Marl Springs

The Marl Springs campground is located six miles from Kelso in San Bernardino County, California. It was garrisoned by the Army in 1867 from Rock Spring to Camp Cady and was occupied by the Army until 1868. The area was rarely inhabited by large numbers of troops, but it was considered an important outpost for travel across the Mojave Desert. There were also a number of trading posts in the area. The area is now inhabited by a number of deserted structures and ruined buildings, giving it a ghost town feeling. To reach the area, travelers should head out on the Rainbow Wells road about two and half miles to the Marl Mountains. The roads in the area are impassable, but you can make it to the survey market that is located near the spring. There are two dugouts in the area that are thought to have been living quarters for soldiers. One of them features a chimney that was used to let smoke escape from the indoor fires set in the space. As you might guess, the springs were a popular stopping point on trek through the Mojave, offering companionship, a place to sleep, and of course fresh spring water to travelers. Soldiers would fill their kegs and have plenty of water for the remaining part of their journey.