Mojave National Preserve
3 campgrounds in the park · 70 nearby · 3 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS
7 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureHart Mine Road ClosedHart Mine Road Closed.
- CautionRoad damage possible throughout parkUse caution when driving through Mojave National Preserve. Widespread storms have potentially flooded or damaged roads throughout the preserve.
- CautionDo not pick up hitchhikersDo not pick up hitchhikers. Please report their locations to law enforcement by calling 911.
- CautionFire restrictions in placeFire restrictions are in place at Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Most camp stoves are. See fire restriction order for additional details.
- InformationNPS Visitor WifiVisitor wifi and wifi calling is now available in The Kelso Depot parking lot for calls including emergencies. Go to the bulletin board at the Kelso Depot restrooms for instructions.
- InformationDelays up to 1 hour are possible at Kelbaker Road Railroad Crossing near Kelso DepotIn the event there are train siding operations at the crossing near Kelso Depot, delays may be up to one hour. Please plan accordingly for this possibility with extra fuel and drinking water. Union Pacific Contact: 1 800 848-8715
- Park closureKelso Depot Visitor Center closedKelso Depot Visitor Center is closed for rehabilitation of the heating and cooling system. We expect to reopen the depot in 2026. The restrooms beside the depot are open.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 3 campgrounds2 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 70 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 3 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 3
Camping near the park 70
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp site
5.6 mi · Newberry Springs-Baker, CA
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp site
5.7 mi · Newberry Springs-Baker, CA
Free and dispersed nearby 3
See them on the mapServices nearby: 2 dump stations · 9 rest areas
About Mojave
Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly…
Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places.
Photos: NPS Photo
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Auto Off-Roading
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
Note: There is no fuel inside the Preserve. Please fill up with gas BEFORE you enter. Park headquarters in Barstow, California is 60 miles from the Preserve, and offers maps and information. Our main visitor center…
Weather
Mojave Desert experiences change with the seasons. In winter, freezing temperatures and strong winds can be expected, with rain and snow in the mountains. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers may carpet the desert…
Plan your visit
Hours
Outdoor areas of the Mojave National Preserve including trails, roads, campgrounds are OPEN 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Be sure to check Alerts and Conditions for any temporary closures.
Getting there
Note: There is no fuel inside the Preserve. Please fill up with gas BEFORE you enter. Park headquarters in Barstow, California is 60 miles from the Preserve, and offers maps and information. Our main visitor center, Kelso Depot, is located inside the Preserve, 95 miles east of Barstow and 90 miles west of Las Vegas at the intersection of Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads. Kelso Depot is currently closed for renovations.
Weather
Mojave Desert experiences change with the seasons. In winter, freezing temperatures and strong winds can be expected, with rain and snow in the mountains. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers may carpet the desert floor with vivid colors. Summers are hot, and temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are typical. In summer, adventurers head for the higher elevations such as Mid-Hills and the New York Mountains. The cooler temperatures of fall mark hunting season.
Camped at Mojave? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mid Hills Campground and Black Canyon Group & Equestrian Campground.