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Dispersed Camping

Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area

8 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Jawbone Canyon OHV Area, near Cantil, California, is a sprawling location perfect for those who love the great outdoors and off-road adventures. With ample space to spread out, it’s an ideal spot for campers seeking privacy and a chance to connect with nature.

This area is known for its stunning sunsets and sunrises, making it a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience. Visitors have mentioned that while the toilets can be a bit tricky to locate, the overall beauty of the landscape more than makes up for it. Just remember, you won’t find water or showers here, so plan accordingly.

If you’re into off-roading, you’re in luck! There are plenty of trails for all skill levels, and many campers have enjoyed zipping around in their vehicles. As one happy camper noted, “We had a great time...everything is so spread out that we had a lot of privacy.”

While the weekends can get busy, weekdays offer a peaceful escape. Just keep in mind that the nearby Jawbone Canyon store charges for potable water, so it’s best to fill up before you arrive. With a friendly vibe and plenty of space to roam, Jawbone Canyon is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

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Location

Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.31496921 N
118.04444718 W

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Connectivity

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    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Wind Walker Ranch - (NOT able to take bookings at the moment)

Wind Walker Ranch - (NOT able to take bookings at the moment)

1 hr 7 min away

Headquarters Campground

Headquarters Campground

1 hr 21 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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8 Reviews

jessie F.
Reviewed May. 14, 2025

Windy good time

Great spot but very windy.

35.31333° N, 118.02982° W

the sunrise was beautiful!

Site35.31333° N, 118.02982° W
Month of VisitMay
DThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 4, 2025

Windy

Plenty of spots right off the road. I drove in after dark and needed a place to sleep before I hit Death Valley. The wind was absolutely howling, but not too bad.

Month of VisitMay
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2025

Jawbone Canyon OHV

This is BLM land camping in an OHV area that we used for an overnight. For this purpose it was great. A paved road leads to endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon. There were a few OHVs but we arrived late on a weekday and OHV traffic stopped altogether in the evening. Wind was a problem and made sleeping hard. We camped in a 24’ travel trailer with a high clearance truck. While not necessary, the larger truck was nice to have on the dirt portions. There are sites that would be accessible by car as well just be more discerning. Verizon was at 1 bar the whole time.

Month of VisitApril
Christopher J.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2025

Good for Off Roading but filthy

Been here several times to boondock with our SxS. It's good off summer due to heat, plenty places to camp, but absolutely filthy because no one in SoCal knows how to clean up after them selves. Trash, ammo, and broken glass absolutely everywhere.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area by Christopher J., February 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area by Christopher J., February 27, 2025
SThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2023

beautiful big place

I really liked it! The place looks beautiful, especially with sunset and sunrise and there is a lot of space. Just the toilet was hard to find. You just have to drive 2 min more on the road. It doesn‘t have water, showers or trash dispencers.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area by Sina V., October 20, 2023
Judy46563 The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2022

The price is right.

Hey, it's free. Weekends are busy but weekdays are exceptionally peaceful. Be advised the Jawbone canyon store charges RV's $40.00 for potable water. Fill up before you come out here.

Month of VisitJanuary
Natalie T.
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Lots of space to spread out!

Came here with friends to ride and we had a great time. We showed up on a Friday with plenty of sites still available. Everything is so spread out that we had a lot of privacy to ourselves.

It can get really warm so we set up under a shaded tree which helped a lot. We had a fire pit for the evenings too, so that was nice.

Lots of trails to ride - for beginners to advanced. We zipped around in a side by side and everyone was responsible and nice.

I'd definitely recommend this spot of you are looking for a quiet place to camp with privacy and ample space.

SiteUnknown
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area by Natalie T., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area by Natalie T., July 11, 2021
  • Beautiful hyperlapse of the sunset!
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Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jawbone Canyon Campground located in California?

Jawbone Canyon is located in Eastern Kern County, California, at approximately 35.31333° N, 118.02982° W. It's situated in a rugged desert canyon area that's part of the Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area. The campground is accessible via paved roads and serves as a convenient overnight stop for travelers en route to nearby destinations like Death Valley. The location features beautiful desert landscapes with spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

What camping facilities are available at Jawbone Canyon?

Jawbone Canyon offers dispersed boondocking camping with no hookups or developed facilities. There are numerous camping spots spread throughout the area, providing good privacy between sites. Basic amenities include fire pits at some locations. The area has vault toilets, though they may require a short drive to access. No water, showers, or trash dispensers are available on-site, so campers should come prepared with their own supplies and plan to pack out all waste.

Is Jawbone Canyon open for OHV (off-highway vehicle) recreation?

Yes, Jawbone Canyon is actively open for OHV recreation as it's part of the Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area. The area is popular for off-highway vehicles, particularly side-by-sides (SxS) and other recreational vehicles. There are extensive riding opportunities throughout the canyon with plenty of space for vehicles. OHV activity is typically higher on weekends, while weekdays offer more peaceful conditions with significantly less traffic. The terrain provides diverse riding experiences in a scenic desert setting.

What services are offered at the Jawbone Canyon store?

The Jawbone Canyon store sells potable water, which is particularly important since the camping area itself doesn't have water facilities. RV owners should be aware that the store charges approximately $40 for water fill-ups, so it's recommended to fill your tanks before arriving to avoid this expense. For other supplies and services, it's best to come fully prepared or check with the store directly about current offerings and hours of operation.

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