Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

4.61

211 reviews

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Las Vegas#2 Primitive Camping California#3 Desert Camping California#3 +2 more

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

$6.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $12 per night for standard sites and discounted to $6 per night with applicable Interagency passes such as the America the Beautiful...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(760) 252-6100MOJA_Superintendent@nps.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 211 reviews

266 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousfriendlysites

"User reviews highlight the pristine natural beauty, spacious and level campsites, and excellent hiking opportunities. Campers appreciate the dark skies for stargazing and the variety of trails. However, issues like intermittent water spigots, high winds, and unclear payment methods are noted. The campground's remoteness adds to its charm but requires thorough preparation."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Driving directionsFrom I-40: Exit Essex Road and drive north 10 miles to the junction with Black Canyon Road. Hole-in-the-Wall is 10 miles north on Black Canyon Road. Cell phone service is spotty and unreliable.

The campground is accessible via paved roads from the south entrance (Essex Road), but the northern part of Black Canyon Road is unpaved and eroded by flooding. Exercise caution when driving in the area due to rough and damaged roads; potholes are present, and soft sand and mudholes make Aiken Mine Road 4WD-only.

Nearby places

Essex (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Barstow (65 miles, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Needles (45 miles, approximately 50 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Fuel and supplies can be found in Barstow (65 miles away) or Needles (45 miles away). Campers are advised to bring sufficient provisions, including water, food, and camping gear, as the campground is isolated with no nearby stores.

Best Time to Camp at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

The high desert climate here tells a tale of extremes. Winter nights bring crystalline air and temperatures that plunge below freezing, occasionally dusting the volcanic rocks with snow—a surreal sight in this desert landscape. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-baked haven where temperatures soar and powerful winds sweep across the open terrain, sometimes gusting up to 50mph. Savvy campers know that spring and fall unlock the desert's gentler side, offering mild days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire conversations. These shoulder seasons reveal why generations of travelers have been drawn to this remarkable landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer brings hot temperatures; site open but heat reduces comfort for many campers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mild temperatures and clear skies make fall a very good season for camping here.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Reviews note mild temps, blooming wildflowers and peacefulness—spring is highly recommended.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Clear, cold nights with occasional snow; excellent stargazing but cold and windy conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated, but winter months may be more popular based on reviews indicating cooler temperatures and star visibility.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Rough and damaged roads may pose challenges for access. Some roads are now 4WD-only. The northern section of Black Canyon Road is unpaved and flood-eroded.

About Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Hidden among the dramatic volcanic rock formations of Mojave National Preserve, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground offers adventurers a chance to experience the raw beauty of the high desert. This secluded retreat features 35 spacious sites accommodating both RVs (up to 33 feet) and tents, plus two intimate walk-in tent sites for those seeking extra solitude. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the star-studded desert sky. Essential amenities include pit toilets and potable water spigots strategically placed throughout the campground, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering sites for both RVs and tents, including two walk-in tent sites for those seeking more seclusion. The campground is first-come, first-served and does not accept reservations.

Historical SignificanceAncient voices still whisper through these lands, where indigenous peoples left their mark in mysterious petroglyphs etched into stone. The nearby Mitchell Caverns beckon with underground wonders, while the haunting beauty of Banshee Canyon tells geological stories millions of years in the making. Barber Peak stands as a sentinel over this cultural crossroads, where Native American heritage meets the pioneering spirit of desert exploration. Each trail and rock formation serves as a chapter in the ongoing story of human connection to this extraordinary landscape.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here tells a tale of extremes. Winter nights bring crystalline air and temperatures that plunge below freezing, occasionally dusting the volcanic rocks with snow—a surreal sight in this desert landscape. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-baked haven where temperatures soar and powerful winds sweep across the open terrain, sometimes gusting up to 50mph. Savvy campers know that spring and fall unlock the desert's gentler side, offering mild days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire conversations. These shoulder seasons reveal why generations of travelers have been drawn to this remarkable landscape.

ElevationPerched at 4,400 feet above sea level, this high-desert sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the scorching valleys below. The elevation gifts campers with noticeably cooler temperatures and some of the clearest night skies in Southern California. Here, the thin desert air creates perfect conditions for stargazing, where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in breathtaking clarity, unmarred by light pollution.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering walls of sculptured volcanic rock embrace the campground like ancient guardians, their weathered faces telling stories of fiery origins and patient erosion. This living desert ecosystem pulses with surprising diversity—dawn might reveal coyote tracks in the sand, while dusk brings out the deliberate movements of tarantulas on their nightly hunts. Cottontail rabbits dart between magnificent displays of barrel cacti, chollas, and other desert flora, while coveys of quail announce the day with their distinctive calls. The renowned Rings Loop Trail winds through this natural sculpture garden, while the Barber Peak Loop rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that stretch to distant mountain ranges.

Geological RegionHole-in-the-Wall sits at the heart of Mojave National Preserve's most dramatic geological showcase, where ancient volcanic eruptions created a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. These sculptured rock walls, formed from volcanic tuff and carved by millions of years of wind and water, create natural amphitheaters and hidden passages throughout the area. The preserve's unique position at the convergence of three distinct deserts—the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin—has produced an extraordinary tapestry of geological features. From the mysterious formations of Banshee Canyon to the commanding heights of the Barber Peak Loop Trail, every vista reveals another chapter in the Earth's tumultuous volcanic past.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time stated.

Check-out

No specific check-out time stated.

Stay Limit

No stated limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No stated maximum guest limit.

Groups

The campground does not explicitly mention designated group sites in the sources reviewed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious and well-spaced, with level hard-packed ground. There are pull-through sites for RVs.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability can vary depending on season and day, with weekends potentially being busier.

Cancellation PolicyThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations. Cancellation policies for reserved sites do not apply here.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not mentioned in the authoritative or user sources.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, hard-packed, and level, accommodating RVs up to 33 feet in length. Two walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded option.

PrivacyCampsites are generally well-spaced, offering privacy, although some reviews note that sites are not heavily secluded.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose higher sites for better views and lower wind exposure. Tent campers may want to avoid exposed areas due to wind impact.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground serves as a base for diverse recreational opportunities. The Rings Trail and Barber Peak Loop Trail are highlights, offering unique volcanic rock formations and petroglyphs. The area is excellent for stargazing due to minimal light pollution, and wildlife such as rabbits, quail, and coyotes are commonly observed. Seasonal weather challenges like high winds can impact activities, especially for tent campers.

HikingNumerous hiking trails start directly from the campground, including the Rings Trail and the 6-mile Barber Peak Loop Trail. Trails vary in length and difficulty, providing opportunities for both casual and advanced hikers.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as rabbits, quail, tarantulas, and coyotes are frequently seen, providing exciting opportunities for observation.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include high winds, black widows, tarantulas, coyotes, and eroded roads. Tent stakes may not hold in the hard ground, and wildlife is abundant.

Active AlertsRough and damaged roads may pose challenges for access. Some roads are now 4WD-only. The northern section of Black Canyon Road is unpaved and flood-eroded.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings. High winds may restrict usage.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 7 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Barstow, CA. Police, hospital, and fire services are available approximately 65 miles away. There is no immediate emergency medical facility near the campground.

Trash & RecyclingDumpster facilities are available for trash disposal, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo direct water features nearby, though potable water spigots are available on-site.

Camp HostNo specific host details; some reviews mention rangers providing astronomy shows.

Weather at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Reviews

4.6

211 reviews

Top-Rated

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the pristine natural beauty, spacious and level campsites, and excellent hiking opportunities. Campers appreciate the dark skies for stargazing and the variety of trails. However, issues like intermittent water spigots, high winds, and unclear payment methods are noted. The campground's remoteness adds to its charm but requires thorough preparation.

Review Summaries

Based on 211 reviews

What Campers Love

"Sites are spacious, hard-packed, and level." "The ring trail is quite spectacular." "Dark skies for stargazing." "Friendly barrel cacti and wildlife sightings."

Based on 211 reviews

Common Concerns

High winds frequently disrupt tent camping. Some water spigots are out of order. Payment methods are unclear for first-time users. Gravel roads within the campground are eroded.

Based on 211 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Visit during the week for a quieter experience." "Bring plenty of rocks to secure your tent in windy conditions." "Make sure to hike the Rings Trail."

Based on 211 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter: Cold nights with occasional snow showers but clear skies for stargazing. High winds are common. Spring: Mild temperatures and blooming desert flora make this an ideal season. Summer: Hot...

Based on 211 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views of the Milky Way are out of this world!" "Gorgeous scenery and easily accessible trails." "Vaulted toilets were clean, and other campers were friendly."

Based on 211 reviews