Providence Mountains Sra Campground

Open — Open Friday and Saturday nights for camping by reservation only via ReserveCalifornia. Park is open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from 8am to 5pm, September through June. Closed July, August, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Water is scarce; bring your own water. No trash service; pack it in and pack it out.

About

Providence Mountains SRA Campground is a small, remote camping destination in the eastern Mojave Desert, surrounded by the vast Mojave National Preserve. At 4,300 feet elevation, the campground offers five developed campsites available Friday and Saturday nights by reservation through ReserveCalifornia. Each site accommodates up to two vehicles and eight people. The campground serves as a base for exploring Mitchell Caverns, a spectacular limestone cave system featuring stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and other intricate formations. Guided tours are available by reservation on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. Three hiking trails including the Cave Trail, Mary Beal Nature Trail, and Niña Mora Trail provide opportunities to explore the diverse desert ecosystem featuring pinon pines, junipers, various cacti, and yucca. This is a true frontier camping experience requiring significant preparation. Water is extremely scarce at the park; campers must bring all drinking, cooking, and washing water. There is no trash service (pack it in, pack it out). The nearest fuel station is 24 miles away in Fenner, and the nearest town with full amenities is Needles, 56 miles east. Cell phone coverage is spotty or nonexistent. Visitors should be prepared for primitive desert conditions and bring extra supplies. The campground gate closes at 5pm; late arrivals must call for a gate code.

Directions

From Interstate 40, take Exit 100 (Essex Road), 56 miles west of Needles or 100 miles east of Barstow. Follow Essex Road northwest for 16 miles to the park entrance. DO NOT rely on GPS navigation apps, particularly Google Maps, which often provide incorrect routes through hazardous 4WD roads. The park is ONLY accessible via Essex Road.

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