Best Campgrounds near Mojave, CA
Camping in the Mojave, California area encompasses a range of environments from desert landscapes to mountain settings. Ricardo Campground at Red Rock Canyon State Park offers developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while East Mojave Camp provides dispersed camping opportunities with minimal amenities. The region includes both established campgrounds with full hookups for RVs and primitive sites for tent camping, with several locations situated within an hour's drive of Mojave proper.
Road conditions and seasonal temperatures significantly impact camping experiences in this high desert region. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for most campers. Winter nights can drop below freezing, particularly at higher elevations in the Tehachapi Mountains. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during extreme weather periods. Dispersed camping areas like East Mojave Camp require high-clearance vehicles to access, as roads are often unmarked and unmaintained. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near highways and developed areas. A review noted that "very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don't need to worry about people driving by."
Campers consistently mention the dramatic desert landscapes and rock formations as highlights of the Mojave camping experience. Red Rock Canyon State Park receives particularly positive reviews for its distinctive geology and hiking opportunities. Several visitors appreciate the stargazing conditions, with minimal light pollution in more remote areas. RV parks near Mojave provide basic amenities at reasonable prices, serving primarily as convenient overnight stops rather than destination campgrounds. Wind can be a significant factor in the camping experience, with several reviews mentioning strong gusts, particularly in open desert areas. A camper described Ricardo Campground as "beautiful campground! We arrived on Wednesday afternoon, and it was about half full, but looked mostly full by the time we left on Saturday. It is first come first served."