Belle Campground

4.57

112 reviews

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park#3 Joshua Tree Desert Camping California

Quick Facts

3,800 ft

Price

$12.5 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Closed in summer bet...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,800 ft

Price

$12.5 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Closed in summer bet...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Belle Campground

$12.50 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard campsite fee is $25 per night, with discounted rates of $12.50 available for holders of Senior or Access passes. Fees must be paid at an...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

760-367-3001jotr_info@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 112 reviews

147 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietsites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Belle Campground are generally positive, highlighting its quiet and scenic atmosphere, proximity to large rocks for climbing, and opportunities for stargazing. However, some users mention issues with noisy neighbors and overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Belle Campground

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Driving directionsFrom the North Entrance: Continue along Park Blvd and turn left onto Pinto Basin Road. Drive approximately 1.5 miles south along Pinto Basin Road. Turn left into Belle Campground at the Belle Campground sign. From the West Entrance: Drive along Park Blvd and turn right onto Pinto Basin Road. Turn left into Belle Campground at the Belle Campground sign. From the South: Drive north on Pinto Basin Road. Turn right at Belle Campground.

The campground can be accessed via paved roads from major park entrances, but they are remote and can require significant driving distances within Joshua Tree National Park.

Nearby places

Twentynine Palms (5 miles, 10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are in Twentynine Palms (5 miles away), where visitors can find grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Belle Campground

The desert seasons paint Belle Campground in dramatically different moods throughout the year. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, when daytime temperatures hover around a perfect 85°F before dropping to crisp 50°F nights ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms the landscape into a more subdued palette, with pleasant 60°F days giving way to freezing nights that demand warm sleeping bags and hot cocoa. The intense summer heat, regularly soaring above 100°F, prompts the campground's annual hiatus from June through August—nature's way of preserving this special place for cooler adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Campground closed June 1–September 1 due to extreme heat.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in CA

Fall is a golden season with comfortable temps and is part of the peak visiting window (Oct–May).

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring called a golden season with ~85°F daytime temps and ideal visiting conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Open in winter; good stargazing and cooler, pleasant conditions (no winter sports expected).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: October-May.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Closed in summer between June 1 - September 1. Open during fall, winter, and spring.
Current Alerts: None explicitly stated.

About Belle Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, Belle Campground offers an intimate desert escape where just 18 sites nestle among ancient rock formations at 3,800 feet elevation. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year (closing only during peak summer months), inviting adventurers to claim their spot beneath some of the darkest skies in Southern California. While you'll find the essentials—pit toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings—the campground maintains its wild character without running water, ensuring a true backcountry experience where self-sufficiency meets spectacular scenery.

Belle Campground is a primitive campsite with no reservations. It accommodates both tent and smaller RV camping but does not offer group or cabin lodging.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert seasons paint Belle Campground in dramatically different moods throughout the year. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, when daytime temperatures hover around a perfect 85°F before dropping to crisp 50°F nights ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms the landscape into a more subdued palette, with pleasant 60°F days giving way to freezing nights that demand warm sleeping bags and hot cocoa. The intense summer heat, regularly soaring above 100°F, prompts the campground's annual hiatus from June through August—nature's way of preserving this special place for cooler adventures.

ElevationPerched at 3,800 feet above sea level, Belle Campground enjoys a privileged position in the high desert, where the air feels noticeably cooler and crisper than the scorching valleys below. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that supports a fascinating blend of desert and mountain species, while offering respite from the intense heat that characterizes lower elevations of the Mojave.

Natural Features and SceneryBelle Campground immerses visitors in a quintessential high desert dreamscape where twisted Joshua trees stand sentinel among massive granite boulders weathered into fantastic shapes. By day, watch roadrunners dart between juniper groves and prickly pear cacti, while golden eagles soar overhead. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into an astronomer's paradise, where the Milky Way stretches across an ink-black canvas unmarred by city lights. Desert dwellers like coyotes may serenade the night, while cautious campers keep watch for the occasional rattlesnake—reminders that this landscape remains wonderfully wild.

Geological RegionBelle Campground sits within one of the Mojave Desert's most captivating geological theaters, where ancient granite monoliths rise from sandy washes at 3,800 feet elevation. This high desert ecosystem represents millions of years of geological artistry—massive plutons pushed up from the earth's depths, then sculpted by wind and weather into the whimsical boulder gardens that define Joshua Tree's iconic landscape. The namesake Joshua trees, those Dr. Seuss-like sentinels of the desert, thrive in this elevation's cooler temperatures, creating an otherworldly forest that seems lifted from another planet.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights between October-May, 30 days total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are varied in size and integrated into granite rock formations, providing privacy and scenic views.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely first-come, first-served year-round. Sites fill quickly, especially in peak season.

Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served basis; no advanced reservation or cancellation policies applicable.

AccessibilityThe campground does not have ADA-accessible campsites. Roads and campsites are unpaved and uneven. Paths to bathrooms are paved, but the road to these paths is not.

Site SizeSite sizes vary, with some sites being spacious enough for smaller RVs (up to 27 feet) while others are more compact. Many sites are nestled among large granite boulders.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some sites are tucked into rock formations offering seclusion, while others are close to neighboring campsites.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #15 is praised for its large space, quietness, and beautiful rock surroundings. Site #2 is another favorite for its secluded nature.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Belle Campground offers activities like stargazing, climbing around rock formations, and hiking. It is known for its exceptional dark skies, making it a top choice for stargazing enthusiasts.

HikingSeveral trails are accessible nearby. Campers have also explored the rocks within the campground.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

BikingThe California Hiking and Riding Trail is near the campground and accessible for biking.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as coyotes and roadrunners can be observed. Campers have also encountered snakes, including rattlesnakes.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, extreme heat, and high fire danger. Campers should exercise caution when hiking or climbing.

Active AlertsNone explicitly stated.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed only in designated fire rings or grills. Park vegetation cannot be gathered for firewood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are None explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include hospitals and ranger stations in Twentynine Palms, approximately 5 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection is available year-round. Recycle stations are located alongside trash containers.

Water FeaturesNo water features nearby.

Camp HostNo campground hosts onsite.

Weather at Belle Campground

Reviews

4.6

112 reviews

Top-Rated

Belle Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Belle Campground are generally positive, highlighting its quiet and scenic atmosphere, proximity to large rocks for climbing, and opportunities for stargazing. However, some users mention issues with noisy neighbors and overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 112 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the beautiful rock formations, quiet setting, and spectacular stargazing. Sites #2 and #15 are specifically praised for their privacy and positioning among rocks.

Based on 112 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from other campers, limited shade, lack of water, and occasionally improper behavior by neighbors. Some campers also found the site's first-come, first-served system...

Based on 112 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site as the campground fills quickly. Bring sufficient water, as there is no potable water on-site. Sites closer to the rocks, like #15, offer better privacy.

Based on 112 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer tends to be extremely hot and the campground is typically closed from June 1 to September 1. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit due to moderate temperatures.

Based on 112 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Incredible sunsets and sunrises, the stars are stunning and beautiful rock formations." - Ian Davis. "A-MAZING campsite. And if you're lucky enough to camp in spot #15, you majorly scored." - Renee...

Based on 112 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #15 is highly praised for its large size and privacy. Site #2 is also mentioned as a favorite. Some noted that smaller sites can feel cramped.

Based on 112 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsites are uneven and unpaved, making them less accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. The path to the bathroom is paved but not easily reachable from unpaved roads.

Based on 112 reviews