Black Rock Equestrian Campground
4.3039 reviews9800 Black Rock Canyon Road
Black Rock Equestrian Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Equestrian campsites are priced at $35 per night during peak seasons. Additional costs may apply for park entrance fees ($30 per vehicle).
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable camping experience at Black Rock Equestrian Campground, where the high desert meets horse country in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. This specialized equestrian haven welcomes riders and their four-legged companions exclusively—horses are mandatory for all reservations, and arriving without them means forfeiting your stay without refund. Set within an enchanting Joshua tree forest, this primitive campground offers essential amenities for horse camping including sturdy hitching posts and convenient shared water sources. Best of all, you'll have direct access to trails reserved solely for equestrian adventurers, allowing you and your horse to explore the desert's raw beauty without competing with hikers or mountain bikers.
Black Rock Equestrian Campground is strictly for equestrian camping, featuring primitive amenities and requiring campers to bring horses or mules.
Historical SignificanceWhile Black Rock Equestrian Campground itself tells a simpler story, it serves as your gateway to Joshua Tree National Park's rich tapestry of natural and cultural heritage. The surrounding park preserves a landscape that has captivated Native Americans, miners, homesteaders, and now modern adventurers. Though the campground's history may be modest, it continues the Western tradition of exploring this magnificent desert on horseback, offering riders a chance to experience the park as early travelers once did.
Weather and SeasonsTime your visit between October and May when the desert transforms into a rider's paradise, with comfortable daytime temperatures hovering between 70°F and 90°F—perfect for long trail rides through the Joshua trees. As the sun sets behind the rocky outcrops, temperatures dip to a crisp 40°F-60°F, creating ideal conditions for campfire gatherings. One December visitor wisely noted the necessity of bringing horse blankets for those chilly desert nights at elevation. Summer months bring scorching heat that makes riding uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, transforming this bustling equestrian camp into a quiet off-season retreat.
ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, Black Rock offers a refreshing escape from the lower desert's intensity. This elevation creates a perfect microclimate where Joshua trees thrive and riders find relief from extreme temperatures. The campground's thoughtful layout provides a harmonious blend of sunny spots for warming up on cool mornings and shaded areas for afternoon respites. Visitors should come prepared for the elevation's effects—crisp, sometimes breezy conditions that remind you you're camping in the high desert, where mountain air meets desert landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of nature's most surreal galleries, where ancient Joshua trees twist skyward in dramatic poses against a backdrop of weathered granite boulders. The campground sits within a particularly dense grove of these iconic trees, their spiky silhouettes creating natural sculptures that change with every shift of light. Spring brings an explosion of color as wildflowers carpet the desert floor, while year-round residents like curious coyotes, sunbathing lizards, and soaring ravens add life to the landscape. Scientists and photographers flock here to study and capture this unique ecosystem where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge.
Geological RegionBlack Rock Equestrian Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads within Joshua Tree National Park, where two distinct desert ecosystems meet. This high desert terrain showcases the park's signature jumbled granite formations—massive boulders that seem placed by giants, creating a natural playground of rock gardens and hidden valleys. The thick Joshua tree forests that characterize this area thrive in the unique conditions created by elevation and geology, forming one of the densest stands in the entire park. It's a landscape that tells the story of volcanic activity, erosion, and adaptation spanning millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to campers with disabilities are not mentioned. Some user reviews request improvements such as easier access to restrooms and water sources.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, accommodating large rigs and trailers, with a mix of open space and some shade provided by Joshua trees.
Sites PrivacySites provide limited privacy due to the open layout of the equestrian campground, which is described as a large dirt lot.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Take a hose splitter and long hoses... Otherwise it can be quite a haul from the other corrals." Sites closer to hitching posts and water spigots are preferable.
Best CampsitesEquestrian sites near the newly added corrals and water bib are recommended.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in: Noon
Check-out
Check-out: Noon
Stay Limit
- Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during specific periods
- maximum total stay per year is 30 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per equestrian campsite not explicitly defined.
Groups
Group camping sites are not mentioned as available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive camping style with a large dirt lot containing hitching posts, picnic tables, fire pits, and one water faucet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; reservations required.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are mandatory year-round.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (starting midnight 1 day before check-in) will incur additional charges including forfeiting the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Black Rock Equestrian Campground offers activities catered to equestrians, such as horseback riding on scenic trails. Other recreational options include wildlife viewing, hiking, and interpretive programs.
Hiking
Trail access is directly available from the campground, offering 'near limitless adventure' for equestrians. Trails are strictly for horses, with some reviews praising new signage and well-maintained routes.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities to observe desert wildlife, including species such as lizards, ravens, and desert tortoises. Birders may enjoy the variety of bird species.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are available, and trail maps can be accessed through the NPS app or Visitor Center.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited to trail riding and camping, with some campers noting the need for horse blankets during colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire bans prohibit wood-burning and charcoal fires from June 15 to October 1 each year; only gas stoves are permitted.
- Quiet hours are not stated explicitly.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as rattlesnakes, scorpions, and coyotes. "Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however, they are rarely seen near humans."
Active alertsSeasonal fire bans and mention of limited amenities such as water spigots and portable toilets. "FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills."
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
Emergency services are available in Yucca Valley, 5 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and manure dumpsters are provided. Some users recommend adding dumpsters at the far end of the campground to improve convenience.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water features are documented, but the campground has one shared water spigot.
Common complaints"Equestrian campers are paying $20 per night for a dirt parking lot..." Limited water sources and lack of bathroom facilities in the equestrian area are recurring complaints.
Host"Wonderful camp host, nice large place for rig & setting up horse corrals." Hosts are noted for their helpfulness but complaints exist regarding some campers without horses using equestrian campsites.
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 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading from Highway 62 and Highway 247. However, there are concerns about navigation signs, as one user review mentions being directed to a private residence due to incorrect address information provided.Nearby places
Yucca Valley (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, showers, laundry facilities, and other amenities are available in Yucca Valley, about 5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
39 reviews
Black Rock Equestrian Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, excellent trail access, and spacious sites but commonly express concerns over the lack of amenities like additional water spigots, restrooms, and corrals.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the beautiful trails, quiet atmosphere, and clean facilities. Many appreciate the addition of corrals and hitching posts and describe the campground as spacious and well-maintained.
Based on 39 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of restrooms within the equestrian area, insufficient water sources, and limited shade. Some users reported issues with reservation systems and interactions with...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing long hoses and hose splitters due to the single water spigot, using portable panels for horses, and preparing for seasonal weather changes such as cold and wind during...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The winter season is popular among campers due to mild daytime temperatures, although nighttime can be cold, requiring preparations for horses. Summers are noted as off-season due to high desert heat.
Based on 39 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great trails to ride. Camping area is just a large, open dirt area with some hitching posts, picnic tables, fire rings and ONE water spigot for all to share." – Roy M, Nov. 2020 "Black Rock...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews frequently mention the spaciousness of sites and issues with water accessibility due to the single spigot. Loop: Horse Sites is often described as peaceful but lacking in...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is a concern among some users, as they request easier access to restrooms and additional water sources. The campground's layout can be challenging for older or disabled campers.
Based on 39 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campground but must be leashed and are not permitted on trails. Some users mention the lack of amenities for pets compared to other campgrounds.
Based on 39 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025