Dispersed camping around Amboy, California offers numerous opportunities within the Mojave National Preserve. Sites typically sit between 1,500 and 3,000 feet elevation across arid desert terrain characterized by volcanic formations, Joshua tree groves, and vast open spaces. Access to most tent campsites near Amboy requires driving on unmarked dirt roads that branch from the main paved routes crossing the preserve.
What to do
Explore lava formations: North Lava Tube Camp provides easy access to volcanic features. "The trails are well marked and one can explore the Lava Tubes which is just across the dirt road and easy access. It's hot even in spring so bring a lot of water - more than you think you need," notes camper Doc P.
Night sky observation: The remote camping areas offer exceptional stargazing due to minimal development. A visitor to Providence Mountains State Recreation Area shared, "We laughed as loud as we wanted and sang even louder. This place was perfect to act a damn fool. We've gone back here multiple times and never get tired of it!"
Wildlife watching: Desert animals are most active during dawn and dusk hours. Tent campers should secure food items and be prepared for encounters with small mammals. "Traveling across country, Jeep camping. Spot was perfect and beautiful. Could have been off the road a bit more considering the amount of traffic for such a remote spot," reports a Granite Pass camper.
What campers like
Complete solitude: The expansive desert landscape provides isolation rarely found in established campgrounds. "Very quiet here. I like it so much I stayed 3 nights, allowing me to decompress before continuing my adventures," explains a visitor at North Lava Tube Camp.
Accessible primitive camping: Some areas offer relatively easy access for standard vehicles. "Just 10 miles down a great, stereotypical, paved desert road off of I-15 you'll find an unmarked turnoff as the road curves. The first campsite is only about 200m from the road," explains a North Lava Tube camper.
Historical context: Many camping areas contain remnants of mining operations and pioneer travel routes. A camper at 17 Mile Camp noted, "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."
What you should know
Vehicle preparation: Many camping areas require careful navigation of sandy terrain. According to a Kelbaker Road Dispersed Camping visitor, "I camped down the road from the designated camping grounds. The road is sandy, rocky, and hilly with rivets and ruts. I made it in an AWD Subaru, but be careful."
Limited facilities: Tent campsites near Amboy operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no garbage service. "Unfortunately, we did see some toilet paper around our site which we picked up. It is simple enough to just buy a toilet bucket at Sportsman's Warehouse and add a bag of pine pellets that you can throw away in the dump when you leave," suggests a North Lava Tube Camp visitor.
Navigation challenges: Several camping areas have poor signage and can be difficult to locate. At 17 Mile Camp, one reviewer warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Select accessible sites: For families with young children, choose campsites with shorter access routes. "The turn off to 2 dispersed camping sights is 8 mile from the Mojave Preserve sign in Baker, California. There are two free dispersed sights in the first 1/10 of a mile on a sandy dirt road," notes a North Lava Tube Camp visitor.
Safety precautions: Desert terrain presents unique hazards for children. A visitor to Twentynine Palms shared, "Loved staying in twentynine palms to explore Joshua tree and the surrounding areas. Pioneer town was so fun." Ensure children wear closed-toe shoes and remain hydrated.
Weather considerations: Plan family camping trips during moderate temperature periods. At North Lava Tube Camp, a visitor noted, "I was there towards the end of April and it was in the 90's and sunny during the day, a hot breeze coming from the west. At night, it was clear and starry and a low around 65."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Limited RV-friendly sites exist in the area. "There are two designated dispersed campsites that I saw. The first one is maybe 200m down the road on the left. It has a driveway leading to a circular area so it would be good for a pull through camper or two," reports a North Lava Tube Camp visitor.
Maneuverability concerns: Sandy roads create challenging conditions for RVs. "A word of caution, it is not easy to turn around because it's very sandy," warns a North Lava Tube Camp visitor.
Supply planning: With no hookups available, RVers must be entirely self-contained. "Baker is just 10 miles away and has a few gas stations and a market that have pretty much everything from laundry detergent to firewood," notes a North Lava Tube Camp visitor.
