Dispersed camping sites around Mojave, California primarily occupy desert terrain with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. These Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands experience temperature swings of up to 40°F between day and night, particularly during spring and fall seasons. Winter nights can drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
What to do
Explore OHV trails: Jawbone Canyon OHV Area offers extensive riding opportunities for off-highway vehicles. "Lots of trails to ride - for beginners to advanced. We zipped around in a side by side and everyone was responsible and nice," notes one visitor to Jawbone Canyon OHV Area.
Watch wildlife at dawn: Early mornings provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities in these desert areas. At Stine Cove Recreation Site, campers can "Watch eagles prey on ducks, pelicans gather, hear the frogs croak. Gnats get a little crazy before the bats show up."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. At Stine Cove, "The night sky has no light pollution, and is beautiful enough to knock you off your feet because of all the stars."
Rock climbing: The boulder-studded landscape provides natural climbing opportunities. "Boulder studded alpine environment with decomposed granite sands" makes Keyesville Recreation Area an interesting place to explore.
What campers like
Solitude during weekdays: Many campers appreciate the quiet periods between weekend rushes. At Jawbone Canyon, "Weekends are busy but weekdays are exceptionally peaceful."
Sunrise views: Desert sunrises are consistently mentioned as highlights. A camper at BLM Desert Site noted: "I missed the sunset but caught a beautiful sunrise."
Room to spread out: The expansive desert terrain allows for privacy between camping groups. "Lots of space and lots of ppl with their toys. Pack it in, pack it out!" mentions a reviewer at Keyesville Recreation Area.
Level parking areas: Many sites offer flat terrain suitable for setting up camp. At Hanning Flat Dispersed Area, "it's very private with wide vistas... a lot of spots to just camp since it is all completely level."
No reservation requirements: All rustic camping sites near Mojave operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance booking needed. BLM Desert Site campers appreciate that "It's a great little secluded spot about 4 miles off the highway in the desert."
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong winds are a consistent challenge throughout the area. A visitor to Monarch-Rand Mine describes it as "Quiet place, we only saw one other set of campers. The warm sun the next morning was beautiful but there is next to no vegetation."
Access road conditions: Road quality varies significantly between sites. At East Mojave Camp, "Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings."
Limited facilities: Most sites lack basic amenities. "No toilets, showers, or water so bring in everything you need. 14 days of free camping every 30 days," explains a Hanning Flat camper.
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "T-mobile was very slow but Verizon had a good connection," reports a Hanning Flat visitor, while at Stine Cove "Verizon cell service was non-existent."
Fire restrictions: Regulations change seasonally and by location. Some areas prohibit fires year-round while others allow them within established rings. Always check current restrictions before visiting.
Tips for camping with families
Morning activities: Plan morning explorations before temperatures rise. At Keyesville Recreation Area, "We woke up to a beautiful little spot near the water; would definitely camp again here."
Wildlife education: The desert ecosystem offers unique learning opportunities. At Hanning Flat, "There are a lot of insects, birds, and the occasional cow and deer."
Noise considerations: Some areas experience higher traffic volumes, especially on weekends. "The busiest spot is the one down next to the river, easily 20+ vehicles on an April weekend," notes a Keyesville visitor.
Shade solutions: Natural shade is limited at most sites. "We set up under a shaded tree which helped a lot," shares a Jawbone Canyon camper.
Tick prevention: Check children and pets regularly for ticks. "My dog did get lots of ticks and we had a mouse find its way into the van," reports a visitor at Hanning Flat.
Tips from RVers
Rig size considerations: Some sites accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "We have a 21' travel trailer. Easy access. Wide open spaces," notes a reviewer at Cuddeback Road Dispersed Camping.
Grade challenges: Some access roads have steep sections. At West Keyville, a camper warns: "There is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow."
Water management: No potable water exists at most sites. "Hey, it's free. Weekends are busy but weekdays are exceptionally peaceful. Be advised the Jawbone canyon store charges RV's $40.00 for potable water. Fill up before you come out here."
Level parking: Scan for level spots before committing. "Walk the roads first to avoid deeply rutted or too steep areas for your vehicle," advises a Keyesville camper.
