About Mojave Road Dispersed Camping

Mojave Road Dispersed Camping is not a single campground. It is a primitive desert camping experience along the historic Mojave Road, a remote overland route crossing Mojave National Preserve in southeastern California.

This route is popular with overlanders, rooftop tent campers, 4WD travelers, and desert road trip crews who want open skies, quiet pullouts, old wagon-road history, dry lake beds, Joshua tree scenery, and long stretches of backcountry driving.

What to Expect

The landscape

The route passes through classic Mojave Desert terrain: sandy two-track roads, volcanic rock, desert washes, Joshua trees, open basins, dry lake beds, low mountains, and wide night skies with very little light pollution.

Campsite setup

Camping is typically done at existing disturbed roadside sites or previously used pullouts. Expect primitive conditions with no tables, no water, no trash service, no toilets, and no developed campground layout.

Things to do nearby

• Drive sections of the historic Mojave Road overland route.
• Visit Soda Dry Lake and the Mojave Mailbox area.
• Explore Lava Tube, Kelso Dunes, and Cima Dome.
• Stop at Marl Springs, Rock Spring, and other historic desert route points.
• Enjoy desert photography, stargazing, and quiet remote camping.

Rules & Regulations

• Use existing campsites and previously disturbed areas whenever possible.
• Do not create new vehicle tracks or drive off established routes.
• Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days per visit or stay.
• Pack out all trash, food waste, and human waste where required.
• Do not camp in dry washes because flash floods can develop quickly.
• No potable water, restrooms, or trash service are available at primitive sites.
• Campfire rules change by season. Check current fire restrictions before lighting any fire.
• Pets should be controlled, and pet waste must be packed out.

Seasonal Access

• Fall — October to November: One of the best seasons for Mojave Road camping, with cooler days and comfortable nights.
• Winter — December to February: Usually cooler and quieter, but nights can be cold and windy.
• Spring — March to April: Excellent desert camping season, with mild temperatures and possible wildflowers after wet winters.
• Summer — May to September: Extremely hot and exposed. Not recommended for most campers because temperatures can become dangerous.

How to Get There

From the west: Many travelers enter near Afton Canyon or the Manix Wash area after preparing in Barstow or Baker. Review the Afton Canyon camping and gateway guide for western access and overnight planning.

From the east: Some travelers approach from the Colorado River side near the Fort Mojave area, depending on route conditions and vehicle capability. Use the Needles gateway guide to plan fuel, supplies, and final checks before entering from the east.

Last fuel and supplies: Baker, Barstow, Needles, or other highway towns before entering the preserve.

Offline maps: Download offline Google Maps, Gaia GPS, onX Offroad, or a dedicated Mojave Road route file before leaving pavement. Do not rely on cell service.