Are you planning a camping trip to Cima with your dog? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp in California with your dog is easier than ever. Search nearby pet-friendly campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Camping 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.
Roadside and Undeveloped Camping Regulations
Camping 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.
Guide
This is a great spot for an overnight stay about 11 miles down Kelbaker Road from Highway 15. There are two larger sites near the road, but if you drive a little way past those, you will find one small site before the little hill. We also found two more sites after the little hill and one of them was about 30 feet deep, which was good for us. We tried to go farther, but we didn’t see anything for quite a way so we turned around again. A word of caution, it is not easy to turn around because it’s very sandy.
The campsite we chose past the little hill was not visible from the other campsites and it had a great view of the valley and the mountains. You could barely see the highway, and you could not hear it.
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 that you can throw away in the dump when you leave.
It’s a nice private spot and we will definitely stay there again.
Scout
No facillities, but beautiful quiet place to spend the night. No one else there, rings provided for fires.
Scout
Ivanpah is a world-renowned spot for land sailing. The BLM has set the playa aside for use only by non-motorized vehicles and the lake is fantastic! All types of land yachts, kite buggies and other wind-powered craft sail there.
Motorized vehicles must stay off the lake to avoid rutting the surface.
The area is closed and no vehicle movement is permitted when the surface is wet - you'll probably get stuck if you try.
There is a bathroom kiosk with picnic tables about half-way to the prime sailing area, which is about 3 miles from the turnoff at turn by the state lottery in Primm.
The larger dry lake is on the west side and a smaller lake is on the east, behind the casinos.
Traveler
A great place to climb rocks and watch sunrises and sunsets. Lots of birds to listen to and spy with binoculars. In the spring the desert flowers are blooming and beautiful to seek out different species. The road leading to the research station is tight, you will likely get the sides of your vehicle scratched. Lots of dirt roads to explore and even found some petroglyphs nearby. The dispersed sites are about and 1/8 of mile apart and separated by boulders so privacy is great.
It was pleasing to see almost no litter or bottles and cans.
Bring your own water, bring your own privy.
Drive slow and watch for desert tortoises and other wild life while exploring the miles and miles of dirt roads.
Only complaint was the guy who drove his dirt back around the rocks like it was his own personal dirt track. He did that for half an hour the disappears.
Guide
Great isolated spot, probably great for stargazing when the moon isn’t in your face.
Scout
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.
TravelerIt 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.
Traveler
Really good place, everyone must give a shot. Delta executor .
ScoutThe Retro Camper with Desert bloxstrap Mountain View offers a charming blend of vintage aesthetics and modern comfort. Nestled against a picturesque desert mountain backdrop, it provides a serene and unforgettable getaway. The camper is well-maintained and thoughtfully decorated, ensuring a cozy and nostalgic stay while enjoying the natural beauty of the desert.
Traveler
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.
Scout
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!
Traveler
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.
Traveler
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.
Scout
Great campground for either tents, trailers, class A or C motorhomes. Quiet and close to Colorado River
TravelerLovely stay at the retro camper. Cozy indoors rustic outdoors. The Pioneer Saloon just a 5 minute walk down the hill. Live music Friday-Sunday. Everyone is friendly. Heather was a great host and always a text away.
GuideJust 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
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.
Travelerbeautiful surroundings - large open space with fire pits and great views - fantastic night sky
Traveler
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.
TravelerLarge flat open space with several fire pits. Some highway noise, but nothing terrible
Guide
This is a great spot. Now I might be a bit biased because it’s only 1 and 1/3 from my house but this spot is underrated.
It’s super clean. No trash etc. the Mojave preserve parks do a great job. If you go to the day use area it’s also clean and well kept as well as just really a nice area. Great hike to the crater. They filmed “ Journey ToThe Center Of The Earth “ there. There aren’t a lot of spots to camp but because nobody comes here very much it’s always pretty simple to find a little spot. It’s a great weekender/ short get away spot. There is a train that runs by but it’s not loud. It’s far enough away that the train sound is actually soothing at night and I think ads to the charm. Yes, can be windy but also can be perfect. The stargazing is amazing and it will be busy here if there is a stargazing event
GuideThis is a seemingly in remarkable spot but we really like it. It’s close to home for us but on a nice day it’s very pretty and the volcano is cool to hike to. The day use parking lot has bathrooms. Not a lot of spots to camp but it’s also not a crowded spot unless there is a stargazing event. It’s close to Roy’s for a fun little touristy stop. The camping area is the overflow parking lot.
We had a 23 ft rv Decent cell service
Legend
NPS turned this dry CG over to the marina as of Jan 1 2024. The marina charges $20 and no senior discount...guess the Lake Mead NPS wants out of the CG MGMT hassles.
GuideSeveral 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.
Scout
I wanted to make it to the Mojave and ended up here. Looks like it could be pretty but I didn’t find out cause I came in after dark and left by 4a. Near constant truck traffic on the main access road from the mine mean it’s a very difficult place to sleep.
If you’re a heavy sleeper, go for it. I am not.
ScoutWent 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.
ScoutThe 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
Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Cima, California, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cima, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cima, CA is Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve with a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 30 dog-friendly camping locations near Cima, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
