California / San Bernardino County / Mojave National Preserve

Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

Open — Open year-round with reservations required. Fire restrictions are in place: wood and charcoal fires are prohibited, though most camp stoves are allowed. Rough roads exist throughout the preserve; drive slowly and watch for potholes, debris, and washed-out shoulders. Generator hours 8am-7pm, quiet hours 9pm-7am.

About

Located along Black Canyon Road in the heart of Mojave National Preserve, this campground offers two specialized sites for group and equestrian camping in a remote desert setting. At 4,400 feet elevation, the location provides cooler temperatures than lower desert areas while remaining accessible via paved roads until the campground entrance. The preserve encompasses three major North American deserts (Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran) creating diverse microhabitats with varied plant and animal life. Each site is isolated from other campgrounds and includes essential amenities: picnic tables, water spigots, vault toilets, fire rings, and spacious parking areas that accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. The group site accommodates up to 50 people while the equestrian site serves up to 30 campers with their horses. Campers must bring their own firewood as wood collecting is prohibited in the preserve. The campground provides access to extensive recreational opportunities including popular hikes to Kelso Dunes, the Rings Loop at nearby Hole-in-the-Wall, and Teutonia Peak through the Joshua tree forest. Remote areas require high-clearance 4WD vehicles for exploration of historic mining roads and the Mojave Road. Cell phone service is unreliable at the campground, and visitors should plan accordingly with adequate supplies as no gas or food is available within the preserve.

Directions

From Los Angeles, Barstow, and Joshua Tree via Interstate 40: Exit Essex Road and drive north for 10 miles, turn right at the junction to Black Canyon Road, and continue 10 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall. Roads are paved until the campground turn-off. From Death Valley and Las Vegas via Interstate 15: From the Kelbaker Road, Cima Road, or Nipton Road entrances, navigate to Kelso-Cima Road, turn east onto Cedar Canyon Road for 6 miles, then right onto Black Canyon Road for 9 miles.

Nearby Campgrounds