Mojave National Preserve is best experienced by hiking the trails or traveling into the backcountry on four wheel drive roads. Neither is an option for us so we decided to see as much as we could by exiting I-15 at Nipton, driving through the preserve on paved roads and getting back on I-15 at Baker. It was definitely worth the trip!
Preserves are managed like national parks so dispersed vehicle camping is not permitted. There are two fee campgrounds and six free roadside camping spots. Three of the roadside camping spots are open to RVs. We camped at the roadside area on Cima Road behind the WW I Memorial. There are two spaces large enough for most RVs right behind the memorial. A dirt road leads to a few more. The memorial road makes a short loop off of Cima Road but do not try to drive through because the southern end has a boulder that must be climbed over. Enter from the north. It’s a beautiful place, in the middle of the largest stand of Joshua trees in the world, with mountain views and large outcroppings of granite.
A short trail is located almost directly across from the memorial. The first section of the trail has a gentle uphill rise. It’s fairly wide but has sandy spots, rocks and sideways slopes. With an energetic pusher to help it’s possible to go a short distance on the trail.
Although the desert supports many plants and animals, human habitation has always been low. In 1870s numerous mining claims were made, towns were established to support the railroad, homesteaders came in the 1900s and iron was mined at Kelso during WW II. None of these ventures were long-lived and just a few people stayed. The Mission style railroad station at Kelso is now a very nicely done visitor center. Displays include information about plants, animals and human activities. A short video is shown on request.
All three floors of the visitor center are accessible.
The parking lot at the visitor center is large enough for any RV. The paved roads in the park are in poor condition in places so use caution and do not speed. Preserve
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