Hole-in-the-Wall Campground

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.

From Los Angeles, Barstow, and Joshua Tree via Interstate 40: Exit Essex Road and drive north for 10 miles and turn right at the junction to Black Canyon Road. Continue for 10 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall. The roads are paved until the turn-off into the campground. Cell phone service is unreliable. 

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 onto Cedar Canyon Road for 6 miles and turn right onto Black Canyon Road for 9 miles.