Map showing campground location near Cantil, California

Camper submitted image from Dove Springs OHV Area

Dove Springs OHV Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Dust and open desert define the experience at Dove Springs OHV Area, a BLM-managed campground on the high desert flats outside Cantil, California. The main dirt road is wide and flat, accessible to Class A and Class C motorhomes without much difficulty, and dispersed sites spread out in every direction from it. No hookups, no spigots. Just open ground and room to spread out.

The area draws a mix of OHV riders, families hauling off-road vehicles, and van campers looking for free desert camping. Weekday visits tend to be low-key, with riders clearing out during the day and nights staying relatively quiet. Friday nights shift the tone, with later arrivals focused more on socializing than riding. Campers who prefer less noise can push farther from the main road, where the sound of passing OHVs fades considerably. Cell coverage is workable closer to the entrance, with T-Mobile users reporting enough signal for HD streaming, though it weakens deeper into the area.

Water is the main practical gap here. The nearest resupply point is Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, about 6 miles away, though reviewers note its spigots don't accept standard hose attachments. Wind can also be a real factor. One reviewer noted parking a Class C directly into the wind to reduce swaying overnight. Campers who come prepared for both conditions will find Dove Springs a capable base for desert riding and low-cost overnight stops.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Santa Barbara to San Diego: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsDove Springs OHV Area is located in California near Cantil

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.384710192570154 N
118.02336147083636 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Firewood Available
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs from Bakersfield, CA
2 hrs 27 min from Los Angeles, CA
3 hrs from Oxnard, CA
3 hrs 2 min from Visalia, CA

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Dove Springs OHV Area

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious BLM desert area with excellent dispersed camping options for all rig sizes. Guests frequently mentioned abundant trails and easy road access, with good privacy available away from main routes.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Chris R.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 26, 2026

Dove Tail Camping and Riding is Good

Spent several nights here TH through Sunday this past weekend. It was great and everyone keeps away in there own dispersed area. Friday nights can be more partying than riding as people arrive late. No time to ride but stay up and party before next day. After that, the nights are quiet as everyone is out during the day getting the work out.

SiteNear the bathrooms about 2 miles into the canyon

Month of VisitFebruary

(6) View All

catalina T.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 22, 2025

Quiet & Secluded

We stayed near the entrance on a Sunday night because we were losing service deeper down the road. Plenty of great dispersed camping options, we stayed in our ford transit. There were a few other stacked RV’s with big campsites down the road, but you can just drive until you find a spot.

Month of VisitApril

therealquaid D.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 16, 2022

Beautiful desert camping inside offroading area

Overall it’s a nice desert spot with beautiful hikes nearby and private enough if you can keep away from the main road. I stayed for 4 days during the week. There are plenty of spots for bigger rigs, the main dirt road is wide and flat so it’s pretty easy to drive on. I saw a couple of Class As and families camp here and bring their off-road vehicles. I did see some ohv passing by until 11pm but its easy to find a spot far enough from the main road so the sound didn’t bother me at all. Also had no trouble finding a spot away from other campers. Would have stayed longer if there were any spigots nearby to refill my fresh water tank. (Ricardo campground is 6 miles away and has spigots but hoses can’t attach to them.) T-Mobile signal (Metro PCS) was good enough to watch hd video. NOTE: Warning though that it was VERY windy, had to park my class C facing the wind to minimize swaying, but at times it felt like I was on a boat.

SiteDispersed Site right off the main road.

Month of VisitApril

Jesus R.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 8, 2021

Great place for rv camping and OHV

Lots of land and trails. Great place to boondock. BLM management

Matthew U.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2019

Best off-road park

Been going here for New Years for 18 years and love it Better then Gorman/hungry valley and Texas canyon/Rowher flats

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at the Dove Springs staging area for campers?

Dove Springs staging area offers minimal facilities as this is primarily a dispersed camping location managed by BLM. The area features wide, flat dirt roads suitable for larger vehicles and RVs, with plenty of open space for setting up camp. There are no developed amenities such as restrooms, water, or electrical hookups. Campers should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal equipment for a self-sufficient boondocking experience.

Where is the Dove Springs OHV camping area located?

Dove Springs OHV Area is located in the Mojave Desert in California. It features vast open desert terrain with wide dirt roads and numerous trails. The area is easily accessible by vehicle and offers plenty of dispersed camping spots. Many campers prefer this area over other similar locations like Gorman/Hungry Valley and Texas Canyon/Rowher Flats due to its expansive landscape and diverse terrain options.

Is off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding allowed at Dove Springs camping area?

Yes, OHV riding is not only allowed but is a primary activity at Dove Springs. The area is specifically designated as an OHV area with lots of land and trails for off-road enthusiasts. Many visitors come here specifically for OHV recreation, making it popular for dirt bikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. The terrain offers diverse riding options suitable for different skill levels.

What are the camping regulations at Dove Springs in the Mojave Desert?

Dove Springs is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and follows standard dispersed camping regulations. Camping is free, with no reservations required – simply find an open spot away from the main road for more privacy. The area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no designated campsite boundaries, but campers should use existing disturbed areas and follow Leave No Trace principles. For optimal experiences, it's advisable to be self-sufficient with all supplies. Check with BLM for current fire restrictions and seasonal regulations before your visit.

Keep Exploring