Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Jawbone Canyon OHV Area is one of Southern California's premier off-highway vehicle destinations, offering thousands of acres of open desert terrain. Visitors can explore the area by dirt bike, UTV, ATV, or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Located along the western edge of the Mojave Desert, this BLM recreation area features everything from beginner trails to challenging hill climbs. It also offers expansive primitive camping opportunities for RV travelers although there are no developed campgrounds. Most campsites within the OHV area are accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles towing trailers.
Quick Facts About RVing in Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: None • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: Not required • Hookups: No • Dump Station: No • Potable Water: No • Cell Service: Limited • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Paved access roads with dirt roads • Best Seasons: Fall and spring
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Large staging areas for RVs and trailers of all sizes • Hundreds of miles of designated OHV trails • Dispersed camping with plenty of open space • Scenic Mojave Desert landscapes • Excellent destination for OHV enthusiasts • Outstanding stargazing away from city lights • Easy access from California State Route 14
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Nuooah Nature Trail
The Nuooah Nature Trail is a short, easy walk with interpretive signs near Tehachapi Mountain Park.
Length: 0.25 mile
Intensity: Easy
Pacific Crest Trail
Part of the grand Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Mojave Desert nearby the Jawbone Canyon OHV Area. While the total trail extends from the U.S. and Mexico border to the U.S. and Canada border, hikers and bikers can explore the southern California portion more easily here.
Length: 2,660 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail in Meadow Brook Park is a short, easy walk that is dedicated to local veterans.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
OHV Riding
Hundreds of visitors come to the Jawbone Canyon OHV Area every month to take advantage of its free riding opportunities. Within the area, there are wide, open spaces for cross-country riding at varying difficulty levels, and there are marked OHV trails to drive, too. There is also a staging area where most campers choose to park their rigs, but warm-up OHV riding can be done in this area as well.
While riding in this area is free, riders are required to have green or red California-issued OHV stickers on their vehicles. Stickers can be purchased either online or in-person at Jawbone Station at the front end of the area. Those who want to ride but don't own an OHV can also rent one from the local businesses just outside the area entrance.
Hunting
Hunters with a valid California-issued hunting permit can use Jawbone Canyon OHV Area to hunt for big and small game animals, from mule deer to cottontail rabbits. The local season for hunting deer lasts for the month of October, while the seasons for bighorn sheep last from December to February and for quail from October to the end of January. Hunters should respect other area visitors while hunting and may choose to venture deeper into the OHV area where there is less human activity for better hunts.
Wildlife Viewing
Among the desert shrubs, visitors can spot Mojave Desert native animals like mule deer and desert tortoise. You may also catch a glimpse of quail, chukar, rabbits, and coyotes day and night.
Picnicking
If you'd like to stop for a picnic near the Jawbone Canyon OHV Area, consider using a nearby picnic site or shelter so that you don't have to worry about getting sand in your food when you are around other OHV riders. You can use the picnic site at Red Rock Cliffs just across the street from the OHV area, which has a couple of picnic tables and vault restrooms near the parking lot. You can also have a picnic at a local park, such as Saddleback Butte, which has a picnic ground.
Stargazing
The Mojave Desert is known for its spectacular view of the night sky. Specifically, its views of the milky way, which is difficult to see anywhere else in the continental U.S. You can take advantage of these views by camping at Jawbone Canyon OHV Area and lying out under the sky after dark. For the best views, turn off all surrounding lights and put out your campfire so that there is no immediate light pollution to obstruct your views.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
If you're looking for RV camping options with full hookups, consider staying at a private campground nearby Jawbone Canyon OHV Area, such as Mountain Valley RV Park. This park has water and hookups for you to use for a low nightly price. You can also consider staying at Indian Hill Ranch RV Park, which has the same amenities plus amazing mountain views.
Dispersed Camping
The opportunity to ride the trails is one of the main reasons that RV travelers visit the Jawbone Canyon OHV Area. Camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should arrive with all the necessities they need for boondocking.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
RV travelers who enjoy off-road recreation and primitive desert camping will love the Jawbone Canyon OHV Area. The recreation area can accommodate everything from large toy haulers to Class-A motorhomes with its spacious staging and camping areas. There are no potable water, dump stations, hookups, or other services, so visitors should arrive in a self-contained RV. Access is provided by paved Highway 14, and the dirt roads leading into the camping and staging areas are well-maintained. • Camper Vans: Camper vans are a good choice for exploring this canyon area due to their compact size. Navigating the staging areas and desert roads is easy, and you can enjoy comfortable off-grid camping. • Travel Trailers: Travel trailer toy haulers use a standard bumper-pull hitch. They are a good option if you want to bring along a smaller OHV like an ATV or a dirt bike. • Fifth Wheels: You can tow fifth wheel toy haulers with a pickup truck that has a fifth-wheel hitch. These RVs usually offer more living space, higher cargo capacity, and have larger garages than travel trailers. They are a great choice if you have multiple off-road vehicles. • Class A Motorhomes: You can comfortably park these motorhomes in the large staging and camping areas. Some models include a rear garage, or you can tow an off-road vehicle to the recreation area. • Class B Motorhomes: These are perfect for travelers who want an RV that is easy to drive. You may be able to tow a few dirt bikes or an ATV to the site with this type of RV. • Class C Motorhomes: Motorhomes of this class offer a great combination of storage, comfort, and maneuverability. Similar to Class-A models, some versions are designed with a garage in the rear.
Free Camping 
When you're looking for BLM camping near me, look no further than the staging area at Jawbone Canyon OHV Area. This staging area is popular with RV campers and can be easily accessed via dirt and stone roads. Campers can choose their own campsites here and are permitted to stay for up to 14 days at a time. While this is a Bureau of Land Management free camping option, it is also a primitive option, meaning you will have no RV hookups or water access.
RV Rentals Near Jawbone Canyon OHV Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Jawbone Canyon OHV Area BLM trip
Anyone who wishes to ride their off-highway vehicles in this area should be sure to obtain the correct stickers for their vehicles before or upon entering the area. Those who wish to stay at the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds here should also be sure to pack everything they will need for their stay, like drinking and washing water, food, and battery-operated lights, although there is a general store on the site that has some camping necessities if you forget something. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Arriving fully prepared is essential because Jawbone Canyon OHV Area is a remote desert recreational area with limited services. You need to be familiar with California's OHV laws and safety suggestions if you plan on off-roading. You can stock up on fuel, water, food, and supplies in the nearby communities of Mojave and Ridgecrest. Cell service is limited and can be unreliable throughout much of the area. Download trail maps, and check for any fire restrictions before arriving.
Leave No Trace 
All Jawbone Canyon OHV Area visitors are asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace policy, which is a set of guidelines that aim to help keep the area clean and safe for future visitors and the wildlife to use. These rules include things like packing out what you pack in, containing campfires, and avoiding feeding the wild animals.
Jawbone Canyon OHV Area Location
To reach Jawbone Canyon OHV Area from the city of Mojave, take State Highway 14 North for 20 miles. From there, turn left onto Jawbone Canyon Road, and you will be able to enter the area after passing the Jawbone Canyon Store.
Ready to visit Jawbone Canyon OHV Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
•Morning: The cooler morning hours are great for riding popular routes like the Dove Springs OHV Area trail system and Bickel Camp Road. These offer scenic desert riding, rocky hills, and wide-open washes. •Afternoon: During the afternoon hours, you can continue exploring the extensive OHV trail network. Consider stopping at one of the scenic overlooks or visiting one of the historic mining sites scattered throughout the area. •Evening: End your daytime adventure by returning to your campsite for dinner and watching the sunset over the desert mountains. The area's quiet atmosphere and dark skies offer exceptional stargazing and a relaxing environment.
Nearby Attractions
From expansive OHV trail systems to historic mining areas and scenic desert landscapes, there's much to take in at the Jawbone Canyon OHV Area. The surrounding area offers some of Southern California's most popular attractions. • Dove Springs OHV Area: Connected directly to Jawbone Canyon, Dove Springs offers more than 500 miles of designated OHV trails across rugged desert terrain. Riders of all skill levels can enjoy sand washes, hill climbs, and scenic mountain views throughout this expansive recreation area. • Red Rock Canyon State Park: About 20 minutes away, this stunning state park features colorful cliffs, dramatic desert buttes, hiking trails, and excellent photography opportunities. Red Rock Canyon State Park is a great destination for visitors looking to experience the Mojave Desert beyond OHV riding. • Randsburg Historic Mining Town: Approximately 30 minutes to the north, Randsburg is a well-preserved Gold Rush ghost town with historic buildings, museums, restaurants, and unique shops. Visitors can experience California mining history while strolling through its charming streets. • Burro Schmidt Tunnel: Located near Garlock, this famous hand-dug mining tunnel stretches more than half a mile through solid rock. It's a fascinating stop that showcases one miner's incredible determination and has become a popular attraction for history enthusiasts. • Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark: About an hour away, the Trona Pinnacles feature more than 500 unusual tufa spires rising from the desert floor. The otherworldly landscape has been featured in numerous movies and offers outstanding photography, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an OHV registration to ride at Jawbone Canyon OHV Area? Yes. Most off-highway vehicles operated within Jawbone Canyon must have a valid California OHV registration. Riders also need to follow posted trail regulations and remain on their designated routes. Can I camp overnight with my RV? Yes. You can enjoy permitted camping throughout the Jawbone Canyon OHV Area on designated BLM lands. There are no potable water, hookups, dump stations, or other developed campground amenities. What kind of roads should I expect? The main entrance is accessed from paved California State Route 14. This turns into maintained dirt roads leading into the various staging and camping areas. It's best to visit during dry weather, as heavy rain can temporarily affect road conditions. What should I bring for my trip? Be sure to bring fuel, food, drinking water, sunscreen, and basic repair tools for your OHVs. Cell service is limited throughout much of the recreational area, so download maps ahead of time. Because there are no stores or services within the recreational area, it's important to bring everything you need for your stay. Are pets allowed at Jawbone Canyon OHV Area? Yes. You can bring pets with you on BLM-managed land as long as you keep them under control. Dogs should be supervised around moving OHVs, and you're expected to clean up after them.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Start planning for your Jawbone Canyon OHV Area adventure by choosing an RV that's built for desert exploration and off-grid camping. Be sure to pack fuel, food, fresh water, and other riding gear and supplies because there are no hookups or developed services within the recreation area. Class A and C motorhomes with garages are excellent choices for this trip. Tow-behind toy haulers are another popular option for RVers looking to bring their OHVs to this recreation area. Start planning your trip to Jawbone Canyon OHV Area in California by browsing RV Rentals in Ridgecrest.