Black Rock Campground
4.23752 reviews9800 Black Rock Canyon Road
Black Rock Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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 nightly rate of $35 applies year-round for individual sites. Reservation fees and additional service fees may apply.
About this campground
Perched at 4,000 feet where the high desert meets the sky, Black Rock Campground invites adventurers into a world where ancient Joshua trees stand sentinel under vast desert skies. This elevated oasis offers the perfect balance of shaded retreats and sun-drenched spaces, with well-maintained facilities including potable water and flush toilets just steps from your site. A network of hiking trails beckons from your tent flap, promising encounters with the Mojave's most iconic landscapes. While the access roads may test your vehicle's suspension, the reward is a front-row seat to one of the desert's most enchanting theaters.
The campground caters to RV and tent campers, with 99 individual sites available. It also includes designated areas for equestrian camping.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the legendary Joshua Tree National Park, Black Rock serves as a gateway to one of America's most mystical desert landscapes. This protected wilderness has long captivated artists, rock climbers, and nature seekers drawn to its otherworldly ecology. The campground sits at the heart of a remarkable desert ecosystem where two great deserts—the Mojave and Colorado—converge, creating a biological crossroads found nowhere else on Earth.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert elevation gifts Black Rock with a climate of contrasts—where cool, windswept nights give way to warm, golden days. Winter and spring showcase the campground at its finest, with comfortable daytime temperatures dancing between 70-90°F before dropping to crisp 40-60°F nights perfect for campfire stories. Summer adventurers should come prepared for the desert's intensity, though the elevation provides welcome relief from the scorching valley floors below. Pack layers—the desert's mood swings between day and night will surprise even seasoned campers.
ElevationAt 4,000 feet above sea level, Black Rock Campground occupies a sweet spot in the high desert where the air is crisp, the stars are brilliant, and the temperature is just right. This elevated position means you'll enjoy relief from the desert floor's extremes—cooler nights for comfortable sleeping and milder days for exploring. The altitude creates a unique microclimate where Joshua trees thrive in abundance, and desert wildflowers paint the landscape in unexpected bursts of color.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a Dr. Seuss landscape come to life, where twisted Joshua trees create a fantastical forest stretching to the horizon. In spring, these ancient desert dwellers burst into bloom with creamy white flowers that transform the campground into a natural garden. The panoramic vistas sweep across rugged desert mountains and valleys, painted in ever-changing hues from dawn to dusk. Keep your camera ready—coyotes trot through at twilight, ravens perform aerial acrobatics overhead, and if you're lucky, you might spot a prehistoric-looking desert tortoise making its unhurried journey across the sand.
Geological RegionBlack Rock Campground sits in the heart of the Mojave Desert, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of raw beauty. Here in Joshua Tree National Park, you'll camp among one of the planet's densest Joshua tree forests—a testament to the unique conditions created by this high desert environment. The surrounding terrain tells an ancient story through weathered rock formations, sandy washes, and distant mountain ranges that frame the desert like a natural amphitheater. This 4,000-foot perch offers commanding views of the Mojave's signature blend of stark beauty and surprising biodiversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is moderately accessible, though some reviews indicate challenges with uneven terrain and unclear signage, which may affect mobility-impaired visitors.
Sites SizeThe sites vary in size, from spacious ones accommodating larger groups to smaller, narrower sites. Site descriptions like "huge" and "spacious" are common, although some sites are sloped and uneven.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly, with some sites described as secluded and others very close together, leading to noise concerns.
Total Campsites99 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites on outer loops for more privacy and better views. Inner loop sites are closer together and less isolated.
Best CampsitesSite #80 is praised for its size and seclusion. Sites #45 and #99 offer scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people per site, 2 vehicles, and 3 tents.
Groups
Details regarding group camping sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features loops with numbered sites. Some sites are closely packed, while others provide more space.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsAvailable through Recreation.gov, via app, website, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served availability. Reservations are mandatory year-round.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made prior to arrival incur a $10 service fee. Late cancellations (the day before or the day of arrival) result in forfeiture of the first night's fee and a $10 service fee. No refunds for no-shows.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Black Rock Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The campground's location among dense Joshua trees provides unique opportunities to explore the natural environment.
Hiking
The campground serves as a trailhead for several popular hikes, including the 6-mile Panorama Loop Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Trails vary in difficulty, accommodating both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.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
Biking opportunities are available, though trails are not specifically described as tailored for biking.Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently report sightings of unique desert wildlife, including coyotes, desert tortoises, and a variety of bird species. "The nighttime sounds of owls and coyotes added to the experience," noted one reviewer.Cultural and Educational Programs
The visitor center provides educational resources, and occasional ranger-led programs are available, but specifics are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited but include hiking and stargazing, as the cooler temperatures make the desert environment more accessible.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable to this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No wood-burning fires allowed during fire ban season. Gas and propane stoves are permitted.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWind gusts, uneven terrain, occasional sightings of rattlesnakes, and wildlife such as coyotes are reported.
Active alertsNo wood-burning fires allowed during fire ban season (June 15 - October 1).
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 21.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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 hospital: Hi-Desert Medical Center, located in Joshua Tree (approximately 15 miles away). Police services are available in Yucca Valley. Ranger station and visitor center are within the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling bins are dispersed throughout the campground. They are generally well-maintained, but dumpsters can fill quickly during peak seasons.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes or rivers nearby. Potable water available onsite.
Common complaintsFrequent noise violations, poor road conditions, lack of enforcement of rules, and unlevel campsites.
HostHosts are reported as infrequent or non-existent. Rangers at the visitor center provide limited assistance.
Campground Map
9800 Black Rock Canyon Road
Driving directionsTake Interstate 10 to Route 62 into the town of Yucca Valley. Turn south on Joshua Lane and follow signs to the campground, about five miles from the turn. If coming south on Highway 247, go straight across Highway 62 and continue onto Joshua Lane. There will be no sign for the park as you cross Route 62.
Roads are accessible but often described as rough, with potholes and uneven surfaces. Recent reviews criticize the lack of maintenance, making navigation harder for low-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Yucca Valley (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Joshua Tree (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Palm Springs (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Yucca Valley, which is 5 miles from the campground. Local stores include Walmart, Home Depot, and various restaurants.
Camper Reviews
4.2
752 reviews
Black Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with many praising the natural beauty and accessibility of the campground but criticizing maintenance issues and noise from nearby campers. The roads and uneven sites are a frequent point of complaint.
Review Summaries
Based on 752 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights the convenience of amenities like flush toilets and potable water, the beauty of the Joshua tree forest, and proximity to trails. "This is a great campground, beautiful...
Based on 752 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poorly maintained roads, understaffing, and noisy campers who ignore quiet hours. "The roads are terrible, and not a level spot in the campground," one reviewer stated.
Based on 752 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend securing reservations well in advance, arriving before dark to navigate the poorly marked roads, and bringing firewood as it's not sold on-site. They also suggest choosing sites...
Based on 752 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter and early spring are favored for camping due to cooler temperatures, while summer months see fewer visitors due to extreme heat. Noise levels tend to be higher during weekends and peak seasons.
Based on 752 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were clean and well stocked," one camper shared. Another noted, "The Joshua tree forest is stunning, and the stargazing is unparalleled."
Based on 752 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback varies, with some sites like #67 described as spacious and shady, while others are noted for being uneven or too close to neighbors.
Based on 752 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are sparse, but uneven terrain and unclear signage are noted as potential challenges for visitors with disabilities.
Based on 752 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some reviewers mentioned that off-leash pets and barking disrupted their experience.
Based on 752 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025