the dyrt
Standard (tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Water Unknown
About Jumbo Rocks Campground
Jumbo Rocks Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. Close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Jumbo Rocks is one of four campgrounds in the park that can be reserved during the busy winter season; it is open on a first-come, first-served basis from June 9 through August 30. Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Jumbo Rocks is at an elevation of 4,380 feet.
Recreation
Rock scramblers flock to Jumbo Rocks Campground for the variety of geological formations and warmer temperatures that can be found in the interior of the park. Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There is a short interpretive nature trail and plenty of rocks and canyons to explore within the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing.
Facilities
This large facility has 124 individual tent and RV campsites. There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however the town of Twentynine Palms is 12 miles away and provides basic amenities. The park allows six people and two vehicles per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See site details for specifics.
Natural Features
Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight and low with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels 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.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation Cancellations & Changes
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below).
Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window:
If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.
There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure.
There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.
If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.
Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window
Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff).
No-Shows
Overnight and Day-Use Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date and will hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date.
No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility.
ADA Access: N
Sites
119
Price
$15.00
Operator
National Park Service
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Features
Alcohol Allowed
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Picnic Table
Reservable
Sanitary Dump
Toilets
Trash Available
Contact
Location
Jumbo Rocks Campground is located in California
Directions
Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Jumbo Rocks is approximately 18 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twenty-nine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Jumbo Rocks is approximately 8 miles from the entrance.
54 Reviews of Jumbo Rocks Campground
Cannot miss
Very primitive camping, but location, views, hikes, and adventures nearby make it all worth it! We had site #6 and tent camped. It was back a little away from the road and people which was nice. Be sure to bring in your own water. We filled up our jug and got provisions in 29 Palms before heading into the park.
Beautiful and serene
We were fortunate to have a site on the very last loop, which felt very private and more backcountry than I imagine some of the other sites might feel. That said, all of the sites looked amazing as you are surrounded by literal jumbo rocks that are fun to climb and/or just look at. We heard a pack of coyotes, heard and saw owls, saw lots of bunnies and a few jackrabbits at dusk, and a fox! You can access Skull Rock trail from the campground or just hike on back behind your site to explore the view. (Be mindful of where you step though!) Pit toilets are plentiful and actually very pleasant- not smelly and fully stocked with lots of TP. A garbage is available as well. Grill and fire pit at each site. We loved it here and will be back!
Feels like a movie set
Perfectly secluded campsites among the rocks with fire pits and picnic tables. We didn’t even leave the campsite itself for hours because there was so much to hike, climb, and explore (although we definitely went through the rest of the park like the cholla gardens, skull rock, and watched the sunset at key point). Best spot in the whole park for such a good price if you manage to snag a reservation!
Flintstone Paradise
This place is so neat, similar to Alabama Hills but allows for so much more opportunity to explore these boulders inside and out! It’s $15 a night to camp here, each site allows two cars. There’s plenty to explore when you’re not by the fire, so be prepared with some solid hiking or climbing shoes and even some chalk (if you’re seriously into climbing). It’s been very busy each time we’ve visited this area, all during summer months so arrive early to get a good spot! There is a limit to how many days you can camp here per year, capped at 30days total. This campsite area is very family friendly! There are designated fire pits (no grills) but no restrooms or trash dump, so come prepared. The area is generally well maintained and kept clean.
Pretty Great!
This is probably the most popular spot to camp at so there are tons of people. But of you reserve it you’re good. These spots all have fire pits and picnic tables. I had my bachelor party here and it was pretty great. Tons of bouldering spots at and within walking distance.
Desert Sunsets
Jumbo Rocks is a central campground in Joshua tree so you are pretty close to most main attractions. Skull Rock is actually in the campground. You can’t reserve a spot at Jumbo Rocks like most campgrounds at Joshua tree so I suggest arriving early to find a spot. The camp sites are fairly close together but that is to be expected in most campgrounds in National parks based on my experience. I would recommend finding a nice spot on top of one of the campground’s notorious jumbo Rocks to watch the sunset. Joshua tree sunsets are magical.
My favorite campground in Joshua Tree
I've stayed her many times. There are plenty of campsites to choose from. The biggest problem is now you must reserve you space. It used to be first come first serve and I could alway find a spot. The views are stunning and the hikes bring you from one vista to another. Most sites seem pretty secluded to from your neighbor. I like to get two sites next to each other for total privacy. There is nothing better than the night sky at Jumbo Rocks.
The best camp ground in Joshua Tree
I love this place! Peaceful and quiet. It’s very close to fascinating hiking trails. It’s the easiest camping experience since there are lots of toilets which are usually kept well maintained and the campsite are just steps away from the parking areas.
Magical Place Among Giant Boulders
During busy seasons, you need to get here early in the morning to find people leaving so you can nab their spot. We came here on a Thursday, not realizing it was spring break. No spaces in the entire park. So we stayed the night at a hotel in town and came back early the next morning.
Pros: Flat sites, fire pit, picnic table, easy access to hiking trails, pit toilets decent, pretty area.
Cons: Neighbors packed their site with too many people and put their tents in our site so they would have more room to party on theirs. They then stayed up until the wee hours of the morning being noisy as they got drunk and high. No camp host to stop this. No cell reception to be able to call a ranger. They really need to add a camp host here during peak seasons. Also, usually the weather is great, but watch out for wind storms that bring giant dust clouds. They kick up here in the desert now and then. (Usually the weather forecast will have a warning.) We got here the morning after a wind storm and people's tents were flattened and broken and many retreated to their cars. (We were glad we weren't able to find a site the night before!)
