RV rental for King of the Hammers: Experience the World's Toughest Off-Road Race in the Mojave Desert

Every late January, the Mojave Desert transforms as the dry lakebed of Johnson Valley becomes Hammertown, the beating heart of King of the Hammers. This two-week off-road racing festival is the biggest of its kind in the country, drawing tens of thousands of passionate fans. Bring an RV and stay close to the lakebed, sleep under desert stars, and experience every raw, adrenaline-fueled moment from your own base camp at the edge of the action.

RV Rentals King of the Hammers

Johnson Valley OHV Area, Lucerne Valley, CA, US

Getting to King of the Hammers in your RV is a rewarding desert drive once you know the route, and the roads into Johnson Valley are suitable for most motorhomes and trailers. From I-15 in Victorville, take the Bear Valley Road exit and head east: Bear Valley Road becomes Highway 247 (Old Woman Springs Road), and you follow that for about 55 miles through the Mojave to Johnson Valley. Alternatively, from I-10 near Palm Springs or Coachella Valley, take Highway 62 toward Yucca Valley, then connect to Highway 247 heading northwest for about 25 miles. From Highway 247 in Johnson Valley, turn onto Boone Road, the only official entry point for all attendees, and continue along the graded dirt road for approximately 5 miles to the Hammertown entrance. Plan to arrive early during event week, as Boone Road sees heavy traffic and the best BLM camping spots on the lakebed fill up fast: a GPS set to the Johnson Valley OHV Area coordinates will guide you once you leave the pavement.

Top Hosts near Lucerne Valley, CA

Carlos8 trips - Joined Apr 2024

Carlos was great to work with, delivered the RV on time, and helped us get everything running after we got to camp. The RV was clean and in great working condition.

Timothy C. - Aug 2025

Great RV, clean, very large and suited all of our needs as a family during our Thanksgiving trip. Would definitely rent again.

Brandi D. - Dec 2024

Nicole3 trips - Joined Dec 2024

Very responsive host. Great accommodations. Makes camping more like home away from home!

Brian E. - Mar 2026

What a tremendous experience. Flew in from 2,500 miles away and the camper was being set up on site when we arrived. It was spotless inside and out with more than enough supplies. Everything worked perfectly and hosts were absolutely the nicest folks on the planet.

Jeff H. - Sep 2025

RV camping near Johnson Valley OHV Area

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RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental

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Frequently asked questions about renting an RV for King of the Hammers

When does King of the Hammers take place and how long does the event run?

King of the Hammers spans about two full weeks, typically running from late January through early February in the Mojave Desert. The first week features supporting races including King of the Motos, the Jeremy McGrath Grand Prix, and UTV competitions, while the second week builds to the signature Ultra4 Race of Kings on the Means Dry Lakebed. The exact schedule for each year is announced on the official King of the Hammers website at kingofthehammers.com, usually several months in advance. Arriving early in the first week lets you soak up the full Hammertown festival atmosphere and secure the best camping spot on the lakebed before the crowds roll in.
kingofthehammers.com

Where can I get admission for King of the Hammers and are there early discounts?

Admission for King of the Hammers is sold online through Tixr at tixr.com; search King of the Hammers to find general admission and camping pass options. Prices increase as the event approaches, so purchasing early gets you the best rate. Active-duty military attend free and veterans receive a 50% discount: verify your status through VerifyPass at verifypass.com to receive your discount code before heading to the ticketing site. A limited "$25 for Life" program also exists for loyal repeat attendees. VIP passes, which include access to the WARN-sponsored VIP tent and a premium viewing area at Hammertown, are limited and typically go on sale in summer or early fall, so watch kingofthehammers.com for the announcement and move fast when they drop.
kingofthehammers.com/participant-faq-jan2026/

How do I drive an RV to King of the Hammers and is there RV parking on the lakebed?

Driving your RV to King of the Hammers is very manageable: the routes into the Johnson Valley OHV Area use graded dirt roads suitable for most motorhomes and trailers. All attendees enter via Boone Road off Highway 247 (Old Woman Springs Road), the only official access point to the lakebed. From I-15, head east on Bear Valley Road (which becomes Highway 247) for about 55 miles, then turn onto Boone Road. From I-10, take Highway 62 to Yucca Valley and connect to Highway 247 northwest for about 25 miles to Boone Road. BLM dispersed camping lets you park your RV directly on the Means Dry Lakebed close to the action at no cost. Arrive early in event week to secure the best spot, and observe the 15 MPH speed limit on Boone Road and in Hammertown.
kingofthehammers.com/attend/

What races and experiences can I expect at King of the Hammers?

King of the Hammers is a full two-week off-road racing festival with action on the lakebed every day. The centerpiece is the Ultra4 4400 Race of Kings, a grueling 165-mile course combining flat-out desert racing and extreme rock crawling that only the most capable custom-built vehicles can finish in under 14 hours. Other events include the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship, the Yokohama Every Man Challenge, King of the Motos (hard enduro motorcycles), and the Toyo Desert Invitational for trophy trucks. Beyond the racing, Hammertown itself is a massive off-road trade show with vendors, sponsor activations, and a passionate community from around the world. The raw, electric atmosphere on the lakebed is unlike any other motorsport event you will experience.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_the_Hammers

What is the weather like at King of the Hammers and what should I pack?

Johnson Valley sits in the high Mojave Desert and the event runs late January through early February, so expect true high-desert winter conditions: daytime temperatures can reach the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, while nights drop well below freezing. Pack plenty of layers you can add and remove throughout the day, a warm hat and gloves for cold mornings, and waterproof outerwear since wind and occasional rain are possible. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential once the desert sun is up. Dust on the dry lakebed can be intense on windy days, so bring a buff or dust mask. Your RV's heating system will be your best friend at night: test it before you leave home and bring extra blankets just in case. Cell service is very limited in Johnson Valley, so download offline maps and carry a dedicated GPS unit.
kingofthehammers.com/attend/

Is King of the Hammers family-friendly and can I bring my kids?

Families are very welcome at King of the Hammers, and kids who love trucks, dirt, and racing will have an incredible time on the lakebed. There is even a dedicated KoH Kids 170 race for young off-road riders, making it a genuinely exciting day for children and parents alike. The open setting of Hammertown gives plenty of room to explore the vendor show and cheer on your favorite race class. Keep in mind the terrain is rugged desert, so pack sturdy footwear for dirt and rocks. During active race periods, keep children in supervised safe areas and well away from the racecourse. An RV is especially practical for families, giving kids a warm, familiar base to rest and recharge between the action-packed moments out on the Means Dry Lakebed.
kingofthehammers.com

Is food and drink available at Hammertown during King of the Hammers?

Yes, Hammertown has a vendor show with food options available on-site throughout the event. You can also pre-order ice from Rocky Mountain Ice, the official on-site ice vendor, by calling or texting 323-371-7913 or emailing [email protected]. That said, one of the best reasons to rent an RV for King of the Hammers is having your own kitchen on the lakebed: cook your own meals, keep drinks cold, and skip the vendor lines entirely. Stock up on groceries before you arrive, since Yucca Valley and Victorville both have full supermarkets while Johnson Valley itself has almost no services. Filling your RV's fresh water tank before arriving is also strongly recommended given the remote desert location.
kingofthehammers.com/participant-faq-jan2026/

What types of RVs are allowed at King of the Hammers and are there size restrictions?

Most RV types are welcome at King of the Hammers, and the graded dirt roads and open lakebed accommodate travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes of various sizes. There is no published general length restriction for spectator camping on the BLM lakebed, though keep in mind that roads are dirt and gravel and conditions can vary with weather. Toy haulers are especially popular here since many attendees bring their own off-road vehicles to explore the Johnson Valley OHV Area between races. For any vendor or sponsored camp inside the fenced Hammertown area, contact Hammerking Productions through kingofthehammers.com for specific space requirements. All vehicles on BLM land must carry valid registration or a temporary off-highway vehicle (OHV) permit, and the speed limit on Boone Road and in Hammertown is 15 MPH.
kingofthehammers.com/attend/

Can I have an RV delivered to King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley?

Yes, RVezy hosts in the area offer delivery, and a search for Lucerne Valley, California on RVezy with delivery enabled returns over 370 listings from hosts who will bring the RV directly to you. Visit rvezy.com and search Lucerne Valley, California with the delivery filter on to browse available rigs from nearby hosts in Hesperia, Apple Valley, Victorville, and surrounding communities. This is an excellent option if you are flying into Los Angeles or Palm Springs and want to skip towing a trailer out to the desert. A toy hauler or travel trailer delivered to the area serves as a perfect base camp for King of the Hammers. Book as early as possible since demand during event week is high and the best rigs fill up well in advance.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Lucerne%20Valley%2C%20California&Delivery

Can I camp on-site at King of the Hammers with my RV?

Camping directly on the Means Dry Lakebed is one of the defining experiences of King of the Hammers, and it is both allowed and free. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Johnson Valley permits dispersed camping anywhere that does not block a road, for up to 14 consecutive nights, with no reservation required. This means you can position your RV on the open desert floor, within sight and earshot of the racecourse, for the entire event. There are no hookups on the lakebed, so come self-contained with your own water, propane, and a generator or solar setup. Private campgrounds with showers and restrooms are available nearby in the Johnson Valley area for those wanting amenities. Per official event rules, camp at least 200 feet from the active racecourse at all times.
kingofthehammers.com/attend/

What are my lodging options near King of the Hammers if I prefer not to camp on the lakebed?

The closest towns with hotels and full services are Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, both about 25 to 30 miles from Hammertown, and they fill up quickly during event week so book well in advance. Private campgrounds in the Johnson Valley area offer paid sites with amenities such as showers, restrooms, and in some cases laundry facilities, at a range of nightly rates. Barstow, about 30 miles north via I-15, has a broader selection of hotels if closer options are full. No matter where you base yourself, renting an RV through RVezy solves the lodging challenge entirely: your accommodations travel with you, whether you park on the BLM lakebed or at a nearby campground. Search rvezy.com early for the best selection of rigs from Southern California hosts.
blm.gov/visit/johnson-valley-ohv-area

Are there accessibility services for attendees with mobility needs at King of the Hammers?

King of the Hammers takes place on the Means Dry Lakebed, which is flat and broad, making it generally navigable on firm ground, though surfaces are unpaved desert dirt and gravel rather than paved paths. Port-a-potty rentals and sanitation services are available through Diamond Environmental Services both inside and outside the Hammertown fence line; contact [email protected] for rental details. For specific accessibility questions or accommodation requests, reach out to Hammerking Productions through kingofthehammers.com before the event. An RV is a real advantage for attendees with mobility or comfort needs, providing a private restroom, your own bed, and a controlled environment right on-site. Arriving early in the week gives you the best selection of flat, accessible camping spots close to Hammertown.
kingofthehammers.com/participant-faq-jan2026/

What should first-time attendees know before heading to King of the Hammers with an RV?

First-timers are in for an unforgettable experience, and a little preparation makes all the difference on the lakebed. Fill your RV's water tank, fuel, and propane before leaving civilization since Johnson Valley has virtually no services. Download offline maps or bring paper maps and a GPS unit, as cell service in the area is very limited. Complete your event waiver in advance at hammerking.speedwaiver.com to avoid long lines at the gate: the name on your waiver must match your admission exactly. A race band radio is popular on-site for following live race commentary across the open lakebed. Bring a tow strap and a basic recovery kit since desert floors can be soft in spots, and helping each other out is very much the spirit of the King of the Hammers community.
kingofthehammers.com/attend/

What are the key safety rules to know at King of the Hammers?

Knowing the rules before you arrive keeps your King of the Hammers trip safe and smooth. Stay at least 150 feet from the active racecourse at all times and never position yourself on the outside of a turn or downhill from an obstacle. All vehicles on BLM land must have valid registration or a temporary off-highway vehicle (OHV) permit. DUI laws apply both on and off-road, and checkpoints are in place on Boone Road and the lakebed. Speed limits are 15 MPH on Boone Road and in Hammertown, and 20 MPH at remote pit locations. Fireworks, drones, and laser pointers are prohibited at all times. Dogs must be leashed and children must stay in supervised safe areas during active races. The surrounding desert also contains open mine shafts: stay well clear of them.
kingofthehammers.com/attend/

How does RVezy support me if something goes wrong during my King of the Hammers rental?

Renting through RVezy for King of the Hammers means real support from a platform built for RV renters. RVezy offers protection plans for both renters and owners to cover unexpected incidents, so you can focus on enjoying the race rather than worrying about what-ifs. The RVezy mobile app lets you manage your booking, message your host, and access all trip details before you hit the highway to Johnson Valley. If an issue arises before, during, or after your rental, RVezy's customer service team is available to help you work through it. Full details on protection plans, the claims process, and how to reach support are available in the RVezy Help Center at help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us. Heading to King of the Hammers with an RVezy rental means your desert adventure is backed every step of the way.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us