“The Last Free Place on Earth”: The Unincorporated, Off-Grid Alternative Lifestyle Community of Slab City

Where the desert meets creativity in a unique, off-grid community.

slab city squatter community california 0 — Welcome to “the last free place on earth”. Photo: tuchodi

If you are looking for a place to live off the grid, you might have heard of Slab City, a lawless and unincorporated alternative lifestyle community in the Sonoran Desert of California.

Slab City is not your typical town. It has no official electricity, running water, sewers, trash pickup, law enforcement, taxation or administration. It is a squatters’ paradise, where people live on public land that was once a military base. In this article, we will look at the history, culture and challenges of Slab City, and why some people call it “the last free place on earth”.

slab city squatter community california 1 — Photo: Marc Cooper

Slab City is located on 640 acres of public land, about 50 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border and 100 miles northeast of San Diego. It sits on the site of Camp Dunlap, a former U.S. Marine Corps base that was established in 1942 as a training ground for field and anti-aircraft artillery units.

The camp had fully functioning buildings, water, roads and sewage collections, but it was decommissioned after World War II and dismantled by 1956. All that remained were the concrete slabs that gave the place its name.

slab city squatter community california 5 — Slabs and sunshine. A lot of sunshine. Photo: moominsean

The first settlers of Slab City were a few veterans who had worked at the Marine base, followed by drifters and recreational vehicle owners who were looking for free camping spots outside Palm Springs.

The area became more popular after an article was printed in Trailer Life and RV Magazine around 1984. By 1988, there were about 2000 trailers in Slab City.

slab city squatter community california 6 — He could be one of the first settlers that arrived in Slab City. Photo: moominsean

Today, the population varies depending on the season. In the winter, thousands of snowbirds flock to Slab City to escape the cold weather in other parts of the country.

In the summer, only a few hundred hardcore residents remain, enduring temperatures that can reach over 120°F.

slab city squatter community california 3 — They are probably one of the hardcore residents. Photo: gericon

Slab City is not a homogeneous community. It is composed of various subcultures and factions, each with their own rules and norms. Some of the most notable ones are:

The Slabs: The original inhabitants of Slab City, who live in makeshift shelters built from salvaged materials. They are often seen as the most anarchic and rebellious group, rejecting any form of authority or regulation.
The Range: A group of musicians and artists who host weekly open mic nights at an outdoor stage made from old tires and metal scraps. They are known for their creativity and diversity, welcoming anyone who wants to perform or express themselves.
East Jesus: An art collective that creates sculptures and installations from recycled junk and trash. They are also involved in environmental and educational projects, such as composting, gardening and solar power.
Salvation Mountain: A religious monument built by Leonard Knight, an early settler who died in 2014. It is a colorful hill made from adobe, straw and paint, with messages of love and faith. It is considered a folk art masterpiece and attracts many visitors and pilgrims.

slab city squatter community california 7 — Salvation Mountain, Slab City, CA. Photo: Chad Russell

Slab City is not without its problems and challenges. Living off the grid means having to deal with limited resources and harsh conditions. Water has to be brought in by truck or collected from nearby canals or hot springs. Electricity is generated by solar panels or generators. Sanitation is poor and waste disposal is difficult.

Crime and violence are also common issues, as there is no police or security presence in Slab City. Disputes are often settled by personal justice or vigilante groups. Addictions are rampant.

slab city squatter community california 8 — Slab City also probably has the most challenging golf course in the United States. Of course, it’s free. But there are no tee-times, it’s all bunkers, and you better use a glowing ball. Because good luck finding your tee shot. Photo: Stephen Kallao

Despite these hardships, many residents of Slab City cherish their freedom and independence. They enjoy being able to live according to their own rules and preferences, without interference from the government or society.

They also value the sense of community and solidarity that they find among their fellow slabbies. They share resources, skills and stories, and help each other out in times of need.

slab city squatter community california 9 — If you ever visit the last free place on earth, you might want to stay in the Slab City Hostel. Photo: akahawkeyefan

Slab City is a unique and fascinating place that defies easy categorization. It is a place of contradictions: lawless yet peaceful, dirty yet artistic, isolated yet diverse. It is a place that challenges our assumptions about what it means to live off the grid, and what it means to be free.

Here are some more cool images about this amazing community.