Helpful tips

Is Slab City really lawless?

Is Slab City really lawless?

Slab City is a lawless place in terms of government laws. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its own laws. You can live freely here and you can be whoever you want, but you also have to follow the rules. There is a leader and a core community of long term Slabbers that call the shots.

Where is Slab City in into the wild?

Southern California
SLAB CITY is a paradoxical — and maybe quintessentially American — place. Situated in the scrubby desert hinterlands of Southern California, this sprawling encampment is a community of mavericks, a makeshift society of misfits, anarchists and stubborn individualists.

Can you visit Slab City?

Slab City is generally safe. Most residents are welcoming to new members and tourists. As long as you are respectful and remain in the designated travel areas, visiting the city should be nothing short of a safe and fun experience. To be safe, avoid slab city at night.

Is Slab City BLM land?

Slab City is 600+ acres owned by the state of California and is a designated “free place” where people can squat or camp.

Do police go to Slab City?

Is there any law enforcement? No. Slab City does not have any local law enforcement. But, as a part of Imperial County, the Sheriff does patrol the city from time to time.

What can you not do in Slab City?

What Not to Do

  • Do NOT drive off into the desert. Desert roads can very rapidly become sand traps and getting trapped in a remote part of the desert is very dangerous.
  • Despite the amount of trash in Slab City do NOT leave your own trash behind. You are a visitor and you should be respectful.
  • Do not come empty-handed.

Does Slab City have police?

Who owns Slab City?

Only four miles east of Niland, California, Slab City is part artistic commune, part snowbird getaway, and part refuge for druggies and squatters. Many of its residents call it “the last free place.” However, technically the city is owned by the California State Teachers Retirement System.

What kind of people live in Slab City?

Under the unforgiving sun of southern California’s Colorado Desert lies Slab City, a community of squatters, artists, snowbirds, migrants, survivalists, and homeless people. Called by some “the last free place” and by others “an enclave of anarchy,” Slab City is also the end of the road for many.

How do they get water in Slab City?

Slab City sits between two canals, and there’s a hot spring between them. The canal on the north side has a fence around it, and it’s a felony to take water from it.

What should I bring to Slab City?

Despite the amount of trash in Slab City do NOT leave your own trash behind. You are a visitor and you should be respectful. Do not come empty-handed. Bring beer, trinkets, books, or anything else you think might be good to give or trade with the locals.

What are the rules in Slab City?

The residents share one communal shower, a concrete cistern that is fed by a hot spring 100 yards away. The lack of government is also what drives many people to the free land of Slab City. With no rules or laws, it is said that some squabbles have resulted in RVs set in flames, and even shootouts.