Corn Springs Campground – Chuckwalla Mountains
Corn Springs Campground is a small, primitive campground nestled deep within the Chuckwalla Mountains, about 10 miles south of Interstate 10 in Southern California.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this campground features a scenic desert oasis surrounded by California fan palms and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural beauty. With a $6.00 nightly fee, Corn Springs is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat and opportunities for wildlife viewing, rock art exploration, and desert hiking.
Campground Details
Site types | Tent, RV (primitive sites) |
Amenities | Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets |
Information number | 760-833-7100 |
BLM_CA_Web_PS@blm.gov | |
Reservations | First-come, first-served |
Campground address | Corn Springs Road, Chuckwalla Valley, CA |
Campground GPS | 33.6262, -115.3265 |
Location | Chuckwalla Mountains, Colorado Desert |
Season | Year-round |
Fee | $6.00 per night |
How to Get to Corn Springs Campground
The campground is located about 10 miles from Interstate 10. Two-wheel-drive passenger vehicles can reach the campground. From Interstate 10, take Exit # 201 onto Chuckwalla Valley Road. Take Chuckwalla Valley Road south to Corn Springs Road. Turn right onto Corn Springs Road and drive 6.8 miles. You will see the sign for Corn Springs Campground in front of the oasis. Turn right into the campground.
Campground Overview
Tucked into a secluded canyon of the Chuckwalla Mountains, Corn Springs Campground offers a tranquil escape into the heart of the Colorado Desert.
This primitive campground features several sites with picnic tables and fire rings, as well as vault toilets. While there is no potable water available, the serene setting amidst towering California fan palms provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
Corn Springs is more than just a campground—it’s a historical and cultural treasure. The area was a major site for prehistoric Native American groups, and visitors can explore an impressive array of petroglyphs that date back thousands of years. These rock carvings, among the finest in the Colorado Desert, offer insights into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the oasis’s role as a haven for birds and other desert animals. Corn Springs serves as an important stopover for migratory birds and provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
Beyond the oasis, the surrounding desert offers a rugged landscape ideal for hiking and exploring. Visitors can immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the desert, enjoying stunning stargazing opportunities at night thanks to the campground’s remote location.
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the wildlife, or the solitude, Corn Springs Campground provides a unique desert camping experience that connects visitors to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Colorado Desert.