Slab City is a sprawling encampment near the Salton Sea, associated with squatters, outsider artists, and seasonal visitors. In the book, its reputation as “The Last Free Place” draws nomads seeking somewhere to go when winter gathering places empty, but a visit by Linda May and LaVonne Ellis reveals a more uncertain reality: they leave after an uneasy first night and return to friends elsewhere.

Setting and Reputation

Situated on the site of a former military base, Slab City is presented as an encampment rather than a conventional town. Its self-image is captured in the name “The Last Free Place,” a claim that makes it a recognizable destination in the nomads’ wider geography. The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous maintained an outpost there, nicknamed “Friends of Bob.”

A Waypoint After the Gathering

As the fourteen-day limit on free camping approaches the end of the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, its campers begin making plans to scatter. Some travel in small groups; destinations include Slab City, the Yuma area, and, for those with the means to make the trip, Baja. The encampment thus appears as one waypoint in a seasonal circuit, not a permanent endpoint for the travelers described in the book.

Linda May and LaVonne Ellis Visit

After a stressful period helping a family settle into an RV, Linda May and LaVonne Ellis drive from Mission Viejo to Slab City, a place they have heard about for years. They arrive after dark and pull over to sleep, postponing their first look at the encampment until morning. In daylight, they see trash scattered around and decide to search for a more appealing campsite in LaVonne’s van.

A Facebook friend staying at Slab City tells them they had slept in an area frequented by meth users. Linda worries about the Squeeze Inn and her Jeep, which remain there, and the two women hurry back to check. The vehicles and Linda’s home are unharmed, but the unease persists. They leave Slab City immediately and head to Ehrenberg to rejoin the Rubber Tramp community.

Place in the Narrative

Slab City’s reputation as a haven and the women’s brief, unsettled encounter sit side by side. The visit does not resolve what the place means for nomads; instead, it shows that a celebrated destination can still feel unsuitable to particular travelers. Their departure also returns the narrative to the social ties that make life on the road workable: after the strain of the visit, reconnecting with friends in Ehrenberg feels welcome.