About this campground
Originally opened in 1924 as a train station, Kelso Depot was renovated and reopened in 2005 as a Visitor Center for Mojave National Preserve. Exhibits include a baggage room; ticket office and two dormitory rooms have been furnished to illustrate depot life during the first half of the twentieth century. Note: Kelso Depot is temporarily closed for rehabilitation. Wifi calling is available at the Kelso Depot parking lot. The contract is underway, and work is being performed according to schedule.
Getting there
From I-15: Exit Kelbaker Road at Baker, Calif., and drive south 34 miles to Kelso Depot. From I-40: Exit Kelbaker Road (28 miles east of Ludlow, Calif.) and drive north 22 miles to Kelso Depot.
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Black Canyon Group and Equestrian CampgroundMojave National Preserve15 mi
- Hole-in-the-Wall CampgroundMojave National Preserve15 mi
- Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor CenterMojave National Preserve15 mi
- Mid Hills CampgroundMojave National Preserve15 mi
- Route 66 (Piute Crossing)Bureau of Land Management33 mi
- Ivanpah Dry Lake EastCalifornia44 mi
Explore more California camping
Kelso Depot Visitor Center doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse California camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.