Mojave National Preserve Camping Guide

Spanning over 1.6 million acres, Mojave National Preserve, located in southeastern California, offers a range of camping options, from developed campgrounds with modern amenities to remote and undeveloped sites that cater to adventurous spirits.

Below is an overview of the camping opportunities within the preserve.

Developed Campgrounds

For those seeking convenience and accessibility, Mojave’s developed campgrounds provide well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. These campgrounds are ideal for families, RV campers, and those new to desert camping. Recently, the National Park Service switched to a new system that requires fees and reservations for these campgrounds.

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground

• Elevation: 4,400 feet
• GPS:
• Capacity: 38 sites (35 for tents/RVs, 2 walk-in sites)
• Highlights: Surrounded by volcanic rock formations, this campground is a great base for hiking and exploring nearby trails. Potable water and a dump station are available.
• Notes: Max RV length is 30 feet. No cell service or internet connectivity.
• More info

Mid Hills Campground

• Elevation: 5,600 feet
• Capacity: 26 sites
• Highlights: Cooler temperatures and pinyon-juniper forests make this a serene retreat. The campground was partially impacted by the 2005 Hackberry Fire, but many sites remain shaded.
• Notes: No potable water or RV hookups. The unpaved access road is steep and not suitable for large RVs.
• More info

Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground

• Capacity: Group site (up to 50 people), equestrian site (up to 35 campers)
• Highlights: Ideal for larger groups or equestrians, this campground requires reservations. Potable water is available.
• Notes: Submit reservation requests at least two weeks in advance.
• More info

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Backpacking

Backpackers will enjoy sweeping views, solitude, nearly 700,000 acres of designated wilderness, and a truly dark nighttime canopy of countless stars. There is rarely naturally occuring water in the preserve, so prepare to carry all your own water or create an itinerary that stops by either park sources at Hole-in-the-Wall or Kelso Depot.

Make sure you read the rules and regulations for backcountry camping and contact the park service prior to your trip about your plans for parking your vehicle overnight. This helps us monitor the preserve for abandoned vehicles.  

Equestrian Camping

Equestrian camping is welcome in Mojave National Preserve, with horses, mules, and llamas allowed on all trails, backcountry roads, and open country, including wilderness areas. Key guidelines include:

• Camping Options: Developed facilities are available at Black Canyon Equestrian & Group Campground; backcountry camping requires adherence to specific regulations.
• Animal Management: Free-trailing or loose-herding is prohibited. Livestock must be fed certified weed-free hay or pelleted food before and during the stay.
• Manure Disposal: Manure should be spread out over a wide area.
• Distance from Water: Campsites must be at least 200 yards from water sources.
• Group Size: Up to 7 animals are allowed per group; larger groups require a Special Use Permit.

Roadside or Undeveloped Camping

For a wilder, more remote experience, undeveloped roadside campsites provide a chance to camp amidst Mojave’s rugged beauty. These sites are located along dirt roads and require campers to be self-sufficient.

Guidelines for Roadside Camping

• Camp only in previously used or disturbed sites.
• Pack out all trash and bury human waste at least six inches deep.
• Campfires are allowed only in existing fire rings or fire pans.

In addition to those noted above, here are some examples of other undeveloped campsites in the preserve:

Rainy Day Mine Area: 15.2 miles southeast of Baker on Kelbaker Road, then 0.3 miles northeast on the unsigned and very sandy road to the Rainy Day Mine. Four-wheel drive recommended; no RVs. There are several campsites along this road. Try (35.185453, -115.844435) or (35.184616, -115.842014).

Aiken Mine Road: 20 miles east of Baker, left turn on a signed rocky dirt road. Several campsites are located along this road, before the Lava Tube. Look on either side of historic cattle corrals along the northwest side of the road. High clearance recommended. Try (35.174747, -115.776423) or (35.212451, -115.754157).

Kelso Dunes: 4 miles west of Kelbaker Road on the unpaved Kelso Dunes Road. One campsite is located south of the road, 1/4 mile past the marked trailhead. Several others are available 3/4 mile beyond. Except at these sites, camping is prohibited along Kelso Dunes Road. Camping is also prohibited at the trailhead. Try (34.890180, -115.704906) or (34.888239, -115.716633). For more info, check out our guide to Kelso Dunes.

Granite Pass: 6.1 miles north of I-40 on Kelbaker Road, just north of Granite Pass, then west on one of several access roads. Campsites are located just north of the granite spires. High clearance vehicle recommended; no RVs. Try (34.814501, -115.614250) or (34.812656, -115.620957).

Billy Boy Mine area: Four miles north of Cima on Morning Star Mine road. When the road curves to the east, the primitive campsite is to the north, very close to the road. This is a good choice for RVs. (35.293849, -115.494188)

New York Mountains: 5.5 miles west of Ivanpah Road on New York Mountains Road. There are dozens of campsites along this road and along the intersecting Caruthers Canyon Road. High clearance and four-wheel drive recommended; no RVs. Try (35.216125, -115.313074) or (35.212588, -115.313540).

Keystone Canyon: Approx. 15 miles south of Ivanpah Road and Morning Star Mine Road junction. High clearance and four-wheel drive recommended; no RVs. Try (35.278757, -115.251838) or (35.272988, -115.270310).

Tips for Backcountry Camping

• Hike at least a mile from paved roads or trailheads before setting up camp.
• Ensure your campsite is out of sight of trails to minimize impact.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.

For more information on rules and regulations regarding camping in Mojave National Preserve, please visit the park’s website.

Private Campgrounds and Nearby Options

While Mojave National Preserve primarily focuses on public camping, several private campgrounds in nearby towns like Baker and Barstow provide alternative options for visitors seeking additional amenities like showers and electricity.

Maps

The National Park Service offers interactive and downloadable maps of the preserve which can be helpful for planning your trip and finding campsites.

Other Activities in Mojave National Preserve

If you are looking for other things to do in the Mojave National Preserve, check out the guides below: