Discover the best of the Mojave Desert at the Mojave National Preserve.
About Mojave National Preserve
Encompassing over 1.6 million acres of vast sand dunes, sublime mountains, and vibrant wildflowers, the Mojave National Preserve contains some of the finest natural environments in Southern California. The area is also famed for its Joshua trees, which are unique to the Mojave Desert. The best time to park an RV rental at the Mojave National Preserve is in the spring when the weather is milder, and the region’s wildflowers begin to bloom.
Campgrounds Near Mojave National Preserve
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground
The Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is ideal for campers looking for a rustic campground near the heart of the Mojave National Preserve. You’ll find sites for RVs and tents here; however, there are no hookups. While there’s very little to do at camp, you’ll be surrounded by stunning rock formations and several hiking trails like the Rings Loop Trail. The campground also comes equipped with some useful amenities to make your stay more comfortable, including pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash collection.
- Dry camping
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
Mid Hills Campground
Another popular campground located within the preserve’s boundaries is Mid Hills Campground. As Mid Hills is located at an elevation of 5,600 feet, it’s a lot cooler than the surrounding Mojave, making it very popular with campers looking to avoid the desert heat. The campground is open to tent and RV campers, and all campsites offer dry camping with no hookups. Similar to the Hole-in-the-Wall, Mid Hills Campgrounds has no on-site activities but is surrounded by beautiful countryside to explore. Amenities include pit toilets, fire, rings, picnic tables, and trash collection. There is no water available on site, so come prepared.
- Dry camping
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
✅ Planning on boon docking in Mojave? Check out our portable generator guide.
Needles KOA
Needles KOA is one of the closest modern campgrounds to Mojave National Preserve. Just 30 minutes from the park boundary, this KOA provides tent and RV sites, as well as cabins in case you fancy a luxury getaway. RV sites come with full hookups that allow 50 amp electricity and pull-through access. During your downtime, cool off in the swimming pool, or take your pup for a walk at the on-site dog park. Amenities around camp include laundry facilities, showers, and WiFi.
- Full hookup sites
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
- On-site dog park
- WiFi access
Laughlin/ Avi Casino KOA
There are several well-equipped KOAs close to the Mojave National Preserve, and one of the best is the Laughlin/ Avi Casino KOA. Positioned just across the Nevada state line, this KOA provides tent and RV sites just 45 minutes from the Mojave National Preserve. RV sites have full hookups that allow 50 amp electricity. This KOA offers some of the best on-site recreation around, as all campers can use the Avi Casino and Resort, which includes a large riverside beach, two golf courses, a fitness center, and much more. You’ll also have access to amenities like showers, restrooms, and WiFi.
- Full hookup sites
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
- On-site dog park
- Access to the Avi Casino and Resort
Desert View RV Resort
The Desert View RV Resort is one of the top-rated campgrounds near the Mojave National Preserve, offering spacious RV-only camping just 30 minutes away. Each spacious RV site comes with full hookups and 50/30 amp electricity. Spend your days at camp lazing by the pool, fishing on the Colorado River, or jet-skiing on Lake Mohave. You’ll have everything you need around camp too, including laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers.
- Full hookup sites
- Open year-round
- RV-only camping
- Pets allowed
- Free WiFi
Calizona RV Park
Calizona RV Park is a great place to stop if you’re road tripping along the historic Route 66. This campground offers RV-only camping with sites that provide full hookups with 50 amp electricity. You’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert during your stay. There are even some fun activities around camp, including shuffleboard and pickleball courts. Campers will have access to WiFi, and other amenities include three laundry rooms, showers, and restrooms.
- Full hookup sites
- Open year-round
- RV-only camping
- Pets allowed
- On-site dog run
Afton Canyon Campground
Afton Canyon Campground is one of the closest to the Mojave National Preserve and offers stunning views of Afton Canyon, considered “The Grand Canyon of the Mojave”. A 30-minute drive from the park, Afton Canyon provides dry camping for tents and RVs. Sites come with some shade, a picnic table, and a grill, so you can spend your days appreciating your stunning surroundings. Pets are welcome here, and there are a couple of basic amenities around camp, like vault toilets.
- Dry camping
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
Barstow/ Calico KOA
If you’re traveling to the Mojave Desert from Los Angeles, consider an overnight stay at the Barstow/ Calico KOA. Located 50 minutes west of the preserve, this campground offers everything you need for an idyllic getaway. RV and tent sites are available, and you can also stay in a yurt or a cabin for an upscale camping experience. All RV sites come with full hookups, 30/50 amp electricity, and pull-through access. There’s no lack of on-site activities here, with dozens of things to cure your boredom, like a games room, a swimming pool, regular movie nights, and more. Amenities you’ll find around camp include laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and a dog run.
- Full hookup sites
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
- WiFi and cable access
- On-site dog run
- Bike rentals
Calico Ghost Town Campground
Another top-rated campground near Barstow is the Calico Ghost Town Campground. Within walking distance of the famous Calico Ghost Town, this campground offers RV and tent sites, as well as a bunkhouse in case you fancy upgrading your getaway. RV sites come with full or partial hookups that support 30/50 amp electricity. You can bring your pet along, and amenities include two dump stations, showers, and restrooms. There’s not much to do around camp, but you will have the nearby 19th-century ghost town to explore.
- Full hookup sites
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
Cottonwood Cove Resort RV Park
Sat right on the Nevada/ Arizona state line, Cottonwood Cove Resort is a superb choice for campers visiting the Mojave Desert. While the resort is for RV campers only, you can find tent sites at the adjacent Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground. You’ll find over 70 RV sites here, complete with full hookups overlooking Lake Mohave. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out on the lake during your stay, with lakeside beaches and a marina near camp. Amenities include laundry facilities, bathrooms, and a convenience store.
- Full hookup sites
- RV-only camping
- Open year-round
- Pets allowed
- Lakeside campsites
Check out average campground costs across America in our planning guide.