RATING: ♦♦♦♦♦
- Dates: Apr 5, 2019 – Apr 10, 2019
- Length of stay: 5 nights
- Cost per night: Free.
- Discount: N/A
- Hookups: None.
- Site number/quality: There are 12 semi-developed numbered sites with shaded tables and grills, plus a number of unmarked primitive sites with just fire rings. The campground does not take reservations, first come – first served. When we arrived, all the numbered sites had been taken, so we stayed in one of the primitive sites. But it was very nice, tucked away in a rocky hollow. By Sunday, half the spots were empty, and by Tuesday, we were all by ourselves.
- Park Quality: This is a first rate boondocking site on BLM land. The sites are well marked, either with covered tables or with stone fire rings. There are lots of interesting hiking trails that run up into the rocky hills which surround the camping area. Becky climbed a few, while I watched from our site below.
- Access: The campground is off CA-247, about 15 miles south of Barstow. The camping area is at the end of a mile-long dirt road. Before we attempted to take the rig down the dirt road, we parked it just off the highway, and took the car in to check it out. It was rough and washboarded, but manageable as long as we drove slowly, about 5 mph. We got in without issues.
- Connectivity: AT&T was not available, but T-Mobile was usually OK, especially when sitting outside.
- Return yes/no?: Absolutely. This is the kind of place that makes boondocking worth the effort. Quiet, relaxing, and beautiful.
- Notes: At the far end of the campground is an area known as New Jack City, which is very popular with rock climbers. On the weekend, it was packed with climbers. So a group of three men and the two women came over to our site and started climbing on the rock wall next to us. We sat out under our awning, and enjoyed the show. They were amazing.
- Website: Sawtooth Canyon Campground (BLM)
