Best Campgrounds near Baker, CA

Baker, California serves as a gateway to multiple dispersed camping areas in the Mojave National Preserve and surrounding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The region includes primitive sites at Silurian Dry Lake Bed where campers can stay free of charge with no facilities, established campgrounds like Afton Canyon approximately 20 miles west of Baker, and multiple dispersed camping options throughout the Mojave Preserve such as North Lava Tube Camp and Razor Road Dispersed Camping. These areas accommodate various camping styles from tent camping to RV boondocking, with most sites featuring minimal to no amenities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles to access. The desert climate brings extreme temperature fluctuations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most dispersed camping locations in the region have no potable water, restroom facilities, or trash collection, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient. Cell service is generally available near Baker and along major highways but becomes unreliable in more remote camping areas. A review described the conditions at North Lava Tube Camp as "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 road is easy and I'd feel comfortable taking a 2wd sedan to at least the first campsite."

Campers consistently mention the exceptional stargazing opportunities and desert solitude as highlights of the Baker area camping experience. The Mojave Preserve offers unique geological features including lava tubes, dry lake beds, and desert mountain ranges that create a dramatic backdrop for camping. Several reviews noted the proximity to Baker as convenient for supplies while still offering isolation. While sites near the interstate may experience road noise, locations deeper in the preserve provide more seclusion. A camper at Silurian Dry Lake Bed reported it was "a great location for exit out of Death Valley and close to Interstate 15" with easy access to amenities in Baker including restaurants and gas stations.

Best Camping Sites Near Baker, California (42)

    1. Silurian Dry Lake Bed

    6 Reviews
    Baker, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "Great location for exit out of Death Valley and close to Interstate 15. Mojave Preserve closed so stayed in Baker, CA on BLM land. Simple gravel pad, quite, opposite School."

    "Literally tucked just off the road, few different entry points can be used to access it.

    We were the only ones staying the night so was a great quiet spot."

    2. Indian Springs near lava field — Mojave National Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Baker, CA
    15 miles

    "We got a 25ft RV in hear albiet with some pin stripping. about 5 options along the trail nestled into the lava fields that provide some shelter from the wind. Beautiful spot."

    "Arrived in the dark but was still able to locate the dirt path. With our Subaru Forester the road was fairly easy."

    3. 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Baker, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Only one other group of campers, somewhat nearby, couldn’t really hear them. There was plenty of distance between us & could have been more."

    5. Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Baker, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "Wind was blowing, and we managed to park in behind a hill. Had a great night's sleep.

    Still a bit of trash here, but not too bad. Didn't put us off.

    A good place to overnight ."

    "Some highway noise, but nothing terrible"

    6. North Lava Tube Camp

    2 Reviews
    Baker, CA
    10 miles

    "I didn’t drive much past the second site though the road wasn’t difficult. The sites are well established and well marked."

    "This is a great spot for an overnight stay about 11 miles down Kelbaker Road from Highway 15."

    7. Cowhole Mountain Basecamp

    1 Review
    Baker, CA
    2 miles

    "Longer, if you want to day-trip around the Preserve. And Baker is just down the road for gas, water, groceries, restaurants. It's plain, but we liked it."

    8. Mojave Preserve

    1 Review
    Baker, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    "It's a turn around that's not used anymore. Mountains in every direction. Easy in and out with bumper pull trailers. Bushes did pop a tire so watch that."

    9. Afton Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Newberry Springs, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I arrived close to 1AM on a Friday and didn't have any trouble getting a prime spot. I originally was planning my trip to a different campground but that was full by the time I got there."

    "Located in Afton Canyon, this BLM Campground offers plenty of level sites, compete with concrete picnic tables, fire pits and charcoal grills. There are also pit toilets."

    10. Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    22 Reviews
    Cima, CA
    30 miles
    Website

    "Find the first road adjacent to the white cross memorial."

    "It’s not too close to the highway and the road next to the campground is pretty quiet. There were about 5 other vehicles when we arrived on Saturday night - just 1 other on Sunday night."

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Recent Reviews near Baker, CA

206 Reviews of 42 Baker Campgrounds



Guide to Baker

Dispersed camping dominates the landscape near Baker, California, with ten BLM-managed sites within a 30-mile radius. Located in the high desert at elevations ranging from 930 to 2,100 feet, these areas experience temperature swings of up to 40 degrees between day and night. Most dispersed sites lack facilities but offer free camping with minimal restrictions.

What to do

Hiking the lava fields: Indian Springs near lava field offers unique hiking opportunities through volcanic formations. As one camper noted, "Beautiful spot. Showed up past midnight and it was still really easy to find a flat spot to park our camper van. It was very quiet all night & the sky was amazing!" The area features multiple camping spots nestled in lava rocks providing shelter from desert winds.

Wildlife viewing: Afton Canyon Campground sits in a unique riparian area where the Mojave River flows above ground. One visitor shared, "There is lots of wildlife and the geology seems neat. There are pit toilets, no showers some shade structures which are newish." The campground costs $6 per night and features concrete fire pits and picnic tables.

Stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes Baker ideal for night sky observation. At Mojave Cross Dispersed, a camper reported, "Rock formations provide comfortable platforms for laying on your back and watching for shooting stars." The area features Joshua trees as far as the eye can see and multiple primitive campsites with fire rings.

What campers like

Desert solitude: Many campers appreciate the remote feeling despite proximity to Interstate 15. At Silurian Dry Lake Bed, one reviewer wrote, "Visited in late December, and there were zero other campers out on the lake bed. Lots of entrances to the site from the highway, just be sure to follow an already made path." This free dispersed camping area is approximately one mile off the main road.

Accessible dispersed camping: Most sites near Baker require minimal navigation. At Razor Road Dispersed Camping, a reviewer mentioned, "Several firepits, leveled big area. You can continue on this dirt road to get farther from the freeway to get a quieter sleep." The area has excellent Verizon reception and enough space between campers for generator use without disturbing others.

Rock formations: Natural barriers create private camping nooks. According to a visitor at North Lava Tube Camp, "There are two designated dispersed campsites that I saw... The sites are well established and well marked. Some places look like they could be campsites but they are marked as 'No Camping.'" These designated sites are approximately 10 miles from Interstate 15.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles. At Indian Springs near lava field, one camper noted, "We got a 25ft RV in hear albiet with some pin stripping. about 5 options along the trail nestled into the lava fields that provide some shelter from the wind. 2WD sedan ok as long as you stay on the trails - soft sand off trail."

Limited facilities: Bring all supplies, including water. Most sites have no bathrooms, trash collection, or water sources. A camper at Razor Road mentioned, "Lots of litter everywhere. It would be nice if people would haul out more trash than what they bring in. After all it is free camping."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Baker, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Baker, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 42 campgrounds and RV parks near Baker, CA and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Baker, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Baker, CA is Silurian Dry Lake Bed with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Baker, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Baker, CA.