Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

4.50

16 reviews

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Desert Camping California

Quick Facts

4,318 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mojave National Preserve site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

4,318 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mojave National Preserve site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on campsite type and activity; group facilities incur special fees, and reservation fees via Recreation.gov add charges ($8 for...

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$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(706) 252-6100MOJA_Superintendent@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 16 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswell-maintained

"Overall, the campground is praised for being clean, well-maintained, and ideal for group and equestrian use. Highlights include the stargazing opportunities, clean restrooms, and spacious corrals. However, some users had minor complaints about the layout of the tenting area and the distance to water from certain parts of the site."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Driving directionsBlack Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground is located across the road from Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center in Mojave National Preserve.

Road access may be challenging due to damaged roads in the Mojave National Preserve. According to an alert: 'Drive slowly and exercise due caution when driving in Mojave National Preserve. Rough and damaged roads exist on both paved and unpaved roads. Watch for potholes.'

Nearby places

Essex (approximate distance not stated), other nearby cities not specified.

Nearby supplies

Supplies may be available at the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center, located nearby. Review mentions water availability approximately 1/4 mile away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

Winter unveils the Mojave's gentler side at Black Canyon, where crystalline skies dominate the landscape with sunshine gracing visitors 83% of the time. Desert mornings greet you with crisp temperatures around 36°F, perfect for wrapping hands around steaming coffee mugs while watching the sun paint the canyon walls. By afternoon, the mercury climbs to a comfortable 54°F, ideal for exploring without the desert's notorious heat. Gentle breezes averaging 6.6 mph whisper through the canyons, while the dry air and rare precipitation create perfect conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures. This is the desert at its most welcoming, when cool nights give way to sun-warmed days.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Mojave summers are hot; little shade noted and water is a quarter mile away.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant with milder temps and clear skies though specifics lacking.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely pleasant in desert but no specific spring info provided.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winters described as gentle with crystalline skies and frequent sunshine.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: The campground's peak season dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: /
Current Alerts: Active alerts include damaged roads requiring caution for drivers, Kelso Depot Visitor Center closure, and Soda Lake crossing closure due to rains.

About Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

Gather your tribe at Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground, where the vast Mojave Desert becomes your private playground. This spacious haven welcomes groups of 15 to 50 adventurers, offering the perfect blend of camaraderie and wilderness. Horse lovers will find paradise here, with six well-maintained corrals ready to accommodate your four-legged companions. Whether you're planning a family reunion under endless desert skies, organizing a riding club expedition, or bringing together friends for an unforgettable escape, this campground transforms group camping into an extraordinary desert experience.

The Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground offers group camping for 15-50 people with facilities tailored for equestrian users. It is not suitable for individual or small group primitive camping.

Historical SignificanceThe Black Canyon area whispers stories of the Old West, where prospectors once searched for fortune and Native American tribes traversed these ancient paths. Today's visitors follow in the footsteps of countless desert travelers who have sought solitude and adventure in this timeless landscape.

Weather and SeasonsWinter unveils the Mojave's gentler side at Black Canyon, where crystalline skies dominate the landscape with sunshine gracing visitors 83% of the time. Desert mornings greet you with crisp temperatures around 36°F, perfect for wrapping hands around steaming coffee mugs while watching the sun paint the canyon walls. By afternoon, the mercury climbs to a comfortable 54°F, ideal for exploring without the desert's notorious heat. Gentle breezes averaging 6.6 mph whisper through the canyons, while the dry air and rare precipitation create perfect conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures. This is the desert at its most welcoming, when cool nights give way to sun-warmed days.

ElevationNestled within the varied topography of the Mojave National Preserve, Black Canyon occupies a sweet spot where desert floor meets rising terrain, creating a natural amphitheater that shelters campers while offering expansive views of the surrounding wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a photographer's dream where towering canyon walls frame impossibly blue skies by day and serve as a natural planetarium by night. The Mojave's raw beauty surrounds you here—weathered rock formations tell million-year stories, while hardy desert plants dot the landscape with surprising splashes of life. As darkness falls, the absence of city lights reveals a cosmic spectacle that leaves even seasoned stargazers breathless. The desert's profound silence, broken only by the distant call of coyotes or the soft nicker of horses, creates an atmosphere of peace that urban life can never replicate.

Geological RegionBlack Canyon sits at the heart of the Mojave National Preserve, a 1.6-million-acre testament to the power of wind, water, and time. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through dramatic canyons carved by ancient rivers, volcanic cinder cones rising from the desert floor, and vast valleys flanked by rugged mountain ranges. The preserve's unique position at the intersection of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts creates an extraordinary tapestry of landscapes, from Joshua tree forests to pristine sand dunes, all waiting to be explored from your basecamp at Black Canyon.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-out

Stay Limit

The campsite does not specify a stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 50 people for group sites.

Groups

Group camping is designed for 15-50 people with dedicated facilities including a covered table area, fire ring, and corrals for horses.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe layout includes a tent area described as separate from other facilities, a covered group table area with eight tables, and six horse corrals.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, contact center, or on-site.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground is not reservable; availability is likely walk-up only but details on site availability are missing.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations for group facilities (overnight) less than 14 days before arrival date incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees. Late cancellations for one-night reservations forfeit the entire amount paid.

AccessibilityNo explicit information provided regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeGroup size is limited to 15-50 people. Corrals measure 18x18 feet.

PrivacyThe campground design features some separation between tenting areas and central facilities, which can be perceived as either secluded or inconvenient depending on user preferences.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesFor equestrian campers, the six corrals with soft sand footing are a highlight. Families may prefer the covered group table area and clean bathrooms.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at the Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground focus on equestrian use and enjoying the natural surroundings. Stargazing is noted as a highlight, especially during new moons when the night sky is exceptionally clear. The proximity to the Mojave National Preserve also provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Wildlife viewingCampers may occasionally see a herd of cattle roaming near the campground, adding an element of excitement for those with horses. Wildlife viewing in the broader Mojave National Preserve may include desert species.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include roaming cattle that may startle horses. Alerts about rough roads indicate a need for caution when driving.

Active AlertsActive alerts include damaged roads requiring caution for drivers, Kelso Depot Visitor Center closure, and Soda Lake crossing closure due to rains.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are /

Emergency ServicesEmergency services details are not provided; visitors should contact (760) 252-6100 for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesWater availability was restored recently, but spigots are noted as challenging to use. Water is approximately 1/4 mile away.

Camp Host/

Weather at Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

Reviews

4.5

16 reviews

Recommended

Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the campground is praised for being clean, well-maintained, and ideal for group and equestrian use. Highlights include the stargazing opportunities, clean restrooms, and spacious corrals. However, some users had minor complaints about the layout of the tenting area and the distance to water from certain parts of the site.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently comment on the cleanliness of the facilities, the spacious and well-maintained corrals, and the excellent stargazing. 'The campground is clean and flat,' and 'stars are amazing!'

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users found the layout of the tent area inconvenient ('The tent area is off, out of the way from everything else') and noted the need to travel a short distance for water ('Water was across the...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

For campers with horses, 'the water spigots are a little tricky to use'—remember to 'pull down on the small valve on the underside of the hydrant before raising the handle.' Stargazing during a new...

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a great campground for getting away from it all with your horses.' 2. 'Stars are amazing! Especially on a new moon.' 3. 'Bathrooms are very clean and close by.' 4. 'The fire ring is large...

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group facilities are highly rated, particularly the covered table area and large fire ring. Specific complaints about the tent area being isolated may influence group planning.

Based on 16 reviews