Hole-in-the-wall Campground

About

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground occupies a striking location at 4,400 feet elevation in Mojave National Preserve, surrounded by the sculpted volcanic rock walls that give the area its name. The campground provides a cooler respite from lower desert elevations during summer months, with temperatures significantly more moderate than the valley floors below. Thirty-five standard campsites and two walk-in sites accommodate both tents and RVs up to 30 feet, with two pull-through sites available for longer rigs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and parking for 1-2 vehicles. Vault toilets and water spigots are distributed throughout the campground, and a dump station serves RV campers. The nearby Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center offers free WiFi, water refills, and passport stamps. Camp hosts are typically present during peak season. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the preserve's signature hikes. The Rings Loop trail begins nearby, ascending through narrow Banshee Canyon using metal rings mounted in the rock. The Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall trail and Barber Peak loop are also accessible from the campground. No gas, food, or cell service is available within the preserve, so visitors should arrive fully provisioned.

Directions

From I-40 (Los Angeles/Barstow): Exit Essex Road and drive north 10 miles, turn right at the Black Canyon Road junction, continue 10 miles to the campground. Roads are paved until the campground turn-off. From I-15 (Las Vegas/Death Valley): Take Kelbaker, Cima, or Nipton Road to Kelso-Cima Road, turn east onto Cedar Canyon Road for 6 miles, then right onto Black Canyon Road for 9 miles.