California
Johnson Valley Open Area
Dispersed Camping
This sprawling 188,000-acre open area is ground zero for hardcore desert wheeling, hosting the legendary King of the Hammers race each February. The terrain ranges from fast washes and sandy flats to gnarly granite boulder fields that’ll test any rig. Popular spots include Means Dry Lake for high-speed runs and the rock trails around Soggy Lake. No facilities whatsoever — pack everything in, pack everything out.
Access via Bessemer Mine Road from the 247. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent. Winter temps are pleasant, but summer can hit 115°F. During KOH week, the place turns into a temporary city of 50,000+ people. Outside of race season, you’ll have miles of desert mostly to yourself.
Desert OHV mecca and King of the Hammers venue
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 1800 ft |
| Nearest town | Twentynine Palms, CA |
| Miles from pavement | 12.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | October-April |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |