About Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA
Horse Thief Camp, Horsethief Spring and Amethyst Trail are all located within the Tecopa Pass Historic Trails Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). The area was originally named by surveyors in honor of the legendary Chief Walkara (a.k.a. Chief Walker), a member of a Ute Tribe. Walkara was a skilled hunter and horseman. He was nomadic and traveled over great distance, from Utah to California, often utilizing the nearby Old Spanish Trail. Able to speak numerous languages, he was well respected by whomever meant him. He proved to be a very skilled negotiator and helped negotiate peace between Utah settlers and Native Americans in 1853. However, he is most remembered for the hundreds of horses and mules his band captures from the Spanish Ranches in the Cajon Pass area of Southern California. His band of warriors escaped from California traveling across the Mojave Desert, it is believed he hid out near the Springs in the Kingston Mountains before pushing the horses east for sale to travelers on the Old Spanish Trail, settlers in Utah and the military. It is believed that he traded regularly with such people as Pegleg Smith and Brigham Young and that his scouts shared the water route through the Kingston Wash with the U.S. military. This campground is a first-come first-served area, with three single and one double campsite. Tables and fire grates are provided at each campsite. A vault toilet is located in the center of the campground. There is no fire wood or potable water available. Bring a sufficient supply of each for your use.
How to Get There
Horse Thief Camp is located approximately 1 hour west of Primm, Nevada and 30 minutes north of the Mojave Preserve and Interstate 15. To reach the campground exit Interstate 15 at Cima Road. Travel north on Cima Road for approximately 12 where you will reach a split in the road. Kingston Road is the the Right and Excelsior Mine Road is to the left. Stay left. Follow Excelsior Mine Road for approximately 14.5 miles until you see an informational sign and restroom building on the right. You have reached your destinations.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA
Heading to Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA?
No central reservation system listed for Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14858) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA?
Horse Thief Camp is located approximately 1 hour west of Primm, Nevada and 30 minutes north of the Mojave Preserve and Interstate 15. To reach the campground exit Interstate 15 at Cima Road. Travel north on Cima Road for approximately 12 where you will reach a split in the road. Kingston Road is the the Right and Excelsior Mine Road is to the left. Stay left. Follow Excelsior Mine Road for approxi…
How do I contact Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA?
You can reach the park at phone: 760-326-7000 or email: BLM_CA_Web_NE@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
