For the most part Route S2 follows the old Butterfield Stage Route along the western edge of the park. It’s about 35 miles long with many opportunities to hike or explore the intersecting dirt roads. We stayed on the paved road for a scenic drive through varying terrain with nice boondocking spots at the beginning and end.
Dispersed camping is permitted along any dirt road but you must stay at least one vehicle length away from the road. Our first boondocking spot was off of a short, unmarked, dirt road that loops beside Route S2. Our campsite was close to the paved road but there are 4 or 5 sites on the edge of a cliff with great views of the Carrizo Badlands. Small RVs only!. The Badlands are composed of sandy and silty sediments deposited over millions of years by the Colorado River with fossils of extinct mammals, marine animals, and hundreds of plants buried in the many layers.
Badlands 32.827, -116.16566
Although we didn’t camp at Blair Valley we did stop to check out the free camping. Camping is restricted to an area close to the entrance and along the dirt roads on either side of the dry lake bed. No camping on the lake bed itself. We drove a short distance along the road by the base of the hills where the campsites were close to the road and busy. The road goes for a couple of miles so camping may be better farther in. The road is rough in spots. Blair Valley 33.03827, -116.40908
Our last camping spot was in a large dirt parking lot for the Pacific Crest Trail. The north end of the lot has a nice little spur off of the main lot and is surrounded by desert plants.
Pacific Crest Trailhead 33.10185, -116.47478
For the most part Route S2 follows the old Butterfield Stage Route along the western edge of the park. It’s about 35 miles long with many opportunities to hike or explore the intersecting dirt roads. We stayed on the paved road for a scenic drive through varying terrain with nice boondocking spots at the beginning and end. 
Although we didn’t camp at Blair Valley we did stop to check out the free camping. Camping is restricted to an area close to the entrance and along the dirt roads on either side of the dry lake bed. No camping on the lake bed itself. We drove a short distance along the road by the base of the hills where the campsites were close to the road and busy. The road goes for a couple of miles so camping may be better farther in. The road is rough in spots. Blair Valley 33.03827, -116.40908
You didn't have any trouble getting in or out? I bet it's getting too hot down there to be comfortable with A/C. Yes?
ReplyDeleteNo problem getting in and out. We were there a week ago and it was nice. We're a little farther north now and it's getting hot here so I'll bet Mojave is sweltering.
Delete