Sitting at the western edge of Joshua Tree National Park, Black Rock Equestrian Campground is a large, open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ grills. The lot is regularly graded, though most sites run on a slope. Water is available from a central location, so bringing containers to haul to the corrals is necessary. Reservations are available, and the camp accommodates RVs up to 35 feet. Equestrians looking for campgrounds near Yucca Valley will find this one of the more trail-connected options in the region, with an overland route running roughly 35 miles to the south end of the park. It suits horse campers most directly.
Description
Overview
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park trail maps and more! Black Rock Horse Campground is strictly for campers planning to bring horses or mules. It lies among one of the thickest Joshua tree forests in Joshua Tree National Park. Its location on the park's northern perimeter makes it a popular rest stop for horseback riders . Reservations are required for Black Rock year-round. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70 to 90 degrees during the day and drop anywhere between 40 to 60 degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to uncomfortably high desert heat. Black Rock is at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a mix of both sun and shade.
Recreation
Equestrians will enjoy the variety of trails around Black Rock for day rides, including some with spectacular views of the low desert and high peaks around Palm Springs.
Facilities
The facility is convenient for RV camping, complete with flush toilets and a dump station. There are no hookups. Black Rock is one of two campgrounds in the national park that provides drinking water. Showers, laundry and other amenities are available in the town of Yucca Valley five miles away.
Natural Features
The unique shape of Joshua trees and the huge rocks that surround them draw tourists and scientists alike to the national park. Within the Black Rock facility, the surrounding trees form silhouettes against the landscape during sunrise and sunset and display bunches of blooming white flowers in early spring. Campers staying at Black Rock may have the chance to view the elusive desert tortoise, found only in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Visitors may also want to keep their eyes out for more typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, coyotes, ravens and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans. Birders may also be pleasantly surprised at the variety of species found around the campground.
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (760) 367-3001 to speak with local staff.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlack Rock Equestrian Campground is located in California near Yucca Valley
Directions
Take 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.
Address
9800 Black Rock Canyon Road
Yucca valley, CA 92284
Coordinates
34.0716667 N
116.3891667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/6/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 8/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/6/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 8/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 12 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 28 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 55 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
