Amboy Crater, near Amboy, California, is a unique spot that offers a blend of natural beauty and adventure. This area is known for its stunning volcanic landscape, making it a great place for hiking and exploring the crater itself.

The camping spots here are limited, but visitors appreciate the cleanliness and upkeep of the area. Many have noted that it’s a peaceful retreat, with the occasional train passing by adding a soothing background sound at night. As one camper mentioned, “It’s always pretty simple to find a little spot,” making it a solid choice for a weekend getaway.

For those interested in stargazing, Amboy Crater is a fantastic location, especially during special events. The clear desert skies provide an incredible view of the stars, and the lack of light pollution enhances the experience. Plus, the nearby day-use area has bathrooms, which is a nice touch for campers.

If you’re looking for a spot that combines outdoor fun with a bit of charm, Amboy Crater is worth checking out. Whether you're hiking to the crater or just soaking in the scenery, this location has a lot to offer for a memorable camping experience.

Amboy Crater Dispersed

Looking for the best campgrounds near Amboy, CA? Amboy is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Amboy, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Amboy

The Best Camping Near Amboy, California

Main Amboy Crater Parking Lot does not allow overnight camping, but their overflow parking area does. Overflow parking is asphalt but has dirt edges you can pitch a tent on. Otherwise, there were dirt areas we camped at. Gets crowded during new moon weekends, and can get windy.

Had AT&amp;T service here. No TMo.

Great place for astrophotography

Plain and simple just a spot to pull off route 66 and do disbursed BLM camping. I found a spot not too far off the road because it had LTE 1 bar. Trains rumble by fairly often but it's not that loud. Some folks are staying up the day use area but there are no posted signs saying no overnight camping either there or at the 2nd parking lot which is halfway to the road. I enjoyed the hike up to the top of the crater.

Dispersed BLM

This is a seemingly in remarkable spot but we really like it.  It’s close to home for us but on a nice day it’s very pretty and the volcano is cool to hike to.  The day use parking lot has bathrooms.  Not a lot of spots to camp but it’s also not a crowded spot unless there is a stargazing event.  It’s close to Roy’s for a fun little touristy stop.  The camping area is the overflow parking lot.  

We had a 23 ft rv 
Decent cell service 

Great easy little fun spot

This is a great spot.  Now I might be a bit biased because it’s only 1 and 1/3 from my house but this spot is underrated.  
It’s super clean.  No trash etc.  the Mojave preserve parks do a great job.  If you go to the day use area it’s also clean and well kept as well as just really a nice area.  Great hike to the crater.  They filmed “ Journey ToThe Center Of The Earth “ there.   There aren’t a lot of spots to camp but because nobody comes here very much it’s always pretty simple to find a little spot.  It’s a great weekender/ short get away spot.   There is a train that runs by but it’s not loud.  It’s far enough away that the train sound is actually soothing at night and I think ads to the charm.  Yes, can be windy but also can be perfect.  The stargazing is amazing and it will be busy here if there is a stargazing event 

Updated after another visit 

Ok. Now that's out of the way. It's a parking lot for The Amboy volcanic crater.  There is plenty of room for camping  overnight for any size rig. Clean pit toilets and paved parking area. Easy hike to the crater, but a hard pull to the top. No water.  Excellent At&amp;t 5g cell service.  The nighttime sky viewing was great. Note: When leaving the monument onto 66, there's a no left turn sign. Ignore it. The road is open to Ludlow.  
 
 

No campfires allowed! 

Just a very clean parking/camping lot with 360 degree view. Amboy crater and the lava fields are beautiful hikes. Can be super hot and windy. 

Very clean with toilets

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We stopped overnight at Amboy Crater during our vanlife road trip in our Hi 5 Campervan, and it was one of the most surreal camping spots we’ve experienced. It’s boondocking-style, so don't expect any hookups— but the peace, stars, and Mars-like vibes make it worth it.✅ What we loved: Easy access right off Route 66. Ample parking space for our Hi 5 campervan(ours is about 11 ft tall— no issues at all). Uninterrupted views of the crater and desert. Free and quiet overnight stay(just be respectful and leave no trace). Perfect for catching a sunrise or drone shot!⚠️ Good to know: No water or amenities— bring your own supplies. Cell service is very weak, so download offline maps in advance. Gets windy at night, so secure your gear. Trail to the crater rim is doable but not shaded— hike early morning or sunset.🎥 This spot was a dream for content creation. We got epic drone boomerang shots of our van parked solo in the desert. You won't find a vibe like this in Canada!

Photos of Amboy Crater Dispersed

Real photos from real campers