Got Sand? Free Camping in California's Ocotillo Wells

If you like the thrill of roaring up and down dunes in your hopped-up off-roader, and want to mix it with FREE boondocking, then you'll surely want to check out Ocotillo Wells. An 80,000 acre off-roader's paradise, it's a California State Parks managed area south of Indio, California.

There are no fees charged for riding, nor for camping. However, there is a limit to camping--30 days per calendar year. While there are several "developed" camping areas that include vault toilets, shade ramadas, picnic tables, and fire rings, you won't find a single drop of potable water anywhere in the recreation area.

What's the attraction? Better make it plural: Off roaders have hills, slides, and dunes to trundle over, and a host of other scenic attractions to explore. The park's web site also mentions haunted mines--use your own judgment on those.

For more information, check out the official website here.
Photo: olvegrn on flickr.com