Desert Camping in California
Discover the best desert camping across California. Discover the magic of desert camping. Dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and serene solitude.
Desert Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Rare native palm oases emerge from rust-colored canyons where underground springs create hidden pockets of life against towering mountain backdrops. When darkness falls, the desert sky transforms into an unobstructed planetarium, revealing countless stars that illuminate ocotillos and...
Wiley'S Well Campground
Ancient ironwoods and smoke trees line a desert wash where silence stretches for miles, broken only by wind through mesquite branches and the call of distant birds.
Hole-In-The-Wall Campground
Dramatic volcanic rock formations create a natural sculpture garden where coyotes leave tracks at dawn and tarantulas emerge after sunset. The Rings Loop Trail winds through towering stone walls while night skies blaze with stars far from any city lights.
About Desert Camping in California
Desert camping California offers some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the American West, from the otherworldly badlands of Death Valley to the iconic Joshua trees of the Mojave and the hidden palm oases of Anza-Borrego. California's desert regions span over 25 million acres across the southeastern portion of the state, encompassing three distinct desert ecosystems: the high Mojave Desert with its Joshua trees and volcanic formations, the low Colorado Desert with its sand dunes and palm canyons, and the unique transition zones of Death Valley where elevations range from 282 feet below sea level to over 11,000 feet.
Best Time
The optimal window for desert camping California runs from late October through early April, when daytime temperatures range from comfortable 60s to pleasant 80s and nighttime lows drop into the 40s and 50s. February through March offers the spectacular possibility of wildflower super blooms following wet winters, transforming the typically brown landscape into carpets of gold, purple, and pink—though bloom timing and intensity varies dramatically year to year based on rainfall patterns.
Scenery Highlights
- Unique desert landscapes
- World-class stargazing
- Mild winter temperatures
- Solitude and wide-open spaces
Explore Desert Camping in California
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Water management is critical for desert camping—bring at least one gallon per person per day for drinking, plus additional water for cooking and washing, as many campgrounds have no water source or only seasonal availability.
- 2Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings, including warm sleeping bags rated to at least 20°F for winter nights and sun protection for daytime including wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- 3A shade structure or canopy dramatically improves comfort at exposed sites.
- 4Check current conditions before departure as flash flood risks exist during rare rain events, and some dirt access roads become impassable when wet.
Desert Camping in California FAQ
We've ranked 20+ desert campgrounds in California based on scenery, stargazing conditions, and accessibility. Top options offer dramatic landscapes and incredible night skies.
Desert camping in California is best from October through April when temperatures are moderate. Winter offers mild daytime temps and cold nights perfect for campfires.
For desert camping in California, bring extra water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), sun protection, layers for cold nights, and sturdy tent stakes for sandy or rocky ground.
Popular California Campgrounds Book Fast
The best desert camping in California book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
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