Borax Bill Park & Station

For Californians seeking the thrill of off-road adventure combined with convenient camping amenities in the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, Borax Bill Park & Station in California City, CA, is an essential destination. This unique facility serves as a vital hub for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, while also providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for all types of campers. It's a place where the spirit of exploration meets practical services, making it a highly recommended spot for local desert adventurers.

Borax Bill Park & Station stands out for its blend of free dry camping options and affordable paid amenities, offering flexibility for a wide range of budgets and camping styles. Unlike traditional campgrounds that might feel restrictive, Borax Bill provides ample open space for pitching tents or parking RVs, allowing visitors to embrace the freedom of the desert. Its strategic location serves as a gateway to countless miles of desert trails, making it the perfect base for dirt biking, ATV riding, and four-wheeling.

Beyond its practical offerings, Borax Bill Park & Station fosters a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Visitors frequently praise the helpful staff and the convenience of the on-site gift shop and front office, which provides essential items like maps and merchandise. This combination of essential services, easy access to recreation, and a welcoming community feel solidifies Borax Bill Park & Station as a premier destination for Californians looking to experience the rugged beauty and excitement of the Mojave Desert.

Borax Bill Park & Station is strategically located at 16363 20 Mule Team Pkwy, California City, CA 93505, USA. This places it directly within California City, a hub for off-highway vehicle recreation in the Mojave Desert region of Kern County. The address on 20 Mule Team Parkway is significant, referencing the historic route used for transporting borax from Death Valley. For Californians, accessing Borax Bill Park & Station typically involves a drive on state highways (such as State Route 14 or 58) that connect to California City, followed by well-maintained local roads.

Accessibility to Borax Bill Park & Station is excellent for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and toy haulers, given its role as a central point for OHV enthusiasts. The park provides easy on/off loading points for dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. While the surrounding desert areas feature dirt roads, access to the park itself is generally straightforward. The station's operating hours for the office, water/power hookups, and showers vary, with the office typically open Thursday through Sunday and extended hours for water/dump stations on weekends and holidays. It's important to note that restrooms are open during the day, but access to showers and hookups requires payment and tokens, which can be purchased when the office is open. The desert climate means the park is generally accessible year-round, though summers can be extremely hot, making spring, fall, and winter the most popular seasons for comfortable camping and riding. Visitors should always check the most current hours of operation, especially for specific services, to ensure a smooth visit.

Borax Bill Park & Station offers a unique hybrid of free camping and affordable paid amenities, catering specifically to the needs of off-road enthusiasts and desert campers.

• Free Dry Camping: One of its most significant services is the availability of free dry camping on a first-come, first-served basis. This allows campers to set up tents or park RVs without hookups at no charge.
• Paid Water & Power Hookups: For those desiring more comfort, water and power hookups are available at a reasonable extra cost (e.g., $25/day for power, $10-$20 for water fill-up). These services are particularly beneficial for RVs and larger setups.
• Clean Restrooms: The park provides "clean restrooms," which are open during the day, offering a welcome convenience in a desert camping environment.
• Hot Showers: Token-operated hot showers are available for an extra fee (e.g., 2 tokens for $1, giving 6 minutes), providing a refreshing amenity after a dusty day of riding or exploring.
• RV Dump & Water Station: There's an RV dump station and water fill-up station (up to 100 gallons per day), crucial services for self-contained RVs. These can be accessed with a daily pass ($5 per dump/fill) or a seasonal pass ($30 per season).
• Gift Shop/Front Office: A "nice little gift shop/front office" offers "cool shirts, sweatshirts, stickers," and other merchandise, as well as essential items like "free maps" of the riding areas.
• Friendly Staff/Camp Hosts: Visitors consistently praise the "very friendly staff" and helpful roaming staff/camp hosts, enhancing the overall experience.
• Patio Shades: Some sites or areas may feature patio shades, offering respite from the desert sun.
• Seasonal Fire & Police Presence: During peak times, particularly holiday weekends, the park may have seasonal fire and police services, including the D.I.R.T (Desert Incident Response Team), enhancing safety.

Borax Bill Park & Station is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier destination for desert adventurers and campers.

• OHV Enthusiast Hub: It is widely recognized as an "awesome park to ride and on/off load your bikes," serving as the central hub for the extensive California City OHV riding area. Miles of dirt routes are accessible directly from the park, catering to all levels of riders.
• Flexible Camping Options: The combination of "free dry camping" and "water and power hookups... very reasonable" offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing campers to choose the level of amenities that suits their style and budget.
• Historic Significance: The park's name and location on 20 Mule Team Parkway connect it to the rich history of borax mining in the region, offering a touch of historical interest for visitors.
• Community & Support: The friendly staff, presence of a gift shop with merch, and available maps create a supportive environment for visitors, making it easy to get information and gear.
• Clean and Accessible Facilities: The provision of "clean restrooms" and "hot showers" (for a fee) are significant advantages for a desert camping area, greatly enhancing comfort.
• Vast Desert Landscape: The surrounding Mojave Desert offers "wide-open views of the land for a hundred or more miles," providing opportunities for solitude, stargazing, and exploration beyond the immediate riding areas.
• Public Safety Services: The presence of the D.I.R.T. (Desert Incident Response Team), funded through OHV programs, provides an important layer of public safety, including medical rescue and fire suppression, specifically for the OHV areas.

For reservations (for hookup sites), general inquiries, and the most up-to-date information regarding Borax Bill Park & Station, please use the following contact details. It's highly recommended to call ahead for current conditions, operating hours, and any specific regulations, especially if you plan to use the paid services or visit during holidays.

Address: 16363 20 Mule Team Pkwy, California City, CA 93505, USA

Phone: (760) 349-0102

Mobile Phone: +1 760-349-0102

These phone numbers connect directly to Borax Bill Park & Station, which is managed by the City of California City's OHV Program. You can also find additional information on the City of California City's official website, particularly under their OHV or Fire Department sections, as Borax Bill Park is also home to a seasonal fire station.

It is particularly important to verify the operating hours for the front office and amenities like showers and water/dump stations, as these can vary by day of the week and season. Information regarding OHV permits (if required for specific riding areas) and any active fire restrictions should also be confirmed.

Borax Bill Park & Station is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for Californians, particularly those drawn to the unique recreational opportunities of the Mojave Desert. For locals across the state, it offers a distinct alternative to traditional mountain or coastal camping, providing a vast playground for off-road enthusiasts and a serene escape for those seeking wide-open spaces.

The flexibility of "free dry camping" combined with the option for "very reasonable" water and power hookups caters to a broad spectrum of campers and budgets, making it an accessible choice for many California residents. This blend of primitive and convenient amenities is highly valued, allowing everyone from minimalist tent campers to large RV owners to find their ideal setup.

What truly sets Borax Bill apart for Californians is its role as a central hub for OHV recreation. With direct access to "miles and miles of riding" trails, it's a dream destination for dirt biking, ATV riding, and four-wheeling. This direct access from the campground eliminates the need to transport vehicles long distances to separate riding areas, maximizing valuable recreation time. Beyond the motorsports, the expansive desert landscape provides incredible opportunities for stargazing, desert photography, and simply enjoying the profound quiet and vastness of the natural environment, appealing to those seeking solitude and unique natural beauty.

The clean facilities, friendly staff, and the added layer of public safety provided by the D.I.R.T. team contribute to a comfortable and secure experience, reassuring visitors venturing into the desert. Borax Bill Park & Station is more than just a campground; it’s a community resource and a gateway to unforgettable desert adventures, perfectly suited for Californians looking to explore their state’s diverse landscapes and embrace the thrill of the open desert.

Borax Bill Park & Station

16363 20 Mule Team Pkwy, California City, CA 93505, USA