California Through My Lens 8,473 views. bar5 Just 2 miles west of town sits the 250-foot high Amboy Crater. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Katie and Jason McKay began their full time RV life in September 2018. Part of the overflow lot is paved, part gravel, all flat and easy to navigate. Trains run all night, they blow the whistles at a crossing about a mile away. The site offers picnic tables, restroom facilities, hiking trail to the rim with rest stations along the way, and an ADA ramada overlook for viewing. A big open paved area. bar3 Redirecting to https://www.blm.gov/visit/amboy-crater-national-natural-landmark. Campbell House. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. Boosted. Stayed here in a 24 foot-long Class C (RV). Worth a visit to Roy's, but nothing is being developed. Never seen anyone official out here. Map. Updated monthly! 1:32. Click here to leave a review and improve this listing! This doesn’t include exploring or walking around the rim. Ultimate Campgrounds focuses on just one thing: public campgrounds of all types. Otherwise, quiet and pretty sunset. Stayed here with a motorcycle and a tent. Both times there was one other camping vehicle there. It is so freeing. We parked on the very edge of the lot against the bush one night, and ended up with a rattlesnake coming out around and then under the car. Enter your email address receive notifications of new posts by email. Luckily, though, there isn't too much traffic so the noise isn't too bad. View nearby results below. The ranger had previously suggested for us to visit the Amboy Crater which was located 30 minutes south of the preserve. 581 reviews. Cellular Signal Bars The crater is also a popular stargazing site, but nighttime visitors should be aware that camping is not allowed. The lava is very, very rough on tires. Our community provides the best free camping information available. No other properties are available in Amboy. Over 31,000 U.S. and Canada campsites and growing. I have always stayed in the area with the picnic tables, toilets and trailhead to the crater. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. The hike to the crater is very nice. Its easier to climb inside because the cone walls have long ago collapsed on that side. Camaro came through doing donuts right outside my RV (you'll see his tire marks) and I came out with camera to threaten him for vandalism on federal property... And that nobody here was going to give him a cookie for trying to be cool. He apologized and sped off burning rubber. Unusable Hiking the Amboy Crater off Route 66 (4K) - Duration: 1:32. The train was a bonus. We believe that free camping areas are often the most beautiful and peaceful camp sites. 32.3 miles from Amboy #1 of 11 hotels in Twentynine Palms “ ” Free Wifi . We planned on leaving at sunrise to hike to the top of the crater. A big open … Ten thousand years ago, this cinder cone volcano erupted, transforming the … The campground is maintained by US Bureau of Land Management. If you’re coming with an RV, all the sites are well equipped with electrical and water services and can accommodate a 40’ unit. Unusable Checked out the lava tube, kelso dunes, hole in the wall campground and the Amboy crater. bar2 There's an overflow parking area that you can dry camp in about 1/4 mile before the day use area and crater trailhead. If you decide to hike out to the distant crater, head to the right side. We hope you enjoy the same style of camping. Boondocking Beginner » RV Life ReVved UP. Amboy Crater. This walk-in campground has (much needed) bear-proof food storage containers, fire pits, free firewood, and a small warming shelter. Use our trip planner for your next camping vacation. There is a large paved area near the entrance off Route 66 and the day use area has large RV sized parking. Camping in Amboy Crater in Amboy, CA. Have you been there? Kelso Dunes. Thus creating Amboy Crater and expanding over 27 square miles of lava beds. We love to hike and camp here to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Trains run frequently, which didn't bother us much. Filters … Helped me sleep. However, no-fee dispersed camping is permitted in the Mojave Trails National Monument, and the Afton Canyon Campgroundis also nearby. Stayed here September, 2018 for the third time in the last seven years. Boosted. We decided to check out the crater before trying to find a campsite for the day. I've also heard you can set up camp in certain roadside areas but it's not very specific as to where you can do that. Price: Varies. BLM land west of Amboy. Usable Welcome to all RVers, motorcyclists, campers, explorers, adventurers and dreamers! Planner. But anyway, I've done some research and found that, according to BLM itself[1], there's a "Overflow parking lot AND CAMPING AREA" along the road, before reaching the main parking lot, to the right of the road. Amboy Crater Trail. Some land, especially closer to the tracks, may be railroad-owned. Why You’ll Love It: Originally opened in 1938, this place screams classic Route 66 charm and is perfect for your road trip photo ops. Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve There aren’t many other places where you can fall asleep to the sounds of whales. AT&T4G/LTE Alas, time came to hit the road again, and I kicked it off with an official Instameet put on by the Bureau of Land Management at Amboy Crater in Mojave Trails National Monument, where an excellent super bloom of wildflowers is taking place. The cinder cone volcano is remarkable for its nearly flawless symmetry. Crater hike is probably nice, but 3 miles and we hit 100 degrees here on my stay. Stayed here November 2019 after the Roy's Cafe sign lighting in Amboy. Amboy Crater, formed of ash and cinders, is 250 feet high and 1,500 feet in diameter. In NorCal we usually head to North-Central Nevada for our closest black zone, high elevation option (about 6 hours). Train tracks 1/2 mile away, during the night they blow the whistles every 1/2 hour as they drive through Amboy. Recent. Get info on the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark, California recreation area including image gallery, interactive map, directions, activities There are various spots to camp outside the bounds of the area and along route 66. Sunrise at Amboy Crater. We chose this stopover due to the free camping (thanks again campendium), and the possibility of climbing to the top and peering inside an actual volcano. Amboy Crater National Landmark. Amboy Crater just off Route 66. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. It is situated in one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Nomadic Fanatic would stay here again. BLM asks that people only climb where marked, since erosion is damaging the crater. RV Parks. Hole in the wall and Mid Hills campgrounds are open, but they don't take reservations, not sure how busy to expect it. You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast. Roy's on route 66 sells coffee make sure you have cash. bar2 Iconic Landmark: Roy’s Cafe in Amboy. Sprint2G/3G Amboy Crater is a 4.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Amboy, California and is rated as moderate. No shade elsewhere. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing. Amboy is kind of low in elevation. Amboy Crater is nestled halfway between Barstow and Needles, just off historic Route 66. Roaming This dormant volcanic crater has been converted from a roiling pit of magma to a pleasant hiking spot. 51.2 km from Amboy Crater #1 of 5 speciality lodgings in Twentynine Palms “ This RV park is a short distance from the lesser used North Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. No facilities, interesting geography, nice dark skies. bar5 Amboy Crater is an extinct cinder cone volcano that rises above a 70-square-kilometer (27 sq mi) lava field in the eastern Mojave Desert of southern California, within Mojave Trails National Monument. The site was paved in June, 2010 and is now posted as day-use. The Amboy Crater is located on Route 66 between Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve. Overview Amboy Crater, formed of ash and cinders, is 250 feet high and 1,500 feet in diameter. bar3 The crater is easy and free to access and explore. Amboy Police department has his license number. The train, about a half mile away, came through every half hour all night. Trip Planner. Spent a night here on two separate occasions, both in the overflow parking lot. Roaming Found a nice little sandy spot for the tent surrounded by lava rock on the south end of the overflow lot. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we'll all have more places to go camping. When we arrived, we found a small asphalt parking lot large enough for several campers. It was very peaceful. The view from the 984-foot rim will awe those who take in the vastness of the Mojave Desert, where faraway cars on the desert highway appear to be miniature toys against this epic landscape. Updating list... Breakfast included. BLM land west of Amboy. Using Google Maps[2], I've determined its coordinates as 34.557708, -115.776845 (center of the overflow/camping area). Ten thousand years ago, this cinder cone volcano erupted, transforming the surrounding landscape. Two vault toilets, not maintained often and picnic tables with shade are at the main parking area. Pinos, but at least with Pinos you have less extinction. I even spent the night at a small parking area adjacent to the crater before heading on to 8 Mile Road in Lake Mead National Recreation Area for the … The hike to the crater is a 4.1 mile, out and back hike. Although Amboy Crater is not unique, it is an excellent example of a very symmetrical volcanic cinder cone. bar4 Find a Campsite. This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. The main parking area is the trailhead to an extinct volcano and is day use only. You'll find a few campsites off of route 66 and these campsites are usually close to the road and even paved themselves. No other properties are available in Amboy. BLM land west of Amboy. Stayed here in a 30 foot-long Fifth Wheel (RV). Hotels near Amboy Crater, Amboy on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, 319 candid photos, and prices for hotels near Amboy Crater in Amboy, CA. If you would rather leave a review, Your email address will not be published. Nice, level, paved area. It’s easy to hike to the base of the crater with a moderate climb to explore inside and around the top of this extinct volcano. The tent sites are mostly located along the Fort Creek which gives you a beautiful view and cool river air during the hot summer months. San Bernardino, California. No overnighting here. A visit to Amboy Crater will definitely take you back in time. bar4 Find information on Amboy Crater - BLM, a Bureau of Land Mgmt camping location in Twentynine Palms-Morongo Valle, CA. Nearby Campground: Stay overnight in the Amboy Crater parking lot – it’s free! Multiple fatalities have occurred while hiking to the crater. Stayed here in a 36 foot-long Class A + a Toad (RV). Freecampsites.net makes it easy. Easy Rider would stay here again. Public - Bureau of Land Managment (Unofficial), The maximum RV length at Amboy Crater Overflow is. We've stayed in the main parking lot during our trip in early January 2015 and albeit we weren't bothered, Linda is partially right: the main parking lot is indeed posted as "Day use", even if we saw no "no camping" signs. The site offers picnic tables, restroom facilities, hiking trail to the rim with rest stations along the way, and an ADA ramada overlook for viewing. There are no signs to indicate where you can or can not stay the night. bar5 Amboy Crater. The original-style neon sign, now restored, acts as an iconic beacon to travelers. The site is near the Atigun Gorge and the western edge of the Arctic Natio… Verizon4G/LTE 1 miles Amboy Crater Overflow - Amboy, California. My husband and I have been to the crater and camped many times. rockylhotka would stay here again. A look inside the crater. Crater Road is beautifully paved, there are restrooms and picnic tables in the day use area and a wide paved pull-off for overnight use. The crater is easy and free to access and explore. The entrance to the landmark is off of Route 66 on Crater Road. While this spot is small and only really offers one thing, that one thing is very cool; the Amboy Crater. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973, Amboy Crater was recognized for its visual and geological significance. Federal, State, County, Municipal Our apps provide functionality that greatly enhances your search for campgrounds. Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new posts by email. Show results. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from September until February. Crater and lava beds. Look for flattened areas with tire tracks or side roads. Peter. Trail wanders to crater with hard pack, sandy and with lava rocks also. Some people stayed overnight at the main lot but the sign there said "day use". Went on a weekend trip to the Mojave National Preserve. The Amboy Crater is located off Route 66 in California in the Mojave Desert. Found on the same grounds as Mojave Trails National Monument, these volcanic remains were established as a national landmark in 1973. Cellular Signal Bars Amboy Crater California Souvenir 2 Inch Vinyl Decal Sticker Camping Design: Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen Whether you’re camping via tent or RV, the Crater Lake Resort has a variety of sites for you to choose from. Checked … If you use the overflow lot it's a short walk to the main day use lot with the pit toilets and shaded tables. Use care to not stumble and fall, lava will cut you badly. Roy's Motel & Cafe. Map. bar4 It is located near, but not within, Mojave National Preserve. Campground and Campsite listings closest to Amboy, California. We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. It is situated in one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. Workcamping – Fountain of Youth Gate Keepers, Workamper, Work Camper, Workcamper Resources, A Splash of Color and Shine – RV Interior Easy DIY, Valley of Fire State Park Boondocking and Motorcycle Ride, Escalante, Capitol Reef, Burr Trail, Boulder Scenic Drive – Utah, Patchwork Parkway and Highway 14 in the Snow. Steve Sox would stay here again. Required fields are marked, Next level hosting generously provided by. The main parking area is the trailhead to an extinct volcano and is day use only. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. Amboy Road becomes Route 66 for a few miles and continues straight into the old town of Amboy (turn to the east). Decent dark skies viewing, trains come by regularly but aren't bothersome. This is a response to the above comment. List. View nearby results below. As of December, 2010, the trail is well-marked, though most of the interpretive signs are broken off. nps.gov/glba Galbraith Lake Campground, Arctic Region The 30 campsites here are all that’s left of what was once a glacial lake that filled the entire Atigun Valley. Very nice area. Punk kid tourist. Amboy Crater Amboy Crater offers families the rare opportunity to hike through an extinct volcano that is estimated to be 6,000 years old. Not too much there other than the crater and Roy's Café down the road. Just walking around the rocks and seeing all the different plants and lava rocks are just as nice. Amboy Crater is an extinct volcano just off Route 66 in the middle of the Mohave desert in southeast California. You own these lands and you are entitled to use them. Snacks, drinks and high priced fuel WHEN they chose to be open. Interior of Amboy Crater from near breach showing lava lakes. Traveling the country workamping and exploring with their truck, toyhauler and two motorcycles. Filters. Very peaceful and beautiful. The Amboy Crater is located off Route 66 in California in the Mojave Desert. Unusable Two vault toilets, not maintained often and picnic tables with shade are at the main parking area. Campgrounds in Amboy California: Campendium has 29 reviews of Amboy RV parks, state parks and national parks making it your best Amboy RV camping resource. To reach the crater, we had to pass by the town of Amboy. A visit to Amboy Crater will definitely take you back in time. The 1.5-mile-long Amboy Crater Trail takes hikers through a sprawling lava field to the top of the iconic Amboy cinder cone volcano. It is located near, but not within, Mojave National Preserve. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip. Cellular Signal Bars bar1 Sort Filter. [2] https://goo.gl/maps/9MPDqh2EvRn, Thanks VallAndMo - especially liked the co-ords and link to the PDF Crater Road is beautifully paved, there are restrooms and picnic tables in the day use area and a wide paved pull-off for overnight use. I thought that was great! Great overnight spot. Amboy Crater. Easy ramble part uphill and the it gets steep. Lots of trains, but at least a good 1/2 mile away. Maps, photos and user reviews of free camping areas near Amboy California&research=1. Usable Amboy. Amboy Crater is nestled halfway between Barstow and Needles, just off historic Route 66. California. The overflow lot was generally a good overnight spot. The area around may still be do-able under the two week rule. Roaming The inside of the 250' high crater contains two lava dams behind which has formed small lava lakes. Boosted, Great stopover off Route 66. bar1 Sort by: Distance. A big open paved area. [1] www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/ca/pdf/pdfs/needles_pdfs.Par.52076feb.File.dat/amboy.pdf bar2 Whether you enjoy tent camping, car camping or RV camping, our goal is to help you find the best places to go camping. Show Prices . The crater/national natural landmark is posted as no camping. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. Our focus is on public lands. Heading way now, getting hot at lower altitudes mid March We especially like camping on Forest Service land, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) areas, WMA's (Wildlife Management Areas) and county or city parks. Add a Campsite. Usable Being on BLM land means not only is it free to get in and explore, but you can camp free of charge too. Amboy is darker than either MNP or Mt. Arriving at about 10 pm, we decided to settle down for the night in the back of our minivan. COLORADO. 2 miles from Roys. Interesting rock formations. Near Amboy, which is to be restored to its 1950's glory. bar3 bar1 On many occasions we hike around naked. Amboy Crater is a campground located near the city of Amboy. , formed of ash and cinders, is 250 feet high and 1,500 feet in diameter distant,... An excellent example of a very symmetrical volcanic cinder cone volcano is remarkable for its nearly symmetry. Give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas near Amboy &. Are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already many of these a stargazing. Some people stayed overnight at the main day use only and Roy 's Cafe sign lighting Amboy! The rare opportunity to hike out to the Crater day use only bother us much Crater... 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In southeast California email address receive notifications of new posts by email be open stayed in Mojave! Though most of the Mohave Desert in southeast California, California and is day use lot the. A 36 foot-long Class C ( RV ) [ 2 ], I 've determined coordinates... And Roy 's, but nighttime visitors should be aware that camping is permitted in the Mojave Desert only! + a Toad ( RV ) hustle and bustle stayed in the Mojave National Preserve,. In diameter which did n't bother us much was paved in June, 2010, the is. Had to pass by the town of Amboy 32.3 miles from Amboy 1. Crater off Route 66 in California in the wall campground and the Amboy Crater expanding! Campgroundis also nearby stop directories out there already a 24 foot-long Class C ( RV.! Since erosion is damaging the Crater flattened areas with tire tracks or side roads this. Trails National Monument, these volcanic remains were established as a National landmark in 1973 and shaded tables to... 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The site was paved in June, 2010 and is best used from September until February and user reviews free! Town of Amboy an excellent example of a very symmetrical volcanic cinder cone tire or. Went on a weekend trip to the Mojave Trails National Monument, these volcanic remains were established as National... Or walking around the rocks and seeing all the different plants and lava are... You own these lands and you are entitled to use this trail but must be on! Camping areas are often the most beautiful and peaceful camp sites you have discovered no signs indicate. And camp here to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle bounds of the Mohave Desert in California. An extinct volcano and is best used from September until February whistles every 1/2 hour as they through., sandy and with lava rocks are just as nice we usually head to the road to where... Resort has a variety of sites for you to choose from is very cool ; the Amboy Crater will take!