Best Camping near Baker, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Baker, CA has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Baker, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Baker, CA (40)

Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Baker

Recent Reviews in Baker

170 Reviews of 40 Baker Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful and quiet with lots of space

    Verizon had excellent reception, enough room between campers to run a generator without bothering anyone. 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.

  • Julia H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Ehh

    It was an aight spot. did the job. the spots are like behind a sketchy gas station, so i drove down a little bit so i wasn’t near it. tons of garbage. other than that, decent morning view ! stayed safe the whole night. can’t complain.

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Afton Canyon Campground

    Convenient stop before the Mojave Trail

    Wind was too intense to get the car back tent up at night. Good place to stop before or after the Mojave Trail. There's a small water crossing just after the campground before accessing the trail. My Subaru Crosstrek made it fairly easily just note its presence.

    Sites had a concrete table, fire pit with cooking bars, cover over the table and room for a couple cars.

    Community vault toilets were available. I'd advise bringing toilet paper!

  • Jami C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Pass in Mojave National Park
    May. 21, 2024

    Granite Pass in Mojave National Park

    Beautiful, but critters and thorns

    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. Make sure to wear shoes as there are thorns. Also be ready to wake up to critters (mice? Chipmunks?) running across your exhaust, chewing on their dinner.

  • Hillary T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kokoweef Dispersed Camping
    May. 16, 2024

    Kokoweef Dispersed Camping

    Easy access from I-15

    After climbing the giant hills out of Baker, my 1984 Vanagon was ready for a rest. We pulled off at Bailey Road and it was quickly dirt road, but certainly manageable for any SUV or Truck. After about 10 minutes (3.1 miles) there were campsites. Plenty of spaces and spread out. HOT in the late spring but overnight temperatures were excellent at about 65F.

  • Doc P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
    Apr. 21, 2024

    North Lava Tube Camp

    Perfect desert camping for beginners and families.

    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 turnoff quickly becomes a dirt road that runs straight for miles. On the right side is the Mojave National Wilderness and on the left is the Mojave National Preserve where camping is allowed in designated areas only. These are marked pretty well and can easily accommodate groups (see “camping” below). The road is easy (see “Approach” below) and I’d feel comfortable taking a 2wd sedan to at least the first campsite which is only about 200m from the road. Fires are allowed in fire pits only which both sites I saw have.

    Camping There are two designated dispersed campsites that I saw. I didn’t drive much past the second site though the road wasn’t difficult. The sites are well established and well marked. Some places look like they could be campsites but they are marked as “No Camping.” Look for the established areas with a fire pit that have the designated camping signs. They are located next to rock formations that help block the wind and give you a place to get on top of to look around. Watch out for snakes! 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. It’s large enough for a few campers, I’d say, or several vehicles. Pretty ideal if you had a horse trailer (there is not water source) as across the site is a good equestrian/hiking trail. I chose this one because it was actually smaller and I didn’t want to take up the larger second site. The second site is visible from the first but not close enough to interact much. The rock formation is larger, it’s more hidden from the main road, and has more space for vehicles. Better for a group - even a large one. Check the sign on the way into the preserve to make sure fires are allowed that day. Firewood can be purchased at the market in Baker.

    The Approach and Ace Test The exit off of I-15 is convenient - stop in Baker immediately on the right for supplies then right across the interstate is Kellbaker Rd - the paved road that goes through the Mojave. After the mile 10 marker, the road turns right and in the middle of the turn is an unmarked paved driveway. Turn onto that driveway and it becomes a sandy dirt road that runs straight. There are some signs that say “No Motor Vehicles” and “No Camping” but these signs are talking about not leavening the road. You’re fine if you stay on the road. There are some pull offs that look like campsites but they will have rocks across the path and have signs saying no camping. Look for the designated camping signs and pull offs with a fire pit. This road does pass the Ace test for me (Ace was my 216 VW Jetta that I took on roads like this often); however, there are a couple spots toward the second campsite and beyond that I, personally, would do with Ace but if you’re less comfortable, the first campsite is maybe 200m in and any car could make that easily.

    Activities 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. WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES. I had a fire and it was great to sit, relax, and stargaze. There isn’t a lot of light pollution so on a clear night, it’s awesome. Further down the paved road, there are other things like more Lava Tubes, some mines, and a trail you can drive along to check out water tanks. I like this camp area because it’s isolated and out of town but close enough to get supplies while allowing access further into the preserve. You can also go check out the World’s Largest Thermometer in Baker as well as an Alien kitsch shop and a few restaurants.

    Weather 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.

    Cell Service and Other Services I had 3 bars of Verizon LTE and was able to text and send videos and do some of my remote work. There are no amenities; however, 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.

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road

    It’s ok.

    23ft rv Beginning of april The camping area is small. There was one can there when we arrived on Friday , early in the day. By 5 pm there were several vehicles. Another rv parked about 30 ft away and a van pulled in at night and was about 15 ft behind us. The area is very pretty. Great mountains etc. bit if garbage around which always bums. Me out. Spent shell casings.
    It’s ok in a pinch for sure and I could see it being good mid week when maybe nobody is around.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Horse Road Dispersed
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Wild Horse Road Dispersed

    Beautiful Spot

    Great spot just before Hole in the Wal About 1/4 mile down a road marked “4x4 high clearance only.” But if you’re just hitting the campsite you can make It in a lot less. There’s a turn around there for people towing trailers. No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Newberry Mountain RV Park

    Nice Little Campground

    The campground (CG) was super easy to find as it was right off I-40 on old Route 66. Our check-in could not have been easier, and the reception was very nice. There are 18 FHU sites here, with half being for long-termers on the west side and short-term pull-throughs on the east side. We were given an option of several sites and chose site 17. We had to disconnect and park on the side of this gravel site. The Wi-Fi speed was 3.32 for Download and 2.35 for Upload, which worked okay. We got 3 bars on Verizon. Due to the expected freeze warning, we did not hook up to the water or sewer. There are a few trees in the CG so getting a clear shot for satellite is easy. The old caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch. They had a shower house and laundry, but we did not use them. Heads up that we got diesel at the exit a couple of miles west of the campground, and that was the most expensive price we experienced in CA at$6.69/gallon last January.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silurian Dry Lake Bed
    Mar. 28, 2024

    Silurian Dry Lake Bed

    Close to Vegas, but still outside!

    Great place to stop off the 15 on the way to where ever you're going! One other car other than us at this spot. Few other campers closer to the main road.

  • Timmee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Mar. 3, 2024

    Afton Canyon Campground

    Windy windy windy!

    My wife and I stopped here in March on out way to death valley 3 miles down a wasboard road which wasn't to bad though the wind good lordy the wind was soooooo loud and so strong!

  • Lori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Jan. 4, 2024

    Afton Canyon Campground

    So beautiful

    Easy to access with 34 ft class A motor home. Beautiful spots with a metal canopy over top of picnic table. Plenty of room.

  • 5 STAR X P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 26, 2023

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Excellent stop before Vegas

    Several firepits, leveled big area. You can continue on this dirt road to get farther from the freeway to get a quieter sleep. I dropped in very late, so I didn't want to go further exploring in the dark, but I saw campers drive further out.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve
    Dec. 3, 2023

    Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve

    Great Quiet Site

    Went at the start of December on a Saturday and was the only one there. The road is manageable with a 2wd sedan as I got through fine with my Corolla, but I had my underbody scrapped the whole way there by the plants growing in between the tire tracks. The road is probably only 7 feet wide with only one small pull out a mile in. There's a couple of different camp spots at the end so even if there are other people there you can still get some privacy.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kelso Dunes Road
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Kelso Dunes Road

    Peace and quiet

    Easily able to navigate truck plus 20ft trailer. Flat, sandy campsites, maybe ~8-10 in total, a few spaced well apart from others. Wide open desert, sand dune dune, mountain views. Near base of large sand dune to hike. Sand all around which is great for my geriatric dog. Only one other camper. Great for a night or two. Occasionally able to text with 1 bar on Verizon.

  • cole R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road
    Nov. 17, 2023

    Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road

    Easy access & astounding stars

    The site is about a mile off I-40 and I had no problem pulling my 58ft rig into camp. My only major complaint is that a town of any legitimate size is about 80 miles away.

    Pros: -good cell service -incredible view of the stars at night -beautiful landscape

    Cons: -SO MUCH trash everywhere -very isolated

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kelso Dunes Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve
    Nov. 8, 2023

    Kelso Dunes Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    Amazing Stars

    Nice place right past the trailhead as you pull in. Pit toilets in area are honestly okay, a little smelly mostly due to the heat. No cell service for AT&T but I got one bar at the top of the dunes and on the road as I pulled in. It was only enough service to send a text, no internet or calls. Sites have a fire pit.



Guide to Baker

Camping near Baker, California, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for exploring the Mojave Desert, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. One camper mentioned, “The road to the camp ground is a very poor condition. Few plastics came off the trailer on the way to/from the camping ground due to the vibrations,” highlighting the rugged terrain but also the adventure that awaits.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing. A visitor at Kelso Dunes Dispersed said, “The sunset was unreal. Super quiet and the stars are insane.”
  • Exploring Ghost Towns: Check out the nearby Calico Ghost Town for a glimpse into the past. One reviewer noted, “The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review for Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping states, “Beautiful sight,” which captures the essence of the area.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space. A camper at Mojave Cross Dispersed shared, “Superb dispersed camping... Sites are big and have lots of space.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peace and quiet. One visitor at Hole in the Wall Campground mentioned, “We never saw the host so just bring exactly $12 in cash with you to pay at the stand,” indicating a low-key experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Afton Canyon Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, “Community vault toilets were available. I'd advise bringing toilet paper!”
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Owl Canyon Campground warned, “Nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road... or loose sand that you can get stuck in.”
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Mojave Cross Dispersed mentioned, “Even saw a tarantula! Will definitely be coming back!”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities. A reviewer at Barstow-Calico KOA said, “We appreciated the pool, hammocks next to the pool, and the treats at the store.”
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family at Afton Canyon Campground enjoyed, “The trails are soft sand, rock and river crossings.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water or rough terrain. A camper at Lakeside Casino & RV Resort noted, “Customer service was excellent, friendly, accommodating for our after-hours check-in.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Before heading out, check the road conditions. A visitor at Owl Canyon Campground mentioned needing a tow truck due to sandy roads.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials since some campgrounds lack amenities. A camper at Mojave Cross Dispersed advised, “Pack in, pack out. Stay on designated roads.”
  • Plan for Wind: Be prepared for strong winds, especially in open areas. A reviewer at Afton Canyon Campground said, “The wind was too intense to get the car back tent up at night.”

Camping near Baker, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of unique experiences waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Baker, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Baker, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 40 campgrounds and RV parks near Baker, CA and 26 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 Afton Canyon Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Baker, CA.

  • What parks are near Baker, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Baker, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park.