National Park Service · California

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground

National Park Service · California, United States · in Mojave National Preserve

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
38
Hookups
38 with water, 35 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Max RV length
30 ft
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Showers
No
Dump station
Yes
Laundry
No
Pets
Yes
Elevation
4,285 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Mojave National Preserve
Nearest town
Barstow
Address
2701 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA, 92311
Phone
760-252-6100

38 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places.

At 4,400 feet in elevation, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls and makes a great base camp for hikers.

Recreation

There are over 1.6 million acres to explore. The popular main attractions are accessible by paved and unpaved roads and more remote areas of the park will require a high clearance, 4WD vehicle.

Check out the must see highlights: Mojave National Preserve Must See Highlights

Explore the preserve off the beaten path! Take your street legal vehicle along the historic Mojave Road or visit the multitude of canyons and mining roads. Be sure to have high clearance and 4WD. Do not enter mines. 4WD Routes

Mojave offers many hikes to choose! Hiking

Visit Zzyzx and learn about its history. It is also a great birding location due to its pond.

Facilities

Hole-in-the-Wall has 38 campsites. Each campsite contains 1-2 vehicle parking spots, picnic table, fire ring, and tent area. Water spigots and vault toilets are available around the campground. Camp hosts are typically present in the peak season months. A dump station is available for campers. Free WiFi is available 24/7 at the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center.

Natural Features

Three of the four major North American deserts are found at Mojave National Preserve: the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran. Dozens of seeps and springs coupled with varied elevations and soil types create microhabitats that support a diversity of plant and animal life. Cactus gardens, relict plant communities of white fir and chaparral and the densest, largest Joshua tree forest are all found here.

Geologically, the region is just as diverse as it is ecologically. Mountain ranges, dry riverbeds, great mesas, towering sand dunes, striking cinders cones, domes and lava flows define Mojave. Ancient rocks that date back to 2.5 billion years old have been discovered in the Clark Mountains.

Set out to search for the blooms across the preserve: Wildflowers

Visit the world’s largest Joshua Tree forest around the Cima Dome area.

Nearby Attractions

Popular Hikes:

Kelso Dunes - Hike to the top of our most popular sand dune!

Rings Loop – 1.5 miles, Discover how Hole-in-the-Wall got its name as you ascend narrow Banshee Canyon with the help of metal rings mounted in the rock.

Barber Peak - This loop trail encircles Barber Peak just west of Hole-in-the-Wall Campground.

Lava Tube - Explore an underground wonder! High clearance vehicle recommended.

Teutonia Peak - A mixed Joshua tree forest and Joshua tree graveyard beckon en route to a rocky peak with expansive views of Cima Dome and beyond! This area burned in August 2020.

Fees

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground Fee: $25. Beginning January 1, 2025, campground fees are $25 nightly per site.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January55°38°25°68°5 of 11
February57°39°24°73°7 of 11
March61°41°27°88°4 of 11
April70°47°32°85°1 of 11
May80°56°39°90°0 of 11
June92°66°47°104°0 of 11
July97°74°62°106°0 of 11
August93°72°62°104°0 of 11
September86°66°49°97°0 of 11
October75°54°38°88°0 of 10
November65°48°30°76°3 of 10
December55°39°24°71°5 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.