Is Hole-In-The-Wall Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground before I book?

Yes! Hole-In-The-Wall Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground?

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Hole-In-The-Wall Campground have?

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground has 35 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground?

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

4.58

211 reviews

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

Top 2% in CASpring

Stargazing

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

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(760) 252-6100MOJA_Superintendent@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

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

Nearby places

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

Weather at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

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

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and cool nights (mid-30s to 50°F), making long hikes through the volcanic canyons comfortable and pleasant. Wildflower displays (in wetter years), migratory birds and active desert wildlife are at their peak, and trails like Barber Peak Loop are easier to enjoy without extreme heat. Crowd levels are generally low to moderate compared with holidays — you’ll have solitude among the sculpted rock walls while still a Peak months: April, May, October, November Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Described as best season: 60–80°F days, cool nights and wildflower displays in wet years.

Planning Tips

About Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground sits in the volcanic heart of Mojave National Preserve, surrounded by rhyolite formations and barrel cactus. Operated by the National Park Service, it serves as a base for exploring the preserve's canyons, lava tubes, and dark-sky vistas. Visitors hike the ring trail through volcanic rock formations, watch for desert wildlife at dawn and dusk, and enjoy spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and cool nights (mid-30s to 50°F), making long hikes through the volcanic canyons comfortable and pleasant. Wildflower displays (in wetter years), migratory birds and active desert wildlife are at their peak, and trails like Barber Peak Loop are easier to enjoy without extreme heat. Crowd levels are generally low to moderate compared with holidays — you’ll have solitude among the sculpted rock walls while still a Peak months: April, May, October, November Avoid: July, August

Elevation4400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySculptured volcanic walls, formed from tuff and eroded over millions of years, create natural amphitheaters and hidden passages throughout the area. The preserve sits where the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts meet, producing an unusual mix of desert plants including barrel cacti, chollas, and scattered vegetation across hard-packed ground. Coyotes, cottontail rabbits, quail, and occasional tarantulas move through the landscape. The Rings Trail winds through Banshee Canyon's rock formations, while the Barber Peak Loop Trail climbs to panoramic views of surrounding desert and distant ranges. Dark skies at night offer clear stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesAlthough no formal programs are mentioned, the area offers educational opportunities through its natural and geological features.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not accepted.

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.

Best CampsitesSite 28 gets praised for sunrise and moonrise views. The two walk-in tent sites offer more seclusion than the main loop. Reviews mention the sites are spacious and level, though not heavily screened from each other.

Amenities available

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground offers a range of amenities designed to balance simplicity with functionality, catering to both RV and tent campers. The campground includes picnic tables and fire rings at each site, potable water spigots (not all in working condition), and clean vault toilets. An RV dump station with non-potable tank flush water is available, but there are no electrical or water hookups. The campground is self-pay via cash or check, and fees are $12 per night, with a discounted rate of $6 for America the Beautiful or Golden Pass holders. The site is well-maintained, but internal roads are gravel and may be eroded, requiring cautious driving. Cell phone reception is unreliable, though intermittent in some spots.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 211 reviews.

Site #28Loved
Site #28 is noted for excellent views of sunrise and moonrise.
Site #34Loved
Site #34 offers good valley views and shade until early morning.

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not reviewed in detail by users.

Based on 211 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, though some trails, like the Rings Trail, may be less suited for dogs due to climbing challenges.

Based on 211 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious sites near dramatic rock formations, excellent stargazing, and access to volcanic canyon trails in a remote desert preserve.

Skip if

You're sensitive to high winds, need reliable water service at every spigot, or prefer campgrounds with strict quiet hours enforcement.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(211)

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Mojave National Preserve

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground sits in the mid-elevation volcanic landscape of Mojave National Preserve, operated by the National Park Service. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and a dump station amid desert rock formations. Campers hike the nearby Rings Loop Trail, stargaze under dark skies, and explore the preserve's remote terrain during the cooler fall months.

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

First-come, first-served

Quick Facts

First-come, first-served

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

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

Planning Tips

About Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Ask Camp Sage about Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

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

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns