Best Dispersed Camping near Baker, CA

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Baker, California

92 Reviews of 26 Baker Campgrounds

• 

  Alisa B.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 29, 2021

  Silurian Dry Lake Bed

  Life on Mars

  Absolutely amazing free dispersed camping at Silurian dry lake bed.

  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. The farthest you can camp is about a mile off of the road. Very level, great place for boondocking.

  This is BLM managed land, make sure to go online for a free fire permit if you plan to have a campfire.

• 

  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!!

• 

  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.

• 

  Deacon J.

  Legend

  

  May. 5, 2018

  Shoshone - Tecopa - Dispersed

  Boondock delight!

  Ash Meadows is a treasure and though no camping is within the actual preserve, BLM land surrounds the place and plenty of spaces to camp and explore. There is a concrete slab near this site that is perfect for a campervan like ours. Was level with no breaks. No fire ring or remnants or an old one and we were hesitant to light one with the dry season here. The road to Longstreet cabin is rough, rough, rough. Go slow and the car will be alright even if not 4X4, you'll be glad you did. The trails are almost all raised wood to protect the area. Easy hike, wheelchair friendly (very wide paths). Tecopa is nearby as well as amargosa with the most lovable opera house in the USA. Lots of little critters around and some coyotes heard howling at night. A great campsite for the hardcore camping enthusiast

• 

  Jake

  Guide

  

  Dec. 22, 2020

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Secluded Star Gazing

  Wonderful dispersed free camping in Mojave National Preserve. Find the first road adjacent to the white cross memorial. We arrived after sunset and we reluctant to drive too far down the uneven and non-maintained dirt road, but were rewarded with an outstanding campsite for our risky persistence!

  The road has many wash out holes and soft sand, but I was able to navigate successfully (and slowly) in an AWD Honda Element. Higher clearance four-wheel drive vehicles will be able to explore additional camp sites further down the road, but there are a handful of sites near the entrance.

  Tip: Stargazing at this site was outstanding. Rock formations provide comfortable platforms for laying on your back and watching for shooting stars. Camped here in December with overnight lows around 30 degrees. Bundle up and enjoy!!

• 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.

• 

  Zach H.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 9, 2023

  Silurian Dry Lake Bed

  Great Spot

  Easy access, great dispersed camping. Not far from the road, but not too loud either. Very convenient.

• 

  Trevor M.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 6, 2022

  Shoshone - Tecopa - Dispersed

  On the way out of the park…

  Dispersed camping. We came on a weekday afternoon and had a great time. Drove about a mile and a quarter back the road and found a couple really good spots. I’m sure you could go back further.

  Wind was WICKED! Bring a kite.

• 

  Cameron M.

  Guide

  

  May. 26, 2022

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Awesome spot

  I drove in at night and originally passed the campground because I saw people there, and thought it was a solo spot. It’s a beautiful little spot and has a cool history. It is close quarters to other campers compared to most dispersed camping, but you still have more room than your typical campground.

• 

  Sara S.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 16, 2021

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Hidden Gem

  Great place for desert boondocking! Very quiet and amazing stars! Joshua Trees all around. Coyotes howling at night. Watch out for cacti which are enormous! A huge fire left a large area of this part of the preserve damaged but there are still some spots where the Joshua Trees are un damaged. It’s a dirt road with some large-ish rocks to get to the dispersed spots. We made it just fine in our pick-up towing a teardrop. 2WD cars shouldn’t have a problem expect. High clearance definitely makes your life easier for sure. Most sites have a rock fire pit and not much else. We opted for a spot against some jumbo rocks for wind protection. It’s a decently trafficked area but wasn’t at all crowded or trashed. We’d 100% stay here again.

• 

  Aliza N.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 8, 2022

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Awesome spot amongst the Joshua trees

  Superb dispersed camping. This area can either be reached by turning down a dirt track at the Mojave Cross or by going down Kessler Peak road. There are a handful of previously established sites on Kessler Peak road plus a few small pull offs that doesn’t appear to be actual established sites. There are also a few sites on the road from the Mojave Cross. This dirt road connects to the Kessler Peak road after not to far but there are 3-4 great spots on the way. Two port-a-potties near the Mojave Cross as well. Sites are big and have lots of space, only down side is that there are only a few of them. Great for privacy but not great if you are a late arrival and they are full! Pack in, pack out. Stay on designated roads and please don’t create new sites! Such a fragile atmosphere. Lots of previously burned Joshua trees in the area but lots of live ones too! Gorgeous sunset over Teutonia Peak!!

• 

  Chanel C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 2, 2019

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Camp under the stars in a Joshua Tree forest

  • Free primitive campground great for boondocking! First come first serve.
  • Right across from the Teutonia Peak trailhead. Perfect for going on a day hike and explore the landscape surrounded by Joshua Trees
  • Shell gas station about 11 miles up Interstate 15 if you need to pick up water and supplies
  • Dirt roads with gravel with some small rocks when approaching campground.
  • Fires are allowed and some sites have firepits. You can always make your own with the rocks in the area.
  • The land is owned by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and dedicated to the fallen soldiers of all wars
  • The best sites are the two right around the White Cross Memorial boulders. The one near the front of the cross (entrance) is great for group camping. It has two picnic tables and is right next to a large Juniper tree. The one in the rear of the White Cross is very spacious and has large rocks that protect from the wind.
  • Amazing star gazing in the dessert with very little light polution
  • Some spots may be difficult for vehicles without high clearance. Beware of scraping the underbelly your cars or trailers on rocks in the road.
  • Pretty secluded and remote camping. There were about 6 other campers near us -- mostly RVs and a few tent sites
  • No showers, toilets, running water. Practice LNT and pack in pack out.
  • Wifi is okay -- 2 out of 4 bars (AT&T)
• 

  Eric F.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 29, 2020

  Shoshone - Tecopa - Dispersed

  Rock Hounding Dreams?

  This is a great place to dig for white opals! I come here several times a year to dig for opals and search for other rock, there is a ton of chalcedony in this area which I like. The dirt roads are okay but not great as far as how rough they are, but you don't have to have a 4x4 so that's good. There's quite a few spots and they are spaced far apart, I've seen a wide range of camping setups, I tent camp so I tend to look for dry creak beds, this area is pretty rocky so air mattresses are your friend.

  In the deeper areas of old river beds the hills will be 15-30ft tall, look for a dark green/gray line and when you find whites spots that's where the opals are, you can chip away and find decent sized veins of white opal. When you get them wet you will see blue, red, green and yellow amongst other colors.

  This is dispersed camping so there are no amenities to speak of, but there is a small town of Tecopa near by with a few small places to eat. There are also hot springs in this area follow the signs they are everywhere, be forewarned that foreigners come into this area as well and tend to go into the hot springs nude. There is another camp close to the hot springs that has amenities if that's what you like.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Rob R.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 24, 2022

  Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve

  Feels like Mars

  I would recommend this campground to anyone with light off road capability and roughly 8 feet side by side clearance. This was an amazing experience and will definitely be coming back here. This was a great stopping point to split up our drive from the Bay Area to the Grand Canyon. Thanks to the Dyrt we would not have found this hidden treasure; there were lots of people camped right off the highway and we got this beautiful camping spot all to ourselves. Watch out for the jumping cacti I got one in my leg!

• F

  Frances L.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 1, 2024

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Quiet

  Great isolated spot, probably great for stargazing when the moon isn’t in your face.

• C

  Charles H.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 6, 2022

  Horse Thief Camp

  Beautiful and desolate

  This was a beautiful and desolate campground looking out in the valley below and Shoshone about 35 miles in the other direction. I saw two sites, both with fire ring and picnic tables with a vault toilet nearby. If there are other organized campsites I am not aware as did not go down the dirt road. Not a “camper friendly” site but 4x4 and motorcycles are easy. There was no cell signal and given this site is in CA, a campfire permit is required. The permit can be obtained at a BLM or online after watching a two minute video and taking an eight question quiz.

• 

  Sara R.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 7, 2020

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Beautiful dispersed campground with views and hikes!

  A perfect dispersed campsite. We stayed here with our 30 ft RV. The road to the camp sites was a bit bumpy but we managed to park just fine even arriving after dark. 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. Sunset from atop the memorial rock formation was gorgeous. There are Joshua trees as far as the eye can see, and a descent fire scar of scorched brush from the wildfire earlier in the year.

  Teutonia Peak Trailhead is right next to the camping sites and was an incredible hike. We didn’t have any service at the campsite (AT&T and Google Fi) but did on the trail and down the road. We can wait to go back!

• 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.

• 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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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

• 

  cal K.

  Ranger

  

  Jan. 17, 2023

  Kelso Dunes Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  Loved this site - too remote for solo camping

  Gorgeous views but ended up leaving because there were no another campers anywhere around. Can’t wait to come back to Mojave with a camping buddy and high clearance vehicle. To reach: 3 mi on bumpy dirt road to main entrance for Kelso Dunes - keep going and first site is on left - level pull through with stone fire ring. Also got a bad vibe from 2 men that slowly drove by flying a drone above their highly rugged/ militaristic-inspired vehicle. Anyway - beautiful site but in the end it was too isolated for me.

• 

  M W.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 29, 2022

  Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve

  Quiet and secluded.

  Narrow entrance through bushes, you may get pinstripes. Several spots to camp among granite boulders. BLM placed fire rings, bring your own wood and water. Pack out all trash and waste. No amenities. Great star watching. A great escape.

• 

  Brad C.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 23, 2021

  Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

  An experience that will never be forgotten

  The best camping experience I’ve ever had. Sites are nothing more than fire rings and small clearings among the various desert flora that stretch for miles. Perfect for those who want a truly primitive experience. Rock formations litter the hundreds of miles of flat desert providing countless opportunities to hike and view magical sunsets. Nighttime offers a unique opportunity, devoid of light pollution, to view stars and celestial sites that are usually hidden. Coyotes roam free and it isn’t rare for a pack to venture very near campsites at night. Enjoy, but remain aware. Spiny plants abound, so be vigilant and dress accordingly.

• 

  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!