Top Free Dispersed Camping near Baker, CA
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Baker? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Baker, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Baker, CA (23)
1. Mojave Cross Dispersed
20 Reviews•102 Photos•624 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
2. Silurian Dry Lake Bed
6 Reviews•11 Photos•114 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Indian Springs near lava field
6 Reviews•14 Photos•169 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Kelso Dunes Dispersed
13 Reviews•29 Photos•375 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Razor Road Dispersed Camping
4 Reviews•9 Photos•44 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Group
- Dispersed
6. North Lava Tube Camp
1 Review•33 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
7. Mojave National Preserve - Kelbaker Road Dispersed Camping
1 Review•9 Photos•14 SavesWhile most campers in undeveloped sites are responsible and conscientious, occasionally we all need to pitch in and help keep your Preserve clean. This photo gallery shows some of the common issues seen in undeveloped sites. Thanks for being a part of the effort to keep the desert pristine and beautiful for people and wildlife today and into the future.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
8. Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve
8 Reviews•31 Photos•154 SavesCamping in undeveloped campsites is allowed in previously used or disturbed sites outside of the "day-use-only" areas. In most cases these sites include a rock or metal fire ring; not all sites contain a fire ring. All fires must be in a fire ring or fire pan; new fire rings cannot be constructed. Camping tramples vegetation and disturbs soils. By reusing existing sites, you help protect the desert from further damage. Practice Leave No Trace principles, including burrying human waste at least six inches deep.
Careful planning and knowledge of camping guidelines and regulations will help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for you, future visitors, and the fragile desert environment.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Kokoweef Dispersed Camping
1 Review•2 Photos•27 SavesRoadside and Undeveloped Camping Regulations
- Roadside and undeveloped camping must be in previously used sites outside of any posted no camping areas, or areas listed below.
- In order to protect sensitive habitat for wildlife, campsites must be more than 200 yards from any natural or constructed water source.
- Groups over 7 vehicles/ 25 people and/or organized events will need to obtain a permit Large groups can cause extensive damage to vegetation in non permitted areas. A permit ranger may be able to assist you and your group to find an appropriate site to stay.
- Vehicles must remain in previously disturbed areas. The creation of new campsites will not be allowed. Driving off of established roads is not permitted.
- Campfires are allowed in existing fire ring or in a fire pan. Constructing New Fire rings is not allowed
- Collecting and or cutting firewood is prohibited in the Preserve. Bring your firewood with your from outside the preserve
- Backcountry campers may camp anywhere in the Preserve outside of designated day use only areas but must erect their tent out of sight of paved roads.
- Trash must be packed out, leave the area cleaner than you found it.
- Human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep, toilet paper needs to be packed out as trash. Nobody likes to find used toilet paper on their national park experience.
- Do not bury or leave behind any food scraps, trash, or compost. This attracts ravens and other predators of the threatened desert tortoise.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Baker
82 Reviews of 23 Baker Campgrounds
- J
John M.
Scout
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.
TravelerRazor 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.
- NNikolas P.Traveler
Kelso Dunes Dispersed
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
Indian Springs near lava field
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
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
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
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
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
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. - AAudryTraveler
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
- DDanGuide
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
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.
- CCaroline S.Traveler
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.GuideRazor 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.
- SSaurav P.Scout
Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping
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.ScoutHeart 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
- RRobert K.Traveler
Kelso Dunes Dispersed
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.
- TTilda P.Traveler
Indian Springs near lava field
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.TravelerKelbaker 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.
- GG D.Traveler
Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping
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
- JJeffery K.Traveler
Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping
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.TravelerKelso Dunes Dispersed
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!
- ZZakGuide
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.
- BBrandonGuide
Indian Springs near lava field
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.ScoutGranite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping
Fairly remote but good access
Great spot a couple miles off the main road. Great views.
Sarah N.ScoutSilurian 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
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!!
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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Baker, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Baker, CA is Mojave Cross Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Baker, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Baker, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.