Public Campground
Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Hello from Joshua Tree National Park,Beginning Monday, January 12, 2026 , the West Entrance Station located in the Village of Joshua Tree will be temporarily closed.During this time, please use one of the following alternative entrances:
- North Entrance in Twentynine Palms
- Cottonwood Entrance off Interstate 10 The West Entrance Station is scheduled to reopen on Friday, January 16, 2026.We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to improve roadway conditions within the park.Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Black Rock Equestrian Campground is located near Yucca Valley in Joshua Tree National Park. The terrain consists of desert landscapes with rocky formations and sparse vegetation. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as Joshua Tree National Park's hiking trails and rock climbing spots, with temperatures ranging from 40°F in winter to 100°F in summer.
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.
Location
Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park is located in California
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 29 usersLast on 1/14/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 44 usersLast on 1/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 1/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 29 usersLast on 1/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 44 usersLast on 1/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 1/14/26
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
