Open
— Currently open as part of the LTVA season from September 15 through April 15. A permit is required during this period, costing $180 for seven months or $40 for 14 consecutive days. During the off-season from April 16 through September 14, camping is free with a standard 14-day limit.
About
Located in the lower Colorado Desert of eastern Riverside County, Coon Hollow Campground sits adjacent to a desert riparian wash populated by palo verde, smoke tree, mesquite, and ironwood trees. As part of the Mule Mountain Long Term Visitor Area system, the campground provides 29 designated sites for those seeking extended winter camping in the desert.
The campground serves as a base for rockhounds, with easy 4-wheel-drive access to Hauser Geode Beds and Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine. The historic Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway provides additional access to numerous trails, gem and mineral collection sites, and historic stage route and mining areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities include kit fox and various bird species.
Access requires driving 12.1 miles south on Wiley's Well Road from Interstate 10. The first 2.9 miles are paved, while the remaining distance consists of graded dirt road that is typically passable for all vehicle types unless recently rained on or not graded within the previous few weeks, when serious washboard conditions may develop.
Directions
Turn south at the Wiley's Well Road exit from Interstate Highway 10, located about 16 miles west of Blythe, California. Drive southward on Wiley's Well Road 12.1 miles to reach the Coon Hollow Campground sign at 33°26.737' N and 114°53.696' W. Turn right and drive west 0.5 mile to the campsites. From I-10 the road is paved 2.9 miles to the Chuckawalla Valley and Ironwood State Prison where a small sign indicates camping ahead. The road from this point consists of graded dirt and unless it is raining, or it has rained recently, it should be passable for all types of vehicles. If the road has not been graded within the previous two or three weeks, though, it is likely to be seriously washboarded.
Nearby Campgrounds