Mojave National Preserve
Camping & Lodging
General Info | Maps | Description | Things to Do | Nearby
Lodging
No overnight accommodations are found in the Preserve but Nipton, CA located at the northern entrance has a small hotel and Eco-Lodges and RV hook-ups. Motel rooms are also found in Barstow, Ca Limited food stuffs can be found in Cima. Nipton has propane and food stuffs, and WiFi availability in a gift and convenience store. Nipton also has a café, Whistle Stop Oasis. Laughlin, Nevada is about 1.5 hours drive from the east end of the perserve and also has rooms.
Campgrounds
There are many opportunities for camping within Mojave National Preserve. There are two developed campgrounds, and a group campground. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Spaces are available on a first come/first served basis for a $12 per site per night fee. Fees for Golden Age/Access Passport holders are $6 per site per night.
Vegetation in the desert is sparse, so no collection of firewood or other burn material is permitted. Open fires are permitted in established campgrounds, if you bring your own firewood. Please do not leave fires smoldering or unattended. Portable stoves are permitted. For hunters, firearms must be unloaded in the campgrounds. Our water supply is seasonal, so please only use what you need. The group camp has no developed water source, so campers are advised to bring their own water or containers for transporting water from the developed campground. Always carry enough water for yourself, guests, pets and vehicles.
There is also a small campground at the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. Camping facilities can also be found at Afton Canyon, Nipton and Park Moabi. RV campgrounds are available in Needles, CA and Primm, NV.
Hole-in-the-Wall
The Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, located at 4,400 feet elevation and surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls, is a wonderful spot for camping. It has 35 campsites with areas large enough for motorhomes and trailers, and two walk-in tent sites. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trashcans, and drinkable water on a limited basis. There are no utility hookups but there is a sanitary disposal station.
Temperatures can be extreme at Hole in the Wall. Below are averages in degrees Fahrenheit.
April through June
Daytime 55 to 75
Night 45 to 60June through August
Daytime 70 to 115
Night 65 to 90August through October
Daytime 55 to 80
Night 50 to 70November through April
Daytime 40 to 60
Night 40 to below freezing
Mid Hills Campground
Nestled in pinyon pine and juniper trees at 5,600 feet, Mid Hills Campground is much cooler than the desert floor below.Temperatures at Mid Hills are 10 to 15 degrees lower than at Hole in the Wall Campground. It is well located for hiking and sightseeing. There are 26 campsites and facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trashcans, and drinkable water on a limited basis. The road to the campground is not paved and is not recommended for motorhomes or trailers.
Backcountry Camping
Backpackers and hikers can camp within the Preserve by going at least half a mile from any developed area or road and a quarter of a mile from water sources. At this time we have no official registration system, so let someone know where you are. Backcountry camping is limited to a 14-day stay. Few trail signs exist, so take a good map and become familiar with the area you are about to camp in. Do not set up in a drainage or dry wash as flash floods can develop quickly in the desert.
Roadside Camping
Roadside or car camping is permitted within Mojave National Preserve in areas that have been traditionally used for this purpose. Camping tramples vegetation, and by picking sites that have been already been used for camping you help protect the desert from further damage. Do not camp along paved roads or day use areas, and stay at least a quarter mile away from all water sources. Please respect the rights of private property owners.
Directions to some of Mojave National Preserve’s Roadside Camping Areas:
* Rainy Day Mine Site (3-4 sites) 15.2 miles south of Baker on Kelbaker Road. Go 0.3 miles north of Kelbaker Road on the road leading to the Rainy Day Mine. 4x4 vehicles only. No RVs.
* Black Canyon Road (3-4 sites) 5.2 miles south of Hole-in-the-Wall Ranger Station on the east side of Black Canyon Road.
* Granite Pass 6.1 miles north of I-40 on Kelbaker Road. Just north of Granite Pass you will find the access roads on the west side of the road. Sites are located just north of the granite spires.
* Caruthers Canyon (4-6 sites) 5.5 miles west of Ivanpah Road on New York Mountains Road. 1.5 to 2.7 miles north of New York Mountains Road to campsites. RVs not recommended.
* Sunrise Rock 10.4 miles south of I-15 on east side of Cima Road. Trail head for Teutonia Peak trail is nearby on opposite side of Cima Road.
For a Book and Map of the area see our
Mohave Road guide
General Info | Maps | Description | Things to Do | Camping/Lodging | Nearby
Other locations to visit in Mojave Desert
Amboy Crater - Cinder Cones - Goffs - Hole in the Wall - Kelso Depot - Kelso Dunes - Mitchell Caverns
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