Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Star4.26
89 reviews
9800 Black Rock Canyon Road
Stargazing

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Black Rock Equestrian Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Equestrian campsites are priced at $35 per night during peak seasons. Additional costs may apply for park entrance fees ($30 per vehicle).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
760-367-5554cynthia_libby@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 89 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswell-maintained

"User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, excellent trail access, and spacious sites but commonly express concerns over the lack of amenities like additional water spigots, restrooms, and corrals."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Black Rock Equestrian Campground

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Driving directionsTake Interstate 10 to Route 62 into the town of Yucca Valley. Turn south on Joshua Lane and follow signs to campground, about five miles from the turn. If coming south on Highway 247, go straight across Highway 62 and continue onto Joshua Lane. There will be no sign for the park as you cross Route 62.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading from Highway 62 and Highway 247. However, there are concerns about navigation signs, as one user review mentions being directed to a private residence due to incorrect address information provided.
Nearby places
Yucca Valley (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, showers, laundry facilities, and other amenities are available in Yucca Valley, about 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Time your visit between October and May when the desert transforms into a rider's paradise, with comfortable daytime temperatures hovering between 70°F and 90°F—perfect for long trail rides through the Joshua trees. As the sun sets behind the rocky outcrops, temperatures dip to a crisp 40°F-60°F, creating ideal conditions for campfire gatherings. One December visitor wisely noted the necessity of bringing horse blankets for those chilly desert nights at elevation. Summer months bring scorching heat that makes riding uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, transforming this bustling equestrian camp into a quiet off-season retreat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Summers are off-season due to high desert heat; visitors avoid summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Recommended seasonal window Oct–May; fall offers comfortable daytime temps for riding.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring within Oct–May window; pleasant daytime temps favorable for trail riding.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Winter popular with mild days for riding; reviews and winter_rating signal are positive.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; reservations required.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans and mention of limited amenities such as water spigots and portable toilets. "FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills."

About Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Saddle up for an unforgettable camping experience at Black Rock Equestrian Campground, where the high desert meets horse country in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. This specialized equestrian haven welcomes riders and their four-legged companions exclusively—horses are mandatory for all reservations, and arriving without them means forfeiting your stay without refund. Set within an enchanting Joshua tree forest, this primitive campground offers essential amenities for horse camping including sturdy hitching posts and convenient shared water sources. Best of all, you'll have direct access to trails reserved solely for equestrian adventurers, allowing you and your horse to explore the desert's raw beauty without competing with hikers or mountain bikers.
Black Rock Equestrian Campground is strictly for equestrian camping, featuring primitive amenities and requiring campers to bring horses or mules.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in: Noon
Check-out
Check-out: Noon
Stay Limit
  • Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during specific periods
  • maximum total stay per year is 30 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Black Rock Equestrian Campground offers activities catered to equestrians, such as horseback riding on scenic trails. Other recreational options include wildlife viewing, hiking, and interpretive programs.
HikingTrail access is directly available from the campground, offering 'near limitless adventure' for equestrians. Trails are strictly for horses, with some reviews praising new signage and well-maintained routes.
Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities to observe desert wildlife, including species such as lizards, ravens, and desert tortoises. Birders may enjoy the variety of bird species.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are available, and trail maps can be accessed through the NPS app or Visitor Center.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as rattlesnakes, scorpions, and coyotes. "Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however, they are rarely seen near humans."
Active AlertsSeasonal fire bans and mention of limited amenities such as water spigots and portable toilets. "FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills."

Weather at Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Reviews

4.3
89 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Black Rock Equestrian Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, excellent trail access, and spacious sites but commonly express concerns over the lack of amenities like additional water spigots, restrooms, and corrals.
Review Summaries
Based on 89 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the beautiful trails, quiet atmosphere, and clean facilities. Many appreciate the addition of corrals and hitching posts and describe the campground as spacious and well-maintained.
Based on 89 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of restrooms within the equestrian area, insufficient water sources, and limited shade. Some users reported issues with reservation systems and interactions with...
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Based on 89 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing long hoses and hose splitters due to the single water spigot, using portable panels for horses, and preparing for seasonal weather changes such as cold and wind during...
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Based on 89 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The winter season is popular among campers due to mild daytime temperatures, although nighttime can be cold, requiring preparations for horses. Summers are noted as off-season due to high desert heat.
Based on 89 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great trails to ride. Camping area is just a large, open dirt area with some hitching posts, picnic tables, fire rings and ONE water spigot for all to share." – Roy M, Nov. 2020 "Black Rock...
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Based on 89 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews frequently mention the spaciousness of sites and issues with water accessibility due to the single spigot. Loop: Horse Sites is often described as peaceful but lacking in...
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Based on 89 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is a concern among some users, as they request easier access to restrooms and additional water sources. The campground's layout can be challenging for older or disabled campers.
Based on 89 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground but must be leashed and are not permitted on trails. Some users mention the lack of amenities for pets compared to other campgrounds.
Based on 89 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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