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 freecampfry on 4/12/2022
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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Reviews of Kelbaker Boulders 21 people have reviewed this location.
“Almost got stuck ”
Reviewed 4/12/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Like others have said it’s not good for trailers and big rigs and anything without 4x4. Yeah maybe the main spot is easy to get to but it’s small and if that is occupied and you take any other avenue you will very likely get stuck as it is. Narrow and sandy. Wish I had listened to the reviews more and avoided the unnecessary stress. Gr... more
Like others have said it’s not good for trailers and big rigs and anything without 4x4. Yeah maybe the main spot is easy to get to but it’s small and if that is occupied and you take any other avenue you will very likely get stuck as it is. Narrow and sandy. Wish I had listened to the reviews more and avoided the unnecessary stress. Great for 4x4 tent campers.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Watched vans get stuck, perfect otherwise ”
Reviewed 3/14/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
I plan to stay longer but I wanted to leave this review ASAP. Be careful on the sand! Today the third person in a van drove up and got stuck. The sand is far deeper than it looks and the area you can actually camp and drive to is very small. When you come in you’ll see the giant boulders on the right and there’s one spot there big eno... more
I plan to stay longer but I wanted to leave this review ASAP. Be careful on the sand! Today the third person in a van drove up and got stuck. The sand is far deeper than it looks and the area you can actually camp and drive to is very small. When you come in you’ll see the giant boulders on the right and there’s one spot there big enough for a large RV. Someone there right now has a 30 footer. Then there is a little road that whines behind the rocks with one more space in the right for a van, then a fairly big spot around back but there’s someone who apparently “camps permanently” so nobody can use that area ATM. The person leaves for work every day and asks everyone who comes not to park in the road so she can get out. I am in a truck and 13 foot travel trailer and I turned left instead and went up to the top of a small hill and found a spot that’s probably meant for car camping but worked in my 4wd and tiny trailer. Other than that the views are beautiful absolutely magnificent and it is so quiet. The T-Mobile and Verizon is extremely fast and great for working or teaching online. Make sure you bring enough supplies because there’s no store nearby for an hour. It’s only been a little windy. You can walk down into the old wash and see amazing plants and stone formations. I love this place
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Peaceful by the Boulders”
Reviewed 1/19/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Easy in with our 40’ 5er. Road is hard packed. Really just enough room for 2 bigger rigs or 3 small rigs in the front. As others said do NOT go behind the boulders with a trailer. Very soft sand and and big pit. Loved the peace and quiet and views. Nice place to walk around and explore. Hwy noise not bad at all. Good unboosted Verizon.
DebbieM would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Unbelievable views! Gorgeous sunsets!”
Reviewed 1/5/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Amboy Crater
Overflow parking lot is large, level and paved. Perfect for an overnight stop.
- Teddi & Roger
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