Jumbo Rocks Campground

Star4.55
1.2K reviews
74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA, 92277, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

4,380 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

124 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Joshua Tree National Park site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Jumbo Rocks Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsites cost $30 per night. A reduced rate of $15 per night is available for Senior and Access Pass holders. Additional fees include a $10...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
760-367-5554
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

1076 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"Jumbo Rocks Campground is highly rated for its stunning natural setting and unique rock formations. However, the lack of amenities such as water and cell service, and occasional noise complaints, are recurring themes in reviews."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Jumbo Rocks Campground

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

Driving directionsTake Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Jumbo Rocks is approximately 18 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east via Interstate 10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twentynine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Jumbo Rocks is approximately 8 miles from the entrance.
Accessible year-round. Roads leading to the campground are paved and well-maintained. Some sections may require careful navigation due to the desert terrain.
Nearby places
Twentynine Palms (12 miles, ~20 minutes), Joshua Tree (21 miles, ~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Basic amenities, including groceries, gas, and camping supplies, are available in Twentynine Palms (12 miles away). Potable water is accessible at the Oasis Visitor Center, 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground

The desert here follows its own rhythm of extremes. Winter nights wrap the campground in crisp, star-filled darkness with temperatures dipping to a refreshing 40-60°F, while days warm to a perfect hiking temperature of 70-90°F. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched wonderland where daytime temperatures soar above 100°F, creating shimmering heat waves across the rocks before cooling to pleasant 75°F evenings perfect for outdoor dining and storytelling.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Extreme summer heat; reviewers often avoid summer months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in CA

Peak season Oct–May; fall praised for mild temps and great hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in CA

Spring frequently called one of the best seasons for mild weather and trail use.

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

Open year-round; crisp, star-filled nights and pleasant daytime hiking temps most winters.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: October through May.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans from June 15 to October 1 prohibit wood or charcoal fires. Only propane stoves are allowed.

About Jumbo Rocks Campground

Rising from the high desert like ancient sentinels, Jumbo Rocks Campground stands as the crown jewel of Joshua Tree National Park's camping experiences. Here, massive boulder formations create a natural playground where families gather around evening campfires and rock climbing enthusiasts test their skills on sun-warmed granite. As darkness falls, the Milky Way emerges in stunning clarity above this centrally-located basecamp, transforming the desert into an open-air planetarium that leaves visitors speechless.
Jumbo Rocks Campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping. While it lacks modern amenities like hookups, it offers a quintessential desert camping experience with stunning natural landscapes.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Noon.
Check-out
Noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights during a visit, with restrictions limiting 14 nights from October-May. A 30-day yearly camping limit applies.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Jumbo Rocks Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, offering easy access to rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing. Campers frequently highlight the area's geological formations and opportunities for adventure.
HikingHiking is a popular activity at Jumbo Rocks, with direct access to trails like the Skull Rock and Split Rock Loop. Reviews often recommend sunset or sunrise hikes for optimal scenery.
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.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common, with desert species such as tarantulas, lizards, and coyotes often spotted. "Listening to coyotes howl at night" is a highlight for many campers.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms like stargazing talks at the amphitheater are occasionally hosted, providing educational insights into the desert and its ecosystem.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife includes rattlesnakes, scorpions, bobcats, and occasionally mountain lions. Visitors should exercise caution with desert flora and fauna.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire bans from June 15 to October 1 prohibit wood or charcoal fires. Only propane stoves are allowed.
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.

Weather at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Reviews

4.6
1.2K reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Jumbo Rocks Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Jumbo Rocks Campground is highly rated for its stunning natural setting and unique rock formations. However, the lack of amenities such as water and cell service, and occasional noise complaints, are recurring themes in reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 1222 reviews

What Campers Love

"Stunning rock formations," "clean vault toilets," and "great stargazing" are consistently praised.
Based on 1222 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from inconsiderate campers, crowded campsites, and a lack of oversight by rangers or camp hosts.
Based on 1222 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, arriving early to set up, and choosing sites that offer privacy, such as Site 84. "Bring earplugs" is a frequent tip for light sleepers.
Based on 1222 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight spring and fall as the best seasons due to mild temperatures. Summer is often avoided due to extreme heat.
Based on 1222 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Jumbo Rocks is such a gorgeous campground, we had awesome private sites all three nights." "No water on site, plan accordingly!" "Listening to coyotes howl at night was magical."
Based on 1222 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Positive reviews frequently mention Site 88 for its privacy and Site 6 for its proximity to rock formations. Negative reviews highlight Site 4 for its proximity to restrooms and lack of privacy.
Based on 1222 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, with uneven terrain posing challenges for those with mobility issues. Site 122 is ADA accessible but may not meet all needs.
Based on 1222 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some reviews mention issues with off-leash dogs.
Based on 1222 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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