Hole in the Wall Campground within Mojave National Preserve accommodates visitors with pets throughout the year, providing designated tent and RV sites where dogs can stay alongside their owners. All campground sites feature fire rings and access to potable water, with pets permitted at no additional fee. The campground maintains a pet-on-leash policy in all public areas to ensure wildlife protection and visitor safety. Campsites are well-spaced with beautiful desert vegetation between sites, allowing adequate room for pets to rest comfortably near tents or RVs. Surrounding trails and paths remain accessible to leashed pets, though some hiking trails may have restrictions during extreme heat periods to protect animal paw pads. Nearby, Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground also welcomes pets with similar policies.
Dog-friendly camping in the Mojave environment requires special planning, as summer temperatures can pose serious health risks to pets. Winter months typically offer more comfortable conditions for pets at these campgrounds. Campers should bring ample water specifically for pets, as the dry climate increases hydration needs substantially. Several hiking opportunities exist near the campgrounds, including sections of the Ring Loop trail where dogs can join their owners when properly leashed. The wind can pick up significantly at night, particularly at Hole in the Wall, so securing pet belongings is essential. No pet-specific stores exist within the preserve boundaries, requiring visitors to arrive with all necessary pet supplies. Both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas like Mojave Cross and Kelso Dunes offer pet-friendly options, though the dispersed sites lack amenities such as water access.
$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. "
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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,"
"Our dogs enjoyed it tremendously too."
"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."
"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."
"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 ."
LegendThis 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. Our sites were clean, the location was quiet, we felt safe, and the cell reception was spotty.
RangerStayed: 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, you will come across some boulders on the right-hand side. Extremely close off of I40, but you don’t hear a thing. This was one of our favorite sites throughout our trip. There was a couple already parked near the“entrance”, so we drove around to the back. We had a sort of private little site, surrounded by the boulders and with a perfect view of the sunset. 10/10 would stay here again!
#DareToEverywhere
GuideWonderful dispersed free camping in Mojave National Preserve. Find the first road adjacent to the white cross memorial. We arrived after sunset and we reluctant to drive too far down the uneven and non-maintained dirt road, but were rewarded with an outstanding campsite for our risky persistence!
The road has many wash out holes and soft sand, but I was able to navigate successfully (and slowly) in an AWD Honda Element. Higher clearance four-wheel drive vehicles will be able to explore additional camp sites further down the road, but there are a handful of sites near the entrance.
Tip: Stargazing at this site was outstanding. Rock formations provide comfortable platforms for laying on your back and watching for shooting stars. Camped here in December with overnight lows around 30 degrees. Bundle up and enjoy!!
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.
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.
RangerStayed: 6/2/2022
Cost: $12 (exact change)
Site: 16
Vehicle: GMC Terrain
Equipment: Tent
AT&T and T-Mobile: Slow but usable
We made the trek out to Hole-in-the-Wall at Mojave National Preserve for one night. It was a much longer dirt road than I had imagined and you go up in elevation. It took almost a half-hour to get to the campground from Cedar Canyon Road.
This is a First Come, First Served NPS campground. We started the loop a little worried because every site was tagged, but by the time we got back over to the first loop, we had our pick of sites. We chose 16 because of the great view and it being directly next to the pit toilet. (The cleanest pit toilet I’ve ever seen)! The campground also has potable water, plenty of dumpsters and a dump station.
We wanted to stay here because we were finishing off our trip the next morning at the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center. It is directly next door, you can even see the lot from the campground.
This was a great place to stay, but maybe it would have been more worth it to stay at least a couple nights. I definitely didn’t realize the trek it was to get here, from the main part of the park. Everything is super spread out at Mojave.
#DareToEverywhere
LegendVery disappointed. Super small dog park without water. Lots of empty sites but still stuck campers together. No room for tables if you have a neighbor. No dog beach.
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.
LegendTalk about well maintained and up kept. Little dog buckets throughout park so it’s easy for you to clean up after your pets and the bucket is cleaned multiple times a day.
This resort is Mostly for the snow birds who want to stay warm throughout the winter... however they do have spots available for daily and weekly rates but call ahead because they fill up quickly.
This location has a nice pool and laundry room.
Silver View RV resort has a full general store and they serve ice cream too!!
Roads are paved and RV slots are dirt but they do come with full hook ups and little wood tables at each spot. Paved parking near and in front of the store as well for guest or anything else you need it for.
Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Mojave National Preserve, where elevations range from 880 feet in the lowlands to over 7,000 feet at the mountain peaks. The preserve spans 1.6 million acres of desert ecosystem with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night common throughout the year. Camping with pets requires preparation for terrain ranging from soft sand to rocky volcanic formations.
Hike the Ring Loop trail: The trail offers a unique perspective of desert terrain accessible with leashed dogs. At Hole in the Wall Campground, campers can access this trail directly from their sites. "The scenery is gorgeous and there are several interesting hiking trails," notes James R., who recommends visiting in winter when temperatures are more moderate.
Climb Kelso Dunes: The 600-foot sand dune climb rewards with panoramic desert views. Kelso Dunes Dispersed camping area provides the closest access point. "The Kelso dunes are no joke. 600' climb in elevation in deeeeeeeep sand that's been accumulating for 25k years," writes Jody S., adding "take a sled of some sorts" if camping with children.
Boulder exploration: The granite formations throughout the preserve offer natural climbing and exploration opportunities. "A great place to climb rocks and watch sunrises and sunsets. Lots of birds to listen to and spy with binoculars," reports Michael H. about his experience at Granite Pass.
Night sky viewing: The preserve's minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At Mojave Cross, campers can utilize the rock formations as natural observation platforms. "Rock formations provide comfortable platforms for laying on your back and watching for shooting stars," explains Jake, who visited in December when overnight temperatures dropped to 30 degrees.
Wide spacing between sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy afforded at established campgrounds. "Well spaced and mostly level sites with beautiful desert vegetation between sites," notes Ian S. at Hole in the Wall, adding that the campground was "almost empty in late Oct."
Wildlife observation opportunities: The preserve hosts diverse desert wildlife active at dawn and dusk. At Mid Hills Campground, Kate W. reports, "We saw some great wildlife when we came across a few deer and a gorgeous jack rabbit! The sunsets were unreal!!!"
Wind conditions: Strong winds frequently affect camping areas, particularly after sunset. "It was breezy all day, which was fine, but at about 9 or 10 pm at night the winds picked up to about 30-40 mph sustained through the whole night, with gusts of ~50 mph," warns Ashlee L. about Hole in the Wall.
Sand challenges: Many dispersed sites feature soft sand that can trap vehicles. At Kelbaker Boulders Dispersed, Alexei M. cautions, "Getting in early paid off. Further down the road the sand gets deeper and the spots are less defined."
Road access limitations: Access roads to some camping areas require high-clearance vehicles or careful driving. When visiting Indian Springs, Brett S. explains, "2WD sedan ok as long as you stay on the trails - soft sand off trail."
Bring nighttime activities: With early sunsets and excellent night skies, families benefit from bringing astronomy guides or night games. At Granite Pass Dispersed Roadside Camping, campers report exceptional star visibility with "dark sky's make it great for watching meteor showers," according to Eric F.
Plan shorter stays: The desert environment can be challenging for extended family trips. Federico C. shares about Hole in the Wall: "Great location with opportunities for nice hiking. Wonderful surroundings. Our 3 boys had a blast calming and hiking. I would not stay more than two days if you are looking for something new every day."
Bring plenty of water: Desert conditions demand extra hydration, particularly for children and pets. At Kelso Dunes, Lex S. advises, "This place is perfect for someone who wants to get out into nature and enjoy some solitude. Please only come here if you respect nature and want others after you to enjoy it as well."
Arrive before dark: Many pet-friendly camping areas near Mojave National Preserve have unmarked or rough access roads best navigated in daylight. "We made the trek out to Hole-in-the-Wall at Mojave National Preserve for one night. It was a much longer dirt road than I had imagined and you go up in elevation," writes Dare To Everywhere.
Watch for pin-striping: Narrow roads with desert vegetation can scratch vehicle sides. Brett S. warns about Indian Springs, "We got a 25ft RV in here albeit with some pin stripping. About 5 options along the trail nestled into the lava fields that provide some shelter from the wind."
Consider wind direction when parking: Position RVs to shield from prevailing winds, particularly at higher elevations. At Mid Hills Campground, Bobby C. reflects, "I choose this site for its privacy. Boy I should have considered the hill for the wind factor. My fault."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mojave National Preserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mojave National Preserve is Hole In The Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mojave National Preserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 49 dog-friendly camping locations near Mojave National Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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