Restrictions on camping outside Hammertown

[TRent8]

Got word recently that camping outside the Hammertown entry gate is now off limits. Kind of a bummer, because that it was a nice spot if you didn't want to mess with the crowds inside or pay for one of the premium areas. I've set up out there a few times with my '18 CanAm Maverick X3 and it was always nice being able to rip straight into the open desert without weaving through a sea of RVs. just sad!
Are there still decent spots nearby that won't get you ticketed or chased off, who knows?

 

[Courier06]

Got word recently that camping outside the Hammertown entry gate is now off limits. Kind of a bummer, because that it was a nice spot if you didn't want to mess with the crowds inside or pay for one of the premium areas. I've set up out there a few times with my '18 CanAm Maverick X3 and it was always nice being able to rip straight into the open desert without weaving through a sea of RVs. just sad!
Are there still decent spots nearby that won't get you ticketed or chased off, who knows?

It's not surprising they're starting to lock down the area outside the gate. Where did this info come from? Was it an official BLM notice or just chatter on another site? Every year, King of the Hammers gets bigger. With more people come more problems and land managers impose new rules. Finding a new "decent spot" right next to the entrance will be tough. Any good location is overrun and restricted by the next year. Your best bet is to use the official Johnson Valley OHV map. Find a legal spot a few miles away from the chaos. The convenience of parking at the entrance was bound to come to an end.