How much does camping cost at Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Camping fees at Jumbo Rocks Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Jumbo Rocks Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Jumbo Rocks 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 Jumbo Rocks Campground before I book?

Yes! Jumbo Rocks Campground has 15 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.

What is the best time to visit Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Jumbo Rocks 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 Jumbo Rocks Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Fire policies at Jumbo Rocks 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.

How many campsites does Jumbo Rocks Campground have?

Jumbo Rocks Campground has 124 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Jumbo Rocks 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 Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Jumbo Rocks Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Popular activities at Jumbo Rocks Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

4.53

1.3K reviews

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

Top 3% in CAFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

B-Report Card

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Joshua Tree#2 Desert Camping#3 Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park +2 more

Quick Facts

4,380 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

124 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

4,380 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

124 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 315 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Jumbo Rocks Campground

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

Nearby places

Twentynine Palms (12 miles, ~20 minutes), Joshua Tree (21 miles, ~30 minutes)

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.

Weather at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Current alerts(13)

$30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to camping fee.
All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator , jeannie_wilson@nps.gov.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!

Best Time to Camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60–85°F) and cool, clear nights ideal for hiking, bouldering, and spectacular stargazing without the summer heat. The rock surfaces retain warmth from the sun but aren't scorching, making climbing and scrambling on the monzogranite piles especially pleasant; wildlife activity is also high as animals take advantage of milder conditions. Weekend traffic can be busy (especially October), so expect moderate crowds but far fewer heat-ru Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Fall offers comfortable temps (60–85°F), clear nights, ideal for hiking, bouldering, stargazing.

Planning Tips

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

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Jumbo Rocks Campground

Jumbo Rocks Campground sits among Joshua Tree National Park's signature monzogranite boulder formations, operated by the National Park Service near Twentynine Palms. The desert landscape draws climbers and stargazers to tent, RV, and primitive sites surrounded by massive rock piles. Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables provide basic amenities in this high-desert setting known for wildlife viewing and scrambling routes.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60–85°F) and cool, clear nights ideal for hiking, bouldering, and spectacular stargazing without the summer heat. The rock surfaces retain warmth from the sun but aren't scorching, making climbing and scrambling on the monzogranite piles especially pleasant; wildlife activity is also high as animals take advantage of milder conditions. Weekend traffic can be busy (especially October), so expect moderate crowds but far fewer heat-ru Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation4380 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryMonzogranite plutons cooled deep underground millions of years ago, then erosion exposed and sculpted them into the towering rock piles that dominate the campground today. These honey-colored boulders create natural alcoves and climbing routes throughout the area. Sandy washes flow between the formations, where Joshua trees and creosote bushes grow in the protective shadows of stone. The campground sits where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge, creating a landscape of contrasts: massive rocks against open sky, resilient vegetation clinging to seemingly barren ground. After dark, the Milky Way stretches overhead with unusual clarity.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are available. The campground is specifically designed for a rustic camping experience.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms like stargazing talks at the amphitheater are occasionally hosted, providing educational insights into the desert and its ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights during a visit, with restrictions limiting 14 nights from October-May. A 30-day yearly camping limit applies.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people per site, with three tents and two vehicles allowed.

Groups

Group camping sites are not available. Sites are limited to a maximum of six people and two vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilitySite 122 is ADA accessible and includes space for one small tent and an RV up to 24 feet in length. However, accessibility may be limited due to uneven terrain and unpaved walking paths.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, accommodating both small and large tents as well as RVs up to 35 feet in length. Some sites are described as cramped, while others offer generous space.

PrivacyThe privacy of campsites varies significantly. While some are nestled among the boulders providing seclusion, others are more exposed. Site-specific reviews frequently mention proximity to neighbors and foot traffic.

Total Campsites124 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 6 is private and shaded. Site 39 offers seclusion and proximity to a large rock. Site 84 is spacious and ideal for large tents. Site 121 is recommended for its scenic views.

Best CampsitesSites 6, 39, 84, and 121 get consistent mentions in reviews for privacy and proximity to rock formations. Site 84 comes up frequently as a top choice for seclusion. Some sites nestle between boulders for natural windbreaks and separation from neighbors, while others sit more exposed with clear sightlines to adjacent campers and foot traffic.

Need help booking Jumbo Rocks 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

There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites; nor is a dump station located nearby. Potable water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center, 11 miles away.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Jumbo Rocks Campground

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.

Climbing5.0/5Top 1% in California

Camp sits among Joshua Tree's signature monzogranite boulders; a hub for climbers and bouldering.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to trails like Skull Rock and Split Rock Loop; hiking is a popular activity.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Occasional snow experiences noted but winter sports are not a primary draw.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Honey‑colored boulders, skull/split rock features and desert light offer excellent photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Jumbo Rocks Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.5

1.3K reviews

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 1288 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1288 reviews.

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

What Campers Love

"Stunning rock formations," "clean vault toilets," and "great stargazing" are consistently praised.

Based on 1288 reviews

Common Concerns

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

Based on 1288 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 1288 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 1288 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 1288 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 1288 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 1288 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Jumbo Rocks Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 315 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554

Go if

you want to camp among striking rock formations, are fine being fully self-sufficient, and can snag a private site like 88 or a scenic one like 6

Skip if

you need on-site water, reliable cell service, or guaranteed quiet, or you end up near the restrooms like Site 4 with little privacy

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Campgrounds

Joshua Tree National Park

Jumbo Rocks Campground

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 50% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 921 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+.Scenery
Grade B.Campsites
Grade B.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade D.Belonging
Grade C-.Crowds & noise
Grade C.Booking

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 Jumbo Rocks 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.

Featured in these camping guides

Jumbo Rocks Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Jumbo Rocks Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Planning Tips

About Jumbo Rocks Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Black Rock Campground

Belle Campground

Sheep Pass Group

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Jumbo Rocks Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Jumbo Rocks Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Jumbo Rocks Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Black Rock Campground

Belle Campground

Sheep Pass Group