Cougar Buttes Camp Loop

Cougar Buttes sits on the northeast side of California’s Johnson Valley OHV Area and feels like a granite playground dropped into the Mojave Desert. Rocky domes and boulder piles rise out of the open desert, creating everything from mild sandy two-tracks and whooped-out washes to tight canyons and serious rock-crawling lines. Dirt bikes, UTVs, and full-size 4x4s all share the area, with routes that range from easy exploring for newer drivers to extreme obstacles with ledges, waterfalls, and a real risk of body damage for those who want to push their rigs. This loop is an easily accessible area for setting up camp and exploring the surrounding trails. It is suitable for tents, RVs, Toy Haulers, and anything in between.

Camping here is a classic BLM-style boondocking experience. There are no developed campgrounds, no hookups, and no services, just wide-open space where you can dry camp for free as long as you follow BLM rules and respect existing routes. Most groups tend to set up near the rock piles for wind protection, quick trail access, and expansive desert views. You must be fully self-contained, pack out all trash, and plan for changing desert conditions. Cooler fall, winter, and spring months offer the most comfortable seasons to enjoy riding and camping. Pit toilets are available at the north end, close to Transmission Line Road.