Best Dispersed Camping near Baker, CA

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Baker

84 Reviews of 26 Baker Campgrounds

• J

  John M.

  Scout

  

  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.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• N

  Nikolas P.

  Traveler

  

  May. 29, 2024

  Kelso Dunes Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Great spot

  Really nice area. Only one other person on a Thursday night. Room for 5-6 different campsites, plus overflow onto the road. Next to the dunes. Highly recommend hiking up them.

• 

  Evan F.

  Scout

  

  May. 24, 2024

  Indian Springs near lava field — Mojave National Preserve

  Seclusion

  Amazing view and secluded period Take the road all the way down until it ends comma about two miles comma and there's a cul-de-sac that would be great for a small group. Please respect the land: keep it down and pack it out!

• 

  Jami C.

  Traveler

  

  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.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Josee D.

  Traveler

  

  May. 10, 2024

  Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Magnificent

  We couldn’t believe we were the only ones here, incredibly beautiful, clean, peaceful with beautiful sun sets and sun rises. We stayed there for 4 days and didn’t see anyone. Our dogs enjoyed it tremendously too.

• 

  Doc P.

  Guide

  

  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.

  Guide

  

  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.

• A

  Audry

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 4, 2024

  Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road

  easy on/off highway

  beautiful surroundings - large open space with fire pits and great views - fantastic night sky

• D

  Dan

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Lee D.

  Scout

  

  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.

• C

  Caroline S.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 22, 2024

  Razor Road Dispersed Camping

  Flat open space by freeway

  Large flat open space with several fire pits. Some highway noise, but nothing terrible

• 

  5 STAR X P.

  Guide

  

  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.

• S

  Saurav P.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  cole R.

  Scout

  

  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

• R

  Robert K.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• T

  Tilda P.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 30, 2023

  Indian Springs near lava field — Mojave National Preserve

  Fantastic

  Absolutely beautiful sunset at this place with black lava rocks, cute tufts of yellow grass looking like little fires in the sunset. Gourds and other fun plants. 4wd recommended.

• 

  Alexei M.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 26, 2023

  Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Excellent, beware of sand.

  Getting in early paid off I had first pick and got the first big site by the rock formation, which seems to be the best site. Further down the road the sand gets deeper and the spots are less defined. Two other campers pulled within shouting distance, but still plenty of privacy and no one bothered us. T-Mobile is excellent here. Rock formation is excellent for blocking the sound of a generator if you stick it behind the rocks. Hot days, cool nights in June.

• G

  G D.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 21, 2023

  Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve

  Epic Rocks, Quiet site

  Awesome rugged camping in the middle of the Mojave. Cool little hikes into the washes. Nice and quiet, far and tucked away from the road. Loved it

• J

  Jeffery K.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 12, 2023

  Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve

  Nice remote site

  Nice remote area back from the main road, very quiet and beautiful views. There are at least room for two or three groups. Road in was very easy, we were in an Outback pulling a teardrop trailer and there were no problems getting back there. Easy turnaround spots at the junction of the roads near the camp spots. If the spots at the end of the road are full there are a couple of options in washes closer to the paved road but they are not as scenic.

• 

  Federico C.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 11, 2023

  Kelso Dunes Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Trilling

  My family spent 1 night a a full day here. My 3 boys loved climbing the dunes. A little harder for mom and dad to keep up. Wonderful experience amazing view from the top of the dunes. Road to the camp ground is a very poor conditions. Few plastics came off the trailer on the way to/from the camping ground due to the vibrations. No mobile signal which was uncomfortable and nice at the same time!

• Z

  Zak

  Guide

  

  Apr. 8, 2023

  Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Great place for a quick stop

  This was a really easy spot to find and get setup. We came in late after driving all day and night. The spots that were in the rocks already had people in them. So we just setup by the road. The sites in the rocks looked really nice and spaced perfectly to be private.

• B

  Brandon

  Guide

  

  Apr. 6, 2023

  Indian Springs near lava field — Mojave National Preserve

  Gorgeous & quiet

  Not too tough to get to in our 30’ class c RV, just a bit bumpy. About 25 minutes from I-15. Beautiful spot, dead quiet. The first little cove spot we noticed against the rocks was perfect size for our rv and moderately easy to turn around in. There were other campers about 2 spots down that we could see but they were pretty far away. Lovely sunset!

  EDIT: upon leaving this morning, we noticed that our spot was the first big one past the rock painted “3” that another reviewer had mentioned

• 

  Jim H.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 27, 2023

  Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve

  Fairly remote but good access

  Great spot a couple miles off the main road. Great views.

• 

  Sarah N.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 26, 2023

  Silurian Dry Lake Bed

  Weird spot

  Bit of an awkward spot to camp in my opinion. It’s pretty much an open sandy area in the town of Baker. You can hear the highway and noise from the town. If you prefer more remote areas, choose a different place. It was difficult to find in the dark as well because the coordinates provided aren’t technically in the camping area. I had to zoom in on the map to make sure I was on BLM land.

• 

  Madonna D.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 6, 2023

  Silurian Dry Lake Bed

  Very convenient and close to I15

  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. Close to overhead power lines. Mad Greek Restaurant awesome for evening meal and Chevron Gas station has great bathrooms and supplies!!