Belle Campground
4.5845 reviews74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA
Belle Campground
$12.50 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Standard campsite fee is $25 per night, with discounted rates of $12.50 available for holders of Senior or Access passes. Fees must be paid at an entrance station.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, Belle Campground offers an intimate desert escape where just 18 sites nestle among ancient rock formations at 3,800 feet elevation. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year (closing only during peak summer months), inviting adventurers to claim their spot beneath some of the darkest skies in Southern California. While you'll find the essentials—pit toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings—the campground maintains its wild character without running water, ensuring a true backcountry experience where self-sufficiency meets spectacular scenery.
Belle Campground is a primitive campsite with no reservations. It accommodates both tent and smaller RV camping but does not offer group or cabin lodging.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert seasons paint Belle Campground in dramatically different moods throughout the year. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, when daytime temperatures hover around a perfect 85°F before dropping to crisp 50°F nights ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms the landscape into a more subdued palette, with pleasant 60°F days giving way to freezing nights that demand warm sleeping bags and hot cocoa. The intense summer heat, regularly soaring above 100°F, prompts the campground's annual hiatus from June through August—nature's way of preserving this special place for cooler adventures.
ElevationPerched at 3,800 feet above sea level, Belle Campground enjoys a privileged position in the high desert, where the air feels noticeably cooler and crisper than the scorching valleys below. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that supports a fascinating blend of desert and mountain species, while offering respite from the intense heat that characterizes lower elevations of the Mojave.
Natural Features and SceneryBelle Campground immerses visitors in a quintessential high desert dreamscape where twisted Joshua trees stand sentinel among massive granite boulders weathered into fantastic shapes. By day, watch roadrunners dart between juniper groves and prickly pear cacti, while golden eagles soar overhead. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into an astronomer's paradise, where the Milky Way stretches across an ink-black canvas unmarred by city lights. Desert dwellers like coyotes may serenade the night, while cautious campers keep watch for the occasional rattlesnake—reminders that this landscape remains wonderfully wild.
Geological RegionBelle Campground sits within one of the Mojave Desert's most captivating geological theaters, where ancient granite monoliths rise from sandy washes at 3,800 feet elevation. This high desert ecosystem represents millions of years of geological artistry—massive plutons pushed up from the earth's depths, then sculpted by wind and weather into the whimsical boulder gardens that define Joshua Tree's iconic landscape. The namesake Joshua trees, those Dr. Seuss-like sentinels of the desert, thrive in this elevation's cooler temperatures, creating an otherworldly forest that seems lifted from another planet.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not have ADA-accessible campsites. Roads and campsites are unpaved and uneven. Paths to bathrooms are paved, but the road to these paths is not.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary, with some sites being spacious enough for smaller RVs (up to 27 feet) while others are more compact. Many sites are nestled among large granite boulders.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some sites are tucked into rock formations offering seclusion, while others are close to neighboring campsites.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #15 is praised for its large space, quietness, and beautiful rock surroundings. Site #2 is another favorite for its secluded nature.
Best CampsitesSite #15 is highly recommended by users for its privacy and scenic location nestled among rocks.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights between October-May, 30 days total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are varied in size and integrated into granite rock formations, providing privacy and scenic views.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed in summer between June 1 - September 1. Open during fall, winter, and spring.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely first-come, first-served year-round. Sites fill quickly, especially in peak season.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served basis; no advanced reservation or cancellation policies applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Belle Campground offers activities like stargazing, climbing around rock formations, and hiking. It is known for its exceptional dark skies, making it a top choice for stargazing enthusiasts.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible nearby. Campers have also explored the rocks within the campground.Climbing
Climbing 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.Biking
The California Hiking and Riding Trail is near the campground and accessible for biking.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as coyotes and roadrunners can be observed. Campers have also encountered snakes, including rattlesnakes.Winter Activities
Winters are mild with occasional freezing nights. Climbing and hiking are still popular during the winter months, as the weather is cooler and more comfortable.Water Sports
No water sports are available due to the lack of water bodies near the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings or grills. Park vegetation cannot be gathered for firewood.
- Quiet hours are None explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, extreme heat, and high fire danger. Campers should exercise caution when hiking or climbing.
Active alertsNone explicitly stated.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 26.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (2.00% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include hospitals and ranger stations in Twentynine Palms, approximately 5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober-May.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection is available year-round. Recycle stations are located alongside trash containers.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints include overcrowding, noise from neighboring campers, and issues with the manual payment process. Some users reported theft concerns at Iron Ranger kiosks.
HostNo campground hosts onsite.
Campground Map
74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA
Driving directionsFrom the North Entrance: Continue along Park Blvd and turn left onto Pinto Basin Road. Drive approximately 1.5 miles south along Pinto Basin Road. Turn left into Belle Campground at the Belle Campground sign. From the West Entrance: Drive along Park Blvd and turn right onto Pinto Basin Road. Turn left into Belle Campground at the Belle Campground sign. From the South: Drive north on Pinto Basin Road. Turn right at Belle Campground.
The campground can be accessed via paved roads from major park entrances, but they are remote and can require significant driving distances within Joshua Tree National Park.Nearby places
Twentynine Palms (5 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Twentynine Palms (5 miles away), where visitors can find grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
45 reviews
Belle Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Belle Campground are generally positive, highlighting its quiet and scenic atmosphere, proximity to large rocks for climbing, and opportunities for stargazing. However, some users mention issues with noisy neighbors and overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the beautiful rock formations, quiet setting, and spectacular stargazing. Sites #2 and #15 are specifically praised for their privacy and positioning among rocks.
Based on 45 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include noise from other campers, limited shade, lack of water, and occasionally improper behavior by neighbors. Some campers also found the site's first-come, first-served system...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site as the campground fills quickly. Bring sufficient water, as there is no potable water on-site. Sites closer to the rocks, like #15, offer better privacy.
Based on 45 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer tends to be extremely hot and the campground is typically closed from June 1 to September 1. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit due to moderate temperatures.
Based on 45 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Incredible sunsets and sunrises, the stars are stunning and beautiful rock formations." - Ian Davis. "A-MAZING campsite. And if you're lucky enough to camp in spot #15, you majorly scored." - Renee...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #15 is highly praised for its large size and privacy. Site #2 is also mentioned as a favorite. Some noted that smaller sites can feel cramped.
Based on 45 reviewsAccessibility Features
Campsites are uneven and unpaved, making them less accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. The path to the bathroom is paved but not easily reachable from unpaved roads.
Based on 45 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. Some users reported issues with unleashed pets causing disturbances.
Based on 45 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025