Southwest Slab City - Boondocking?

[nvestysly]

I just came across something interesting is Southern California called Slab City. Perform any internet search on Slab City and you'll find plenty of information. I've included a wikipedia link below

Slab City - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Camping at Slab City is boondocking since there are no facilities/hookups but during the winter months there are seemingly countless inhabitants so in some ways you're not in the boondocks.

Sounds like an interesting place/community. Anyone ever been there? Comments?

Lucius

[ArtStream]

Lucius, Hi.

I visited "The SLAB" in February.

See "Mad Max beyond Thunder Dome"

I would visit again and stay for awhile during the tourist season.
After tourist season it's a bit gritty.

Very interesting.

Quartzsite, AZ is more to my liking.

Enjoy,
Michael

[CanoeStream]

Good alternate lifestyles to be had there! The best way to find previous posting is to put the following (including quotes to get exact phrasing) in a Google search field: "slab city" site:www.airforums.com

[Goin camping]

We've been to Slab City and loved it. But we are odd people.

It is very ecclectic. The campers surrounding us last time were a 2Mill. Prevost. a guy in a tent w/solar panel, A new 5th wheel, A guy in a non running mini van. Another in a Class C junker that will never roll again.

There are many that live there year round and many little RV junkyard fortresses. A little Mad Maxi kinda place.

We'll stay there again just cause we fit in to the strangness.

I will tell you though that Quarztsite is nicer in that everybodys vehicle looks like it will run and there is nowhere near the junk. Also the town of Quartasite offer a heck of a lot more compared to Nyland, Ca.

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by ArtStream

Lucius, Hi.

See "Mad Max beyond Thunder Dome"

Michael

An apt description to be sure. When I was there, I was kind of thinking something like "Escape from New York"-ish. I haven't been there in twenty years, and it sounds like it hasn't changed much.

Oh... and has anyone mentioned how pleasant aromas are that waft over from the Salton Sea?

Roger

[nvestysly]

Okay, I realize this is an old thread...

It looks like Danielle and I will have a chance to see Slab City sometime over the winter holidays. Our visit may only be a quick overnighter but I've wanted to see this place for years. It looks like this may be the time.

Any updates from anyone?

Lucius

[deauxrite]

Was there a couple of weeks ago. My personal opinion was that it was a giant sucking flesh wound on the surface of the earth. In California, no less. I would not stay then..and have no plans to return. Oh, by the way, the Salton sea smells NEARLY as bad as "the slabs".

[TBRich]

I would have "Plan B" in the wings in case you get there and don't like what you find ... don't feel safe ... or just want to keep driving. It's definitely not for everyone.

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

Okay, I realize this is an old thread...

It looks like Danielle and I will have a chance to see Slab City sometime over the winter holidays. Our visit may only be a quick overnighter but I've wanted to see this place for years. It looks like this may be the time.

Any updates from anyone?

Lucius

How was it?

[loudruff]

Larry and I found it an interesting place and stayed for 3nights. We found Artstream living in a section called the "LOWS", (Loners on Wheels). We never felt that it was dangerous in that area. We found people to be cautious, but friendly. It is indeed an eclectic place full of people having adventures of their own.
We stayed at Quartzite for a few days too. Less interesting there, but the town is unique.
And we also boondocked at Joshua Tree, outside of the south gate in BLM. Another good spot to check out.