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Camping near Mojave National Preserve

261 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Mojave National Preserve, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Mojave National Preserve (64)

    1. Hole In The Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve

    33 Reviews
    Cima, CA
    3 miles
    +1 (760) 252-6100

    $25 / night

    "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. "

    "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. "

    2. Mid Hills Campground — Mojave National Preserve

    15 Reviews
    Cima, CA
    6 miles

    $20 / night

    "Campground Review About an hour drive from I-15 or I-40 in the Mojave National Preserve, this high desert campground has an abundance of desert life with ample"

    "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."

    3. Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    23 Reviews
    Cima, CA
    20 miles
    Website

    "This area is one of my Go-To spots when visiting the Mojave National Preserve. We stayed at a couple sites over the course of a few days."

    "Wonderful dispersed free camping in Mojave National Preserve. Find the first road adjacent to the white cross memorial."

    4. Kelso Dunes Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    14 Reviews
    Mojave National Preserve, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6100

    "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."

    5. Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping — Mojave National Preserve

    14 Reviews
    Mojave National Preserve, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6100

    "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."

    6. Wild Horse Road Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Mojave National Preserve, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6100

    "Nice views of the nearby mountain and gorgeous sunsets. 4 stars as there is no protection from wind. Temp at night 36F in February."

    "There’s a turn around there for people towing trailers. No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning."

    7. Black Canyon

    2 Reviews
    Mojave National Preserve, CA
    8 miles

    8. Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Mojave National Preserve, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 928-2586

    9. Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    13 Reviews
    Amboy, CA
    23 miles
    Website

    "Stayed: 6/1/2022 Cost: FREE

    Site: Behind Boulders

    Vehicle: GMC Terrain

    Equipment: Tent

    AT&T and T-Mobile: Pretty solid

    Not far from the Kelbaker Road entrance of Mojave National Preserve,"

    "Close to a highway so mild traffic noise. Surrounded by large boulders and mountains. No trees for shade. Camped here mid June and temps low 90’s but comfortable when sun goes down."

    10. Kelso Dunes Road

    2 Reviews
    Mojave National Preserve, CA
    18 miles

    "You pull up right yo the edge just before the dunes. Large sites , fire rings, sandy terrain . Very peaceful base to explore the dunes. Only pit toilets. No water, no trash. Pack it in and out ."

    "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."

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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

261 Reviews of 64 Mojave National Preserve Campgrounds

  • A
    Dec. 3, 2025

    mojave preserve

    Beautiful, quiet, open spaces.

    We spent 4 days out here. We only saw about 20 people on our entire trip. We didn't have to wait for people to decide where they wanted to go. It was almost like we were the only people in the Preserve. IT WAS GREAT!!!!

      We took our time and enjoyed every mile of it.

       We visited here in November, so it wasn't terrribly hot or cold. But the wind did kick up quite a bit once the sun went down.

  • Volodymyr S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2025

    Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    Absolutely amazing place !

    A lot of space,good ready fireplace,boulders for watching sunset;) Different types of cacti and of course Joshua trees! Road a little bumpy and narrow but there’s many spots closer to main road!

  • Ernesto L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2025

    Kelso Dunes Road

    Primitive and well located

    You pull up right yo the edge just before the dunes. Large sites , fire rings, sandy terrain . Very peaceful base to explore the dunes. Only pit toilets. No water, no trash. Pack it in and out .

  • Ernesto L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2025

    Hole In The Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve

    Calm and magical

    This is one of our favorite starting points when visiting the area. Large campsites with lots of space . Always a great sunrise against the mountains . The visitor center is a short walk away. The Rings trial is one or kid’s favorite. We really enjoy our peaceful stays here

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2025

    Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road

    Awesome

    The spot right off the road behind that first hill isn’t that great, a little too close to the road for my taste BUT if you go down the road to the top of the hill there is one level flat spot with a fire pit. That spot is the best, couldn’t hear any cars, had great views, full AT&T service, totally alone.

    Only thing I would recommend is having 4WD to get to it but you might not need it. Scout and decide for yourself first. Also if rain is in the forecast be alert since you have to cross a wash at the beginning. I imagine the road could get flooded or muddy.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 9, 2025

    Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    Trashy, Very Sandy, Limited Space, Noisy Campers

    We were thoroughly disappointed with Kelbaker Boulders, finding the overwhelmingly positive reviews a bit misleading. While the soft sand advisories are accurate, most reviewers fail to mention that there are really only three viable campsites here, with limited to NO turnaround space--- making it difficult to impossible for any traveler without 4WD. And if you're towing a rig-- just forget about it-- there is no turnaround space at all except for the first site on the right by the big boulder-- and if that's occupied you'd have to back out-- uphill. 

    The site is also being severely abused. We found—and ended up cleaning up—boxes of trash, old tires, auto parts, un-buried POOP PILES and toilet paper-- you name it. There is absolutely NO"Leave No Trace" ethic practiced here. Very sad. People who do these things are exactly why BLM and Forest Service is closing down dispersed camping sites everywhere.

     Because space is so limited, noise is a major issue too-- especually when inconsiderate travelers arrive late after dark. On our stay, a 26ft rental RV arrived after dark, struggled to park, beamed massive headlights around our site tyring to find a place, nearly got stuck, and then proceeded to party loudly until 1 AM. Absolutely zero respect or camping etiquette. 

    This site has potential, but poor logistics, lack of etiquette, and irresponsible behavior from other campers make it impossible to recommend. 

    Proceed with extreme caution and arrive early if you must stay here. Two stars at most. 

    And to all you noisy and trashy campers out there-- arrive early and chill out, be quiet and respectful of other campers-- and pack out your trash including your Poop and TP. Respect these beautiful places and Leave No Trace people!

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    North Lava Tube Camp

    Very quiet and peaceful

    Very quiet here. I like it so much I stayed 3 nights, allowing me to decompress before continuing my adventures. While a paved road thru the preserve is relatively close I can hardly hear the occasional vehicle and due to the terrain only catch glimpses of the vehicles if I bother to look. 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. Don’t bother going further o the dirt road as there are no other approved spots, at least the first 5 miles I looked. I had no other people even go down the road I was on in the 3 days.

  • e
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Hole In The Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve

    If you visit the mojave desert visit this campsite!

    Gorgeous location, and a spacious quiet campsite. Great for stargazing! There are drop toilets which are very clean and plenty of drinking water near every site. There is a great 0.5mile walk to a visitor centre which has lots of info and wifi. If you visit ensure you enter through the road from the south - it has tarmac. The north road to enter is 15miles of washboard so is somewhat unsuitable for 2 wheel drive car

  • Kate S.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Laughlin Avi KOA / Journey

    Dirty, Bad Water, No Wifi

    Stayed 3 nights. Mold in showers and mildew on shower curtains. You can tell they don’t clean the stall walls or scrub around the shower base because there is mold and gross stained calcium everywhere and marks on the stalls from water and dirt didn’t change from day to day. Water pressure was terrible in bathrooms; had cold showers most of the time. Campground manager has a Trump flag so that should tell you a lot. Office was closed during open hours. Laundry hours not ideal when you’re out all day at the beach. Wifi never worked but they claim they have it. Talked with other campers and they said it has never worked for them. Signal but it doesn’t stay connected. Surprised this place can even carry the KOA brand name. It’s so poorly maintained and dumpy.

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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