Dispersed camping around Baker, California offers easy access to several primitive camping areas throughout the Mojave Desert. Temperatures range from below freezing in winter nights to well over 100°F in summer days. Most designated camping areas are positioned along Kelbaker Road which runs south from Interstate 15, with sites located between 10-25 miles from Baker's small commercial district.
What to do
Explore lava formations: Tank Six Camp provides an excellent base for exploring the unique volcanic features of the Mojave Desert. "Fabulous quiet spot with a nostalgic cattle corral. Gorgeous vistas," notes one camper who stayed in February when overnight temperatures reached 50°F.
Hike to desert ridges: The terrain around Kelbaker Road Dispersed Camping offers opportunities for moderate hiking. A visitor shared, "Took a mostly easy hike to the ridge of the dunes. Aside from the desert gnats, it was bug-free with decent temps."
Night photography: The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for astrophotography. At North Lava Tube Camp, one camper noted they had "a great view of the valley and the mountains" and that their site was "not visible from other campsites," providing excellent privacy for nighttime photography sessions.
What campers like
Exceptional privacy: Many dispersed sites offer significant distance between campers. At Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, a camper emphasized this benefit: "We laughed as loud as we wanted and sang even louder. This place was perfect to act a damn fool."
Accessible solitude: Despite feeling remote, several camping areas can be reached without specialized vehicles. "Just 10 miles down a great, stereotypical, paved desert road off of I-15 you'll find an unmarked turnoff as the road curves," explains a camper describing access to North Lava Tube Camp.
Surprising connectivity: Many visitors report unexpected cell service despite the remote setting. One camper at Kelbaker Road noted, "There is actually some decent cell service in the Mojave preserve (along Hwy 127). There are also call boxes about every 2 miles further along the 127."
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: Many sites require careful driving. At Granite Pass in Mojave National Park, a Jeep camper warned about thorns and wildlife: "Make sure to wear shoes as there are thorns. Also be ready to wake up to critters (mice? Chipmunks?) running across your exhaust."
Road conditions vary significantly: Road quality changes with weather and usage patterns. A visitor to Kelbaker Road Dispersed Camping described their experience: "The road is sandy, rocky, and hilly with rivets and ruts. I made it in an AWD Subaru, but be careful. I scraped the undercarriage in one spot."
Pack out all waste: No trash services exist at most sites. At North Lava Tube Camp, a camper observed: "Unfortunately, we did see some toilet paper around our site which we picked up. It is simple enough to just buy a toilet bucket at Sportsman's Warehouse and add a bag of pine pellets."
Tips for camping with families
Visit during cooler months: The extreme summer heat makes family camping challenging. A winter visitor to Ivanpah Dry Lake suggested, "The larger dry lake is on the west side and a smaller lake is on the east, behind the casinos," offering more options for family exploration during cooler periods.
Plan for no facilities: No established campgrounds offer running water. At 17 Mile Camp, a camper arrived late and still found it workable: "Showed up past midnight and it was still really easy to find a flat spot to park our camper van. It was very quiet all night & the sky was amazing!"
Bring desert-appropriate supplies: All sites require complete self-sufficiency. "There aren't a whole lot of options between Death Valley and Joshua Tree if you're traveling in the shorter days of winter," notes a camper who stayed along Highway 127, emphasizing the need for proper planning.
Tips from RVers
Seek established pull-offs: Several locations offer adequate space for larger vehicles. A visitor to North Lava Tube Camp explained, "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."
Check road conditions beforehand: Seasonal changes can significantly impact access. "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," advises an RVer who successfully navigated to the best tent camping near Baker, California.
Access without four-wheel drive: Some areas remain accessible with standard vehicles. One RVer noted about Kelbaker Road, "With the sun setting and a limping van we had to find a new dispersed location... Along Hwy 127 between I-40 and I-15 there are a number of pull offs where you can spend the night in a campervan or RV."
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