17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve
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 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve by Meghan , March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve by Meghan , March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve by Meghan , March 28, 2021