Dispersed camping near Baker, California offers free overnight options on public land surrounding the Mojave National Preserve. The desert camping areas sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet with temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night common year-round. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing after sunset, while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with minimal natural shade.
What to do
Hike Teutonia Peak Trail: The trailhead located near Mojave Cross Dispersed provides a moderate 3-mile round trip hike through Joshua tree forests. "Teutonia Peak Trailhead is right next to the camping sites and was an incredible hike. We didn't have any service at the campsite but did on the trail," notes a visitor who enjoyed exploring the area.
Explore Kelso Dunes: These massive sand formations rise 600 feet and are accessible via a moderately difficult hike from Kelso Dunes Dispersed camping area. One camper advises, "The Kelso dunes are no joke. 600' climb in elevation in deeeeeeeep sand that's been accumulating for 25k years. It's breath taking literally once you're there."
Stargaze from elevated vantage points: Rock formations at campsites provide natural platforms for nighttime sky viewing. A camper at Mojave Cross Dispersed mentioned, "Stargazing at this site was outstanding. Rock formations provide comfortable platforms for laying on your back and watching for shooting stars."
What campers like
Solitude and spacing between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant separation between campers. At Indian Springs near lava field, a reviewer noted, "There were other campers about 2 spots down that we could see but they were pretty far away."
Natural windbreaks: The volcanic terrain provides protection from desert winds. "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," reports a camper who stayed at Indian Springs.
Cell service for remote work: Surprisingly strong connections exist at certain sites. A camper at North Lava Tube Camp reported, "I had 3 bars of Verizon LTE and was able to text and send videos and do some of my remote work."
Variable experiences at Silurian Dry Lake Bed: Reviews indicate significant differences in perception. One camper described it as "a bit of an awkward spot" noting "It's pretty much an open sandy area in the town of Baker. You can hear the highway and noise from the town," while others found it peaceful.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to sites ranges from easy to challenging. At Razor Road Dispersed Camping, the entrance is "easy to find" with "large flat open space with several fire pits," suitable for most vehicles.
Fire regulations and permits: Free permits are required for campfires on BLM land. At Kelso Dunes Dispersed, one camper noted "most sites have fire rings as this seems to be a decommissioned campground," but visitors should check current fire restrictions before lighting fires.
Waste management responsibilities: All sites lack trash facilities. A visitor to Razor Road observed, "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."
Weather preparedness essential: Rapid temperature changes occur throughout the year. A camper at Kelso Dunes reported, "Slight hail storm the first night and temps stayed in the 30's all night. 1/4 of snow on the car and about an inch on the dunes in the morning, was 60° & sunny during the day."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural play areas: Rock formations provide climbing opportunities for older children. A visitor to Tank Six Camp mentioned the "fabulous quiet spot with a nostalgic cattle corral" and "gorgeous vistas" that offer exploration opportunities.
Consider wildlife encounters: Desert wildlife requires caution and awareness. A North Lava Tube Camp visitor warned, "Watch out for snakes!" emphasizing the importance of teaching children about desert safety.
Plan for sand activities: The sandy desert terrain can be fun for children. At Kelso Dunes, a camper suggested, "If you have kids think worlds tallest sand slide and take a sled of some sorts."
Prepare for limited facilities: No sites offer water or toilets. "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," notes a North Lava Tube camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles. At Cowhole Mountain Basecamp, a visitor noted it's "flat with hills, near highway but peaceful" with enough space for moderate-sized RVs.
Space between campers for generator use: At Razor Road, a camper mentioned there was "enough room between campers to run a generator without bothering anyone," which is important for RV power management.
Navigating dirt roads: Many sites require careful driving. For Indian Springs near lava field, a camper advised, "2WD sedan ok as long as you stay on the trails - soft sand off trail," noting the importance of remaining on established paths.
Turning radius considerations: Limited turnaround space exists at some sites. A North Lava Tube Camp visitor cautioned, "A word of caution, it is not easy to turn around because it's very sandy," highlighting the importance of assessing sites before fully entering.
