Best Camping near Mojave National Preserve

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Mojave National Preserve. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Mojave National Preserve, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Mojave National Preserve, CA (64)

Showing results 1-10 of 64 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Mojave National Preserve

Recent Reviews in Mojave National Preserve

219 Reviews of 64 Mojave National Preserve Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Desert View RV Resort
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Desert View RV Resort

    Great stop over night

    It was a stop over for one night while returning home. The ladies at check in were very nice and welcoming. Long pull trough site allowed us to stay hooked up. The utilities were well placed. Sites offer fairly good privacy with hedges. This park is desert view as is in it's name, so don't expect to walk to the river. My navigation, didn't do a good job of finding it, so look for the signs they have placed on the roads. It is next to the KOA if that helps. I'd come here again.

  • Julia H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Ehh

    It 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.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Tropicana Casino Laughlin
    May. 31, 2024

    Tropicana Casino Laughlin

    Good

    I visited this place last year in July when we decided to check out this casino, and I must say I really enjoyed it. Since I don't have the opportunity to visit such establishments in person anymore, I play online, and I have to say it's very convenient. I also want to share some advice from https://notgamstop.com/uk-gb/gamstop-faq/how-to-get-around-gamstop/ about bypass Gamstop, as I recently found it quite useful. In our time, this is a rather helpful topic, though it's not often discussed, so I recommend checking it out and keeping it in mind.

  • Jami C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Pass in Mojave National Park
    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.

  • Hillary T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kokoweef Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • charlie O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Needles KOA
    May. 2, 2024

    Needles KOA

    Grateful Stop

    Last minute reservation traveling from Yosemite-Tule Lake. Easy access off 40. Carla was very accommodating offering one of the 2 shaded lots available for our dogs sake as it was 92. Very Clean & quiet.

  • Doc P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
    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.

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road

    It’s ok.

    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Horse Road Dispersed
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Wild Horse Road Dispersed

    Beautiful Spot

    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.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silurian Dry Lake Bed
    Mar. 28, 2024

    Silurian Dry Lake Bed

    Close to Vegas, but still outside!

    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.

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Amboy Crater
    Mar. 3, 2024

    Amboy Crater

    Updated after another visit

    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

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Amboy Crater
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Amboy Crater

    Great easy little fun spot

    This 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

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek RV Park
    Jan. 23, 2024

    Silver Creek RV Park

    Quite park

    We stopped here and ended up staying for a week. Jennifer and Jaimi are winderful ladies. They went above and beyond to help us with the area. The maintenance man had to change water spicket and had us going in 15 minutes.

  • 5 STAR X P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 26, 2023

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Excellent stop before Vegas

    Several 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.

  • Sharon K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirage RV Resort
    Dec. 25, 2023

    Mirage RV Resort

    I have been here 7years and still love it Tammy a also

    This Place is awesome after 7 years still love it #66

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve
    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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kelso Dunes Road
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Kelso Dunes Road

    Peace and quiet

    Easily able to navigate truck plus 20ft trailer. Flat, sandy campsites, maybe ~8-10 in total, a few spaced well apart from others. Wide open desert, sand dune dune, mountain views. Near base of large sand dune to hike. Sand all around which is great for my geriatric dog. Only one other camper. Great for a night or two. Occasionally able to text with 1 bar on Verizon.



Guide to Mojave National Preserve

Camping near Mojave National Preserve offers a unique experience with stunning desert landscapes and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Hole in the Wall Campground, one camper mentioned, "The rings loop trail was amazing!!" This makes it a great spot for those who love to hike.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide incredible views of the stars. A visitor at Mojave Cross Dispersed said, "The sunset was sublime and the stars were even better." Perfect for those who enjoy night sky watching.
  • Exploring Dunes: At Kelso Dunes Dispersed, one family shared, "My 3 boys loved climbing the dunes." This is a fun activity for families looking to enjoy the unique landscape.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A reviewer at Hole in the Wall Campground noted, "Bathrooms are pit toilets but didn't smell and were as clean as they could be."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping mentioned, "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."
  • Beautiful Views: The scenery is a big draw. One camper at Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed said, "Incredibly beautiful, clean, peaceful with beautiful sunsets and sunrises."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Mojave Cross Dispersed, do not have drinking water or toilets. A camper advised, "Pack in, pack out. Stay on designated roads and please don’t create new sites!"
  • Weather Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds, especially at night. A visitor at Mid Hills Campground warned, "This site can be windy depending on when you go."
  • Cash Payments: Some campgrounds require cash for payment. A camper at Hole in the Wall Campground mentioned, "Just bring exactly $12 in cash with you to pay at the stand."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the desert heat. A family at Kelso Dunes Dispersed reminded others, "Bring lots of water. Even on a cool day like we went."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned to keep kids engaged. One camper at Indian Springs near Lava Field shared, "There are plenty of spots along the back side of the lava field to camp."
  • Check Weather Beforehand: Always check the forecast before heading out. A camper at Mojave Cross Dispersed cautioned, "A warning to tent campers to check the weather before camping there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Road Conditions: Be aware that some roads can be rough. A visitor at Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping noted, "The road is manageable with a 2wd sedan as I got through fine with my Corolla."
  • Space for Larger RVs: Some campgrounds are not big rig friendly. A reviewer at Mojave Cross Dispersed mentioned, "Not many spots to be able to turn around with a trailer or larger rig."
  • Quiet Locations: Many RVers enjoy the peace and quiet. A camper at Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed said, "Nice and quiet, far and tucked away from the road."

Camping near Mojave National Preserve, California, offers a blend of adventure and tranquility. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful desert has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Mojave National Preserve?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mojave National Preserve offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near Mojave National Preserve and 28 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Mojave National Preserve?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mojave National Preserve is Hole in the Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mojave National Preserve?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Mojave National Preserve.

  • What parks are near Mojave National Preserve?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Mojave National Preserve that allow camping, notably Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Joshua Tree National Park.