Last Updated on 2 March, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Mojave National Preserve stretches for over 1.5 million acres in Southern California. Breathtaking scenery spans diverse landscapes like mountain ranges, mesas, dunes, cinder cones, domes, and lava flows. While visiting the preserve, there are a handful of adventurous things to do to make the most of your visit!

Here are 7 exciting things to do in Mojave National Preserve:

1. Camping
2. Hiking
3. 4-Wheel Driving
4. Backpacking
5. Biking
6. Horseback Riding
7. Hunting

Let’s dive into the details of all the adventurous things to do in Mojave National Preserve!

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1. Camping

Camping in Mojave National Preserve is an excellent way to experience the park over multiple days. Camping offers a home base to come back to after a day of adventuring.

There are three ways to camp within the Mojave National Preserve:

Established Campgrounds

Three established campgrounds offer visitors a safe way to stay overnight within the preserve. Established campgrounds are great for those who aren’t equipped for dry camping. 

Two of the three campgrounds offer potable water. However, there are no electric hookups in the preserve.

1. Hole-In-The-Wall ($25/night): This campground sits at 4,400 feet elevation and has 35 available campsites surrounded by volcanic rock formations. The campground is open to tents and RVs, with a maximum vehicle length of 30 feet. Potable water is available here.
2. Mid Hills ($25/night): 26 sites are available at Mid Hills Campground, which rests at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The sites are surrounded by Juniper and Pinon Pine. Water is not available at this campground. The access road is unpaved and not recommended for large motor homes.
3. Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Sites ($50/night): This campground is perfect for larger groups or traveling with horses or pack animals. The group site can accommodate up to 50 people, and the equestrian site up to 30 people. Reservations are required for this campground. Potable water is available here.

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is best for those who are equipped for dry camping. These undeveloped campsites have no amenities, so you must be fully self-contained. Many dispersed camping sites require four-wheel drive and high clearance to reach, but not all.

We dispersed camped in the Mojave National Preserve in March with a low-clearance, 2WD Ram Promaster, and didn’t have any issues. However, conditions were dry, and we’re used to bumpy roads! Check out our guide on Campervan Overnight Parking for more tips on finding dispersed campsites!

The National Park Website has a list of all the undeveloped campsite areas within the Mojave National Preserve. You can also check out the iOverlander app to find dispersed campsites that others have used.

Vegetation and wildlife are fragile in the harsh desert ecosystem. Do not make new campsites and do not trample existing vegetation. Only camp in spaces that are already disturbed. Collecting downed wood for fires is illegal in the Mojave National Preserve.

Tent Camping (Backpacking)

Another option for staying overnight in Mojave National Preserve is to tent camp while backpacking throughout the Preserve. 

Mojave National Preserve has over 700,000 acres of designated wilderness area that can be explored on foot. Backpackers should alert staff in the preserve if they plan to backpack so they can keep track of vehicles parked overnight within the park.

Wilderness areas are marked with brown poles throughout the preserve. 

Head over to our guide on Camping in Mojave National Preserve for a closer look at where and how to camp within this beautiful landscape.

2. Hiking

There’s no better way to experience the wonder of the Mojave National Preserve than to put boots to the ground and hike through the various landscapes. If you decide to hike the Preserve in the winter, our guide to winter hiking gear can get you prepared for the cold!

Mojave National Preserve is home to eight established hiking trails:

• Hole-In-The-Wall Nature Trail: An easy 0.5-mile trail near the information center.
• Lava Tube: An intriguing 1-mile hike underground through a basaltic lava tube! The road to get to the parking lot is bumpy, but doable for 2WD vehicles when dry.
• Rock Springs Trail: Explore military and mining history along this easy 1-mile trail off Cedar Canyon Road.
• Barber Peak: A moderately challenging 6-mile trek around Barber Peak.
• Kelso Dunes: One of the best hikes in the Preserve! Hike 3 miles out and back to the top of Kelso Dune.
• Mid Hills to Hole-In-The-Wall: This is a challenging 16-mile out-and-back hike through washes, cactus fields, and the Hackberry Fire burned area.
• Rings Loop: An exciting 1.5-mile loop trail that includes climbing up rings mounted to the canyon wall.
• Teutonia Peak: Hike 3 miles through a Joshua tree graveyard that is the remnant of a fire to summit a rocky peak that offers unparalleled views of the Cima Dome.

Check out our day hiking gear checklist for guidance on what you should bring while hiking in the Mojave National Preserve.

3. 4-Wheel Driving

Mojave National Preserve is a haven for those wanting to set out on the path less traveled! There are hundreds of miles of 4×4 roads waiting to be explored in the park, taking you to destinations that few others get to see.

4×4 roads can only be traversed with street-legal vehicles. UTVs, ATVs, and RZRs are not permitted.

When To Go

Exploring 4×4 roads is an exciting adventure, and knowing the best times to go is just as important as bringing a tow rope or tire gauge.

• Spring & Fall: The most popular time to explore the 4×4 roads at the Preserve. Temperatures are comfortable, but spring rains may make some roads impassable. You can always check the road conditions before arriving to make sure it is safe to drive.
• Winter: Winter is another fun time to ride the 4×4 roads in Mojave. Temperatures are typically comfortable during the day, but will commonly drop below freezing at night.
• Summer: It is not recommended to visit the Mojave National Preserve in the summer. Temperatures reach dangerous levels during the day.

If you’re planning a joy ride for the day, consider going in winter to avoid the crowds. If you plan to camp overnight in the desert, spring and fall are your best bet.

Where To Go

Many of the roads in the park are unnamed, but a Mojave National Preserve Map shows the entire Preserve and all the unpaved 4×4 roads available to drive.

One of the most popular 4×4 drives is the Mojave Road 4-Wheel Drive Route. It stretches 150 miles east-west. It enters the park near Piute Springs on the east side and exits near Soda Dry Lake on the west side of the park.

Remember to bring everything you need before setting out on a 4×4 adventure. The Preserve is rugged and unforgiving. It’s recommended to drive with other vehicles in case you get stuck so you can perform self-rescue.

Consider bringing the following recovery gear on your 4×4 trip:

• 30′ Tow Strap & D-Ring Shackle Set Combo
• Recovery Traction Boards
• Shovel

Rhino USA makes a fantastic Ultimate Recovery Gear Storage Bag to store all your emergency gear!

4. Backpacking

There’s no better way to explore an area than on foot. Backpacking is an excellent way to experience the Mojave National Preserve in a way that most people never get to see. With over 700,000 acres of wilderness to explore, endless possibilities await!

A permit is not required to backpack in the Mojave National Preserve. However, it’s recommended to notify staff of your itinerary and where you plan to leave your vehicle parked overnight.

Remember to bring plenty of water, as there are few sources within the park. Springs that are marked on maps may be dry or no longer exist. If you plan to hike alone, check out our guide on how to hike alone safely for tips on staying safe on your solo trip.

5. Biking

Biking in the Mojave National Preserve is a fantastic way to explore the park from a unique perspective. There are no established biking trails, but there are hundreds of miles of roads to investigate.

Biking is allowed on all paved and dirt roads, but not on single tracks, hiking trails, or off-road. Remember to plan ahead for biking adventures in the Preserve by bringing plenty of water and planning your ride around the weather.

6. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is yet another option for exploring the isolated areas of the Mojave National Preserve. Horses aren’t available in the preserve, so it’s B.Y.O.H. (Bring your own horse!).

• Where are horses allowed? Horses and other pack animals like mules and llamas are allowed on all hiking trails, backcountry roads, and wilderness areas (open country) within the Preserve.
• What’s not allowed? Free-trailing and loose herding are not permitted. Ranging and grazing are not permitted.
• Camping with horses: The Black Canyon Equestrian and Group Campground can accommodate campers with horses and other pack animals.

When planning your trip to Mojave National Preserve with a horse or other pack animal, keep in mind that up to 7 animals are allowed per group. Otherwise, you need a special use permit. Horse camps should be at least 200 yards from any water source.

7. Hunting

Hunting is allowed within the Mojave National Preserve according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations. Per the State of California, all ammunition must be non-lead.

You can check the CDFW website for a list of hunting seasons for each type of animal and information on permits, licenses, regulations, and forms.

Wrapping Up Things To Do In Mojave National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, camping, or horseback riding, there’s something for everyone at the Preserve. 

If you decide to bring a dog or cat along for the adventure, you’ll be happy to know that Mojave National Preserve is very pet-friendly!

To recap, here are the 7 exciting things to do at Mojave National Preserve:

1. Camping
2. Hiking
3. 4-Wheel Driving
4. Backpacking
5. Biking
6. Horseback Riding
7. Hunting

Enjoy your adventure, and check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog for more tips and ideas for outdoor adventures in California and the rest of the United States!