Best Campgrounds near Amboy, CA
The Amboy area contains several desert camping opportunities in California's eastern Mojave region, primarily centered around Mojave National Preserve and nearby public lands. Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape, with sites like Amboy Crater Dispersed and Kelso Dunes Dispersed offering free primitive camping. Both tent and RV accommodations are available at most locations, though amenities are minimal. The volcanic landscape around Amboy Crater provides distinctive camping backdrops, while locations like Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed and Granite Pass offer more secluded options among rock formations approximately 20-30 miles from Amboy proper.
Desert conditions dictate camping logistics throughout the region, with extreme temperature fluctuations and limited services requiring thorough preparation. Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities like drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. A review noted, "It's a parking lot for The Amboy volcanic crater with plenty of room for camping overnight for any size rig. Clean pit toilets and paved parking area. No water." High winds frequently impact camping comfort, particularly at exposed sites like Amboy Crater. Cellular coverage varies significantly, with some areas receiving good service while others remain completely disconnected. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote camping areas, especially those with sandy approaches like Kelso Dunes and Sheephole Valley Wilderness.
Stargazing represents a primary attraction for campers throughout the region, with minimal light pollution creating exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. Campers frequently mention astrophotography as a draw for the Amboy Crater area. Wildlife viewing and geological exploration provide daytime activities, with hiking trails accessible from several camping areas. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Gets crowded during new moon weekends, and can get windy." Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks and Indian Cove provide more developed alternatives approximately 40-60 miles southwest of Amboy with improved amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. These established campgrounds require reservations, unlike the first-come, first-served nature of dispersed camping options closer to Amboy.
