Boondocking in California
The most diverse boondocking state in the US — from Mojave Desert flats at sea level to Eastern Sierra peaks at 10,000 feet. California's permit system, fire restrictions, and CARB regulations require more pre-trip research than most states.
Best Season
Year-Round (elevation-dependent)
Max Stay
14 days (BLM/USFS standard)
Nightly Cost
Free (dispersed)
Difficulty
Intermediate
The CARB Generator Rule — Read Before You Go
California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations restrict the sale and use of non-CARB-compliant small engines in California. Many portable generators sold outside California are not CARB-compliant for California use. Enforcement of generator use rules in remote boondocking areas is rare, but if you're buying a generator for primary California use, purchase a CARB-compliant unit.
Named Boondocking Areas
Mojave Desert Bureau of Land Management (BLM) (Barstow/Needles area)
Vast public land in the high desert (2,000–4,500 ft). Best October–April. Summer temperatures exceed 115°F — dangerous without extreme heat preparation. Joshua trees, dry lakes, OHV corridors. Cell signal: Verizon decent on US-40/I-15 corridors, spotty in remote areas.
Eastern Sierra — Inyo National Forest
The corridor from Bishop to Bridgeport (US-395) offers spectacular high-altitude dispersed camping. Best June–October above 8,000 ft. Day-use permits now required for some areas (Mount Whitney zone, Inyo Craters). Check recreation.gov 6 weeks ahead for permit windows.
Anza-Borrego BLM fringe
Desert State Park is developed camping only, but adjacent BLM land allows dispersed camping. Spring wildflowers are among the best in the US — book accordingly or arrive mid-week. Best November–April.
Shasta-Trinity and Mendocino National Forests
Northern California's underrated boondocking corridor. Green, forested, cool. Best May–October. Fewer crowds than Southern California BLM. Fire restrictions (Stage 1 and 2) are common June–September — check CAL FIRE and USFS fire restriction maps before arrival. Campfire permits required year-round on USFS land.
Fire Restrictions — California's Most Misunderstood Rule
California requires a free campfire permit (CAL FIRE Campfire Permit) year-round to use a portable stove, charcoal grill, or campfire on State or Federal land outside of a developed campground. Get this permit at preventwildfireca.org before your trip — it takes 5 minutes online.
Beyond the permit, USFS and BLM fire restrictions can prohibit ALL open flames (including propane stoves) during Stage 2 restrictions. Check the USFS Fire Restriction page for each forest before arrival, not just once per season. Restrictions change in 24–48 hours during high-fire-risk periods.