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At 4,400 feet in elevation, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls and makes a great basecamp for hikers. Thirty-five campsites accommodate RVs and tents; two walk-in sites are also available. Maximum RV or trailer length is 30 Feet.
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
Legend
Nice little campground in desert-quiet.
Traveler
Stayed here for one night in July. We were afraid that it will be extremely hot, but the night was surprisingly cold. Only a free other campgrounds we have been on our trip could beat the stars at night. Even though the site is in the middle of the desert, everything is perfectly clean and you even have water.
TravelerCampsite with 30 something spots. Potable water and a hose to refill your freshwater (non potable). Graywater disposal available. Dry toilets clean. Amazing views! Visitor centre and walks nearby. Almost empty when we went in early May. Enjoy!!
ScoutGreat camping spots. You feel somewhat close to your neighbors but the are angled where you don't feel on top of eachother. We never saw the host so just bring exactly $12 in cash with you to pay at the stand. Bathrooms are pit toilets but didn't smell and were as clean as the could be. Portable water and the rings loop trail was amazing!!
TravelerGreat location with opportunities for nice hiking. Wonderful surroundings. Our 3 boys had a blast calming and hiking. I would no stay more than two nights if you are looking for something new every day.
GuideWe have camped here twice because it is a convenient location on our way from California to other states. But it is also a pretty area. Even though it is first come, first serve, there were plenty of sites available both times we stayed.  There are relatively clean toilets with toilet paper,a waste basket, and hand sanitizer. We were OK in our trailer, but we had to pull down our awning because the wind was extremely strong overnight. We noticed a few of the tent campers left in the middle of the night. A warning to tent campers to check the weather before camping there.
Scout
Perfect for cars, vans, and trucks if you just need a legal place to park. Need to drive some gravel roads to get there. We were all alone when we went to sleep and the only light or noise was from the nearby highway. There’s scattered woody trash in the surrounding land so do your part and start a campfire with it. I found a pallet on the ground on my way in.
TravelerLoved it. Some big pull through sites and back in sites for 30+ ft trailers. Water stations spread out through the campground and a Dump station. Camp sites are spaced out with some good distance between. Awesome views of the local mountains and hiking trails are close.
GuidePaved road into campsite (about 20miles). Campground itself is smooth gravel. Well spaced and mostly level sites with beautiful desert vegetation between sites. First come, first serve. Almost empty in late Oct. $12/night. No hookups but access to potable water and a sanidump. Very clean pit toilets. Friendly and informative host. Access to trails right from campground, and information center within sight.
RangerStayed: 6/2/2022
Cost: $12 (exact change)
Site: 16
Vehicle: GMC Terrain
Equipment: Tent
AT&T and T-Mobile: Slow but usable
We made the trek out to Hole-in-the-Wall at Mojave National Preserve for one night. It was a much longer dirt road than I had imagined and you go up in elevation. It took almost a half-hour to get to the campground from Cedar Canyon Road.
This is a First Come, First Served NPS campground. We started the loop a little worried because every site was tagged, but by the time we got back over to the first loop, we had our pick of sites. We chose 16 because of the great view and it being directly next to the pit toilet. (The cleanest pit toilet I’ve ever seen)! The campground also has potable water, plenty of dumpsters and a dump station.
We wanted to stay here because we were finishing off our trip the next morning at the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center. It is directly next door, you can even see the lot from the campground.
This was a great place to stay, but maybe it would have been more worth it to stay at least a couple nights. I definitely didn’t realize the trek it was to get here, from the main part of the park. Everything is super spread out at Mojave.
#DareToEverywhere
LegendThis is a good spot if you just need to stop for the night. It's a great alternative to a truck stop or a Walmart because a) apparently there's an ordinance and Vegas Walmarts don't allow overnight parking and b) it's so quiet here / no idling trucks all night.
This appears to be a popular spot for dirt bikers to come and play as well. There was a small group that parked here and went off to ride, then zoomed back and zipped around the hills and jumps in this spot before packing up and going home.
One other camper stayed the night here when we stayed here. Plenty of space for people to spread out and there's room for many campers and for large rigs.
This spot is ideal because it's easy access from the freeway and yet it's far away enough and blocked by a little hill, so you don't get the loud freeway noise (you do hear it, but it's not at all bothersome). Access from the freeway is doable for most rigs, just take it slow as there are some ruts and dips. It's .4 miles from the freeway to this spot.
Google maps doesn't seem to recognize the dirt road that will lead you straight from the freeway to this spot and will try and take you along a more roundabout path. Check satellite view and you will see where to get off the freeway.
Good cell service here as well.
TravelerWe stayed here for two nights both of which were quite windy so stake down your tent extra tight. The views here are definitely what make this place worth it to camp at. The Ring Loop trail is also a blast. Theres potable water available and we payed a total of $24 for two nights here. I would definitely visit again.
GuideFantastic, rustic, sweeping views of the area. Bathrooms & water pumps are readily supplied throughout the park. We were surprised to find out they turn off the water in early December each year.
GuideWe stayed here in mid-March. It was beautiful. Good hiking nearby, great star gazing and over all very peaceful and relaxing. It was cold in March at night so be prepared. Zero cell service so you are certainly unplugged!! Don’t miss other hikes near this camp spot, Kelso Depot is great along with some Lava tunnels and sand dunes.
TravelerWe stayed one night here and enjoyed the beautiful sunset and sunrise. Nice, big campsites and well maintained facility. We made the mistake of taking the dirt road through the preserve from the North- we do not recommend! It was such bad washboard it took 2 hours to go 15 miles. Save yourself and your vehicles the pain and go around. The wind was also very strong the night we were there. So much so that the gusts shook our camper and made it hard to sleep. We enjoyed ourselves but may not be back for just a stop over.
GuideHole in The Wall has plenty to offer with hikes and views all around. The ring trail is interesting. Basic facility with pit toilets, tables, fire rings and water. But water may be seasonal. No hookups available for RV's. Gets windy at night with down canyon flows after sunset. $12 a night, passes are accepted. Nice area for star gazing.
TravelerFirst come first serve
Definitely would advise getting here early if camping during a holiday weekend. Great spots, spaced out. Wonderful desert views all around! Rangers host an astronomy night and guiding hike! Running water and vaulted clean toilets
ScoutVery windy when I went but good. Tent spots have sand on ground so be prepared to weigh down tent rather than use stakes
TravelerLoved the quiet. There a couple of hikes available that are worth your time. Just make sure to drink plenty of water. After the sun settles behind the hills quite a bit of wild life comes out, including the giant jackrabbits. Make sure you situate your tent to face the wind as it kicks up for a couple hours after the sunset. The desert breathes freely while cooling down. There were no fees in early September for camping.
TravelerThis was a last minute decision while driving from CA to IN. It’s a 35 site campground, no reservations accepted. We had a back up plan in case it was full, but that wasn’t necessary, there was only one other person there. We chose a campsite on the opposite side from where he was. We stayed on the west side, which was beautiful, as we looked directly at the canyon walls. There are pit toilets and trash receptacles at frequent intervals. There is non drinkable water available. No firewood on site, and you can’t collect. You are roughing it here, but if you are okay with that, you can’t beat this experience! We paid $6 for the night with our ATB pass, it’s $12 normally. It was crazy windy through the night, I don’t know if that’s normal or not. So windy we left the pop up trailer hitched to our Jeep because the gusts were incredibly strong and we were worried about the trailer being tossed. All kinds of critters about, including in the restrooms, so be aware.
ScoutHad plenty of room for multiple tents on one campsite. The campsite was well maintained and was great if you like to do some plain and simple camping. Very close to several good hiking trails and not far from several other desirable locations within the national park.
LegendWe wanted to check out ZZYZX but there was no camping there so we had to explore other options. Really wanting to be as close to the dried salt lake area where you can literally yell out and hear your voice echo for miles we discovered Hole-In-The-Wall. It sounded a bit funny considered it was in the middle of the desert and everything is like a hole in the wall as you pass through miles and miles of nothingness, but we gave it a shot and were very pleased.
It is a first come first serve campsite but when we were there that wasn't an issue there were only a few campers. It made for a quiet night in the desert where we were surrounded by low laying vegetation and views of the mountains around. It looked like a pretty large campground overall with lots of sites each with a picnic table and fire ring.
There was no potable water when we were there and only pit toilets. Pretty basic, no hook ups and no showers.
It was pleasant though and I would say it made us happy that we had stumbled upon it. It was $12 fo the night for our site and I did notice that those having the senior card could get a discount, so something to look forward to when I get older!!
It was pretty no frills camping. But since we always come prepared we had firewood ready to go and were able to enjoy setting up then venturing over to ZZYZX to check out the "abandoned" site, which is actually partially used as a research facility and partially a ruin of times passed. Really unique experience from every angle.
TIPS:
Pack extra water since there is none available and if you are interested in a shower make sure you have an outdoor shower bag already filled before you arrive.
While you can have a generator they do have a quiet hours policy for other guest. The campground is so quiet at night and everything echoes in the canyon.
Do not camp in washes because even though it seems dry when rain comes it quickly moves across the desert and will flood these areas and create very scary conditions.
GuideThis campground is an excelent place if you like basic and secluded campgrounds. Each campsite is just the perfect size for 1 tent/RV. With the site you will get a picnic table and a fire pit. The fire pit also has a gril bar so you can use it for cooking/bbq if neded. Campground is super peacful and relaxing. Situated at the botom of a clif with desert views on other three sides. It can be pretty windy, so do look at the weather channel before comming and plan accordingly. You can still stay there even in the windy nights, just be ready for a lot of noise as the wind bangs on your tent pretty loudly. We were here at the end of May, just before the temperature started climbing too much and even though it was Memorial Day weekend there was enough empty sites. The campgroud is First Come First Serve, but it seems like it's never fully packed, and it's been pretty easy to find a spot everytime.
Kelso Depot, Mojave Cross and the largest Joshua Tree Forest, as well as Kelso Dunes are all within an hour ride from the campground.
TravelerVery limited shade, but sites are very close to some really neat hiking spots like one where you have to climb down a small canyon by holding metal rings that were attached to the rocks. Since there's no city lights to pollute the sky, there's amazing views of the night sky.
TravelerThis is a great little campground. Especially since it's so close to a really awesome hike the Rings Trail and others in the area. Each campsite was clean and flat, the bathrooms were basic pit toilets but they were very clean also and there were water spigots through out the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cima, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cima, CA is Hole in the Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cima, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Cima, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
