Pinnacles to Death Valley to Joshua Tree by RV

April 12, 2021

After nine months in Monterey, CA we were ready to hit the road again! Our next route will take us to Pinnacles National Park, Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and San Diego. Get our route tips including which Google routes to avoid. Looking for things to do? Wondering what are the best hikes and must-sees?

Monterey - Pinnacles National Park - Bakersfield

Monterey to Pinnacles National Park to Bakersfield ( Map )

Monterey, CA — Laguna Seca Recreation Area
- Read about our stay in our Laguna Seca Racetrack and Campground article.
- Filled up on propane at Salinas Valley Truck Stop.
Paicines, CA — San Benito RV & Camping Resort
- Have a 4x4 vehicle? We recommend checking out Hollister Hills SVRA. Get the details in our Off-roading at Hollister Hills SVRA article.
Paicines, CA — Pinnacles Campground in Pinnacles National Park, East Entrance
- Get camping, hiking trails, and weather information in our Pinnacles National Park in California article.
Paso Robles, CA — Paso Robles RV Ranch
Bakersfield, CA — Bakersfield River Run RV Park
- We decided to take CA-58 instead of Westside Pkwy as Google recommended. Take Westside Pkwy, as this road is in great shape compared to CA-58.
- After reading a lot of reviews online we figured it was best to enter Death Valley National Park from the southeast, so we headed to Baker, CA.

Mojave National Preserve to Ramona

Death Valley National Park to Joshua Tree National Park ( Map )

Baker, CA — Mad Greek Truck & RV Parking
- FREE overnight RV parking
- Good Mexican food at Los Dos Toritos. We loved the street tacos and ceviche. We have eaten here multiple times.
Death Valley, CA — Sunset Campground in Death Valley National Park
- No issues taking the CA-127 North from Baker and CA-190 West to Sunset Campground.
- Death Valley Part 1 | Lowest Point in North America
- Rare Pupfish & Old Keane Wonder Mine | Death Valley Part 2
- When leaving Death Valley, at Death Valley Junction we took Bella Vista Rd towards Pahrump.
  - This took us past the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
  - There are signs about weight limits, but those apply to commercial trucks.
Pahrump, NV — Nevada Treasure RV Resort
- Stayed for a month.
- Visited Red Rock Canyon National Park outside of Las Vegas.
- Good price for diesel at Fastrip Fuel.
Essex, CA — Hole In The Wall Campground in Mojave National Preserve
- IMPORTANT: DO NOT follow Google if entering from the North otherwise you will end up on a washboard road
- Recommended route: From Baker, CA take Kelbaker Rd all the way south to I-40, then head east on I-40 and follow the signs.
- Took the Jeep for a day trip to Amboy Crater.
  - Checked out two boondocking spots. Both were good for large rigs, but we really like Hole In The Wall Campground so we decided to stay a few extra days there.
  - Heart of the Mojave West BLM — 34.7012, -115.6763 — https://www.campendium.com/the-heart-of-the-mojave-west
  - Amboy Crater BLM — 34.5577, -115.7769 — https://www.campendium.com/amboy-crater
Joshua Tree, CA — Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
- Near west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
- Should we visit the Salton Sea? East or west side?
  - Mecca, CA — Salton Sea State Recreation Area
  - Salton City, CA
  - Borrego Springs, CA — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
  - San Diego, CA — Mission Bay RV Resort