Wiley'S Well Campground

4.71

28 reviews

1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Winter Camping California#2 Desert Camping California#2 Hidden Gem Campgrounds California +1 more

Quick Facts

581 ft

Price

$40 - $180/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open September 15 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

581 ft

Price

$40 - $180/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open September 15 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Wiley'S Well Campground

$40.00 - $180.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Long-term permits cost $180 for six months, and short-term permits cost $40.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-833-7100BLM_CA_Web_PS@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

"Overall, Wiley's Well Campground is praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. It is particularly popular among rock-hounding enthusiasts and long-term campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

Wiley'S Well Campground

1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

Driving directionsTake I-10 (eastbound if you are traveling from Palm Springs; westbound if you are traveling from Blythe) to the Wiley's Well Road (Exit 222) and head south for 3 miles. The paved road ends here and turns right to provide access to two state prisons, Chuckwalla Valley and Ironwood; however, visitors to the LTVA need to continue south on Wiley's Well Road, which is the graded dirt road to the left. Take the graded road 6 miles south to the Wiley's Well campsite, or travel an additional 3 miles south to the Coon Hollow campsite.

Access requires traveling 6 miles south on a graded dirt road. "The dirt road in was maintained," per user reviews, and a 4x4 vehicle is not required as stated by a reviewer: "A 4x4 is NOT needed to get here." However, another user mentioned: "Terrible road into camp!" indicating possible variability in road conditions.

Nearby places

Blythe is approximately 20 miles away, and Palm Springs is about 100 miles away.

Nearby supplies

Blythe, approximately 20 miles away, is likely to be the nearest location for groceries, fuel, and other supplies. No specific details on supply availability are provided.

Best Time to Camp at Wiley'S Well Campground

From mid-September through mid-April, Wiley's Well awakens to perfect camping weather. Days unfold with comfortable highs hovering around 65°F—ideal for exploring sun-drenched trails and hunting for geological treasures. As evening paints the desert in shades of amber and rose, temperatures dip to a crisp 43°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire. Be prepared for the desert's spirited personality, though—winds can sweep across the open landscape with surprising vigor, adding their own wild music to your desert symphony.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-April to mid-September (summer closure).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in CA

Open season begins Sept 15; reviews cite fall as ideal with comfortable highs ~65°F.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring cited as ideal by users; part of peak season and good weather for exploring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Open through mid-April; comfortable daytime temps and popular season though windy at times.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: September 15 to April 15 is the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open September 15 to April 15; closed during the summer months.

About Wiley'S Well Campground

Escape to Wiley's Well Campground, where the vast silence of the lower Colorado Desert embraces you like an old friend. This hidden gem beckons rock hounds and history buffs alike, nestled alongside a desert riparian wash where ancient waterways once carved their stories into the landscape. Here, far from the crowds and chaos of modern life, you'll discover the true meaning of desert solitude—where the only sounds are wind whispers through ironwood branches and the distant call of desert birds.

This campground caters to a variety of camping preferences and is part of a Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA). It supports RVs and tent campers, and features basic facilities for long-term stays.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time along the legendary Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway, where dust clouds once rose from stagecoach wheels and prospectors' dreams glittered as bright as the gold they sought. This historic corridor served as a lifeline through the desert, connecting mining camps and settlements when the West was still wild. Today, you can trace the footsteps of pioneers and fortune seekers who braved this harsh landscape in search of riches and new beginnings.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-September through mid-April, Wiley's Well awakens to perfect camping weather. Days unfold with comfortable highs hovering around 65°F—ideal for exploring sun-drenched trails and hunting for geological treasures. As evening paints the desert in shades of amber and rose, temperatures dip to a crisp 43°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire. Be prepared for the desert's spirited personality, though—winds can sweep across the open landscape with surprising vigor, adding their own wild music to your desert symphony.

ElevationNestled in the low desert terrain of the Colorado Desert region, where subtle changes in topography create diverse microclimates and habitats throughout this fascinating landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living gallery of desert artistry, where ghostly smoke trees dance in the breeze and ancient ironwoods stand sentinel over the wash. Palo verde trees paint the landscape with delicate green brushstrokes, while hardy mesquites offer precious shade. This botanical wonderland opens onto sweeping vistas of pristine desert terrain, where every sunrise and sunset becomes a masterpiece. Adventure seekers will delight in the nearby Hauser Geode Beds, where Earth's hidden treasures await discovery, and the renowned Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine promises gemstone hunting at its finest.

Geological RegionWiley's Well sits at the heart of the lower Colorado Desert in eastern Riverside County, a geological wonderland where millions of years of Earth's history lie exposed beneath the vast sky. The campground hugs a desert riparian wash—a rare ribbon of life where water's ancient passage nurtures a thriving ecosystem of palo verde, smoke tree, mesquite, and ironwood. This unique position provides unparalleled access to world-class rock-hounding sites and historic trails, making it a perfect basecamp for those eager to uncover the desert's geological secrets and cultural treasures.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Seasonal Use Period: September 15-April 15

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Groups

No group camping details provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutInformation about the layout (loops, sections) is not provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not required. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available as the campground is not reservable.

Cancellation PolicyStandard Recreation.gov policies apply. Cancelations must generally be made prior to the day of the reservation check-in date. There is a $10 cancellation fee, and additional fees may apply for late cancellations.

Site SizeSites are described as large based on user reviews.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest the sites are quiet and relatively secluded.

Recommended SitesNo reviews specify particular sites.

Amenities available

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wiley's Well Campground offers activities such as rock-hounding, off-roading, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic trails. The nearby Hauser Geode Beds and Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine are popular for gem collectors, and the Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway provides additional opportunities for historic exploration.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as hummingbirds, tarantulas, and rattlesnakes may be observed, as noted in user reviews.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include desert wildlife such as rattlesnakes and tarantulas, though sightings appear rare. Wind is another potential factor to consider.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available, as noted in user reviews.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly noted, though the campground is described as a quiet place.

Emergency ServicesInformation not directly provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash containers are available on-site, but no recycling facilities were mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground does not appear to be near significant water features.

Camp HostReviews highlight a "lovely camp host" who contributes to a friendly atmosphere.

Weather at Wiley'S Well Campground

Reviews

4.7

28 reviews

Top-Rated

Wiley'S Well Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Wiley's Well Campground is praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. It is particularly popular among rock-hounding enthusiasts and long-term campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nice clean campground," "Great secluded campground," "Quiet spot," "Wonderful off the beaten track," and "The absolute best BLM campgrounds!!" are some recurring positive themes from user reviews.

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Reviewers noted that the road leading to the campground can be difficult to navigate and poorly maintained. Others mentioned that potable water is not available on-site.

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not needed to access the site despite the dirt road, but caution is recommended due to occasional poor road conditions. Long-term campers suggest joining the 3:00 PM...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest that the campground is most popular during its open season from September 15 to April 15, with spring and fall cited as ideal times to visit. Windy conditions were occasionally...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We would go during the spring and fall. Great campground. Clean toilets large spaces. The dirt road in was maintained. I’ve never seen it busy. Can be very windy at times." - Richard Poirier. "Nice...

Based on 28 reviews