How much does camping cost at Black Rock Campground?

Camping fees at Black Rock Campground range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Rock Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Rock Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Rock Campground before I book?

Yes! Black Rock Campground has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Rock Campground?

Black Rock Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Rock Campground?

Black Rock Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Black Rock Campground?

Cell phone service at Black Rock Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Black Rock Campground have?

Black Rock Campground has 99 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Rock Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Rock Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Black Rock Campground?

Black Rock Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Black Rock Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Black Rock Campground?

Fire policies at Black Rock Campground: Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.13

1.6K reviews

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Top 11% in CASpring

CReport Card

Stargazing

Featured in:Joshua Tree Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service (NPS)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service (NPS)Official Website

Get Directions

Black Rock Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554cynthia_libby@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Black Rock Campground

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Nearby places

Yucca Valley (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Joshua Tree (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Palm Springs (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes)

Weather at Black Rock Campground

Current alerts(12)

All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator , jotr_permit_office@nps.gov
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!
FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills. NO Fires! Only gas or propane stoves are permitted. Starting June 15, ending October 1st of every year.
Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable temperatures and the signature Joshua Tree bloom—daytime highs are commonly in the 70s–mid 80s °F with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F—making long hikes and photography sessions pleasant. Trails, wildflower displays, and wildlife activity (lizards, birds, desert mammals) are at their peak, and the light for landscape photography is excellent. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays, but weekdays are peaceful. Peak months: April, March, May, November Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Best season: comfortable temps and Joshua tree bloom make spring the top time to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Black Rock Campground

Black Rock Campground sits in the northwestern corner of Joshua Tree National Park, a short drive from Yucca Valley. Managed by the National Park Service, this large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites amid a signature Joshua tree forest with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors hike nearby trails, watch for desert wildlife, and explore the park's iconic rock formations and spring wildflower displays.

The campground caters to RV and tent campers, with 99 individual sites available. It also includes designated areas for equestrian camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable temperatures and the signature Joshua Tree bloom—daytime highs are commonly in the 70s–mid 80s °F with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F—making long hikes and photography sessions pleasant. Trails, wildflower displays, and wildlife activity (lizards, birds, desert mammals) are at their peak, and the light for landscape photography is excellent. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays, but weekdays are peaceful. Peak months: April, March, May, November Avoid: July, August

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in one of the planet's densest Joshua tree forests, where the twisted, spiky silhouettes stretch in every direction. In spring, the Joshua trees bloom with creamy white flowers against a backdrop of weathered rock formations and distant mountain ranges. The 4,000-foot elevation provides views across the Mojave's sandy washes and rugged terrain. Coyotes appear at twilight, ravens circle overhead, and lizards dart between the rocks. The desert light changes by the hour, shifting from gold to pink across the ancient landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options such as cabins or lodges are not available at Black Rock Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe visitor center provides educational resources, and occasional ranger-led programs are available, but specifics are not detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site, 2 vehicles, and 3 tents.

Groups

Details regarding group camping sites are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsAvailable through Recreation.gov, via app, website, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground is moderately accessible, though some reviews indicate challenges with uneven terrain and unclear signage, which may affect mobility-impaired visitors.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, from spacious ones accommodating larger groups to smaller, narrower sites. Site descriptions like "huge" and "spacious" are common, although some sites are sloped and uneven.

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly, with some sites described as secluded and others very close together, leading to noise concerns.

Total Campsites99 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites on outer loops for more privacy and better views. Inner loop sites are closer together and less isolated.

Best CampsitesSite 80 gets praise for size and seclusion. Sites 45 and 99 offer scenic views across the Joshua tree forest. Reviewers recommend choosing shaded sites to escape the desert sun, though availability varies.

Need help booking Black Rock Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Black Rock Campground offers essential amenities catering to a range of camping needs. It provides flush toilets, potable drinking water, and a dump station, making it convenient for RV campers despite the lack of electric, water, and sewer hookups at individual sites. "The bathrooms are clean and functional, with flush toilets," noted one user, though some reported maintenance issues like closures and occasional cleanliness concerns. Campers can access fire pits and picnic tables at sites, but there are no showers or dishwashing stations on-site. Laundry facilities and showers are available in Yucca Valley, approximately five miles away. Reviews highlight the general state of disrepair of roads and some facilities, with numerous mentions of potholes and uneven terrain. A camp store is available and provides basic supplies, though firewood is not sold on-site.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Black Rock Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The campground's location among dense Joshua trees provides unique opportunities to explore the natural environment.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are dispersed throughout the campground. They are generally well-maintained, but dumpsters can fill quickly during peak seasons.

Cell CoverageThe campground offers cell phone service, which is a unique feature compared to other campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. Many campers appreciated the connectivity, particularly those needing to stay connected for work or emergencies.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Black Rock Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.1

1.6K reviews

Satisfactory

Black Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with many praising the natural beauty and accessibility of the campground but criticizing maintenance issues and noise from nearby campers. The roads and uneven sites are a frequent point of complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 1601 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights the convenience of amenities like flush toilets and potable water, the beauty of the Joshua tree forest, and proximity to trails. "This is a great campground, beautiful...

Based on 1601 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained roads, understaffing, and noisy campers who ignore quiet hours. "The roads are terrible, and not a level spot in the campground," one reviewer stated.

Based on 1601 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback varies, with some sites like #67 described as spacious and shady, while others are noted for being uneven or too close to neighbors.

Based on 1601 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend securing reservations well in advance, arriving before dark to navigate the poorly marked roads, and bringing firewood as it's not sold on-site. They also suggest choosing sites...

Based on 1601 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and early spring are favored for camping due to cooler temperatures, while summer months see fewer visitors due to extreme heat. Noise levels tend to be higher during weekends and peak seasons.

Based on 1601 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean and well stocked," one camper shared. Another noted, "The Joshua tree forest is stunning, and the stargazing is unparalleled."

Based on 1601 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are sparse, but uneven terrain and unclear signage are noted as potential challenges for visitors with disabilities.

Based on 1601 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviewers mentioned that off-leash pets and barking disrupted their experience.

Based on 1601 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Black Rock Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554cynthia_libby@nps.gov

Go if

You want an accessible, scenic spot and can pick a good site (like the shady, spacious #67 type) and roll with some rustic wear and tear.

Skip if

You need level ground, well-maintained roads, or guaranteed quiet, since noise from close neighbors is a common complaint.

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Campgrounds

Joshua Tree National Park

Black Rock Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 27% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 1,086 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Facilities
Grade B-.Things to do
Grade B-.Value

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade D.Getting there
Grade C-.Rules & policies

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

About Joshua Tree National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Black Rock Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself.

Directions

From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove. Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.

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Black Rock Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Black Rock Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Black Rock Campground

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock Campground

Planning Tips

About Black Rock Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Black Rock Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Whitewater Preserve

Mission Creek Preserve

Hidden Valley Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Black Rock Campground

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Black Rock Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearby alternatives

Whitewater Preserve

Mission Creek Preserve

Hidden Valley Campground