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Camping near Mojave National Preserve

250 Reviews

The Mojave National Preserve has two main campgrounds for visitors looking to stay overnight. Hole in the Wall Campground contains 35 sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, and sits near interesting rock formations with good hiking nearby. At a higher elevation, Mid Hills Campground has 26 sites among pinyon pines and junipers, making it generally cooler and more private. You can drive to both on paved roads, though the road to Mid Hills gets rough in spots. Most campers avoid summer when temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, instead coming during spring and fall. Winter camping requires warm gear for cold nights. Neither campground takes reservations - everything is first-come, first-served. The park sometimes implements fire bans during dry periods. If you have a large group (over 15 people) and want to try dispersed camping in the preserve's backcountry, you'll need a permit. Everyone should practice Leave No Trace camping. Many people come to hike, look at stars, or check out the sand dunes. Bring extra water since there aren't many facilities. The desert landscape of Mojave National Preserve makes for a different kind of camping trip.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mojave National Preserve (64)

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Recent Camping Photos near Mojave National Preserve

51 Photos of 64 Mojave National Preserve Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mojave National Preserve

250 Reviews of 64 Mojave National Preserve Campgrounds

  • k
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Riverside Adventure Trails RV Resort

    An oasis in the heat!

    Arrived late on a Sunday and met by a lovely security guard who showed us to a pitch. The pool was an absolute lifesaver in the August heat! Friendly locals (we needed a tin opener!) and several chatted to us in the pool and social room. Site is clean, toilets and shower block spacious and tidy. Book exchange and games/jigsaws. Would highly recommend.

  • Jack C.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Hole In The Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve

    Mojave Preserve -Hole in the Wall

    stayed one night and day. only one other group there. it is Mojave and it was July

    night sky was awesome!!! Milky Way was really visible.

    nice loop hikes. water available at select spots in the campground, wifi available from the welcome center, and it kinda reaches the closer sites in the campground, dump station is available. we left late morning before it really started getting warm.

  • PRINCE C.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Amboy Crater Dispersed

    Route 66 Hidden Gem: Camping with Crater Views!

    Follow on You tube: https://www.youtube.com/@prince\_chopra\_TWE

    Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/the_whirling_escapes

    We stopped overnight at Amboy Crater during our vanlife road trip in our Hi 5 Campervan, and it was one of the most surreal camping spots we’ve experienced. It’s boondocking-style, so don't expect any hookups— but the peace, stars, and Mars-like vibes make it worth it.✅ What we loved: Easy access right off Route 66. Ample parking space for our Hi 5 campervan(ours is about 11 ft tall— no issues at all). Uninterrupted views of the crater and desert. Free and quiet overnight stay(just be respectful and leave no trace). Perfect for catching a sunrise or drone shot!⚠️ Good to know: No water or amenities— bring your own supplies. Cell service is very weak, so download offline maps in advance. Gets windy at night, so secure your gear. Trail to the crater rim is doable but not shaded— hike early morning or sunset.🎥 This spot was a dream for content creation. We got epic drone boomerang shots of our van parked solo in the desert. You won't find a vibe like this in Canada!

  • GoldDust D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area

    We got lucky!🎯

    We were running out of steam and had nowhere to stay. We pulled into this state park, and there just so happened to be one spot left from a lucky cancelation for the night. We snatched it up! The bathrooms/showers were clean, the staff was especially nice, and the spot had a shade area, which really helped. We enjoyed rootbeer and phase 10 until the sunset, and wow, how the sky lit up! Thank goodness we received a spot with power to allow for AC all night!

  • Greg I.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Cowhole Mountain Basecamp

    Flat with hills, near highway but peaceful

    There's nothing striking about this dispersed area, but it's a nice place to stay for a night or two. Longer, if you want to day-trip around the Preserve. And Baker is just down the road for gas, water, groceries, restaurants. It's plain, but we liked it.

  • paul G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    Mid Hills Campground — Mojave National Preserve

    Hidden gem

    Bumpy road to get in, but definitely worth it.  Sites are spacious and well spaced out.  I was there in March and it was uncrowded with plenty of vacancies.  Some of the spots on the outside of loop have amazing views over the surrounding mountains.  Highly recommend.

  • paul G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    Mid Hills Campground — Mojave National Preserve

    Hidden gem

    This out-of-the-way campground is wonderful.  Sites are spacious and well spaced out.  I was there in March and it was uncrowded with plenty of vacancies.  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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Granite Pass Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    Remote Desert Camping

    This is dispersed desert camping at its best. The dirt road was easy to find but a bit narrow and rough in places. We squeezed a 24’ travel trailer down behind a 3/4 ton truck but it was worth it. Your rig will brush against bushes and at one point we used walkie-talkies to spot the route. I backed about 50 yards into the site itself because I was too long to maneuver in the site (this was figured out the hard way). Car, van, or tent camping here would be a breeze but only bring a trailer if you’re willing to risk it, or it’s an off-road set up. Some sites could accommodate pretty large groups and others are very small and private, nestled in the giant boulders.

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

Where are the best campgrounds in Mojave National Preserve?

Mojave National Preserve offers excellent camping options for desert explorers. Hole In The Wall Campground is a popular developed site that feels remarkably remote despite being in California's most populous state. At $12 per night (exact change required), it sits at higher elevation via a dirt road. For free dispersed camping, Mojave Cross Dispersed is a reliable choice with clean, quiet sites accessed via an uneven dirt road near the white cross memorial. Other excellent options include Mid Hills Campground (higher elevation with mountain views), Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed (easy access from I-40), and North Lava Tube Camp (accessible via paved desert road off I-15).

When is the best time of year to camp in the Mojave Desert?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable camping conditions in the Mojave Desert with moderate temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F. Summer brings extreme heat that regularly exceeds 100°F, making camping potentially dangerous without proper preparation. Winter nights can drop below freezing, particularly at higher elevation sites like Mid Hills Campground, though days are generally mild. Indian Springs near lava field provides some natural windbreaks from the surrounding lava formations, which can be beneficial during the windier spring season. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and bring appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations that can exceed 30°F between day and night.

What amenities are available at Mojave National Preserve campsites?

Mojave National Preserve campgrounds offer basic amenities with varying levels of facilities. Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed and other dispersed sites are completely undeveloped with no facilities—bring everything you need including water and pack out all waste. These sites typically feature makeshift fire pits. Developed campgrounds like Hole In The Wall provide pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no showers or hookups. Water availability is limited and seasonal—be prepared to bring your own. Cell service is spotty throughout the preserve but some areas have slow but usable reception. Most sites are accessible to standard vehicles, though high-clearance is recommended for dispersed locations. No electrical hookups or dump stations exist within the preserve itself.

Are there any hotels or lodging alternatives to camping in Mojave National Preserve?

While there are no hotels within Mojave National Preserve itself, several nearby options exist. Needles KOA offers amenities like an unheated pool, recreation area with pool table, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked store—a good alternative for those wanting more comfort. Mirage RV Resort provides another option with more facilities. Budget-conscious travelers can find accommodations in Baker, Needles, or Barstow, all within driving distance of the preserve. For a unique experience, the historic Kelso Depot within the preserve serves as a visitor center but no longer offers overnight accommodations. If you prefer to stay within the preserve but want alternatives to tent camping, consider RV camping at designated sites or bringing your own self-contained accommodation.

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