How much does camping cost at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground?

Camping fees at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground range from $6-$12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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.

What is the best time to visit Hole-In-The-Wall Campground?

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground is open Not explicitly stated, but winter months may be more popular based on reviews indicating cooler temperatures and star visibility.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

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.

Can I have a campfire at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground?

Fire policies at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. High winds may restrict usage.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

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.

What activities can I do at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground?

Popular activities at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Q: 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. All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability can vary depending on season and day, with weekends potentially being busier.

4.58

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

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Provider

(760) 252-6100MOJA_Superintendent@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.58

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

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.

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.

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

Spring brings the best conditions: daytime temperatures of 60-80°F, cool nights in the mid-30s to 50°F, and occasional wildflower displays in wet years. Winter nights drop below freezing, sometimes dusting the rocks with snow. Summer heat is intense, and high winds sweep across the open terrain year-round. Reviews consistently mention powerful gusts at night. Campers recommend bringing extra rocks to secure tents. Spring also delivers peak wildlife activity and migratory birds, with trails like Barber Peak Loop more comfortable without summer's extreme heat. Weekdays stay quieter than holiday weekends.

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

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

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground sits at 4,400 feet in the heart of Mojave National Preserve, surrounded by volcanic rock formations carved from ancient tuff. The 35 sites accommodate RVs up to 33 feet and tents, with two walk-in sites for added seclusion. Fees run $6-12 per night. The campground's location where three deserts converge creates access to trails through volcanic canyons and natural rock amphitheaters.

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 SeasonsSpring brings the best conditions: daytime temperatures of 60-80°F, cool nights in the mid-30s to 50°F, and occasional wildflower displays in wet years. Winter nights drop below freezing, sometimes dusting the rocks with snow. Summer heat is intense, and high winds sweep across the open terrain year-round. Reviews consistently mention powerful gusts at night. Campers recommend bringing extra rocks to secure tents. Spring also delivers peak wildlife activity and migratory birds, with trails like Barber Peak Loop more comfortable without summer's extreme heat. Weekdays stay quieter than holiday weekends.

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 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.

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.

Scenic ViewsViews of the Milky Way, desert landscapes, and surrounding volcanic formations are highlights. Reviewers praise the area for its 'spectacular night skies,' 'gorgeous sunrise,' and 'awe-inspiring cactus garden.'

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

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 on hard-packed, level ground. Some are pull-through for RVs. Water spigots throughout the campground, though reviews note they're occasionally out of service.

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.

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

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.

Hiking

Climbing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

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

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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

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