Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground
Open year-round. Reservations required via Recreation.gov at $50 per night. Fire restrictions are currently in place: wood and charcoal fires are prohibited, but most camp stoves are permitted. Generator hours 8am-7pm, quiet hours 9pm-7am. Rough road conditions exist on paved and unpaved roads throughout the preserve. Kelso Depot Visitor Center is closed for HVAC rehabilitation until later in 2026.
Kelso Depot Visitor Center Closed
Kelso 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.
Delays up to 1 hour are possible at Kelbaker Road Railroad Crossing near Kelso Depot
In 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
Rough and Damaged Roads
Drive slowly and exercise due caution when driving in Mojave National Preserve. Rough and damaged roads exist on both paved and unpaved roads. Watch for potholes. Aiken Mine Rd. is now 4WD only due to soft sand and mudholes. Rocks and debris on Zzyzx Rd.
Fire restrictions in place
Fire 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 restrictions and details.
Use Caution on Roads with Debris
Flooding has resulted in debris along Cima Road as well as shoulders being washed out. Please use caution when driving and watch for road crews at work. Be aware that unimproved and dirt roads may be impassible due to washouts, so plan accordingly.
About
Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground offers a secluded camping experience in the heart of Mojave National Preserve, approximately one mile from Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center. The campground features two distinct sites: a group site accommodating up to 50 people and an equestrian site for up to 30 campers with horses. Both sites provide ample space and parking well-separated from other preserve campgrounds. At 4,400 feet elevation, this location offers relief from desert heat in summer while experiencing cooler temperatures and occasional snow in winter. Each site includes vault toilets, potable water spigots, picnic tables, fire rings, and generous parking areas suitable for RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. There is no cell phone coverage at the campground. The preserve encompasses over 1.6 million acres of diverse desert landscapes where three major North American deserts converge. Nearby attractions include Kelso Dunes, the Rings Loop trail at Hole-in-the-Wall, the lava tube, and the world's largest Joshua tree forest around Cima Dome. Gas and food are not available within the preserve, so visitors must arrive prepared.
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 for 10 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall. Roads are paved until the turnoff into the campground. From Death Valley and Las Vegas via Interstate 15: From the Kelbaker Road, Cima Road, or Nipton Road entrances, make your way to Kelso-Cima Road and turn east onto Cedar Canyon Road. Continue for 6 miles and turn right onto Black Canyon Road for 9 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| moja_campgrounds@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 252-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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