Kelso Depot
Kelso, CA
A Mission Revival railroad station from 1924, alone in the Mojave and now the visitor center of Mojave National Preserve. Freight trains still thunder past.
The Kelso Depot was built in 1923-24 in the Mission Revival style; a first station had stood here since 1905. Kelso sat at the foot of a steep grade and had a spring, so helper locomotives were stationed here and steam engines took on water. The building also served as a dining room and lodging for railroad crews; Union Pacific gave it up in 1985. After being saved from demolition, it was restored and reopened in October 2005 as the visitor center of Mojave National Preserve.
The building is a good introduction to the Mojave. According to the latest information available, the visitor center was closed for heating and air-conditioning repairs; reopening was announced for 2026 with no date set, and the restrooms next to the building were open (as of October 2026). Check with the park before you go. Kelso is 56 km (35 miles) south of Baker, reached from I-15 via Kelbaker Road. Drinks and snacks are available in Cima, and gas stations are found in Baker, among other places. The best time to visit is October through May.
- Nearest town
- Kelso, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.0122, -115.6531
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Vulcan Mine RoadCampsite4 mi from Kelso Depot
- Province Mountains SRACampsite9 mi from Kelso DepotTentsCaravans
- Kelso Dunes MineCampsite9 mi from Kelso DepotFree
- Black Canyon South SiteCampsite15 mi from Kelso Depot
- Mid Hills CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Kelso Depot
- Hole-in-the-Wall CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Kelso DepotDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kelso Depot?
Kelso Depot is in Kelso, CA, at GPS 35.0122, -115.6531. It is about 29 mi from Baker.
Can you camp near Kelso Depot?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Vulcan Mine Road, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Kelso Depot?
Kelso Depot is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mojave National Preserve: dunes, depot and cinder cones and Salt, dunes and Joshua trees: by camper from Las Vegas through Death Valley and the Mojave.
What is there to see near Kelso Depot?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kelso Dunes (9 mi), Hole-in-the-Wall (15 mi), Roy's Motel & Café (32 mi) and Amboy Crater (33 mi).
When is the best time to visit Kelso Depot?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)