Best Dispersed Camping near Amboy, CA
Dispersed camping near Amboy, California offers several free primitive options in the Mojave Desert. Amboy Crater Dispersed provides overnight camping in a paved parking area with pit toilets and excellent stargazing opportunities. Nearby Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed and Granite Pass Dispersed in Mojave National Preserve feature more remote sites nestled among rock formations. According to recent visitors, "No campfires are allowed" at Amboy Crater, though fires are permitted in established rings at most other locations.
Road conditions vary significantly across these sites. Amboy Crater is accessible via paved roads, while many Mojave Preserve locations require high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "The dirt roads are very sandy and you can get stuck easily if you don't have a 4x4." Some sites can accommodate RVs and trailers, but expect brush contact and potential "pin striping" on vehicle sides. Cell service is surprisingly good in parts of the preserve, with AT&T 5G reported at Amboy Crater.
These desert sites demand thorough preparation. No drinking water is available at any location, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F before dropping dramatically at night. Winter brings milder days but cold nights. The desert landscape offers minimal natural shade. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including ample water, food, and emergency equipment. Wildlife encounters may include snakes and other desert species. Several reviewers emphasize the exceptional night skies, noting "very beautiful night skies because there is NOTHING out here." Pack out all trash and waste to preserve these pristine desert environments.
