Looking for the best campgrounds near Amboy, CA? Amboy is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Amboy, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park trail maps and more! 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 requires reservations 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 70-90 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.
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.
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.
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 Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
$30 / night
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park trail maps and more! Indian Cove Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. Because of its proximity to many rock climbing routes, it is a popular camping location for climbers. Indian Cove Group is one of three group campgrounds in the park that can be reserved 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 70-90 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. Indian Cove is at an elevation of 3,200 feet.
Rock climbers flock to Indian Cove Campground for the variety of routes 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 for the non-climber to explore within the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing and night photography.
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 glow 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.
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change your reservation. Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Within 48 hours of arrival, a $10 cancellation fee and the first night's fee are charged. Group Site: Customers who cancel a group overnight reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
$55 / night
Camping in undeveloped campsites is allowed in previously used or disturbed sites outside of the "day-use-only" areas. In most cases these sites include a rock or metal fire ring; not all sites contain a fire ring. All fires must be in a fire ring or fire pan; new fire rings cannot be constructed. Camping tramples vegetation and disturbs soils. By reusing existing sites, you help protect the desert from further damage. Practice Leave No Trace principles, including burrying human waste at least six inches deep.
Careful planning and knowledge of camping guidelines and regulations will help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for you, future visitors, and the fragile desert environment.
Camping in undeveloped campsites is allowed in previously used or disturbed sites outside of the "day-use-only" areas. In most cases these sites include a rock or metal fire ring; not all sites contain a fire ring. All fires must be in a fire ring or fire pan; new fire rings cannot be constructed. Camping tramples vegetation and disturbs soils. By reusing existing sites, you help protect the desert from further damage. Practice Leave No Trace principles, including burrying human waste at least six inches deep.
Careful planning and knowledge of camping guidelines and regulations will help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for you, future visitors, and the fragile desert environment.
The Hidden Valley Campground has 44 sites. There are pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is no water so bring plenty of your own. To secure a campsite, 1. Locate an empty campsite. 2. Occupy the site (set up a tent or leave personal items to show site occupancy). 3. Proceed immediately to an entrance station to complete registration and pay. You must pay for the site within one hour of set up. If arriving after entrance stations close, payment may be delayed until the following morning.
When all the campsites are fully booked in Joshua Tree Nation Park, this is your next best option to get a campsite near the park and still have the "campground atmosphere" you seek.
Our spacious sites offer beautiful views of open desert and sweeping vistas in all directions.
$15 - $55 / night
At 4,400 feet in elevation, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls and makes a great basecamp for hikers. Thirty-five campsites accommodate RVs and tents; two walk-in sites are also available. Maximum RV or trailer length is 30 Feet.
Guide
Amazing what a delightful place to stay! Very unique with stunning boulders through your the camp ground! Clean bathrooms too!! No showers or hook up if any kind! We have a 29ft trailer with truck got in and out ok much bigger you would have a problem many tight spaces .
GuideI like this campground the best because the road is paved and that cuts down on the desert dust. Only drawback is there is no cell service at all at this campground. Its very picturesque against the unique Joshua Tree rocks.
Guide
Unpaved so a bit dusty. Each site has a picnic table and a firepit with grill. Camosite is right against the cool Joshua Tree rock formations.
Traveler
Spent a night here on the way to Joshua tree. It’s close to the park would be a good alternative to staying in the park. Wide open and flat ( like a dry lake bed ) . I found it to be very windy and lots of dust storms, could have used some goggles. Spent all my time in the van. A harsh environment but tons of space. Welcome to mars.
Traveler
My boyfriend and I stayed here for about a week and we absolutely loved our stay! The staff was very friendly and hard working. They ran an easily accessible store on the campgrounds that had lots of last minute necessities. Not to mention the ducks! This RV park is also in super close proximity of the National Park. I would definitely visit again. Also, Rue loved it. 🦆👍🏼🤠
Guide
This is a great spot for an overnight stay about 11 miles down Kelbaker Road from Highway 15. There are two larger sites near the road, but if you drive a little way past those, you will find one small site before the little hill. We also found two more sites after the little hill and one of them was about 30 feet deep, which was good for us. We tried to go farther, but we didn’t see anything for quite a way so we turned around again. A word of caution, it is not easy to turn around because it’s very sandy.
The campsite we chose past the little hill was not visible from the other campsites and it had a great view of the valley and the mountains. You could barely see the highway, and you could not hear it.
Unfortunately, we did see some toilet paper around our site which we picked up. It is simple enough to just buy a toilet bucket at Sportsman‘s Warehouse and add a bag of pine pellets that you can throw away in the dump when you leave.
It’s a nice private spot and we will definitely stay there again.
Guide
The CG was very well maintained in that the bathrooms were clean, not much trash and very nice camp hosts. However, the sites were close together, narrow roads and the sites were not level. We found a rock to level our van which helped, but flat spots were expected. The price per night increased on 1/1/25 which was the night we arrived.
NOTE: after visiting JTNP I learned that many campgrounds in the main part of the park had no water so extra props to this CG for water.
Traveler
Nice place to visit in early January. With sunshine and daytime temperatures of 60s and 70s. Most sites are suitable for tent camping or small campers.
Would be a 5 star if it had water, a dump station or electric.
Scout
No facillities, but beautiful quiet place to spend the night. No one else there, rings provided for fires.
Scout
Dry lake bed. Lots of room and easy to park with ability to put a lot of space between you and others.
Pros: free, close to the park.
Cons: people are clearly living here. Drug deals going down at night with people sitting on the edges with high beams on. Peoplenliving here running generators from 8 pm until they run out of gas at 3 am. 230 am donuts in a pickup followed by screaming for his dogs he let out of his trailer.
We stayed on the south side of the park first and that was much better.
Traveler
A great place to climb rocks and watch sunrises and sunsets. Lots of birds to listen to and spy with binoculars. In the spring the desert flowers are blooming and beautiful to seek out different species. The road leading to the research station is tight, you will likely get the sides of your vehicle scratched. Lots of dirt roads to explore and even found some petroglyphs nearby. The dispersed sites are about and 1/8 of mile apart and separated by boulders so privacy is great.
It was pleasing to see almost no litter or bottles and cans.
Bring your own water, bring your own privy.
Drive slow and watch for desert tortoises and other wild life while exploring the miles and miles of dirt roads.
Only complaint was the guy who drove his dirt back around the rocks like it was his own personal dirt track. He did that for half an hour the disappears.
GuideEnjoyed staying at this campground. Each site is different, but the information on reservation site contains all details.
Planning for water is needed, there is only a pit toilet.
Scout
We loved camping 🏕 here! Great big rocks, and good trails near by! An arch too!
Scout
Located close to the town of Joshua Tree so you can still grab a bite to eat if you’re not up to cooking. Easy access to the west entry gate but this gate tends to get busy on holiday weekends. Campground is clean and quiet. They rent every other spot so you’re not quite on top of your neighbors. Camp staff super helpful and friendly. Bring your own table as outdoor tables are limited. Nice community area with picnic tables, microwave, bbq, and games.
Guide
It’s a beautiful ride up the groomed dirt road, but there are definitely some steep and curved spots. Definitely not big rig friendly! All spots are in full sun and most have shaded picnic tables. There is a water spigot near the first site on the left when you enter the camping area. The keyhole shaped road does allow for an easy turnaround if you’re towing a small trailer. The sites vary from small and secluded surrounded by tall shrubs, ideal for cars, vans or tents. Others are deep enough for backing in a trailer and not having to unhitch your truck. All sites are back in but the road is just wide enough to provide decent swing space. This area is first come first served and takes cash or checks only. Envelopes and a secure dropbox are available at the info board. The info board is quite faded, but to the best of my knowledge as of November 2024 sites were six dollars per night or three dollars with your America the beautiful pass. 14 day limit. I was there nine days and only saw it get busy on the weekend. Mostly very respectful OHVers making use of the many dirt trails that head off into the canyons. There is a railroad bridge adjacent to the campground and the freight trains do come through fairly frequently, but that is the only other sign of civilization in this area.
TravelerCampers beware that the sites are close together and have limited space for campers. We have a RTT with a fold out annex. There are boulders along the road side that do not allow you to pull into the sites. This was not obvious from the pictures or descriptions. Beautiful area. Close sites and seems to be a social area and the people were great!
We opted instead for a first come first served site at the Belle campground. TY to the campers that gave us an alternative location!!
TravelerReservations are required but the park is easily accessible. We picked an easy location for our maiden voyage and the need for cell service for my spouse. Cell service was just adequate. Facilities are clean and well kept. Visitors center staff was friendly and helpful. Sites are decently spaced but there will be sharing with RV’s and generators. I would stay here again but if time permits the sites within Joshua Tree NP would be my preference.
Traveler
I prefer to stay on BLM, but every once in a while I boondock at VLC for a hot shower and intentional socialising. I really dig the hostel vibes and communal activities. I'm usually stopping over, but there are folks who hang for longer and work remotely here.
TravelerLove, love this campground. Beautiful rock formations set amidst the magical Joshua Tree National Park. RV sites are good size, no hookups, but campground does have vault toilets and endless exploration opportunities!
GuideI’ve camped at Joshua tree national park numerous times but this is the first time at this site. It was great. Lots of climbing at hiking at this spot. Great Joshua tree experience without the long drive and entrance fee.
Scout
Verizon had excellent reception, enough room between campers to run a generator without bothering anyone. Lots of litter everywhere. It would be nice if people would haul out more trash than what they bring in. After all it is free camping.
Traveler
We stayed two nights here in a campervan. It's a really great location to explore the park. The rocks give some good shade. Space #9 was shady in the mornings. The toilets were fine. It was really quiet, they're were a few other campers mostly in tents. No sign of any rattlesnakes or other critters either. Except loads of cute squirrels, and some mice and lizards.
Traveler
What a stunning view from this hillside property! Overlooking the dry lake bed with a neighbor half a mile away sounds like the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and privacy. The proximity to downtown Joshua Tree and JTNP offers the best of both worlds—seclusion and convenience. If you’re considering moving to such a beautiful area, it’s important to communicate your vision clearly. That’s where https://stateofwriting.com/uk/sociology-writing-service comes in. Their expert writing services can help you craft compelling content, whether it’s for a personal blog, a real estate listing, or any other writing project. Enjoy the tranquility of this amazing location!
LegendHeads up about this place if you’re in an RV like we are. We reserved spot #40, we are a 26ft class c (28 ft total length) and the length limit for this spot is 30 ft, and RVs are allowed. But we felt like we barely fit side to side, and definitely wouldn’t have put our slides out. Not to mention it was so unlevel that we wouldn't have wanted to take the slides out anyway. The spot was cute, a little spot by itself between a hill and the “bump out” type parking spot where you’d park your vehicle. There’s a picnic table, a grill, and a fire pit. We ended up parking there for a bit, walking over to skull rock and the discovery trail to face rock (dogs not allowed on trails), walked back, and left. We would have been way too uncomfortable if we’d tried to stay the night. Oh well- we only lost $20.
There are dumpsters throughout the campground, and recycling at the entrance. We didn’t see any hosts or staff. There are pit toilets as well. We did see some other RVs in spots that looked fine, but overall I’d recommend this place for tents only unless you know for sure you’ll fit in the spot. Zero cell service in the entire park.
LegendThis place is reservation only, through recreation.gov. The rangers at the visitor center do not handle anything with reservations whatsoever. We managed to get two nights fairly last minute, only to arrive and find the campground mostly empty. That’s pretty aggravating, probably due to people making reservations and not showing up.
Sites are $25/night, and rec.gov does not charge a processing fee, which is so nice.
The roads throughout the campground are in terrible shape, but we managed in our 26ft class C. The roads and many of the sites are washed out and crumbling. Most sites are not level. Our site,#90, was ok with leveling blocks.
There’s recycling here (no glass accepted), trash dumpsters, flush toilets, and a free dump station with potable water fill. No showers here. There are many hiking trails directly from the campground, which is nice, but dogs are not allowed on the trails.
ATT had good service and Verizon was usable but very weak.
Traveler
Everything about this site is not only free, but literally free to park and camp anywhere. There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October. So campfires would be a great idea out here as well.
TravelerIt was an aight spot. did the job. the spots are like behind a sketchy gas station, so i drove down a little bit so i wasn’t near it. tons of garbage. other than that, decent morning view ! stayed safe the whole night. can’t complain.
Camping near Amboy, California, offers a unique experience in the Mojave Desert, with stunning landscapes and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous place to explore, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Amboy, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique desert environment!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Amboy, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Amboy, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near Amboy, CA and 31 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Amboy, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Amboy, CA is Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 113 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Amboy, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Amboy, CA.
What parks are near Amboy, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Amboy, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park.
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