Coon Hollow Campground
4.699 reviewsBureau of Land Management, Palm Springs South Coast Field Office, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$40/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
29 campsites
Season
Open from September ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$40/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
29 campsites
Season
Open from September ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsCoon Hollow Campground
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees for dry camping are $40 for two weeks, $80 for a month, or $180 for the season (April-Sept).
Standard Site Fee$40.00
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$40.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-833-7100BLM_CA_Web_PS@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.69
Top-Rated
Based on 9 reviews
20 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietclean
Some mention
signal
"User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and suitability for rock-hounding. Some reviews positively mention the large campsite sizes and the helpfulness of the camp host, while others criticize the attitude of certain hosts and the bumpy dirt road leading to the campground."
Fees & Passes at Coon Hollow Campground
$40/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Sept. 15 - April 15
Cancellation: Reservations are not available for this campground.
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 Coon Hollow Campground
Winter transforms Coon Hollow into a desert paradise, where comfortable days averaging 69°F give way to crisp nights around 46°F—perfect for campfire gatherings under star-studded skies. With crystal-clear conditions dominating 88% of the time, you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. While occasional desert winds add drama to the landscape, the predominantly dry conditions create ideal camping weather that beckons outdoor enthusiasts from December through March.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
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)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: September 15 - April 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from September 15 through April 15.
About Coon Hollow Campground
Tucked away in the mystical lower Colorado Desert of eastern Riverside County, Coon Hollow Campground offers adventurers a serene escape along a pristine desert riparian wash. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to some of California's most coveted rockhounding treasures, including the legendary Hauser Geode Beds and the mesmerizing Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine. Follow in the footsteps of pioneers along the historic Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway, where stagecoaches once carved paths through this rugged landscape. Far from the crowds, Coon Hollow promises an authentic desert experience where solitude and natural wonder converge beneath endless skies.
Coon Hollow Campground offers primitive, dry camping with minimal facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the legendary Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway, where weathered wagon ruts still whisper tales of 19th-century pioneers, prospectors, and stagecoach passengers who braved this formidable desert crossing. This historic corridor once connected mining camps to coastal settlements, carrying dreams of fortune seekers drawn by rumors of gold and precious stones. Today, the trail offers modern adventurers a chance to trace these ancient pathways while discovering remnants of the Old West scattered across the desert floor.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Coon Hollow into a desert paradise, where comfortable days averaging 69°F give way to crisp nights around 46°F—perfect for campfire gatherings under star-studded skies. With crystal-clear conditions dominating 88% of the time, you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. While occasional desert winds add drama to the landscape, the predominantly dry conditions create ideal camping weather that beckons outdoor enthusiasts from December through March.
ElevationNo elevation data provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living desert gallery where graceful palo verde trees paint the landscape with their distinctive green bark, while gnarled ironwood sentinels stand as thousand-year testaments to desert resilience. Delicate smoke trees create ethereal silhouettes against painted sunsets, and hardy mesquite provides welcome shade in this riparian oasis. This diverse botanical tapestry frames a geological wonderland, where ancient forces have sculpted dramatic rock formations and hidden crystalline treasures within the earth, creating a rockhound's paradise that reveals new wonders with each exploration.
Geological RegionExperience the raw beauty of the lower Colorado Desert, where eastern Riverside County unveils one of North America's most fascinating geological theaters. This desert riparian ecosystem thrives along ancient washes, creating verdant corridors adorned with iconic palo verde, smoke tree, mesquite, and ironwood communities. Millions of years of geological artistry have blessed this region with spectacular mineral deposits and unique rock formations, making it a mecca for geology enthusiasts and casual collectors alike who seek to uncover the earth's hidden treasures.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as very large, with some providing shaded picnic tables. Specific details about dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyNumber 29 is described as the furthest out from all other campsites, suggesting increased privacy. Otherwise, privacy levels are not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites29 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and gear, as the campground is remote.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Sept. 15 - April 15
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Large campsites
- specific maximum guests per site not provided.
Groups
No group-specific site information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are large and include picnic tables, BBQs, and fire pits. Some sites have cabanas for shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from September 15 through April 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not applicable; walk-up camping only.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping available. Reviews highlight the availability of large campsites and first-come-first-served setup.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available for this campground.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers activities like rock-hounding, stargazing, and exploring nearby historical trails. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic desert environment.
Hiking
"The historic Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway provides access to numerous trails, gem and mineral collection sites, and a historic stage route/mining area."Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire pits are provided at each campsite.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include strong winds, fine desert dirt infiltrating gear, and limited water availability. Wildlife risks were not detailed.
Weather at Coon Hollow Campground
66
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.6 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
Closest hospital and police services are likely located in Blythe, CA.
Good to know
Peak season datesSeptember 15 - April 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water features mentioned; the campground operates dry camping.
Common complaintsComplainants mention gruff behavior from certain camp hosts, washboard roads requiring grading, and limited internet connectivity despite cell signal availability.
HostMixed reviews of camp hosts, with some negative feedback about one host's behavior and positive feedback about helpfulness of others.
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, Palm Springs South Coast Field Office, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, USA
Driving directionsTurn south at the Wiley’s Well Road exit from Interstate Highway 10 located about 16 miles west of Blythe, California. Drive southward on Wiley’s Well Road 12.1 miles to reach the Coon Hollow Campground sign at 33°26.737' N and 114°53.696' W. Turn right and drive west 0.5 mile to the campsites. From I 10 the road is paved 2.9 miles to the Chuckawalla Valley and Ironwood State Prison where a small sign indicates camping ahead. The road from this point consists of graded dirt and unless it is raining, or it has rained recently, it should be passable for all types of vehicles. If the road has not been graded within the previous two or three weeks, though, it is likely to be seriously wash-boarded.
The road leading to the campground consists of paved sections up to Chuckawalla Valley and Ironwood State Prison followed by graded dirt roads. It is generally passable for all types of vehicles unless it has rained recently. The dirt road may become severely washboarded if not graded within two to three weeks.Nearby places
Blythe, CA (16 miles west, approximately 20 minutes drive)
Palm Springs, CA (null distance and travel time provided).
Nearby supplies
Supplies may be available in Blythe, CA, approximately 16 miles west of the campground. Campers are advised to bring all food, water, and gear due to the remote nature of the site.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
9 reviews
Coon Hollow Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and suitability for rock-hounding. Some reviews positively mention the large campsite sizes and the helpfulness of the camp host, while others criticize the attitude of certain hosts and the bumpy dirt road leading to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
"We stopped in to go looking for geodes. The campsite was quiet and clean. Each campsite comes with a picnic table, BBQ, and fire pit." (Colby Wakeman). "Awesome place to explore, rockhound, and see...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users criticized the road conditions: "...the 5 miles of washboard dirt road to get here I would highly recommend it!" (Nancy Jensen). Others mentioned dissatisfaction with a host's attitude:...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend coming prepared with all necessary supplies: "Be prepared with all your gear and food/water because there is nothing around for miles but well worth the experience." (J.P).
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is a good choice for desert camping between September and April, which aligns with the stay limit season. Summers are likely less favorable due to extreme heat,...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bathrooms were clean and well-stocked." (Daniel Richmond); "Dry camping, pit toilets, one water fill station." (Gary Dyer); "$40 for 2 weeks, $80 for a month or $180 for the season." (Sandy Carter).
Based on 9 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Number 29 is mentioned as being the furthest out and offering more seclusion.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews are provided regarding accessibility features.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user complained about a camp host allowing their dog to roam freely, which could be a concern for pet owners: "He also lets his dog run throughout the campground unleashed nearly every day." (Red...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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