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

Camping fees at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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 12 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 January 01 to December 31. 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.

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

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

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

Pets are not allowed at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

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

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

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

4.58

211 reviews

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

WiFi

Book on Mojave National Preserve Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

WiFi

Book on Mojave National Preserve Official Website

Get Directions

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site: $25.00; Walk To: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-252-6100moja_campgrounds@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

35.0455, -115.3914

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Weather at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Current alerts(8)

All pets must be always leashed (6 feet or less in length). Pets must not be left unattended.
Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
Free public Wi-Fi is available 24/7 at the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center.
Maximum occupancy is 8 people. Parking is limited to 2 vehicles/trailers per site, a truck and trailer count as two vehicles.

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

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the volcanic formations and long hikes — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18–30 °C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–12 °C). Hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak as animals are active in cooler weather and trails are pleasant without summer heat; skies are usually clear, making for excellent photography and stargazing. Crowds remain light compared with coastal parks, so you get solitude at the Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall offers the most comfortable temperatures and is ideal for hiking and camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

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.

The campground comprises 38 campsites that include tent areas and 1–2 vehicle parking spots per site; a dump station and camp hosts in peak season are noted. Specific RV hookups, group sites, cabins, or glamping accommodations are not detailed in the source material.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the volcanic formations and long hikes — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18–30 °C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–12 °C). Hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak as animals are active in cooler weather and trails are pleasant without summer heat; skies are usually clear, making for excellent photography and stargazing. Crowds remain light compared with coastal parks, so you get solitude at the Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation4400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground takes its name from the volcanic rock formations that frame the sites. The preserve's geology includes lava flows, cinder cones, and volcanic domes left from ancient eruptions. Cima Dome and the Clark Mountains rise from the desert floor. Joshua tree forests grow in dense stands around Cima Dome. The volcanic walls create natural sculpture throughout camp, and the remote location delivers dark skies for stargazing.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeEach campsite contains 1–2 vehicle parking spots and a tent area.

PrivacyCampground is set among sculptured volcanic rock walls in a remote preserve setting.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesEach campsite contains 1–2 vehicle parking spots, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a tent area. Water spigots and vault toilets are available around the campground; a dump station is available for campers. Free WiFi is available 24/7 at the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center.

Amenities available

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground has 38 campsites; each site includes 1–2 vehicle parking spots, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a tent area. Water spigots and vault toilets are available around the campground, camp hosts are typically present in peak season, a dump station is provided for campers, and free WiFi is available 24/7 at the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center.

WiFi

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

Reviewers overwhelmingly love Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, describing it as beautiful, quiet, remote, and well maintained. Campers highlight the dramatic desert scenery, dark skies, and nearby hiking trails, and many say it’s one of their favorite campgrounds. Amenities are basic but appreciated, and visitors value the sense of isolation and space between sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 211 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers consistently praise the stunning desert views, starry night skies, and overall beauty of the Mojave Preserve setting. They like the quiet, remote feel with minimal people, spacious sites, and...

Based on 211 reviews

Common Concerns

There are very few complaints in these reviews. One tent camper mentioned a neighboring RV running a generator and playing music late into the night, affecting the sense of quiet. Another noted that...

Based on 211 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer specifically mentioned tent camping at site #11 in February, describing it as a very beautiful camp and surrounding area but noting noise from a neighboring RV’s generator and music late...

Based on 211 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several reviewers stress bringing plenty of supplies (gas, propane, wood, food, and water) because the campground is “crazy far from services.” RV users report that sites can accommodate larger rigs...

Based on 211 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you're looking for isolation and a good camping site, this is it. Nice space between sites, clean but desert dusty, and very open on weekdays." "Beautiful, remote campground with hiking trails....

Based on 211 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer notes that the Rings Trail is fun and likely enjoyable for kids but "probably the least friendly to dogs" because it involves a bit of climbing, even though aids are provided to make it...

Based on 211 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.6

(211)

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

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

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.