are not trash cans. Pack out your trash.
Finally, ensure your RV is self-sufficient by carrying enough water, food, and power supplies, as boondocking spots often lack amenities like hookups and dump stations. Always empty your black and grey tanks at a dump station and fill up your water tank before heading down the dirt road to one of these great sites.
We specialize in helping to meet your off-grid power needs, so be sure to check out our Baja Series batteries for all of the lithium power you could possibly want or need while boondocking in California!
Following these tips, you can enjoy a memorable and responsible boondocking adventure in California.
Top 12 Places To Boondock In California
Although California is huge and offers a wide range of boondocking locations, we have found these to be the top-rated and among our favorite free campsites in the Golden State. Be sure to check out recent reviews on iOverlander or other resources you use to find free camping.
Glass Creek Campground - Mammoth Lakes
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GPS: 37.7515, -118.9892
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Length of Stay: 21 Days
Glass Creek Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Mammoth Lakes, is often praised as one of the best free camping spots in the area. The campground offers spacious sites surrounded by beautiful pine trees, providing campers with a serene and picturesque setting.
We appreciated its proximity to hiking and biking trails and the convenience of being close to the attractions of Mammoth Lakes while enjoying the peace and solitude of a national forest.
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Joshua Tree South - Joshua Tree National Park
- GPS: 33.67453, -115.80265
- Cell Service: Yes
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Camping at Joshua Tree South offers fantastic dispersed camping sites in southern California, perfect for those who enjoy solitude and stunning desert scenery. This spot allows easy access to Joshua Tree National Park while providing a peaceful retreat with breathtaking night sky views, especially during the early spring.
Although the sites can get busy, they are generally well-spaced, providing a good balance of privacy and community. You can camp in the surrounding area to the south of the park entrance or there are other boondocking locations to the north near Twentynine Palms.
Blair Valley Campground - San Diego
- GPS: 33.0377, -116.4096
- Cell Service: Yes
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Length of Stay: 14 Days
Blair Valley Campground in Anza Borrego, just outside of San Diego, offers an exceptional free camping experience with its vast open spaces and incredibly dark skies, perfect for stargazing. The dispersed camping sites provide plenty of privacy and tranquility, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes.
Although the road to the campsite can be rough, and bees can be a nuisance, the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a rewarding destination, especially in early spring when the desert blooms with wildflowers.
Pine Creek Road - San Diego
- GPS: 32.9051, -116.4745
- Cell Service: Spotty
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Pine Creek Road in Cleveland National Forest near San Diego offers a scenic and secluded spot for free dispersed camping in southern California. The road can be narrow and rough with potholes, making it challenging for big rigs, but it's manageable for vans and smaller trailers.
Despite the lack of amenities, the area is popular for its access to hiking and biking trails, stunning views, and peaceful environment. Be sure to pack in and pack out anything you bring with you at this campsite.
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Butte Creek Campground - Northeast California
- GPS: 40.611, -121.297
- Cell Service: No
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Butte Creek Campground, nestled in Lassen National Forest near Lassen Volcanic National Park, offers one of the best boondocking experiences in northern California. The campground features basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, making it perfect for a simple, nature-focused stay, whether you are tent camping or traveling in a big rig.
Despite some nearby fire damage, the serene environment, spacious sites, and the nearby creek contribute to its charm, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the forest service-managed landscape.
Beaver Creek Campground - Northern California
- GPS: 41.927, -122.829
- Cell Service: No
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Beaver Creek Campground in Klamath National Forest offers a great free camping experience. Its secluded sites are right by a beautiful creek. The campgrounds offer the basic campsite amenities you would expect at state and national parks, including fire rings, picnic tables, and a clean vault toilet.
Despite its remote location, it's conveniently located about five miles from groceries and coffee, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful and quiet getaway in the forest
Hope Valley - Lake Tahoe
- GPS: 38.7659, -119.9418
- Cell Service: Verizon Only
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Hope Valley offers fantastic dispersed campsites near Lake Tahoe, providing beautiful scenery and convenient access to the area's outdoor activities. We found the sites to be spacious and private, with plenty of spots available for both RVs and tents, though weekends can get busy with road noise from Highway 88.
Despite the lack of amenities, Hope Valley's natural beauty and proximity to Lake Tahoe make it ideal for a relaxing getaway in the forest. Pack everything you plan to need during your stay, and remember to pack out everything you bring with you.
Sand Flat Dispersed Camping - Mount Shasta
- GPS: 41.3539, -122.2497
- Cell Service: Yes
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Sand Flat offers a great free camping experience near Mount Shasta in northern California, providing stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The sites are nestled among trees and offer a perfect base for exploring the nearby hiking trails and natural attractions.
Although the dirt roads leading to the campground can be rough, the serene environment and beautiful scenery make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking solitude in nature. Just take your time getting in and out and enjoy some of the best free camping California has to offer!
Western Big Meadow Road - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- GPS: 36.7116, -118.8569
- Cell Service: Spotty
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Western Big Meadow Road offers excellent free camping and boondocking sites nestled among ponderosa pines in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, making it a fantastic base for exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The sites are spacious, providing plenty of room for larger RVs, and the peaceful setting among the trees adds to the area's charm. While it can get busy on weekends, the proximity to both national parks and the serene environment makes Western Big Meadow Road an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking a quiet retreat in northern California.
Granite Pass - Mojave National Preserve
- GPS: 34.8145, -115.6142
- Cell Service: Yes
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Granite Pass is a fantastic free camping spot on BLM land within the Mojave National Preserve. It offers an excellent base for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes. The area is perfect for boulder and rock climbing, with several dispersed sites nestled among granite rock formations, providing a serene and secluded environment.
Additionally, the location offers excellent hiking opportunities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mojave National Park.
Cedar Pass Campground - Northeast California
- GPS: 41.55918, -120.30120
- Cell Service: AT&T OK
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
Cedar Pass Campground in Modoc National Forest offers a peaceful boondocking experience with basic amenities like fire rings and clean vault toilets. The spacious and well-maintained sites provide a quiet and scenic spot for camping in California's remote wilderness.
Cedar Pass Campground is an excellent location for those looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature while still having the essentials for a comfortable stay.
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In Conclusion
As you've explored some of the best boondocking spots in California, it's clear that this state is a paradise for RV enthusiasts who crave adventure and solitude. Whether you're dispersed camping near the rugged peaks of Mammoth Lakes, enjoying the wide-open desert spaces in Anza Borrego, or soaking in the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, California's free campsites offer an incredible range of experiences.
The variety of landscapes in the Golden State ensures that every trip brings something new and exciting, whether you're a seasoned boondocker or just starting out.
Boondocking in California not only provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life but also allows you to connect with nature in an immersive and rewarding way. From the sunny climes of southern California to the cool forests and lakes up north, the best boondocking spots cater to every type of camper.
So pack your gear, pick a destination, and get ready to create unforgettable memories under the starry skies of California's most beautiful and remote places!
At Enduro Power Batteries, we're here to help you make the most of your boondocking experience in California. Check out our Baja Series RV Batteries or give us a call to help you customize your power supply needs!
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE PLANNING YOUR POWER SETUP? GIVE US A CALL AT 303-968-1366 AND OUR TEAM WILL HELP YOU GET STARTED! |