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Mojave Cross Dispersed Camping in Mojave National Preserve offers numerous secluded sites where pets can freely explore the desert landscape among Joshua trees and rock formations. The primitive camping area features multiple established sites with fire rings, providing ample space for dogs to roam while maintaining distance from other campers. Dogs must remain under owner control but can enjoy the expansive terrain with few restrictions. Coyotes frequently roam near campsites at night, so pet owners should remain vigilant about wildlife encounters. The camping area's large rock formations create natural wind protection and provide comfortable platforms for stargazing with pets nearby.
Several hiking trails near the camping areas accommodate pets, including the Teutonia Peak Trail directly across from the Mojave Cross camping area. The terrain contains numerous cacti and spiny plants that can injure paw pads, requiring careful supervision during walks. The desert environment experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, necessitating extra water provisions for pets and morning walks before the ground becomes too hot. Sites throughout the preserve offer varying degrees of privacy, with those near large boulder formations providing better wind protection for tents and a barrier from other campers. Pet owners appreciate the isolation and ability to camp away from crowds, though vehicles with higher clearance navigate the access roads more easily. The closest veterinary services are approximately 45 minutes away, so travelers with pets should pack a basic first aid kit.
"There were many spots with fire rings to camp at when you turn onto the dirt road and a couple at the beginning with picnic tables, but the spots where you really want to be are all the way down the path"
"Find the first road adjacent to the white cross memorial."
"The only thing that might remind you of civilization is the distant glow of interstate trucks moving along the highway which cuts through the Mojave National Preserve some 30 miles distant. "
"Situated on a high vantage point the sites offer options to observe the vastness of this desert plain."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Look for a spot on the outside of the loop - some of them have amazing views out over the adjacent hills. I highly recommend this campground."
"views of the surrounding mountains."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We usually stay near Lake Mead on our way back to CA from Utah trips but it was too flipping hot and we don't have AC in our rig."
"My 2 wheel drive ford transit barely made it. I wouldn't return without a 4wd truck. There is also no service on t mobile or Verizon. Cool to see the joshua trees, though! GPS: 35.441418, -115.507145"
"We got a 25ft RV in hear albiet with some pin stripping. about 5 options along the trail nestled into the lava fields that provide some shelter from the wind. Beautiful spot."
"Quiet spot about 15 minutes away from the interstate. Saw one other camper out here, and it was a 1/2 ton pickup truck like mine."
"This was was one of the favorite spots I stayed at during a cross-country road trip from California to Florida in February 2021."
"Trail to dunes are close by. The trail to the dunes is deceptively far. Bring lots of water. Even on a cool day like we went."
"Nice and quiet, far and tucked away from the road. Loved it"
"I arrived around midnight and tried to find a spot while it was dark north of 40 where the map here takes you. It looks like a nice area but the trails are very narrow."
"The turn off to 2 dispersed camping sights is 8 mile from the Mojave Preseve sign in Baker, California. There are two free dispersed sights in the first 1/10 of a mile on a sandy dirt road."
"I didn’t drive much past the second site though the road wasn’t difficult. The sites are well established and well marked."
TravelerMid-Basin cove is more secluded than its sister site up the road but much more secluded and enjoyable. Dispersed camping on the beach, fires and pets allowed.
RangerPacked gravel, several places to pull off, road was rough but very passable. We came in late and moved to Kelso Dunes in the am but the other spot close by looked like a 5 star. No entrance fees. No services other than official campgrounds. Preserve is 1.6 million acres, you will need to move around to see different spots. Rings Trail is worth the hike. @TKCompass on YouTube TV
GuideThe space was nice and there’s several places to park but it’s filled with trash. Also, there’s people constantly shooting guns in the BLM so I didn’t feel super safe and couldn’t let my dog off the leash. However, it’s pretty close to Vegas and the surrounding area. Also literally behind the seven magic mountains!
LegendJust a short way outside of Las Vegas stands an area known for a very unique and signature piece of art "Seven Magic Mountains" just off I-15 toward California a small turn off leads to a huge piece of wonder at this site. People come from miles around to see it, but those real die hard also come here to camp in the wilderness surrounding the wonder itself. It has become an ATV an off road haven, a place to test your ability to camp fully removed from comfort and a nice way to change the pace of what people typically think of as coming to Las Vegas.
Its blistering hot during summer, spring sees an influx of snakes as the cool weather transitions and there are no creature comforts to rely on when camping here. But for those wanting an adventure, the is one of the best.
There is a large section of land to choose from when coming here and it is pretty much all fair game as it is a part of the BLM. You can drive in or hike depending on your desires however I wouldn't recommend a RV in many of the areas which get a little rough. Near the lake bed itself s a good place to do some off road vehicle camping or bringing a tent. This ares is known and you have probably seen it in more than a few fashion photo shoots you have seen because of its terrain. This is iconically a dry lake with large cracks in the soil and shifting small gravel strewn about. It is mostly hard packed and even. Ironically if there is a chance of rains however this is also the only area really prone to flash flooding so make sure to check the weather before an adventure here.
I found on my visit that the wind here was quite gusty as there is no break from the winds in way of taller standing vegetations. I went in late April and noted that there were several reports of Rattlesnakes in the area which start around this time so that was a major concern and I was much more cautious.
This is one of the few dispersed campgrounds I have visited in the Vegas area where I still had cell signal with AT&T, it wasn't great but at least I was able to reach out if needed in case of emergency unlike other sites in the area.
TIPS:
Check the weather before coming here for both winds and rain. if you are going to experience rain make your selection of site wisely a bit further away from the "lake"
Stay on "roads" with your RV, some of the are, despite being hard packed also has a quick transition to a shifting sand, unless you are equipped for off roading try to avoid these areas.
GuideTucked at the end of a road off the main highway in Searchlight. There is nothing in town other than some gas stations and a McDonalds so make sure you pack everything you need. Upon pulling in there were no signs of where to go so just drive up to the motel check-in and look for a board with envelopes and you will find your name and spot assignment. I recommend calling to get the assigned spot you want. I stayed in lower campground RV Site #8, pull through 40' Front Row. There was a busted up concrete pad and a picnic table that has seen some better days. The spots are right next to each other so if you have obnoxious neighbors, that could be a problem. Luckily for us we had great neighbors. If you want extra room to lounge outside your RV, then I recommend you book an extra site so that you have that space, other than that you will be sitting basically up against the RV next to you. Some of the front row spots have random trees so if you have slideouts, be mindful of that. My view was the Motel parking lot so be aware that Front Row does not mean Water view. Campground is dirt/gravel and absolutely nothing fancy about it and no nice views until you walk past the motel. I walked through the motel grounds and it was clean but it looked like it was deserted in a way. I saw one of the rooms and although they had a great patio area overlooking the water, the rooms were old and dated. We also drove to the other side of the campgrounds where there were tent sites/no hook-ups and I don't recommend it. It looked run down and depressing. Just a short walk from the RV campgrounds and over a small hill (watch for dog poop) you will reach a beautiful cove, The greatest thing about this location! It's super clear and the sand is soft. Great place for water activities. Also, the night skies are great for stargazing. It's a short drive from Vegas and it gets the job done.
LegendRanger Review: Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios at Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV
CAMPGROUND REVIEW
Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is located 14 miles east of Searchlight, NV, on the shores of Lake Mohave. The decent into Cottonwood Cove is quite dramatic (about 2900 ft), for which the roadside cactus can attest, as the types of cacti change even with the slightest elevation change.
The "lower" in Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground's name characterizes it's lower elevation compared to the "upper" campground, which naturally has higher elevation.
Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is included in Lake Mead National Recreation Area campgrounds, and keeping with their custom, all sites are first come first serve. The Cottonwood Cove area has low elevation, at about 650 feet above sea level, which means it gets very hot during the late spring, summer, and early fall months.
Only a few of the 45 sites have shady cottonwood trees, and there are only uncovered picnic tables, so come prepared with a shade canopy for much needed relief! There are beautiful views of Lake Mohave, three very clean restroom buildings (no showers), water on taps, and fire rings at every site. There is an RV dump station located near the entrance to the Upper Campground (although the Upper Campground is closed).
The Lower Campground is situated behind a hill, which obstructs cell service. Walking only a short distance to the marina area, you'll find a strong 4G signal. The park service provides fee-based internet at the campground, but we didn't try it.
Cottonwood Cove has a full service boat marina, gas, motel, RV resort (with full hook-ups), watercraft rentals/supplies, sandy beach, and shaded picnic tables with BBQs.
Here's a drive-along tour of Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground: https://youtu.be/s6AQ6KqtxPg
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at this campground. It was a peaceful place, with jackrabbits, a couple of hungry ducks, many songbirds, and the stars at night were bright & beautiful. 4 stars (not 5 stars due to lack of provided shade).
PRODUCT REVIEW
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. While camping at Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground, we tested Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios (model T51).
https://midlandusa.com/product/x-talker-t51vp/
Camping in an isolated area behind a large hill was the perfect place to review these radios. However, with the hill as an obstruction our range was limited. [Note: We also tried these radios at home, and our maximum range was 3 small neighborhood blocks. Perhaps to achieve the maximum range of "28 miles," you'd need to be on the open ocean on a calm day or out on a very flat prairie.]
Here's a video demonstration of the Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios:
https://youtu.be/ocCEzY-MgUc
As you can see in our review video, we compared the Midland radios with a very inexpensive set. Midland's quality is far superior.
The Midland's instruction booklet is easy to follow, buttons are easy to operate, radio is comfortable to hold, and the belt clip is very tight (exercise care unlatching to prevent breaking). And… the NOAA Weather Radio scan was our biggest surprise, as you'll see in this video:
https://youtu.be/nZvTipRcln8
The radios can be charged while positioned on the charging stand or via a charging cord plugged directly into the radio and to an electrical source (such as a portable power bank).
Overall, we are very impressed with the clear reception and convenience of the Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios. We are looking forward to using these radios during our future no-cell service camping, fishing, and hiking adventures. 5 stars
LegendThis campground lies within the most populous state in our union, but feels like it’s a million miles from nowhere. The only thing that might remind you of civilization is the distant glow of interstate trucks moving along the highway which cuts through the Mojave National Preserve some 30 miles distant.
Situated on a high vantage point the sites offer options to observe the vastness of this desert plain. The sites are mostly small with only a few offering room for larger rigs but lots of space in between sites. The campground loop road is dirt and narrow, so maybe scout ahead if you need more clearance for turns. The picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring are cool, and the vault toilets are super clean, at least when we were there.
Fresh water is available at the Visitor’s Center just down the road. You can hike, road bike or mountain bike right out of the campsite. In fact, one of the coolest hikes we’ve been on is the famous “hole in the wall” which makes you twist through these beautiful marble canyon walls. While it’s not for the faint of heart, it is easy enough for anyone who can climb a ladder. Other, less committing hikes are all around, including some longer distance trails.
Access to the campground and visitor’s center is easy and paved, but north of the campground the road is 4 wheel drive access only. This makes it great for mountain or cyclocross bikes, with fewer cars and traffic. Driving through the park can be an adventure in and of itself. There’s not much nearby at all so come prepared to be self-sufficient. The nearest towns with restaurants are to the east or west along the interstate.
LegendThis campground lies within the most populous state in our union, but feels like it’s a million miles from nowhere. The only thing that might remind you of civilization is the distant glow of interstate trucks moving along the highway which cuts through the Mojave National Preserve some 30 miles distant.
Situated on a high vantage point the sites offer options to observe the vastness of this desert plain. The sites are mostly small with only a few offering room for larger rigs but lots of space in between sites. The campground loop road is dirt and narrow, so maybe scout ahead if you need more clearance for turns.
The picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring are cool, and the vault toilets are super clean, at least when we were there. Fresh water is available at the Visitor’s Center just down the road.
You can hike, road bike or mountain bike right out of the campsite. In fact, one of the coolest hikes we’ve been on is the famous “hole in the wall” which makes you twist through these beautiful marble canyon walls. While it’s not for the faint of heart, it is easy enough for anyone who can climb a ladder. Other, less committing hikes are all around, including some longer distance trails.
Access to the campground and visitor’s center is easy and paved, but north of the campground the road is 4 wheel drive access only. This makes it great for mountain or cyclocross bikes, with fewer cars and traffic. Driving through the park can be an adventure in and of itself -- defnitely go see the Joshua Tree forest and the lava caves on the north side of the preserve.
There’s not much nearby at all so come prepared to be self-sufficient. The nearest towns with restaurants are to the east or west along the interstate.
GuideWe got a 25ft RV in hear albiet with some pin stripping. about 5 options along the trail nestled into the lava fields that provide some shelter from the wind. Beautiful spot. No facilities but some makeshift fire pits at most of the campsites.
2WD sedan ok as long as you stay on the trails - soft sand off trail.
Dispersed camping sites near Cima, California, sit at elevations between 4,000-5,500 feet in the eastern Mojave Desert. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night while summer days frequently exceed 100°F. Road conditions accessing most primitive sites require careful navigation as many routes aren't maintained and become washboarded or sandy after seasonal rains.
Hiking accessible trails: The Teutonia Peak Trail offers a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike through one of the densest Joshua tree forests in the preserve. "The coordinates from this page took me right to what I think was the best campsite, although there were several more further up the road. A couple sites have big jumbo rocks, which were great wind protection and perfect to climb up on to watch the sunset," notes Daniel from Mojave Cross Dispersed.
Stargazing opportunities: The Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping area provides excellent dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Dark sky's make it great for watching meteor showers," says Eric F. The large rock formations create natural platforms for nighttime astronomy. "Rock formations provide comfortable platforms for laying on your back and watching for shooting stars," adds Jake.
Wildlife observation: Early morning or late afternoon hikes provide opportunities to spot desert wildlife. "We saw some great wildlife when we came across a few deer and a gorgeous jack rabbit! The sunsets were unreal!!!" shares Kate W. from Mid Hills Campground. Bring binoculars and maintain appropriate distance from any wildlife encountered.
Privacy between sites: Mid Hills Campground offers well-spaced campsites with natural barriers. "This is a simple campground but it's quite and spread out enough that you have privacy," writes Kate W. Sites at the northern end of the campground have better tree cover for shade and wind protection.
Solitude and isolation: Many visitors appreciate the remote feeling at Kelso Dunes Dispersed camping area. "Found peace in the desert. Serene and beautiful. Only one other van within a few miles," reports Nicos T. The sites spread across a wide area, allowing for significant separation between campers.
Natural wind barriers: Rock formations throughout the camping areas serve practical purposes. "We opted for a spot against some jumbo rocks for wind protection," notes Sara S. at Mojave Cross. The protection becomes particularly valuable during evening temperature drops when winds typically increase across the open desert landscape.
Road access challenges: Many primitive sites require navigating unmarked dirt roads. "The road to camp sites was a bit bumpy but we managed to park just fine even arriving after dark," says Sara R. from Mojave Cross. Plan additional travel time when accessing remote areas.
Temperature extremes: The high desert experiences significant daily temperature fluctuations. "It was cold in March at night so be prepared," advises Michelle M. from Hole In The Wall Campground. Winter overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer days can exceed 100°F.
Limited services: There are no stores or reliable cell service within the preserve. "Zero cell service so you are certainly unplugged!!" mentions Michelle M. Bring all necessary supplies, including extra water and food, before entering the preserve area.
No potable water: Many campsites lack access to drinking water. "Normally, water is available, but they are revamping the water system and the result is that there is no water available at the campground until Spring 2019, so be sure you bring plenty with you," notes Peter A. from Mid Hills Campground. Always carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Morning activities: Plan desert explorations for early morning hours before temperatures rise. "The Kelso dunes are no joke. 600' climb in elevation in deeeeeeeep sand that's been accumulating for 25k years," warns Jody S. from Kelso Dunes. Families should begin hikes early to avoid midday heat.
Wildlife viewing precautions: Teach children proper wildlife observation etiquette. "Watch out for snakes! The site had a primitive fire ring, otherwise zero amenities," advises Daniel from Mojave Cross. Maintain appropriate distance from all wildlife and never approach or disturb desert animals.
Easy access options: For families seeking pet-friendly camping near Cima, California with easier vehicle access, Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed provides suitable alternatives. "Not far from the Kelbaker Road entrance of Mojave National Preserve, you will come across some boulders on the right-hand side. Extremely close off of I40, but you don't hear a thing," reports Dare To Everywhere.
Site selection: Choose campsites with adequate turnaround space. "The road has many wash out holes and soft sand, but I was able to navigate successfully (and slowly) in an AWD Honda Element," explains Jake from Mojave Cross. Larger RVs should scout potential sites before attempting access.
Sand concerns: Be cautious about soft sand patches on access roads. "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," warns Alexei M. from Kelbaker Boulders.
Vehicle clearance: Many roads require higher-clearance vehicles. "Some spots may be difficult for vehicles without high clearance. Beware of scraping the underbelly your cars or trailers on rocks in the road," cautions Chanel C. Most access roads aren't maintained and can develop deep ruts or washboard sections after rain events.
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 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cima, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 dog-friendly camping locations near Cima, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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