Is camping still permitted in Zzyzx?
As far as I can tell, the springs there closed in 1974, and I can't see any accommodation still active in what is now basically an abandoned town. Is it legal to free camp there still, now that it's been reclaimed by the government?
Best Answer
The way I understand it is that Zzyzx (I love this name) is part of the Mojave Natural Preserve in which camping is allowed, if not encouraged seeing as it is one of the main leisure activities for visitors. Both camping at organised camp grounds, as well as roadside camping are allowed. To this purpose, the Mohave NP Camping regulations explicitly mention Zzyzx Road, stating that it is forbidden to camp within 1/4 mile of it:
Camping is not permitted: within 1/4 mile of any paved road or the Zzyzx Road;
It would therefore seem that you can camp close to Zzyzx. You can definitely pass by the settlement though since a self-guided trail begins there. Indeed Zzyzx Road becomes Paul Tiberius Road which connects to Old Government Road/Mojave Road, and the latter is one of the many trails through the Mojave NP.
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Is Zzyzx open?
Zzyzx is CURRENTLY CLOSED, but you can learn about its colorful and fascinating history on our Zzyzx history page.Does anyone live in Zzyzx?
You won't find any shops or restaurants or even houses in Zzyzx. But you will find the Desert Studies Center, a research station operated by a consortium of seven California State University campuses. Rob Fulton manages the center. He's also the town's only permanent resident.Can I visit Zzyzx?
Visiting the DSC/ZzyzxOnly the Lake Tuendae interpretive trail, operated by Mojave National Preserve, is open to the public. All other grounds and structures are off-limits without reservations. The DSC is a satellite campus of the California State University system.What happened to Zzyzx Springs?
Formally known as the Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa, it is now occupied by the Desert Studies Center. Even though some of the buildings are in use, much of the resort lays in ruin and open to the public to explore. All free of charge!What's REALLY Down Zzyzx Road? Hidden California, Explore It With Us!
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Answer 2
After some more research myself, I found the Wikivoyage article on the Mojave desert states:
The best way to experience the Mojave is to camp. Much of the area is Bureau of Land Management land, with open camping allowed.
The Mojave Road Dry Lakes Dumont Dunes Kelso Dunes Zzyzx
So it appears that open camping is possible on BLM land, including the area of Zzyzx.
Answer 3
The BLM hasn't run Zzyzx since 1994. It's now within the National Park system. No camping is permitted along the road or in any parking lot, and rangers frequently issue tickets. Everything around Zzyzx Road is considered National Park Wilderness.
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Images: Francesco Paggiaro, Nataly Grb, Ruhit Ramzan, Sidde