Info on Valley Dirt Riders Afton Canyon Meetup

We will be camping in the Group Campground and using the main campground for overflow vehicles.  Smaller RVs might want to consider camping there especially if you plan to arrive Thursday or Friday nights.  

Afton Canyon Campground consists of 22 primitive campsites for tents, RVs and trailers. Each site has a picnic table and fire grill. Pit toilets are nearby. Piped water is sometimes available, but campers are advised to bring their own. For those who want a fire, include firewood among your supplies. Trash must be packed out. At times the dirt road leading into the campground may require a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle. Occasional trains pass through the canyon.  If you plan to camp at the main campground and are arriving after dark, be careful not to pass it up as the road gets narrow, is up on a berm, and drops into the Mojave River.  You will need to back up to avoid driving into the river.

Afton Canyon Group Campground
The group camping area does not have pre-determined spots. It has two restrooms, 4 large tables under a shade cover, and a large group fire pit. When entering the group campground, please take into consideration that we will have many big rigs parked in this area. Try to setup allowing for other rigs to enter, exit, and park.

Download the Afton Canyon Information Guide

Know Before You Go

• Weather extremes, flash floods, and poisonous snakes are common hazards.
• Out of State OHV users must comply with all California rules and regulations, which are available at California OHV Page.
• Desert winds are frequent and strong.
• Plan ahead and be prepared. Have adequate food, water, supplies, emergency medical provisions and a satellite phone to call for help if needed.
• Food, fuel and most necessities are available in Baker and Barstow.
• Cellular phone service is not reliable in all locations.
• Practice Leave No Trace: pack it in—pack it out.
• Don’t disturb the diverse wildlife that call Afton Canyon home.

Camping and Fees The campground has 22 primitive campsites. Each site is equipped with a shade structure, parking area, table, fire pit, and grill. Camp sites are available on a first come basis for a fee of $6 per night, with a 14-day stay limit. There are pay boxes at each location and BLM Rangers do stop by to check that people have paid. Piped water is sometimes available, but campers are advised to bring their own water. Vault toilets are centrally located. Discharge of firearms within the campground is not permitted.

Campfire Permits Campfire permits are required and may be restricted in fire season. Fire danger is extreme during most of the year. Campfire permits can be obtained online at Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire. 

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Use This area provides access for staging OHV and 4x4 vehicle touring into the adjacent area of the Mojave Trails National Monument. This and other surrounding limited use areas require vehicles to travel on designated routes. There is also street legal vehicle access into the Mojave National Preserve along the Mojave Road. Learn more about OHV use at https://www.blm.gov/barstow.

The red pin is the group campground, and the main campground is on the right.

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This is the entrance to the main campground. Before you enter, there are two spaces for big rigs along the wood posts. There are an additional two large spots at the back of the campground with room for a big rig to turn around.

Introduction to Afton Canyon