Wiley'S Well Campground
4.7810 reviews1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$40 - $180/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Open September 15 to...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$40 - $180/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Open September 15 to...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsWiley'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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-833-7100BLM_CA_Web_PS@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.78
Top-Rated
Based on 10 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."
Fees & Passes at Wiley'S Well Campground
$40 - $180/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Seasonal Use Period: September 15-April 15
Cancellation: Standard Recreation.gov policies apply. Cancelations must generally be made prior to the day of the ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are described as large based on user reviews.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest the sites are quiet and relatively secluded.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo reviews specify particular sites.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutInformation about the layout (loops, sections) is not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen September 15 to April 15; closed during the summer months.
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.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
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 viewing
Wildlife such as hummingbirds, tarantulas, and rattlesnakes may be observed, as noted in user reviews.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation options are detailed.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits are available, as noted in user reviews.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly noted, though the campground is described as a quiet place.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include desert wildlife such as rattlesnakes and tarantulas, though sightings appear rare. Wind is another potential factor to consider.
Weather at Wiley'S Well Campground
66
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Information not directly provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesSeptember 15 to April 15 is the peak season.
Trash and recyclingTrash containers are available on-site, but no recycling facilities were mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground does not appear to be near significant water features.
Common complaints"Terrible road into camp!" was mentioned by one user, though another described the road as maintained. This indicates varying conditions. Other complaints were minimal.
HostReviews highlight a "lovely camp host" who contributes to a friendly atmosphere.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
10 reviews
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 10 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 10 reviewsCommon 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 10 reviewsPro 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 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address the accessibility features of the campground.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific reviews or experiences were provided.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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