Hole in the Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve

Beautiful campsite in the Mojave preserve, with plenty of little enclaves to enjoy some shade when the desert sun is feeling a bit too harsh. There's multiple pumps for potable water, but if you want to be extra careful, let it run a couple seconds before collecting to drink from it to make sure any chemicals from the pipes are rinsed out.

Plenty of fun trails with great views to take in, the Rings Trail is especially fun, kids would enjoy it too, although it's probably the least friendly to dogs as there is a little bit of climbing involved (there's plenty of aids so it is the easiest sort of climbing available).

It was a memorable start to our latest RV road trip. As our first night stop, we were greeted by a campground that offered a fine balance between nature's wild beauty and necessary amenities.

Nestled amidst a backdrop of pristine wilderness, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground provided a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The peacefulness of the area allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural surroundings and appreciate the quietude that comes with being away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The campground provided basic facilities for our convenience. At the entrance, there were communal water sources and a dump station, ensuring that we had access to essential services during our stay. It's worth noting that there was no electricity available, so it's advisable to plan accordingly and bring alternative power sources if needed.

One aspect that stood out was the simplicity of the campground. Its minimalistic approach allowed us to disconnect from the modern world and connect with nature. The absence of electrical hookups created an opportunity to embrace a more rustic camping experience and fully appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.

It's important to note that the campground only accepts cash payments. Being prepared with enough cash for the fees is essential to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the wilderness while still providing the necessary amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The quiet atmosphere, surrounding natural wonders, and basic facilities make it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene and authentic outdoor adventure.

For those who appreciate simplicity, nature, and the opportunity to disconnect from the modern world, this campground is an excellent choice. Embrace the stillness, soak in the breathtaking landscapes, and be prepared to embark on a rustic camping journey that will leave you feeling refreshed and connected to the natural world.

We stayed at this campground in mid August while traveling from Northern California to Arizona to visit relatives. It had been over 100 degrees all through California on the drive there. We got to the Mojave after sunset about 9:30PM and there was a lightning storm rolling in. It was still 97 degrees when we got off I-40, but in the 20 mins it took to get to the campsite from there, either from the climb in elevation or from the storm, the temp had dropped 20 degrees and the breeze coming in was NICE. We got to fall asleep to a lightning show in the distance and to the perfect weather. When we woke up in the morning, we were greeted by nice cool rain and a beautiful landscape. It was still overcast until about noon which made it perfect for hiking away from the heat and sun. We were able to help a fellow camper out named Michael, who was vacationing from New Zealand. He had drained his car battery that night but luckily I had jumper cables to help him get it started. We were the only other campers on site, so it would've sucked if he had got stranded there. I gave him a banana since I had extra and wished him a good time on the rest of his vacation.

As for the hiking, there are both short and long options. We opted for the short loop that goes through the canyon with the climbing rings. The location lives up to it's name as the canyon walls are covered in holes, big and small. There were a lot of canyon wrens who seemed to enjoy the cliffs as well as all the trees and shrubs near our campsite. There was a mated pair of ravens, many lizards, some big rocks covered in petroglyphs. We saw a coyote pup the night we arrived and an adult coyote when we left. I think they use the nearby wash as a highway.

The campsites were nice and flat, clean and well marked, perfect for putting up a tent. Each one had a fire pit and a picnic table. There are various water spigots throughout the campground. The bathrooms were big and clean, made it an easy place for changing clothes rather than changing inside a cramped tent.

I would definitely camp here again for sure.