Tucked away at 4,400 feet in the heart of Mojave National Preserve, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground offers an otherworldly desert escape surrounded by dramatic volcanic rock formations. This remote basecamp serves adventurers seeking to explore one of California's most diverse desert landscapes, where ancient geology meets endless hiking opportunities beneath vast Mojave skies.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe desert landscape surrounding Hole-in-the-Wall holds stories stretching back 10,000 years, bearing witness to countless generations who have called this harsh yet beautiful environment home. Just beyond the campground, visitors can discover Zzyzx, a fascinating historical site where human history intersects with nature at a spring-fed pond that draws birders hoping to spot desert species in this unlikely oasis. These cultural touchstones remind us that the Mojave has always been more than empty desert—it's been home, highway, and haven for millennia.
ElevationPerched at approximately 4,400 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the desert's vertical landscape—high enough to offer cooler temperatures and clearer air than the scorching valley floors below, yet nestled intimately among the preserve's signature volcanic rock walls that tower overhead like ancient sentinels.
Natural Features and SceneryThe volcanic rock walls that give Hole-in-the-Wall its name are just the beginning of the geological wonders awaiting exploration. Beyond your campsite, the Mojave National Preserve unfolds as a masterclass in desert diversity: frozen rivers of ancient lava flows wind between cinder cones and volcanic domes, while mountain ranges rise dramatically from the desert floor. Hidden seeps and springs create unexpected pockets of life, nurturing everything from vibrant cactus gardens to rare stands of white fir and chaparral that somehow survive in this arid realm. The crown jewel may be the extensive Joshua tree forests, particularly around Cima Dome, where these iconic desert sentinels stand in one of the densest concentrations anywhere on Earth.
Geological RegionThe Mojave Desert reveals its volcanic heart here, where dramatic rock walls, lava flows, cinder cones, and domes tell the story of the Earth's fiery past. This landscape is punctuated by impressive mountain ranges including the distinctive Cima Dome and the towering Clark Mountains, creating a geological playground that showcases millions of years of desert formation in a single spectacular preserve.