Means Dry Lake

Means Dry Lake is a broad, hard-packed lakebed located in the Johnson Valley OHV Area of Southern California’s Mojave Desert. It serves as a central hub for offroad recreation and provides direct access to iconic trails like Jackhammer, Sledgehammer, and Claw Hammer, as well as milder desert routes for casual riders. The terrain is flat and firm, making it suitable for dispersed camping, staging, and large gatherings.

Best known as the site of the annual King of the Hammers event, when the area becomes a bustling temporary city, Means Dry Lake is otherwise quiet and open, offering scenic desert views, dramatic sunsets, and exceptional stargazing. The area has no services, so visitors must be self-sufficient. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for deeper trail exploration, but the lakebed itself is accessible to most vehicles. Camping is primitive but widespread, with ample space for RVs and trailers.

If roughing it isn't your thing, check out the many options in Yucca Valley, which include hotels and other housing options.