Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed, near [Mojave National Preserve](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/mojave-national-preserve), is a stunning spot for those who crave a bit of solitude in the great outdoors. This area offers a unique experience with its breathtaking rock formations and expansive desert views, making it a perfect backdrop for stargazing and enjoying peaceful sunsets.

Visitors have raved about the beauty and tranquility of the location, with one camper noting, “We couldn’t believe we were the only ones here, incredibly beautiful, clean, peaceful.” The sites are spread out, allowing for privacy even when others are nearby, and many have found the rock formations to be excellent for blocking noise from generators. 

While there are no amenities like water or toilets, the freedom to have fires and the ability to bring pets make this a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Just keep in mind that the area can get windy, and some campers have mentioned the presence of flies, so be prepared. 

If you're up for a little adventure, the surrounding [Mojave National Preserve](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/mojave-national-preserve) offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Just be cautious of wildlife while wandering the desert, as some have encountered rattlesnakes and tarantulas. Whether you're setting up camp for a few days or just stopping by for a night, Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed is a fantastic place to unwind and connect with nature.

Camping in undeveloped campsites is allowed in previously used or disturbed sites outside of the "day-use-only" areas. In most cases these sites include a rock or metal fire ring; not all sites contain a fire ring. All fires must be in a fire ring or fire pan; new fire rings cannot be constructed. Camping tramples vegetation and disturbs soils. By reusing existing sites, you help protect the desert from further damage. Practice Leave No Trace principles, including burrying human waste at least six inches deep.

Careful planning and knowledge of camping guidelines and regulations will help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for you, future visitors, and the fragile desert environment.

Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

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

This is a secluded spot. We were the only ones camping in the area when we were there. No amenities except rock fire ring. Close to a highway so mild traffic noise. Surrounded by large boulders and mountains. No trees for shade. Camped here mid June and temps low 90’s but comfortable when sun goes down. Drove in fine with my ProMaster onto gravel road off of paved road. Some areas have softer sand so please check the area on foot if coming in after dark. 

Peaceful location off Kelbaker Rd

Stayed: 6/1/2022

Cost: FREE

Site: Behind Boulders

Vehicle: GMC Terrain

Equipment: Tent

AT&amp;T and T-Mobile: Pretty solid

  

Not far from the Kelbaker Road entrance of Mojave National Preserve, you will come across some boulders on the right-hand side. Extremely close off of I40, but you don’t hear a thing. This was one of our favorite sites throughout our trip. There was a couple already parked near the“entrance”, so we drove around to the back. We had a sort of private little site, surrounded by the boulders and with a perfect view of the sunset. 10/10 would stay here again!

  

#DareToEverywhere

Beautiful spot, right off I40

Not far from the highway. You’ll see a big rock formation on your right and a dirt road leading to it. There are a few camp sites in this area. Beautiful view of the stars and an amazing sunset. Keep a compass if you’re exploring the area at night. Walked out into the desert about a mile exploring and I think an inexperienced hiker could easily lose their sense of direction. Be weary of wildlife!! Came across a rattle snake and a tarantula!! Very gorgeous site!! 

Beautiful! 

Its a beautiful spot. Just far enough away from the roads. Plenty of places to choose from. No one else came when we were here, but you can easily be by yourself with other around. A lot of flys! It is trashy from past people, but we can only do our best tk clean what we see. 

Beautiful

Level site with east access to interstate. Worked as great base camp for Mojave. Windy most days.

Great Mojave Desert base

This was a really easy spot to find and get setup. We came in late after driving all day and night. The spots that were in the rocks already had people in them. So we just setup by the road. The sites in the rocks looked really nice and spaced perfectly to be private. 

Great place for a quick stop  

Getting in early paid off I had first pick and got the first big site by the rock formation, which seems to be the best site. Further down the road the sand gets deeper and the spots are less defined. Two other campers pulled within shouting distance, but still plenty of privacy and no one bothered us. T-Mobile is excellent here. Rock formation is excellent for blocking the sound of a generator if you stick it behind the rocks. Hot days, cool nights in June. 

Excellent, beware of sand. 

We couldn’t believe we were the only ones here, incredibly beautiful, clean, peaceful with beautiful sun sets and sun rises. We stayed there for 4 days and didn’t see anyone. Our dogs enjoyed it tremendously too. 

Magnificent 

There are a few options available depending on how far you're willing to push your vehicle into sandy terrain. If you don't turn into the most obvious site by the boulders right away, then you'll get to a four way intersection each way leading to different options.

Regardless of where you are, I find that I was able to hear the cars from the road. It's not bad but something to consider. 

Great option a bit too close to the road

Stayed here a couple nights to rest on our travels and it was nice. It was
 getting pretty hot already during March but was safe and no litter. 

Perfect! 

Nous avons dormis ici hier soir, nous étions seuls. L’endroit est magnifique!!! 

Magnifique

I’m always sad we had to continue driving the next morning. I would have spent more time there. Super easy access we didn’t hear the freeway noise at all. Sunrise was splendid, easy access flat terrain good scenery looks good for mtn biking  

Super nice rest stop

We were thoroughly disappointed with Kelbaker Boulders, finding the overwhelmingly positive reviews a bit misleading. While the soft sand advisories are accurate, most reviewers fail to mention that there are really only three viable campsites here, with limited to NO turnaround space--- making it difficult to impossible for any traveler without 4WD. And if you're towing a rig-- just forget about it-- there is no turnaround space at all except for the first site on the right by the big boulder-- and if that's occupied you'd have to back out-- uphill. 

  

The site is also being severely abused. We found—and ended up cleaning up—boxes of trash, old tires, auto parts, un-buried POOP PILES and toilet paper-- you name it. There is absolutely NO"Leave No Trace" ethic practiced here. Very sad. People who do these things are exactly why BLM and Forest Service is closing down dispersed camping sites everywhere.

  

 Because space is so limited, noise is a major issue too-- especually when inconsiderate travelers arrive late after dark. On our stay, a 26ft rental RV arrived after dark, struggled to park, beamed massive headlights around our site tyring to find a place, nearly got stuck, and then proceeded to party loudly until 1 AM. Absolutely zero respect or camping etiquette. 

  

This site has potential, but poor logistics, lack of etiquette, and irresponsible behavior from other campers make it impossible to recommend. 

  

Proceed with extreme caution and arrive early if you must stay here. Two stars at most. 

  

And to all you noisy and trashy campers out there-- arrive early and chill out, be quiet and respectful of other campers-- and pack out your trash including your Poop and TP. Respect these beautiful places and Leave No Trace people!

Photos of Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

Real photos from real campers