Afton Canyon Campground

**Campground Review**

This was my first time camping at [Afton Canyon](https://www.blm.gov/visit/afton-canyon), a BLM run campground about an hour east of Barstow. It’s only about 10 minutes off the I-15 freeway but you would never know it! This small but well-kept campground offers access to amazing outdoor opportunities and sits by a true desert oasis. Despite being in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Afton Canyon is the only place where the Mojave River flows aboveground year-round! With ample riparian habitat you get many different ecological experiences at this one of a kind site. The canyon itself is called “the Grand Canyon of the Mojave” and is an awesome geologic feature. The riparian habitat makes wildlife in the area abundant. Plus, the famed Old Mojave Road 4x4 trail runs right through the area.

The campground itself is nice and secluded. Each site has a well-constructed fire-pit/grill and a shade structure over the picnic table. The campground has potable water and pit toilets too. I stayed at a site near the back so we could explore the surrounding area for critters. There are a lot of cool things to see from lizards, kangaroo rats, snakes and more often than not big horn sheep!

A few downsides: There are active train tracks that run by the campground though they did not run all night, which was nice. I had no problem with noise from the trains late at night or early in the morning. The one issue I had was the mosquitoes! Because of the water from the Mojave River the mosquitoes when I was there (April 18) were REALLY bad. I’m a mosquito-attractor and easily got 40+ bites without even realizing they were out. Not too pleasant the next day! So even though you're headed for the desert pack your bug repellant and use it.  

**Product Review**

As a Dyrt Ranger, I also get products to test and review in the field. At this campground I tested the Aftershokz [Trek Air Headphones](https://aftershokz.com/products/trekz-air).

These headphones are wireless with bone conduction technology, which means they don’t actually go in your ears. Wrapping around the ears, they sit on your temples and just behind you ear - very futuristic! My favorite qualities are:

*   The sound quality is great though it’s even better when you wear the provided ear plugs! I would say it’s comparable to other wireless ear buds currently on the market.
*   They sit very comfortably on my head and don’t move around when active and they don’t get sweaty.
*   As someone with smaller ear holes (is that the right term?) they don’t hurt my ears which is great!
*   The buttons are easy to use and straightforward. They also have a built-in mic so it can be used to talk on the phone, say when you’re in the car!
*   The charge lasts quite a while on these headphones, and it charges rather quickly. The cord is also pretty universal which makes charging a breeze!
*   Finally, they come in a convenient smooth matte bag so everything (including the cord and ear plugs) can stay together. And I LOVE the forest green color I picked.

They are truly great active headphones and are perfect for outdoor activities when you want to enjoy the world around you or hear you friends while hiking but still want to listen to your tunes! Plus, the bone conduction means that everyone around you isn’t forced to enjoy your music – please say no to hiking with Bluetooth speakers and get some of these!!!

Ranger Review: Aftershokz Trek Air Headphones at Afton Canyon Campground

I’ve stayed here every year for the past three years as part of a class studying Mojave Desert Ecology generally the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.  It can be windy and hot that time of year.  There is lots of wildlife and the geology seems neat.  There are pit toilets, no showers some shade structures which are newish.  It’s a good pretty campsite not far from I-15 and close to other areas of Mojave Natl Preserve.

Great wildlife

Nice little place tucked away in the Mojave. Not sure exactly how many campsites as we stayed towards the front , there are vault toilets available. The train tracks are directly across from the camp, I liked it:) There are several old mines nearby and a cave you can climb to the top of the mountain through. There’s just plenty to do near this campsite so it’s 5 star all the way;):)

Trains:):)

We got here after dark, super easy to navigate, even in the dark! The camp sites were huge, with concrete fire pit &amp; picnic table included. Bathrooms easily accessible to all campers, and close to all campsites. The train tracks were about 300 yards from where we stayed, noise was minimal and actually a very cool site when the trains passed. Looking forward to coming back to camp again!

Awesome

This place is great. Its about halfway between LA and Vegas and only 10 minutes off the 15. I arrived close to 1AM on a Friday and didn't have any trouble getting a prime spot. I originally was planning my trip to a different campground but that was full by the time I got there. Afton Canyon was within an hours drive from my original spot and I had it saved as a place I wanted to go on the The Dyrt. We took a chance at midnight and how fruitful it was. 10 minutes off the 15 lies a small campground tucked behind a beautiful trestle. Some trains come by at night and look amazing. The noise from the trains are actually quite soothing. It is located in one of the only areas where the Mojave River is above ground and is close the Mojave 4x4 Off-road trail. There are some great hikes nearby and beautiful views. The campsites have shaded structures grills and big fire pits. Afton Canyon will now be another go to site for me.

Love This Gem!

If you find yourself traveling through the Mojave along the 15 between L.A. and Vegas, do yourself a favor and stop off at this little gem of a campground. Located in Afton Canyon, this BLM Campground offers plenty of level sites, compete with concrete picnic tables, fire pits and charcoal grills. There are also pit toilets. The drive in is a bumpy dirt road about 3 miles off of the 15 along Afton Creek Rd. It was more suitable for all-wheel drive cars (esp when wet I imagine), but we saw everything from a Prius to a Class C motor home. We came in at night and found it almost empty, which was a nice change of pace. We went to sleep listening to coyotes howl in the distance. There is also the occasional train that comes through on the adjacent tracks, but it is more melodic than disturbing. The morning brought a riot of colors from the surrounding cliff faces and quickly warmed the cool desert morning. This is one of the few places the Mojave River runs above ground, so the place is teeming with birds and other wildlife. Definitely worth the stop.

Hidden gem oasis in the middle of the desert.

This is in a pretty spot. Much better than other camps right off highway. 
Trash cans were overflowing and lots of trash everywhere. 

Nice little camp

We drove in on our Prius and the 3mi dirt road sure was bumpy! No issues though, and the campground was great. We only stayed one night since we were just passing through, but we will definitely be stopping here next time we're driving through.

Excellent BLM Camp

Afton Canyon Campground is one of the hidden gems for spring and fall camping in the Mojave desert. The campground is located 4 miles from I-15 down a dirt road. The dirt road is easily accessed with any type of car. The campground is a first come first service basis and cost $6 a night. I believe there are 20 campsites. 

  

There are train tracks located next to the campground but the train doesn't run that much. I think I saw 4 trains in a 24 hour period. 

  

The campsite is located along the only section of the Mojave River that is above ground. It's a great place to explore the desert landscape. 

  

Cell Service: Good

Mojave River Camping

A place to camp that's covered, and tables. It’s very affordable so it fills up fast, people leave trash everywhere... so people please clean up after yourself. The road is super easy to get to. If you strike out there are  plenty of other free spots on the side of the road such as cima... so much trash but any of the side of the roads you can pull over and get a good night in that is decent.

Pull off on a long boring highway

As I travel, I really have no set destination.  Something will pop up.  As I left Tucson early that day, I started getting tired, and there wasn't much.  When suddenly, Afton Canyon pops up.  After 4 miles of 'fun' gravel, I arrived...and was the ONLY one here.  It was pretty darn warm (hot), but after setting up camp, I walked to the nearby train trestle over the Mojave River, cooled me off.  Because of the nearby water, mosquitoes were a bit of a problem.  There is one water spigot at the entrance to the camps (roundabout), and sadly, it had been quite some time since the camp was serviced.  The pit-toilets had paper, but needed emptying; and the trash cans were filled to overflowing, thus birds had picked &amp; scattered lots of trash.  Overall, this place has GREAT potential, and I completely enjoyed my night.  And as always, something will pop up :-)

Just when you think there won't be anything...along comes Afton Canyon

The 3.5 Mike gravel road is easy and wash board. Trains are a bit loud every 2 hours or so. Mosquitoes are abundant!! Vault toilets are available. The trails are soft sand, rock and river crossings. Overall a nice stay.

Off the beaten path

My wife and I stopped here in March on out way to death valley 3 miles down a wasboard road which wasn't to bad though the wind good lordy the wind was soooooo loud and so strong! 

Windy windy windy!

Wind was too intense to get the car back tent up at night. Good place to stop before or after the Mojave Trail. There's a small water crossing just after the campground before accessing the trail. My Subaru Crosstrek made it fairly easily just note its presence. 

Sites had a concrete table, fire pit with cooking bars, cover over the table and room for a couple cars. 

Community vault toilets were available. I'd advise bringing toilet paper! 

Convenient stop before the Mojave Trail

It’s a beautiful ride up the groomed dirt road, but there are definitely some steep and curved spots. Definitely not big rig friendly! All spots are in full sun and most have shaded picnic tables. There is a water spigot near the first site on the left when you enter the camping area. The keyhole shaped road does allow for an easy turnaround if you’re towing a small trailer. The sites vary from small and secluded surrounded by tall shrubs, ideal for cars, vans or tents. Others are deep enough for backing in a trailer and not having to unhitch your truck. All sites are back in but the road is just wide enough to provide decent swing space. This area is first come first served and takes cash or checks only. Envelopes and a secure dropbox are available at the info board. The info board is quite faded, but to the best of my knowledge as of November 2024 sites were six dollars per night or three dollars with your America the beautiful pass. 14 day limit. I was there nine days and only saw it get busy on the weekend. Mostly very respectful OHVers making use of the many dirt trails that head off into the canyons. There is a railroad bridge adjacent to the campground and the freight trains do come through fairly frequently, but that is the only other sign of civilization in this area.

Sunny Delight

I agree with others warning about the rough road to the campground.  Winds blew down my tent and I had to sleep in my car.  Left next morning. 
