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.

This location takes you to the beginning of the road into this area. Right off, there are large pull-through campsites with fire pits. As these were all taken, I pushed further in. Along the way, there are small pull offs that I considered but it was early in the day so I kept going. I’m glad I did. Lots of great spaces further up and it is 2wd friendly. Tip: get there earlier in the day, like 3-4pm to get a good spot. After I’d settled in and started exploring the area, a couple from British Columbia joined my campsite which was fun. Later, a truck with a 28’ camper drove past and then two other trucks with over landing setups also drove past. They didn’t stay with us but if you do choose to go solo at a site that can hold 5-6 vehicles, be prepared to share!

Camping If you keep going a few miles past the pull-through sites, there are several amazing sites further up. Large enough for 6 vehicles (as is the case with my chosen location) and/or large campers. Most have fire pits. There are cows about when you get further in and they do walk through the campsite. At mine, there were cow pies; however, the cows just watched from the perimeter as they past. Chewing their cuds and gossiping I have no doubt. No facilities or water but lots of space around so that if nature calls, you can get away from camp and have epic views to answer its call in private. Sans cows. There is a section of I-15 visible but I didn’t hear it despite being only 25 min from St. George.

The Approach and Ace Test Definitely Ace friendly (Ace was my 2016 VW Jetta that I often took on roads like this and use it as a sort of standard). That said, it is pretty washboarded so watch out if you’re bringing the fine China with you. Once you’re further in (wilderness) there are free range cows so keep an eye out for them and mind the signs that say no camping.

Activities Good hiking nearby. All trails has some listed but some are cow paths and lead down into the canyon. There is one across the “street” from my site that goes all the way to the top of the ridge. I won’t have time to hike it but it looks like a good one. My site has epic 360 views that make you feel like you’re in the Grand Canyon. Bring your camera, take photos in the morning or in the evening, the sun will give great light regardless of which “golden hour” you take advantage of. Fire pit looking out over the canyon for a good evening of relaxing. If you absolutely need, St. George is 25 min away.

Weather Mid-April when I was there gave me a high of 89 and a low of 58. Honestly a bit hot for me but very desirable for most. It was windy at my spot during the day but it calmed by evening. I did not bring firewood and I will regret that forever. It was a beautiful calm, clear evening in the 60’s.

Cell Service Verizon gave me 3 bars at 5G and I was able to do some remote work while I was there as well as send videos in iMessage and things of that nature

San Rafael Swell is a large area full of dirt roads, trails, and camping and Lone Warrior Canyon Camp is one of many great locations. This specific location has more space than it seems at first. There are campsites and pull offs in the trees and in the alcoves of the rock. Given that there weren’t any reviews for this spot yet, I expected to be the only one there. It is 12 miles down a dirt road that intersects many other dirt roads. However, there must have been an event of some sort because it was packed. Even so, I still had my own space and wasn’t crowded.

Camping There are a ton of pull offs. Most are side roads like driveways to areas that have a lot of space. One area had 3 campers over 30’ each and several trucks and ATVs - a lot of the areas are like that. So you can come out and set up a city, basically, which would be admittedly awesome. It is a bit crowded (I stayed mid-April on a Wed-Thu) but there is enough space to spread out. I would have stopped earlier but I wanted to come to the exact point listed here to give a good idea of what you’d find if you followed those coordinates. It’s deceptively remote. There are sections of the road/trail that are maybe 400m from I-70 but there is “no access” from the dirt roads to the interstate. Not legal ones anyway. So it’s about 12 miles to this campsite on the dirt road then when you get to I-70, it’s about 45 miles to the next town and it isn’t a big one. Thus it may feel like you’re right there in site of civilization, but you aren’t. Civilization may come to you, though. I chose to just pull off on the side of an unused loop of trail because all the alcoves and treed areas around this location were packed with tents, trailers, and vehicles. Those big adventure tents - one even had a 20’ flag pole. I think it was a waypoint for a trip, I don’t know if this is the norm.

The Approach and Ace Test I used exit 131 Temple Rock/Sinbad Rd which go well together, it would seem. Pavement gives way to gravel gives way to sand at the very end. It is mostly dirt/gravel road and definitely passes the Ace test (for those who don’t know, Ace was my VW Jetta (2wd sedan) that I often took overland). There are some blind hills and a lot of cattle so don’t be mislead by the easy road and fly down it. Speed limit is posted 25 and I’d stick to that. If you follow the coordinates on here, the last probably 400m is deep sand and I would not attempt that unless you have clearance. You may not need 4x4, but definitely clearance. NOT Ace friendly. There is a good parking space at the turn before the final approach, so you could park there and walk the last bit and set up camp in the trees. That would be better for the wind and sand anyway. If it’s raining, then I’d stay away from this area - at least this last 400m stretch - without 4x4 and a friend to pull you out with their vehicle or get covered in mud helping push and dig. Makes for a good story either way.

Activities Hiking is great around this iconic rock. Not hard to get to, as I’ve mentioned, but it’s a process. The people you meet on the rock and have earned the right to share with you so no huffing that it’s crowded or that you’re “in their space.” Y’all know who I’m talking about. So, there must have been a convention because in the space under the rock and the alcove next to it were more than 20 4x4 vehicles. I saw some markers on the way in so it might be this was a waypoint for over landing. Which is awesome. Just caught me off guard as there weren’t any reviews for this spot and it’s pretty full today. Other than hiking, it’s great for photography. Spires and rock formations everywhere.

Weather Mid-April the weather was good. 75 during the day and about 55 at night. It was pretty gusty when I was there which would have been great except that the sand all around the camp is what we call “moon dust” which puffs out and up to your knees just walking through it let alone gusts of wind throwing it around. If you don’t have dust in your car/gear yet, you will - and there’s nothing you can do about. So embrace it and enjoy the extra texture in your food and exfoliating effect on your skin.

Cell service Said I had 1 bar Verizon LTE but could not send iMessages. Can’t access anything so make sure you do your research before you come because you can’t do it out here. I have a Garmin I use to text - mainly for updates on campsite coordinates to my safety people as well as emergency stuff. Water No water, creek dry

If you have ATVs, dirt bikes, horses, etc. this is a great place for you. It’s just 4 miles off of I-70 but still secluded. It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring.

That said - I’m a quiet camper and prefer to avoid OHV areas calling them Obnoxiously High-noise Vehicle areas. I’m kidding, obviously. Seriously, everyone enjoys the outdoors in their own way and I don’t begrudge anyone their enjoyment. I took the chance and it was very quiet while I was there. Only one couple other than me that I’m aware of.

The weather was mild in mid-April during my stay - got to about 70 during the day and around 40 at night. It was windy during the day but it is a very open space and it is western Colorado. When the wind died down, the mosquitoes came out and they were persistent. I hiked around and they weren’t just at my campsite. There is a water treatment facility in the area and just down from the main camping is a treatment pond so I’m guessing that’s the culprit.

The road in is unpaved once you leave the small town but very easy. I base those sorts of claims off of the VW Jetta Scale - the vehicle I had for 8 years before my current vehicle. There are a few low creeks crossings but the beds are small and both were dry when I came through. Even if they had water, I still would have crossed if I were still in my Jetta. The roads were washboarded so don’t bring the nice china.

The pull offs are plentiful and large. Most could hold a few trailers or several vehicles and some have fire rings. I did not have a fire because the fire danger was too high (ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE HAVING A FIRE). The road is a loop so just follow it around until you find the spot you want.

The space is wide open and surrounded by 360 views of mountains. Sunset and Sunrise were great but - for you photographers - the light changes really fast so scout the compositions you want ahead of time.

No wildlife that I was aware of aside from birds and our mosquito friends. I didn’t hear coyotes, I didn’t even see deer tracks. Just horse and tire tracks.

Oh, on the way in there was a sign that said “Private Property, No Trespassing” and it looked like it was for the road going in; however, the other signs revealed that it was for the area around the water treatment plant. There isn’t a lot of signage, just one saying it’s an OHV area and one saying it’s a Limited Use area. Other signs are just to protect the sensitive areas.

I was visiting Woodland Park for about a week and happened to be there between snow storms. The days were about 60F and the nights were around 30F, mild winds. 

I found the roads to have many impassable patches unless you have 4x4 though during more mild seasons, I would think any vehicle could get around on the roads. I've posted the signs for warnings and such. 

Given that I have a capable off-road vehicle, I was able to explore a bit and found a good pull off on the crest of a hill. I arrived each day just at sunset and left each day just after sunrise so I was pretty much just there to sleep. As a result, I didn't set up a proper campsite with fire, cooking set up and what-have-you. The sunset and sunrise were beautiful and the area was quiet for the most part. 

Each night, 3-4 vehicles drove (or attempted to drive) along the road down the hill from me. It didn't disturb me, I just took notice. Most turned around as they couldn't get past the first drift. One night, 7-8 large 4x4 vehicles roared around my site and stopped on the road for about an hour around 10:30pm. They roared off and didn't return. That was the only real disturbance I had and I don't begrudge them - everyone enjoys the outdoors in their own way. Let's just try to do it during the day next time, ok guys? Cheers.

The road leading to the area is paved and just feels like a regular rural road. It forks, you take the left fork, and come to a sign that says you're entering National Forest Land. After a bit, you come to a circuit of dirt roads that have signs for the most part. The dirt roads were VERY wash boarded when I was there and slowed me down a lot. 

Anyway - it was better than paying for a campsite or $120 per night for a hotel and I enjoyed myself.