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Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

The best camping in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, CA

Honeymoon Hogan

1. Honeymoon Hogan

1 site · In Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

Honeymoon Hogan in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area is a historic site and popular hiking destination

Public campgrounds in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area are often sold-out.

Multi Family Dorm Room

2. Multi Family Dorm Room

In Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

The Multi Family Dorm Room in Providence Mountains SRA is a rare chance to stay with a group in the remote desert

Park Campground

3. Park Campground

1 site · In Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

The Park Campground at Providence Mountains SRA offers a limited number of developed campsites, accessible by reservation only

Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

4. Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

94%

(48)

25mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Tour the historic one room Goffs Schoolhouse (on the National Register of Historic Places) and enjoy the self-guided walking tour through time exploring the history of the East Mojave Desert including railroad, mining, ranching, homesteading and quirky high desert artifacts like the Mojave Booth, the Mojave Road school bus and the Mojave Cross. Our main public gate closes at 4pm, when arriving later, enter through the very first service gate. It's always open and it's the immediate left turn once you turn onto Lanfair Road. Call our number if arriving after hours with your ETA and if you need hook-up. 760- 733-4482. Someone will meet you by the Schoolhouse.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$50

/ night

Roy's Motel & Cafe

5. Roy's Motel & Cafe

94%

(17)

30mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 31 sites · Tents, RVs

We're located on the Historic ROUTE 66 about 20 minutes from the vast Mojave Desert and 5 minutes from the Amboy Crater. We've been feature in endless movies, music videos, commercials, documentaries, You Tube videos, and we have a huge presence on all of your social media platforms. You'll also find about 4 doz craft sodas and XL custom root beer floats. You can also call us "The Ghost Town That Ain't Dead Yet" Just Google us and you'll see....

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

from

$25

/ night

Route 66 Mainstreet Camping

6. Route 66 Mainstreet Camping

100%

(1)

28mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Open Desert with unobstructed views. Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets. This 83 Acres property is the perfect place to disconnect and unwind. Dirt Road into Property. No Facilities, Dry camping only. The property is located 3 miles from Roy's gas station. Bring lots of water during your stay. We hold Retreats on specific dates. Join us for a luxury camping retreat experience with classes and preselected diner menu.

Pets

Picnic table

from

$25

/ night

Baker RV

7. Baker RV

100%

(1)

39mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 5 sites · RVs

Baker RV Your Perfect Rest Stop Between Los Angeles and Las Vegas Looking for a peaceful place to recharge on your way between LA and Vegas? Welcome to Baker RV, located in the heart of Baker, California – a charming desert town known as the "Gateway to Death Valley." 🛻 Spacious RV Parking Spaces Available Now! Whether you're traveling solo or with the whole crew, our park offers: • Full hook-up RV sites (electric, water, and sewer) • Easy access with large spaces • On-site laundry • Volleyball court • Walkable access to local stores and restaurants • Pet-friendly spaces • 24/7 check-in options 🍔 Local Flavor & Small-Town Charm Baker may be small, but it’s big on character. Just minutes from your site, enjoy: • Famous local eats like The Mad Greek Café, Alien Fresh Jerky, and classic roadside diners • Photo ops at the World's Tallest Thermometer • Scenic desert views and star-filled night skies 🌵 Quiet, Safe, and Serene Escape the city chaos and relax under the stars in a quiet, well-maintained park. Whether you’re staying for the night or the weekend, Baker RV is your peaceful pit stop on I-15. 📍 Location: Right off I-15 in Baker, CA – 90 minutes from Las Vegas, 2 hours from LA 📞 Reservations: Call (661) 563-6678 or book on-site Nightly, weekly, and monthly stays available 🌐 Website: 💲 Rates: Affordable nightly, weekly, and extended-stay options

Pets

Full hookups

from

$35

/ night

Clarks Mobile Home Park

8. Clarks Mobile Home Park

39mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 1 site

Clark's Mobile Home Park stands out as a premier choice for mobile home living in Baker, thanks to its inviting atmosphere and dedicated staff. This community is known for its well-kept facilities, which contribute to a pleasant living experience for all residents. The park is frequently praised for its cleanliness and serene environment, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking peace and quiet. Residents appreciate the convenient location, which offers easy access to nearby attractions, including natural parks, swimming holes, and various outdoor activities. Additionally, there are local restaurants and shops just a short drive away, enhancing the overall lifestyle. While some reviews mention minor concerns regarding management, the consensus remains that Clark's Mobile Home Park is a wonderful place to call home. With its friendly community and well-maintained surroundings, it truly offers a unique living experience in Baker.

The Palms River Resort

9. The Palms River Resort

49mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 228 sites

The Palms River Resort near Needles, CA, stands out as a unique destination due to its stunning desert landscape and proximity to the Colorado River. Nestled in a flat, sandy terrain, this resort offers a serene escape where guests can experience the beauty of the desert while enjoying a range of outdoor activities. With summer temperatures soaring to highs of 110°F and winter lows dipping to around 40°F, visitors can appreciate the diverse climate throughout the year. The nearby Colorado River provides ample opportunities for water based activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers. Additionally, the Mojave National Preserve is just a short drive away, inviting guests to explore its breathtaking natural landscapes, hiking trails, and unique geological formations. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or embark on an outdoor adventure, The Palms River Resort offers a memorable experience in a truly remarkable setting.

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Providence Mountains State Recreation Area adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

94%

(48)

25mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$50

/ night

Roy's Motel & Cafe

94%

(17)

30mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 31 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

from

$25

/ night

Route 66 Mainstreet Camping

100%

(1)

28mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Picnic table

from

$25

/ night

Baker RV

100%

(1)

39mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 5 sites · RVs

Pets

Full hookups

from

$35

/ night

Clarks Mobile Home Park

39mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 1 site

The Palms River Resort

49mi from Providence Mountains State Recreation Area · 228 sites

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Brandy

3 weeks ago

17 ft campervan

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

I had a wonderful HipCamp stay at Goffs Schoolhouse, right along historic Route 66 at the Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Site. The hosts were incredibly friendly and helpful, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. The setting is truly special; wide open skies, a stunning desert sunset, and a peaceful sense of history all around you. Exploring the grounds was a highlight, with fascinating museum objects and artifacts that really bring the area’s past to life. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained, and the signage is helpful. You can hear the trains passing by at night, but honestly, it didn’t detract from the experience at all. I enjoyed one of the best sleeps ever, and with a pair of earplugs, it’s no problem whatsoever. Overall, this was a unique, comfortable, and memorable stay, and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind desert camping experience on Route 66. :)

Lori

December 2025

38 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Baker RV

This is a perfect place to pull in on your way south from Las Vegas or traveling north to parts unknown. Baker Store is a short walk and Los Doritos serves excellent food. A good value for up to 40 ft RV.

Aarohi

November 2025

27 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

This place is full of lovely surprises; really enjoyed exploring the museum.

Lisa

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Roy's Motel & Cafe

It was awesome to stay here, right by the old Route 66. Roy’s cafe was a charming little place that transported me back in time. They had tons of souvenirs and glass-bottled pop, which was super nostalgic. After Roy’s closed, I had the place all to myself. The ground is super hard, so if you’re tenting, make sure to bring metal stakes. Oh, and no fires allowed, but I was able to use a tabletop fire pit after asking. I had a great time and didn’t have any issues. The hostess was super helpful and answered my questions.

Meghan

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Roy's Motel & Cafe

What a cool place to stay! We had the opportunity to meet Heather, and she was fantastic. Our kiddo had the best time talking with her. We'll absolutely stay again!

Nancy

November 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

My son and his friends had an amazing time exploring the property and stargazing. He couldn’t stop raving about how much fun he had and how beautiful the night sky was. He is a budding astral photographer and this was his first opportunity to really get up close and personal with the night sky. He found Laura and her crew to be super helpful and friendly and he can’t wait to go back. Thank you for making his experience so amazing!

Erik

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Perfectly situated in the middle of nowhere. Completely authentic and extremely interesting. Ground is flat and made of perfectly uniform decomposed granite, so fine you can walk barefoot. Priceless desert vista in all directions. We chose a spot next to the old train depot to car camp overnight. This Hipcamp was exactly half way between our trip from the coast to Sedona. We were greeted at dusk, set up camp, slept, and left around 9. There was only one other camper in the whole place which we had basically to ourselves and our two annoying dogs. The bathroom was clean and well decorated- complete with a nice shower. The bi-hourly freight trains that pass in the night may be an issue for some, but the noise was not as extreme as some have stated in other reviews. If you think about it, you are considering staying at a train museum so the fact that there are active tracks nearby shouldn’t be a shocker! The place is off Route 66 which loops off of 40 so the distance from the highway is a non issue as you can take a short side route on Route 66 without the 11 mile drive in being an issue. Will stay again and hopefully late enough in the morning to visit the museum.

Susan

August 2025

18 ft Class B

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Nice overnight stay at the museum. Chris was very helpful and knowledgeable. We really love the vibe and scenery, but the train noise did it make it hard to get a good night's rest. I would stay again, but earplugs may be needed.

Lander eta Malen

August 2025

20 ft Class B

With kids

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Laura was so so kind with us. We arrived at 21:45 and she was waiting. Thank you!

Samantha

July 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

We had a wonderful time at Goff’s Schoolhouse, Laura met us with a smile & made us feel extremely welcome straight away. We then had the pleasure of meeting Chris who talked us through the history of the Schoolhouse & pointed out loads of interesting items for us to look at. We were completely unaware of the history behind Goff’s & couldn’t be more pleased that we stumbled across this gem which gave us a completely different experience to what we have seen throughout the rest of our trip. We highly recommend this campsite & are truly grateful for the hospitality we experienced. It was a great option to stay between Joshua Tree National Park & the Grand Canyon. Thank you all!

Rachel

July 2025

25 ft Class C

With kids

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Beautiful and interesting place that has loads of character. Warm welcome and helpful hosts.

Ronda

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

We camped on Laura‘s land. It was hot during the day, but so nice at night to watch the sunset And the stars. We really enjoyed it. There’s a lot to see, and we loved it.

cindy

June 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

What a treat! We came in our EV truck. The level 2 charger was reliable. We enjoyed sleeping under the stars. The camphosts were welcoming and helpful.

Lindsay

May 2025

52 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Chris met us at the front gate and ushered us to our campsite. Chris and Jennifer welcomed us and we're very knowledgeable with RV experience which we really appreciated. Our site was just as we expected. We came to appreciate all that was happening in Goffs and plan to return in the future.

nateo1374

May 2025

21 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Very unique spot to get off the interstate and camp for the night. We liked this spot and would come back again but bring ear plugs next time. The train passed by a number of times throughout the night blasting the horn for a near by road crossing. The host was also very attentive and helpful.

Anet

April 2025

16 ft Class B

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Lovely, Laura greated us in the dark when we arrived and showed us where to park from her cute golf cart! Very cool place! Definitely recommended!

John

April 2025

24 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roy's Motel & Cafe

This is a neat place to stay. It’s fun to experience a piece of Route 66 and see all the others who stop by to see this place.

Travis

March 2025

34 ft fifth wheel

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

We were met immediately by the camp hosts which we learned are moving along their own trail at the end of this month. They invited us for campfire and made us feel welcome, shared awesome knowledge about the schoolhouse and surrounding land. Even guided us to specific things to seek out for an even more enriching experience.

Terry

March 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Laura’s place was a wonderful stay in the desert and so interesting with the outdoor mining equipment museum and he historical research they are doing there. Lovely with the hook-up, water & hot shower too!

Travis

March 2025

34 ft fifth wheel

1 night at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural

Our host chased me down when I missed my turn (it’s the dirt/gravel road immediately to the left off Route 66) and escorted us right to our spot. Then he stayed late to introduce us to the schoolhouse and shared some great photography with us. Walked the grounds the following morning with crisp freeze dried air. What a great find along the famous Route 66. We’re headed back 2 weeks from now for another night and looking forward to touring even more. 10/10 enjoyed this special place.

The best camping in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, CA guide

Overview

About

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy one of the most iconic and time capsule parks in California. This unique and remote travel destination offers a frontier experience of timeless landscapes and breathtaking views. The park is also home to the beautiful Mitchell Caverns, a diverse habitat full of limestone cave formations and unique wildlife - everything from bats to tiny pseudoscorpions and more.

We invite you to visit this iconic state recreation area. There are a number of day-use activities available for the public including tours of Mitchell Caverns and park trails. Also, Providence Mountains State Recreation Area is located within the Mojave National Preserve. Visitors can visit Providence Mountains early in the morning and explore the other wonderful sites within the Mojave National Preserve including camping under the stars.

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