Stoddard Valley OHV Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Stoddard Valley OHV Area is perfect for off-road vehicle enthusiasts and primitive desert campers. The diverse landscape provides steep rocky mountains, rolling hills, open valleys, and sandy washes for motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Dispersed camping is allowed within this area, as long as you don’t block travel for other guests. No reservations are needed for camping or riding off-road vehicles here. You’ll find easy access to Stoddard Valley OHV Area from I-15 and California Highway 247. Both of these border this BLM area.
Quick Facts About RVing in Stoddard Valley OHV Area
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Yes, but must be on a physical leash • Roads: Gravel and dirt • Best Season: Fall through spring
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Free boondocking • Big-rig friendly • Easy navigation • Close to amenities • Lively community atmosphere
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Achy-Breaky Trail
Achy-Breaky Trail is inside Stoddard Valley and is a loop that circles the base of Watkins Peak. It weaves in and out of side canyons, and also offers terrific views of the rocky landscape and sage bushes below. It is a challenging hike that involves some rock scrambling and steep inclines. Length: 6.2 miles Intensity: Difficult
Bell Mountain
Bell Mountain is about a 15-minute drive southwest, and you will spot it from the highway as you approach. The trail here is a relatively short, steep hike to a summit with a panoramic view. You will see the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance and a vast expanse of the Mojave Desert below. Length: 1.4 miles Intensity: Moderate
Owl Canyon Trail
Owl Canyon Trail is in the Rainbow Basin Natural Area near Barstow. On this route, you will hike through a badlands area with multicolored rock formations and canyons. Much of the trail is shaded by the canyon walls, and there is a cave to explore near the beginning of the trek. Length: 3.3 miles Intensity: Moderate
Bass Hill Trail
Bass Hill Trail is an easy hike in Lions Park, about 18 miles south of Stoddard Valley. The route's main attraction is a house built by the founders of Apple Valley, referred to as the Hill Top House. You can see Antelope Valley and the town of Apple Valley sprawled out below once you reach the top. Length: 1.9 miles Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
RVers interested in fishing can head to Mojave Narrows Regional Park, where Horseshoe Lake and Pelican Lake are stocked with trout and catfish annually. At this park, several fishing derbies are held throughout the year. Alternatively, anglers can head to Silver Lake, just south of Mojave Narrows. There is a boat launch for paddling enthusiasts, and boat rentals are available at the marina.
Wildlife Viewing
While exploring Stoddard Valley OHV Area and the surrounding lands, you will likely spot bighorn sheep. They are usually found in herds of up to 10, weigh up to 300 pounds, and can survive by eating cactus plants. Other wildlife in the area include jackrabbits, mule deer, and desert tortoises. Avid birders may want to check out Rodman Mountains Wilderness. This area is one of the few breeding grounds for raptors in the Mojave Desert. Golden eagles and prairie falcons also thrive here.
OHV Riding
Stoddard Valley OHV Area has 53,000 acres open to off-road riding. Rolling hills, valleys, rocky and sandy spots, and steep climbs make it an excellent destination to ride your dirt bike, ATV, or another four-wheel drive vehicle. Stoddard Valley's central and southern portions are suitable for beginners and can be used to build your skills. The eastern parts and the trails leading into the Stoddard Mountains offer a challenge for experienced OHV enthusiasts.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
BLM RV camping is available at Stoddard Valley OHV Area in the form of dispersed camping with no amenities. Mojave Narrows Regional Park Campground has RV sites with full hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables if you want more services.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere within this area, as long as you’re off the roadways. Your privacy depends on where you set up camp, as there are no trees or shrubs to provide a visual barrier. While RVs can easily access many parts of the desert, watch for soft sand and uneven washes. You can stay for up to 14 days, but there are no trash services, water hookups, or amenities. Pack up everything that you bring in, including your trash, and take it with you when you leave. Seasonal fire restrictions are active from April through October.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
This area has straightforward dirt-road access for your RV. With Barstow only about 30 minutes away, you are never too far from gas and supplies. Beware of deep mine shafts while navigating the Stoddard Valley OHV Area. • Camper Vans: Campervans are fine on the main gravel areas, but use caution when driving in the unpaved interior areas. • Travel Trailers: The main entrances have graded dirt paths that travel trailers handle easily, but conditions quickly turn to dust, sand, and uneven terrain. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels are good here, but stick to the main graded access roads and staging areas to avoid getting stuck. • Class A Motorhomes: You can bring a class A motorhome here, but only if you stay near the front entrance. Avoid driving deep into the sandy valleys. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes are good if your stay is near the entrance. They can’t handle the rocky back trails. • Class C Motorhomes: Stay in the first 1/2 mile of graded dirt roads where there are solid, flat spaces to set up camp.
Free Camping 
Besides the Bureau of Land Management free camping at Stoddard Valley, there are dispersed camping areas at Rodman Mountains Wilderness and San Bernardino National Forest. To find these sites and other free options, search "BLM camping near me" on your smart device once you are in the area. In California, there is typically a 14-day stay limit at dispersed camping sites.
RV Rentals Near Stoddard Valley OHV Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Stoddard Valley OHV Area BLM trip
If you plan to ride your OHV in Stoddard Valley or other off-roading areas in California, get your Green Sticker from the Department of Motor Vehicles before heading out. They are available online, and the fee varies depending on whether you are a resident or visitor. In addition, if you plan to have a campfire while staying in dispersed camping areas in the Golden State, you will need a California Campfire Permit, which you can also acquire online for free. Stoddard Valley and other nearby BLM sites are in an arid environment, and many do not have potable water available, so bring plenty with you. You will also need clothing suitable for the desert, including a hat to protect your face from the sun. Don't forget to bring some warm layers for the evenings because it can get chilly when the sun sets, even after a hot day. Finally, hikers may want to bring along thick-soled boots and hiking poles because the trails in the area tend to require navigating over jagged rocks. Camping at BLM sites in this region of California is a unique way to experience the Mojave Desert and its fascinating geography. However, it takes careful planning to ensure you are comfortable while staying at sites that do not offer many amenities. Before you head out, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
There is no potable water available here. You will however find gas, propane, groceries, and other camping essentials in nearby Barstow. It is just north of Stoddard Valley OHV Area and has a Flying J Travel Center, Love’s Travel Stop, and a Walmart Supercenter. Flying J Travel Center also has an RV dump station available. Generators are allowed while camping within this BLM area, but cell service is spotty at best. Be aware that the BLM has closed several of the off-highway vehicle routes in designated desert tortoise and rare plant habitat areas.
Leave No Trace 
Following Leave No Trace principles allows you to do your part in preserving public lands for fellow campers and future outdoor enthusiasts. When vacating your camping site, take the time to clean up, bringing all trash and food scraps with you if no garbage can is available. When hiking, biking, or OHV riding, stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on local habitats and reduce soil erosion. In addition, avoid disturbing wildlife by maintaining your distance and not feeding the animals.
Stoddard Valley OHV Area Location
From Barstow, take California Highway 247 and drive south 10 miles. Next, turn onto Stoddard Wells Road, which brings you into Stoddard Valley OHV Area. Latitude / longitude: 34.75910278, -117.0651806 Ready to visit Stoddard Valley 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 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 Stoddard Valley OHV Area
• Morning: Wake up early and enjoy a quick camp stove breakfast. Double-check your dirt bike, ATV, or side-by-side, and strap on your helmet. Explore the 53,000 acres of Mojave Desert terrain before the temperature rises. • Afternoon: Take a scenic off-road drive to the Slash X Ranch Cafe for a sit-down lunch. Return to your RV to escape the afternoon heat. Take a shorter ride later in the day. • Evening: Have dinner in your RV before watching the beautiful desert sunset over the open landscape. Wrap up the day with some stargazing.
Nearby Attractions
You’ll discover several other exciting attractions near Stoddard Valley OHV Area. These make nice day trips, or you can stop at them on your way to or from the Stoddard Valley OHV Area. Outlet Stores: You’ll find the Outlets at Barstow on Outlet Center Drive near I-15. It’s only a 15-minute drive away with fast food and shopping opportunities available. Rainbow Basin Natural Area: Rainbow Basin Natural Area is only 10 minutes from Barstow. Here, you can enjoy the colorful desert rock cliffs and fossil beds along the one-way driving loop. Johnson Valley OHV Area: This is another large, world-famous off-road recreation area. It’s a 45- to 60-minute drive away, depending on your exact starting point. Afton Canyon Natural Area: Afton Canyon Natural Area is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Mojave.” It’s home to flowing water, towering canyon walls, and a campground. It’s located about an hour away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring pets? Yes, pets are welcome at Stoddard Valley OHV Area. Since this is an active desert off-road area with fast-moving vehicles, having your pet along requires extra safety precautions. They must be kept on a leash at all times, and you’ll need to bring plenty of water for them. Can I have a campfire? Yes, you can have a campfire, but only if seasonal fire restrictions allow it. In general, you need a free California Campfire Permit for open campfires and portable gas stoves on BLM land. Furthermore, clear a 5-foot-diameter circle around the campfire down to bare soil or rock. What is the best season for RV camping at Stoddard Valley OHV Area? The best time for dispersed RV camping at Stoddard Valley OHV Area is from fall through spring. This is when the desert temperatures are cool and comfortable. Avoid summer if possible. Temperatures regularly go above 100°F from June through August. Do I need four-wheel drive? No, you do not strictly need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to visit this area. Sticking to the main graded dirt access roads near the highway is essential, though, for standard two-wheel-drive motorhomes. These well-graded and hard-packed roads are easy to navigate in an RV, but they do have dust and mild washboards you need to watch for. Is this area suitable for large RVs? Large RVs do well at Stoddard Valley OHV Area, but it’s advisable to stay in the main open and flat staging areas. Sticking to the well-graded entry roads helps you avoid getting stuck in the deep sand or on the rough terrain. The winding sandy washes, narrow trails, and eastern mountain sections require high-clearance 4X4 vehicles.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
While large motorhomes are more than welcome at Stoddard Valley OHV Area, you may want to consider a smaller RV for your visit. Campervans and travel trailers allow you a little more freedom in where you can go or camp. By renting an RV for your trip instead of towing your own, you’ll avoid having to navigate the rough Mojave Desert roads while pulling a heavy trailer. It also eliminates the fatigue and stress of long-distance RV travel. Browse RV rentals near Barstow, CA to find the right one for your visit to Stoddard Valley OHV Area.