You will be responsible for charges, usually cash to get towed from dirt to pavement. About one hour west of the preserve on I 15. Desert Information Center run by BLM is on the Barstow Rd exit. This is a very well maintained Vis center for the desert areas in general. Maps, books and photos can be purchased here.
Full services exist in Barstow.
The gateway to Death Valley is also the gateway to the preserve. Gas, food, auto repairs, motel accomodations and a Vis center all exist here. It could be used as your base of ops during trips to the preserve if concentrating on the northern end, especially if using my guidebook. Snacks, small trailer park, camping, phone. Night Photography in the Mojave Desert, April 12-14, registration deadline is April 9.