Reserve your campsite and get your KOH tickets in one step!
KoH Bronco Basecamp will be hosted February 7-9 in Johnson Valley, CA. We’re planning good food, great trail rides, Chase the Race drives, campfire chats, and more of behind-the-scenes special activities and opportunities Bronco Nation loves getting to share with members!
The King of the Hammers (KOH) is coming around once again in February and will be here before you know it. If you are reading this and wondering what KOH is, you can check out last year’s story on this event. This will be the 3rd year in a row we have attended, and it is now something we look forward to when the winter has taken over here in Colorado.
Something I have found interesting when chatting with Bronco Nation members about KOH is how many responses including something like, “That’s one event I’m not ever interested in attending.”
If that too has been your response when you’ve seen KOH on the calendar, I’d like to share a bit with you on why Brian and I love this crazy event and challenge you to think about whether you’d like to try it someday, at least once.
The Unique Appeal of Johnson Valley
Johnson Valley, where KOH is held, is a huge, open OHV area encompassing 96,000 acres and is located about 60 miles north of Palm Springs, California. For most of the year, it’s a remote, uninhabited stretch of desert where you’re more likely to encounter solitude than people.
My first introduction to the area was during the Rebelle Rally, where my co-driver first shared with me how the empty lakebed, we were driving across would transform into Hammertown, a bustling pop-up city accommodating over 100,000 enthusiasts. With temporary restaurants, brewpubs, stores, and even creature comforts like showers and massages, Hammertown epitomizes organized chaos.
Dubbed by some as the "Burning Man of off-road racing," the event often feels like a funky, desert party, but to stop there would be a disservice to what KOH truly offers. Having attended the event for the past two years and stayed at the Bronco Nation basecamp in Hammertown Heights, I can confidently say there’s a lot more to the King of the Hammers than meets the eye and here are some reasons you should join us.
Motorsports Madness
If you’re a fan of motorsports, KOH is a dream come true. The event packs an extraordinary amount of racing action into just a few days and you can literally watch races from your camp site. Unlike other high-profile motorsport events, you can get remarkably close to the action and check out iconic obstacles like Chocolate Thunder and Backdoor, just steps away from the racers.
From Ultra4’s high-speed desert sprints to VW bugs, OHVs, and races incorporating rock crawling like the Every Man Challenge and the grand finale, the Race of Kings. Jumbotrons and food trucks dot the course, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Trail Rides
Being in Johnson Valley is also being in the testing grounds for the new Bronco and Bronco Sport. No visit to KOH would be complete without taking an incredible trail drive across dry lakebeds to the rocky climbs of Bronco Knoll or Bronco Sport Summit, both of which have their coordinates stamped on the Broncos.
Additionally, going with experts who understand the racecourse and where to see the action can be an awesome trail ride. Driving your own Bronco to the edge of Turkey Claw and then high above the action to see the racers reach 100mph is a fun way to get the best of both worlds. These trail rides are often called, “Chase the Race”, and take groups to the best spots at the best times to catch our favorite racers and rigs.
When races are not taking place, many obstacles are open for public use, allowing you to test your mettle (or watch the spectacle) on the same courses as the pros. Watching champions tackle Chocolate Thunder during the day and then trying it yourself in the evening is an experience that’s hard to top.
Hundreds, if not thousands of people, show up at these obstacles at night. This is not my cup of tea but if you want to immerse in the crazy, then an evening at Chocolate Thunder should be on your list.
Community and Camaraderie
KOH isn’t just about the races; it’s also about the people and everyone is here. From fellow Bronco owners, Ford executives and engineers, to the racers themselves, the event fosters a spirit of camaraderie.
Staying in the Bronco Nation basecamp, located in Hammertown Heights, was a real highlight and offered me stunning views of the start/finish line and the Bronco Arch, as well as the opportunity to connect with like-minded enthusiasts. It’s a place where you can swap stories, gain insights, and even pick up some trail-riding tips.
It’s not uncommon to find racers like Loren Healey, Brad Lovell, and Vohn Gittin Jr participating with guests in Campfire Chats, trail rides, and bringing their race trucks directly from the race to share their stories and pose for photos.
Camping at Bronco Nation Basecamp
Camping at KOH isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s part of the adventure and a safer way to enjoy this adventure is at the Bronco Nation Basecamp, where we camped for the last 2 years. The entire area is fenced in and secure with organized spots and even “streets” and provided many amenities including porta potties, some meals, a common area with a tent and tables, and a few evening campfires. The camp is separated into tent and RV areas and has offered rental units in the past for those lacking the camping equipment.
The nights can be loud, with fireworks, revving engines, and yes, maybe even the occasional gunfire so investment in good ear plugs (I use Ear Angels) that you can sleep with is a critical component.
And, for those who are ready to embrace the experience, camping offers unparalleled convenience and immersion. While some opt to stay in nearby towns like Yucca Valley or Palm Springs, I’ve found that camping—especially with our well-equipped camper—adds to the fun and eliminates that daily commute.
Just Do It
King of the Hammers is not for everyone. It’s loud, chaotic, and demands a willingness to expect and embrace the unexpected. But for those who love motorsports, off-roading, and the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers, it’s an experience like no other and something worth trying, at least once.
Bring your earplugs, find a safe and comfortable place to camp (hopefully at Bronco Nation Basecamp), and prepare to be blown away by the sheer energy and scale of the event.
I’ll be there again this February, ready to soak in the excitement and adventure. Will I see you there?
Comments
You must log in or register to post here.