How much does camping cost at Black Rock Equestrian Campground?

Camping fees at Black Rock Equestrian 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 Equestrian Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Rock Equestrian 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 Equestrian Campground before I book?

Yes! Black Rock Equestrian Campground has 8 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 Equestrian Campground?

Black Rock Equestrian 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 Equestrian Campground?

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

How many campsites does Black Rock Equestrian Campground have?

Black Rock Equestrian Campground has 20 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 Equestrian Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Rock Equestrian 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 Equestrian Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Black Rock Equestrian Campground?

Popular activities at Black Rock Equestrian Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Rock Equestrian Campground

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

Fire policies at Black Rock Equestrian 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.

4.26

89 reviews

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Top 9% in CAWinter

Featured in:Joshua Tree Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Black Rock Equestrian Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554cynthia_libby@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Black Rock Equestrian Campground

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Campground Map

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Black Rock Equestrian Campground

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Nearby places

Yucca Valley (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes).

Weather at Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Current alerts(11)

Access into the main portion of the park is via the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Access by vehicle requires a park entrance fee of $30 in addition to the camping fee. Passes can be purchased ahead of time here
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.

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable conditions for extended horse rides and quiet camping at Black Rock — daytime highs are commonly in the mid-50s to low-70s°F (≈50–72°F) with crisp nights often in the 30s–40s°F. Trails through dense Joshua tree forests and granite boulder gardens are at their quietest, making wildlife viewing, photography, and long loop rides especially rewarding. Crowd levels are generally lower than spring and fall weekends, but be prepared for freezing nights, occasional win Peak months: January, February, March Avoid: June, July, August

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 9% in CA

Popular in winter; mild days, users report riding (and occasional snow) here.

Planning Tips

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

About Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Black Rock Equestrian Campground sits in Joshua Tree National Park's northwestern corner, operated by the National Park Service as a dedicated horse camping area with corrals and hitching posts. The campground occupies mid-elevation terrain among dense Joshua tree forests and granite boulder gardens, offering direct trail access for extended rides through the park's quieter backcountry. Winter brings the most comfortable riding conditions, with crisp mornings and mild afternoons ideal for wildlife viewing and photography along loop trails.

Black Rock Equestrian Campground is strictly for equestrian camping, featuring primitive amenities and requiring campers to bring horses or mules.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable conditions for extended horse rides and quiet camping at Black Rock — daytime highs are commonly in the mid-50s to low-70s°F (≈50–72°F) with crisp nights often in the 30s–40s°F. Trails through dense Joshua tree forests and granite boulder gardens are at their quietest, making wildlife viewing, photography, and long loop rides especially rewarding. Crowd levels are generally lower than spring and fall weekends, but be prepared for freezing nights, occasional win Peak months: January, February, March Avoid: June, July, August

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 4,000 feet where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, surrounded by one of the park's thickest Joshua tree forests. Massive granite boulders scatter across the landscape in jumbled formations, creating rock gardens and hidden valleys shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. Joshua trees provide scattered shade across the otherwise open terrain. Wildlife includes coyotes, ravens, and lizards. Spring wildflowers color the desert floor, though the signature feature remains those twisted, spiky trees against weathered granite.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available within the equestrian campground.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs are available, and trail maps can be accessed through the NPS app or Visitor Center.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during specific periods
maximum total stay per year is 30 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per equestrian campsite not explicitly defined.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned as available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to campers with disabilities are not mentioned. Some user reviews request improvements such as easier access to restrooms and water sources.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, accommodating large rigs and trailers, with a mix of open space and some shade provided by Joshua trees.

PrivacySites provide limited privacy due to the open layout of the equestrian campground, which is described as a large dirt lot.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesTake a hose splitter and long hoses... Otherwise it can be quite a haul from the other corrals." Sites closer to hitching posts and water spigots are preferable.

Best CampsitesSites near the corrals and water bib draw recommendations from repeat visitors. The layout doesn't offer much variation beyond proximity to these features.

Need help booking Black Rock Equestrian Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Rock Equestrian Campground is primarily designed for horse campers and offers basic amenities suitable for equestrians, including fire rings, picnic tables, a shared water faucet, hitching posts, and dumpsters for manure and trash. Flush toilets and a dump station are available in the adjacent family campground, but there are no restrooms or showers specifically within the equestrian area.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

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.

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 manure dumpsters are provided. Some users recommend adding dumpsters at the far end of the campground to improve convenience.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly stated, but some user reviews mention marginal cell coverage.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.3

89 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're bringing horses and want direct access to Joshua Tree's backcountry trails with corral facilities and a quiet atmosphere.

Skip if

You're tent or RV camping without horses, or you need bathroom facilities directly in the equestrian camping area.

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4.1

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Black Rock Campground

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

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.