Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground

Show on map760-252-6100moja_campgrounds@nps.gov
2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311

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.

The Black Canyon Equestrian and Group Campground is ideal for larger groups. These two sites sit isolated from other campgrounds and provide plenty of space for your group.

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

Both sites provide picnic tables, water spigots, vault toilets, fire ring, and ample parking.

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.

Camp site features

Across 2 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 2 sites
  • Group sites: all 2 sites
  • Longest rig: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 50 people

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

6 reviews
5 stars
5
3 stars
1
Emmalynn A
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
The spot is great - perfect for a large group (ours was 30 people) - we all fit comfortably and no one felt like we were on top of each other. The campfire ring was a good size, and the built-in tables and cover was perfect.
Robert Y
Loop:Equestrian Site
Site:
Reviewed 7 months ago
The open area for RV’s is large. Depending on how you arrange the RV’s and/or trailers, you can probably fit 8-10 large rigs in the space. Stall, water, and trash can are available. The pit toilets are roughly 150’ up from the parking space. The Preserve itself is showing the negative effects of budget and staffing shortages. The Kelso Depot has been closed now for probably five years and there is no date for reopening
Ryan S
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
Great camp spot. Very private and spacious.
Caroline K
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
Nance F
Loop:Equestrian Site
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
The camps and the pit toilets were clean. It was great that the water was on for the animals. I started coming to this area to camp with horses about 20 years ago. This time we had camels. The gates are a little short for them. We had a great time. Thank You
Joey D
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Great group camp site. Lots of parking. Tenting area could be more level.. Great fire ring, and huge covered picnic table area. Private and quiet. There are even daily cow parades.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 6% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 1 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

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