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Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp

17 Mile Camp, near Mojave National Preserve, is a unique spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the desert landscape. This area offers a chance to camp under the vast sky, with stunning sunrises and sunsets that will leave you in awe.

The camping experience here is all about simplicity. Visitors have noted the easy access to flat spots for setting up tents, making it a breeze to find a place to settle in, even if you arrive late. With no amenities like drinking water or toilets, it’s essential to come prepared, but the solitude and natural beauty make it worthwhile. One camper shared, “It was very quiet all night & the sky was amazing!”

For those who enjoy a bit of history, this location is near the Mojave Road, a historic route that pioneers once traveled. The area is dotted with fire rings from previous campers, and the surrounding cliffs provide some much-needed shade during the day. Just be cautious of the sandy spots that can be tricky for vehicles, as one visitor learned the hard way.

If you’re up for an adventure, the Mojave National Preserve offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, from hiking to off-roading. Just remember, this isn’t a place for those seeking modern conveniences. It’s all about embracing the rugged beauty of the desert and enjoying the peace that comes with it.

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Location

Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.23403169 N
115.88811975 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Poor
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2022

Blocked off

The dirt spur over to this site is blocked off with "wilderness boundary" barriers. But there are more sites a few miles south on Kelbaker road.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2021

Great camping spot

Great easy access dispersed camping. Showed up past midnight and it was still really easy to find a flat spot to park our camper van. It was very quiet all night & the sky was amazing! Only one other group of campers, somewhat nearby, couldn’t really hear them. There was plenty of distance between us & could have been more. When it was light we saw there was a fire pit from previous campers. Sunrise was beautiful! Would definitely stay here again.

PLEASE NOTE, the coordinates are slightly off. If headed east, turn left onto a short paved road that turns into a dirt road BEFORE the coordinates state. If headed west, the turn would be after the coordinates on the right.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp by ron , November 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp by ron , November 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp by ron , November 6, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 27, 2021

Great spot

This site is great. It’s right up against the side of the hillside which helps with shade. This is right off the Mojave road which was well traveled the day we were there. Groups of Jeep’s and trucks came by what seemed like every hour.

You will have cell service at this location. The area has spots of deep sand which you can get stuck in (we did but got out) so be aware of that.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp by Sean S., May 27, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

Cool historical spot to stop for the night on the Mojave Road

This designated dispersed camping area is at 17 Mile Point, the approximate halfway point on the Mojave Rd between Soda Springs and Marl Springs. Just west of the point is a dry camp where pioneers and freighters would stop for the night. This route was particularly brutal for travelers heading east toward the Colorado River with most of the track being sand and little, if any, grass for livestock on the climb to Marl Springs. The camping area is peppered with fire rings and the cliffs provide some much welcome shade. We had cell signal here which was a nice change and in the far off distance you could see ant-sized semis on the highway. You definitely need 4X4 to get here, but it's well worth it to enjoy the solitude and desert vistas.

Month of VisitMarch
  • You will be really happy you aren't on a mule cart getting there.
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  • Review photo of Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp by Meghan , March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp by Meghan , March 28, 2021
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp?

    Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp is located at 1994 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mojave National Preserve - 17 Mile Camp, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.