Complete Guide to Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park

Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park is a sizeable ninety-nine-site campground with an additional 20 horse campsites available. My favorite part of Black Rock Campground is that it is in one of the thickest Joshua Tree forests in the park!

Photo of as campsite in Black Rock Campground with text saying "Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Paek by ParkRangerJohn.com"

Black Rock Campground - Joshua Tree National Park

Black Rock Canyon Campground is at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a mix of sun and shade. If you are visiting during the park's busy season from October through May, you will want to make a reservation as soon as you know your travel dates. Camping in Joshua Tree National Park is extremely popular, and this is one of four campgrounds where you can make a reservation.

There is no access to the central portion of Joshua Tree National Park from the Black Rock Campground except by hiking trails. The campground is located along the northern perimeter of the park. While the campground does have a ton of Joshua Trees, there are not a ton of large spots with shade. You will want to be prepared for the weather and heat. In the summer, the park can easily reach well over 100 degrees during the day.

Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Fee

7-day single-vehicle park pass - $30.00

7-day individual park pass - $15.00

7-day motorcycle park pass - $25.00

Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass - $55.00

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Black Rock Campground Map Joshua Tree National Park

Campground Fees

Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

Campground Reservations

Are Reservations Available? Yes
Phone Number? (877)444-6777
Online? Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for October through May here
How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Up to 6 months ahead of your travel dates.
First-Come, First-Serve site available? Yes

Park Ranger John Pro Tip - Joshua Tree is a great park to visit in the winter! June through August typically receive uncomfortably high desert heat ranging from the upper 90's to low 100's and over 14+ hours of daylight and little shade. Most visitors and campers prefer warm, dry winters when temperatures range between 70-90 during the day and 40-60 degrees at night.

Black Rock Campground General Information

Season: Some campsites for Black Rock Campground is closed for the park's off-season (June 1 through September 1).
Typically, campsites 1-39 remain open year-round.

Number of Sites: 99 campsites plus 20 horse campsites.
Check-in time: 12 pm (noon)
Checkout time: 12 pm (noon)
Phone Number: (760)367-3001
Campground Address:
9800 Black Rock Canyon, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Latitude/Longitude:
Latitude: 34° 4' 18.0001" N
Longitude: 116° 23' 21.0001" W
Elevation: 4000 feet
Accessible Sites: Black Rock campsite 61 is ADA-compliant.

Visitor Center at Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park

Campground Amenities

Potable Water? Yes
Bear Box in site/area? No
Flush Toilets? Yes
Laundry: No
Showers: No. Showers, laundry, and other amenities are available in Yucca Valley, five miles away.
Is Wi-Fi available? No
Is Cellular Service Available? No
Is there a camp host available on-site? Yes
Is firewood available for purchase? No. Bring your own firewood. You can not gather park vegetation.
Amphitheater: Yes, year-round
Are fire pits/fire rings available at each site? Yes
Are Picnic Tables available at each site? Yes

Campsite 25 Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 25 Black Rock Campground

RV Camping at Black Rock Campground

Hookups Available: There are no water or electric hookups available

RV Length:

Sites that can accommodate a maximum vehicle length of 38-40 feet are sites 7, 9, 13, 15, 17, and 20.

Sites that can accommodate a maximum vehicle length of 42 feet are sites 38, 41, 43, 45, 46, 47, and 48.

Generators: Generator use is permitted only from 7 am to 9 am, 12 pm to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm.

Dump Station: Yes

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando

Campsite 29 Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 29 Black Rock Campground

Black Rock Campground Regulations

A maximum of six people, three tents and two vehicles can occupy a single campsite.

Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 6 am

Pets Allowed? : Pets are not allowed on trails but are welcome in the campground, on any dirt road, or within 100 feet of any road.
Pets must remain on a leash at all times and may not be left unattended.

Make sure to remember to B.A.R.K.
B - Bag your pet's waste and dispose of it properly.
A- Always leash your pet, leashes may be no longer that six feet in length, under your control and not left unattended.
R- Respect Wildlife - keep you and your pet plenty of distance from park wildlife.
K- Know where you can go; pets are welcomed throughout Greenbelt Park, except inside the Ranger Station.

A vehicle towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, or fifth wheel or a motorhome towing a vehicle is considered two vehicles.

There is a 30-day camping limit each year, and only 14 nights can occur between October and May.

Campsites left vacant for 24 hours will be treated as vacant.

Holding or reserving a campsite for people not present is not allowed

No slacklines in campground.

Campsite 35 Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 35 Black Rock Campground

Don't forget to pack these items!

Don't forget to pack

Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.

Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.

Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!

Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!

Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.

Campsite 37 Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 37 Black Rock Campground

Things to do near Black Rock Campground

Wildlife Viewing - Joshua Tree is home to a variety of species of mammals, including coyotes, bobcats, lizards, the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and the elusive desert tortoise! If that's not enough, birders will rejoice as over 250 species of birds have been identified in the park! Needless to say, don't forget your binoculars and cameras.
Watch Sunrise/Sunset - Watch for the brilliant reds and yellows as the sun sets and rises over the desert!

Hiking Trails - Hikers have several options to choose from in the Black Rock area, including the Hi-View Nature Trail, Short Loop Hike, Panorama Loop, Burnt Hill, Eureka Peak, and the California Riding and hiking trail.

Campsite 39 Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 39 Black Rock Campground

Tours available in/near Joshua Tree National Park

Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park - A 4.5-hour tour allows you to truly see Joshua Tree National Park and feel the Mojave Desert's magic. This private tour comes with a local guide and naturalist who will take you beyond the guidebooks and discuss the area of flora, fauna, geology, history, and more of this incredible park. A daypack and bottled water are included.

Full-Day Hike in Joshua Tree National Park - Here is your chance to have a seasoned guide take you on a seven-hour hike, including a daypack and bottled water. Hiking is the best way to experience Joshua Tree, and your experienced guide will help you learn about the region's floral and fauna and human history and feel the desert's energy and artistic vibe.

4-Hour Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua Tree offers some of the best rock-climbing in the National Parks System with over 9000 climbing routes! Routes include anything from beginners to pros, and their certified climbing guides will help you choose the route that best fits you. Guides also provide you with all the necessary gear and training, and all guides are Wilderness First Responders.

Campsite 43 Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 43 Black Rock Campground

Lodging at/near Joshua Tree National Park

There are no Joshua Tree National Park Lodges, cabins, or Yurts within the park. Here is an additional list of lodging options in Twentynine Palms, California.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms - We have stayed at this hotel our last few visit to the park and it has been great. Free continental breakfast, shopping on site, and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree NP. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms - Consider a stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms, an IHG Hotel, and take advantage of a complimentary manager's reception, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour gym. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.

Oasis Inn & Suites - A grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and a coffee shop/café are just a few of the amenities provided at Oasis Inn & Suites Joshua Tree - 29 Palms. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like hiking/biking. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a business center.

Hampton Inn & Suites Indio - provides amenities like free full breakfast and a gym. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Click on the map below for vacation rentals and lodges near the park.