If you are attending Gem-O-Rama in Trona California this is the place to stay. Most people do, usually you'll be amongst several hundred other campers. Located about 5 miles north along 178 this wee campground is dry desolate and parched. But it's the desert!!!!! For only $5 we were able to pitch our tent anywhere in the overflow parking lot. We arrived at night, around 8:30pm and a super friendly and nice sheriff something (I couldn't really read the patch well) chatted with us and registered our vehicle. After setting up our tent, we went in search of the bathrooms, and noticed that they have a swing set, an empty area where once a pool was, there are restrooms and portable toilets, fresh water at 3 faucets, an outdoor shower to wash the salt and mud off after field trips, and a trash receptacle. There are also tennis courts where some other camper had set up a projector showing Alvin and the Chipmunks. Kids were running around playing soccer under the fluorescent street lamps but everyone seemed to quiet down around 10pm (which is the quiet time) and I was able to hear coyotes nearby. It got really cold at night, so I recommend bringing extra blankets and dressing warmly. There are only barrel fires allowed here, no ground fires and sadly we didn't have time nor a barrel to have a fire. Literally we walked around for a little while, marveled at the stars and then went to bed having to be up at 6AM to get in line for pancakes and register for our field trip back in town. What I liked about this site, is that they let you set up where you wanted. We were able to find a place as far away from the 100 or so boy scouts as we could. I probably wouldn't camp here under any other circumstances than for Gem-O-Rama. http://www.yelp.com/biz/gem-o-rama-searles-valley But it's perfect for this event! read more