Hole-in-the-Wall

This is the largest and best-known of the camps in the vast Mojave National Preserve. There are three camps: a family camp across the street from a group camp and an equestrian camp. All are set at 4,400 feet elevation. An interesting side trip is to the Mitchell Caverns in the nearby Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. There are 35 sites for tents or RVs of any length (no hookups), one group site for up to 50 people, and an equestrian camp. Picnic tables and fire grills are provided. Drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station are available. Leashed pets are permitted. Reservations are not accepted. Sites are $12 per night. Make reservations for group camp and horse camp at 760/928-2572; $25 per night, including horse corral if needed. Open year-round. Drive on I-40 to Essex Road (near Essex, 116 miles east of Barstow). Take that exit and drive north on Essex Road for 10 miles to Black Canyon Road. Turn north and drive nine miles to the campgrounds.