Snaggletooth Primitive RV Camp

This was the first time Boondocking here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. There were 2 of us rigs(29’ 5th wheels) traveling together. We pulled into site #3 which was level and spacious enough for several more rigs. The mountains around us were beautiful scenery and there were only 5 other campers taking advantage of the area around us, felt like we were alone. Being tucked in behind the hills, you only heard the highway occasionally. 18 miles outside of Needles and would definitely stay here again!

I ended up here after the place I had originally intended to stay didn't work out, and I am so glad I did. Yes, as others have stated, the front of this camping area, right off the highway, has a ton of trash. But it doesn't take much driving to get past it, and once you do you end up with a beautiful view of mountains and horizon. The highlight was watching the sun set behind the mountains.

The campground: The road leading back is dirt and gravel, and it does have some ruts and a few big dips. It was a jarring ride, but ultimately my crossover did fine. Some of the sites do have markers with numbers; I was back near maker #6 where I found a clean, flat gravel space to park for the night. There were only two other campers, both closer to the front, and we were all able to be very spaced out. The noise from the highway was very minimal, just an occasional low rumble. I felt pretty comfortable traveling on my own there, but there is very little privacy because everything is so wide open. I think if someone had parked closer to me, I would have felt like everything I was doing was on display and would have been less comfortable.

The area: This place is right off of highway 95, and your closest gas/food is about 20 miles away (Needles, CA). Needles tends to have pretty pricey gas, so I recommend you have as close to a full tank before you head down or up 95.

Booking: Primitive camping on public land: no booking, no fee, no assigned spots.

Cell service: I have Verizon and this is maybe the best cell service I have ever had.

Desert Boondocking at its most sublime; no people, perfect weather, endless views, wildlife—if you’re slow and patient.

Yes, the entrance is trashed because it’s by the highway and too many van-lifers don’t have a healthy relationship with their own bodily functions. So, they sh*t 15ft from where they parked and set a rock on top of their white-flagged shame.

But once you drive about 300 ft in it’s immaculate. There are hieroglyphs to scout, some decent scrambles and a couple climbing routes. Endless hiking and stars that are excellent with just a slight urban glow from the north northwest from Needles 30+ miles away. Plenty of safe places to set up and do any manner of target shooting.

We took our 40’ skoolie into the second from the last big turn around toward the western end of the Snaggletooths. Our bus is coach front and low clearance with our underbay storage—took it super slow and had no problem. We’d aim to park at the very last big turn around next time so that we can get an even better and longer sunset. :-)

Keep it clean, learn to dig a cat-hole to bury your turds, and for the sake of future visitors carry out all your trash—that includes your TP!!!

We stayed here 2 days and loved it , the road noise was not bad at all we were in the back part of the pullouts. There are no trash cans no toilets no water so remember to bring trash bags take out your trash with you that you bring in that was the one issue is there were cans all over the place with bullet holes in them. We with Verizon and only got one bar you could text and you could call but that was about all you could do which was good enough for us.

There was nobody else here for the two days we camped. It's a nice quiet area off the road. We went back as far as possible with our big RV. You can go farther to some nice sites if you have a smaller trailer. It was a bit windy both days but I don't know if that is normal or just this time of year. Temp the first day was 91 degrees and dropped to 82 the next day. I don't think I'd stay here any later in the year since it can get very hot. Some people mentioned road noise. It's not an issue. Almost non-existent unless you are right at the entrance. Very quiet at night and spectacular view of the sky.

We were able to get 28Mbps download but only 0.6Mbps upload with AT&T. 6Mbps download and 2Mbps upload with T-Mobile. Both using our Insty Connect with antenna. It worked for streaming TV just fine but was pretty bad trying to upload anything. Cell signal varied greatly as I walked around so check your connection before you setup camp if that is a concern.

The ranger stopped by and let me know that campfires require a permit in California public land. It's free and good for one year. He gave me one but you can fill one out on the BLM website. Fires are permitted here as long as there are no emergency restrictions in place.

FYI, we spotted a domestic cat on the cliff. If someone lost a fluffy white cat with dark markings on it's face while camping here its found a new home in the cliff rocks. I doubt it could have been here long since there is no water around.