Kelbaker Boulders
Mojave National Preserve
Write a Review Kelbaker Road Kelso, CA 92351 760-252-6100 Official WebsiteGPS: 34.7457, -115.652
Overview of Kelbaker Boulders
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by robsuey on 3/10/2024
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by DebbieM on 1/19/2022
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 3,510 ft / 1,069 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Kelbaker Boulders
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-252-6100
Michael asked on 5/28/2022
I have a small vw hatchback and I plan on tent camping from it around the country this summer. Would my car be adequa...
Reviews of Kelbaker Boulders 28 people have reviewed this location.
“Unbelievable views! Gorgeous sunsets!”
Reviewed 1/5/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 26' (Fifth Wheel) |
Easy to access a couple of nice camping locations near the boulders. The site is clean and quite level with a couple rock fire rings available. I found the access road quite smooth, contrary to some other reviews. Maneuvering a 26' fifth wheel was pretty easy but I wouldn't come here with the 40' class A I used to have.
Corporate Fugitive would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Incredible sunsets near boulders on BLM”
Reviewed 10/16/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | Na |
A couple miles off the interstate. Road is a little rough and soft at spots. Was glad for 4wd, but not 100% sure I really needed it. 40’ fifth wheel and f350.
Several spots to camp in beautiful areas (if you like desert). Fun little hikes.
TinyBigLivin would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Spectacular ”
Reviewed 5/26/2021
Nightly rate: | $1 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Great spot
The road was a little rough but manageable, wish we could have stayed longer
David would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing Camping Spot in the Mojave!”
Reviewed 4/16/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 17' (Travel Trailer) |
After reading about Mojave National Preserve and looking up camping and public land spots, the Kelbaker Boulders looked perfect. I got up at 4AM on a Friday and got out here about 8:30 AM and no one was in the area at all, so I was excited to land the best of only two spots in this area. Another camper arrived around 2PM to take the sp... more
After reading about Mojave National Preserve and looking up camping and public land spots, the Kelbaker Boulders looked perfect. I got up at 4AM on a Friday and got out here about 8:30 AM and no one was in the area at all, so I was excited to land the best of only two spots in this area. Another camper arrived around 2PM to take the spot across the dirt road which is about 200 yards from my spot.
As you come down Kelbaker road, really pay attention as the turn is almost not noticeable. The road in is hard pack dirt/gravel with a couple undulating spots but easy to navigate with my trailer. The best spot is about 100 yards in on the right, but the other spot on the left won't disappoint you! The spot has a turn about circle which made it easy for my Jeep and 17' Winnebago to get situated in front of the boulders. BEWARE of trying to find other spots around the back of the boulders or farther down the road. The hard pack immediately turns to deep sand, so if you are pulling a trailer or have a 2WD car you are at serious risk of getting stuck. Vehicles that can get to that back spot are likely going to be 4WD with rooftop tents or ground tent set ups, but not much real estate back there.
I am camping here mid-April, and the daytime temps reached 82 degrees so I set my trailer fans to exhaust and it was cool through the day. I work continuously, so cell coverage is key for me. I had 3 bars with Verizon LTE, and when I turned on my Weboost Cell Booster it went to 5 bars. My dogs travel with me and it was safe for them to hang outside unattended as there is no glass or trash about like other places I have experienced.
There is very slight road noise from Kelbaker Road but it is a little bit of a lullaby at night honestly. The sunsets are perfect and can't wait to lay on the roof and watch the satellites dodge the stars...
Surf2Trails would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing views and secluded”
Reviewed 3/14/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | N/A |
Small area among the boulders made this a perfect spot for a few days. Unbelievable sunsets in the evening and very quiet.
Justine & Scott's Adventures would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“This place is so great I want to say it’s terrible so we can have it all for ourselves. ”
Reviewed 3/7/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | NA |
RV Length: | 19' (Travel Trailer) |
Cheers to BLM sites! Our favorite campsite so far and we’ve been to a lot. This campsite is close to the entrance of the Mojave Desert preserve down a short dirt road. There are at least 3 primitive dry campsites — although only one is really suitable for an RV or trailer. However, they are spread out enough that you can barely see eac... more
Cheers to BLM sites! Our favorite campsite so far and we’ve been to a lot. This campsite is close to the entrance of the Mojave Desert preserve down a short dirt road. There are at least 3 primitive dry campsites — although only one is really suitable for an RV or trailer. However, they are spread out enough that you can barely see each other. You’ll probably need a 4x4 to get to the others. The sunsets are stunning and it’s beyond quiet — if you’re lucky enough to get the place to yourself there’s no soul in sight except the cars in the distance. A nice change from the jam-packed parks. Also the stars! So many stars!! And just stunning sunsets.
There’s a cell tower not far so it has strong cell signals — at least for AT&T and t-mobile.
Bring everything with you (firewood, food, water, etc) because there’s nothing for miles and when you do get there it’s stupidly expensive.
We went at the end of February and the temperature was perfect. 60-70s during the day and then 40-50s at night.
Pros
Secluded / remote
Views / sunsets
Beautiful scenery
Not far off the paved road
Level site (1 out of 3 at least)
Strong cell signal
Lots of sun for solar panels
Quiet
Lots of privacy
Cons
No hookups
No stores nearby
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Morgana would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great site close to Kelbaker Road”
Reviewed 3/2/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
RV Length: | 28' (Travel Trailer) |
We were all alone when we arrived on Sunday afternoon. We found a site next to the boulders with a good fire ring. I would say that sites are limited for larger travel trailers as the several roads that go beyond the boulders, which are about .25 miles in from the road, all go through dry washes with deep loose sand. I didn’t want t... more
We were all alone when we arrived on Sunday afternoon. We found a site next to the boulders with a good fire ring. I would say that sites are limited for larger travel trailers as the several roads that go beyond the boulders, which are about .25 miles in from the road, all go through dry washes with deep loose sand. I didn’t want to risk pulling AIROSMITH through, even with four wheel drive.
That said the site was relatively clean, and surprisingly quiet given that it is close to the road. You may have some challenges leveling your rig. The night sky here is amazing.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Spot and cool boulders”
Reviewed 1/16/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
There are a few spots in this location we camped here NYE 2020 with our 25 ft travel trailer N of the boulders but moved to that spot when it opened. Easy access to Mojave and easy access. Quite a bumpy road need 4WD if you go up the dirt road. Quiet, saw a few other campers but plenty of space. Great views!
michellelindquist would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful. ”
Reviewed 12/26/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | In front of the Boulders |
Excellent peaceful spot with 360 views. Easy to find with easy access. Lot of nice hiking/walking. Sunset and STARS spectacular. As someone else mentioned wind really came up during the night.
russell would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet spot with Great Views”
Reviewed 12/14/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 1 |
On our way through on Route 40. We pulled in after dark and we were the only ones there on a Sunday night. It was easy to find a level spot. Amazing to wake up in a gorgeous desert!
Cam would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Heart of the Mojave West
Heart of the Mojave West BLM: Epic Views, but Beware the Hidden Dunes!
- CampieMcCamperton
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