How to Live in Slab City

Last Updated: March 4, 2021

Living off grid, to many, simply means detaching themselves from corporate or government operated services such as welfare, cable or electricity. Surround yourself with Slab City's permanent residents, and you'll really learn the meaning of living away from civilization on a more permanent scale. Situated close to Niland, California, the deserted Word War II Marine outpost draws thousands of visitors annually and continually piques the interest of folks eager to disengage themselves from society's hustle and bustle. If you'd love to live in The Slabs, your crash course awaits below.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to go to Slab City

1
Gauge your personal comfort level before heading to Slab City. This type of living isn't for everyone, and you'll need to rely on survival instincts to make it each day.
2
Prepare for a primitive lifestyle. Since you simply cannot run to a shower house, flip on ESPN or hit the gym, you must mentally prepare yourself for life away from civilization. This means you'll need to learn food growing, basic survivalist skills and mentally training yourself to live with literally nothing more than what you choose to bring.

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3
Plan ahead. The new paradigm in primitive living is to plan ahead, unlike the days when you had a Swiss Army knife and some clothes. Several items would come in handy should you wish to remain technologically engaged with society: a small or medium solar panel charger, small rainwater collection kit (water stowage), a tent large enough to stand and not feel cramped up in, a means to cook food, at least two weeks worth of easy-to-carry rations and either a consistent financial source, or the skills to barter. Remember––you'll be living outside of a city that is relatively small and without much work.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Getting to Slab City

1
Find your way there. Niland sits on California Highway 111, which runs near Interstate 10. You can also take the Route 86 South exit off I-10 as 86 joins 111 near Mecca, CA. From Niland, take Main Street until it joins Beal Road; once you pass Salvation Mountain, you're just around the corner from The Slabs.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Setting up in Slab City

1
Once you arrive, find space. The area is considered 'deserted territory' by the United States government;^{[citation needed]} however, those living there have set up their own camps, so find space that is a comfortable distance from your nearby neighbor. Many 'courtesy' rules exist at The Slabs, such as allowing perennial RVers the courtesy to have the same spot, although these rules are not enforced since they, essentially, cannot be enforced because nobody owns the land.
2
Get situated. If driving, you'll probably want to set up camp near your vehicle to allow others the opportunity to have space; if walking, perhaps 'mark' your territory with a flag, stick sign or something similar. Set up your tent, prepare your bedding, then start mingling with the locals, in order to learn more about The Slabs and their 'community courtesy rules'.
3
Learn about surviving. Many kind folks may have rations to give or loan from time to time, yet it's ultimately your responsibility to feed, water and bathe yourself. Ask if different outposts have been created to help people learn about survival. Again, The Slabs are not governed by any specific body, and nobody can do more than to ask you to leave their particular campsite.
4
Plan trips to Niland sparingly. If you can hitch a ride with someone to town every couple of weeks to gather rations or water, take the opportunity to do so. If hitchhiking back and forth, you should only carry what you can, and maybe make several trips each week.
5
Keep a level head and kind demeanor while living at The Slabs. Although most individuals are down to earth, rude and disruptive individuals are dealt with, most of the time not very kindly.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I build underground (not deep) with supports, maybe something like a root cellar?

Dave G.

Community Answer

You may see if there's a heat map of the area. This may tell you about the ground texture. As California has pretty much written this land off, it's probably a waste of time calling the county surveyor.
Question

Where do I bathe? As a tenter, what have people done in regards to removing human waste from the area? What kind of stores are in Niland? Besides Niland, how far is the next biggest town?

Community Answer

You bathe in the stream and mulch your waste. There are not many stores: one gas station and a couple of mom and pop grocery stores. Calapatria is the next town.
Question

Is there an ATM nearby?

Andrew Michael

Community Answer

I know of 2 in Niland (about 4 miles away) - one at the United Food Center (small grocery store) and the other at the Soco gas station. The post office will do cash back if you make a debit card purchase.