Slab City, a Spot in the Desert Where Everyone is Welcome

Van Dwellers are a wandering lot, traveling across the country following the warm weather always looking for a place to spend the night that will allow them to keep their money in their pocket. Sure there's the nearest Wal-Mart parking lot, or maybe a quiet spot in a residential neighborhood, but now and then it's nice to gather with others of a similar mindset at a location where all are welcome and they can stay as long as they like.

Slab City, a.k.a. The Slabs, is an abandoned World War II military base located about 3-4 miles north of Niland California in the Colorado Desert. Marine Barracks Camp Dunlop was abandoned by the military though a small group of servicemen stayed on. Since that time there has always been people staying on what is left of the base. With the wooden building long gone, for the most part the remaining concrete slabs from their foundation is the predominant feature still visible, hence the name Slab City.

Snow birds, Van dwellers, nomads, squatters and wanderer's, all are welcome. Come for a day, a month, or even a lifetime. Don't expect much in the way of amenities though surprisingly it's not as primitive and isolated as you might think. On site you will find a free primitive shower and community outhouse and services such as delivered water, garbage service, auto repair and firewood delivery can be arranged for a fee as well.

The nearby town of Niland offers all the usually civilized amenities such as Post Office, grocery store, restaurants and Laundromat. Watch this video of driving to our Slab City Campsite

Arriving at Slab City, Salvation Mountain will greet you. An ongoing demonstration of Love and Peace by Leonard Knight. Created by covering his mountain with upwards of 100,000 gallons of brightly colored paint his display is open to all. A unique photo opportunity built by a man who chose to spend much of his life in the desert spreading the message of the Gospel. Watch this video of Leonard Knight and his Salvation Mountain

The Range is an open air theater space complete with raised performance platform and lighting. Making use of abandoned bus seats and similar found and scrounged articles it offers a place to perform for any traveling troubadours that might pass through the area.

For your cultural improvement there is the Lizard Tree Library. Run as an honor system resource it is a collection of hundreds of books donated by those who come to stay at the Slabs..

It's not a high class resort, most would consider it down right primitive. During the summer months the heat is oppressive staying over +100 degrees most of the time. It's one shiny strength is that it's a place where everyone is welcome and there's very little reason to hurry off.

If your in the area come set for a spell. Not need to get fancy here, just get comfortable. The Slabs is a good place to kick back and let time pass by.