9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground in Mojave National Preserve accommodates both tent and RV camping with specific facilities for horses. Located approximately 35 miles northwest of Amboy, the campground features sewer hookups and water hookups that benefit both campers and their horses. The site permits pets and offers reservable campsites for horse owners planning trips in advance. Fire rings are provided at campsites while beautiful quiet desert surroundings characterize the camping experience. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring Mojave National Preserve's extensive trail system.
Wild Horse Road Dispersed camping area offers free primitive camping with fire pits approximately 37 miles north of Amboy. The dispersed camping location provides access to nearby mountain trails suitable for horseback riding with gorgeous sunset views visible from campsites. No facilities such as toilets or water are available, requiring equestrians to pack in all supplies for themselves and their horses. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with nighttime temperatures dropping to 36°F in February, and limited wind protection affects camping conditions. Located about a quarter mile down a road marked for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, the site remains accessible for horse trailers with adequate clearance at the designated camping areas and includes sufficient turn-around space for vehicles towing trailers.
"Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."
"This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."
"Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.
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from $30 / night
Check Availability"Love the rock formations within the campground and proximity to hiking from the campground. Pit toilets, garbage and recycling available. Fire pits, bbq’s and picnic tables at every site."
"Amazing rocks, night skies, and climbing to do all around."
"Nice views of the nearby mountain and gorgeous sunsets. 4 stars as there is no protection from wind. Temp at night 36F in February."
"There’s a turn around there for people towing trailers. No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning."
"Cascade Trails is a unique experience created by impassioned owners who are personally committed to saving the wild mustangs. Check them out and leave a review."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"I didn’t drive much past the second site though the road wasn’t difficult. The sites are well established and well marked."
"The turn off to 2 dispersed camping sights is 8 mile from the Mojave Preseve sign in Baker, California. There are two free dispersed sights in the first 1/10 of a mile on a sandy dirt road."
"Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."
from $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
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GuideStayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.
GuideWhile technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.
PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.
CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.
Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.
After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.
LegendThis campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. So we usually spend the first night here and then head into the main park in the morning. It has full facilites and water on sight. It has a small visitor center/ranger station as well.
You drive through a residential area and then you are at the campground. You are on a knoll or incline so you are looking down over the valley. There is horse site as well but I do not know the details of that.
We are tent campers. There are good tent sites as well RV sites. A great place to watch the star, the sunset and the sunrise. Trail right fromt= the campground up to a hill/mountain behind the campground.
Be prepared. We have been snowed on here and wind whipped. Always go in February.
Sites have tables, fire rings and water. Modern bathrooms.
You are surrounded by Joshua Trees and if you catch them in the right time they are blooming.
RangerAlthough it's technically in the park, you'll need to drive over to one of the main entrances for park access. Still, this is a great option. The horse stalls are on the north end of the camp, and there are a few loops. It's desert camping so bring your own shade and lots of water. The weather was great in October, and there is a short trail on the west end of camp (plus lots of other in the area to explore).
We had an RV so I can't speak to the bathrooms.
GuideHuge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded. Central water location so you do have to schlepp your water to the corrals. Trails are amazing. There is even an overland trail from here to the south end of Joshua Tree NP which is around 35 miles long.
LegendOriginally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot to campout and/or leave a car. There are also great hiking trails right next to the campground. The campground is also super close to the towns of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree for picking up supplies, enjoying the local Luna bakery (we went 3 times in 2 days!)
Only downside was sites felt really close together (particularly site 56, although some looked better), so noise levels were a little rough.
We were able to score this site on a Saturday night during the spring break season using Dyrt Alerts!
GuideJust 10 miles down a great, stereotypical, paved desert road off of I-15 you’ll find an unmarked turnoff as the road curves. The turnoff quickly becomes a dirt road that runs straight for miles. On the right side is the Mojave National Wilderness and on the left is the Mojave National Preserve where camping is allowed in designated areas only. These are marked pretty well and can easily accommodate groups (see “camping” below). The road is easy (see “Approach” below) and I’d feel comfortable taking a 2wd sedan to at least the first campsite which is only about 200m from the road. Fires are allowed in fire pits only which both sites I saw have.
Camping There are two designated dispersed campsites that I saw. I didn’t drive much past the second site though the road wasn’t difficult. The sites are well established and well marked. Some places look like they could be campsites but they are marked as “No Camping.” Look for the established areas with a fire pit that have the designated camping signs. They are located next to rock formations that help block the wind and give you a place to get on top of to look around. Watch out for snakes! The first one is maybe 200m down the road on the left. It has a driveway leading to a circular area so it would be good for a pull through camper or two. It’s large enough for a few campers, I’d say, or several vehicles. Pretty ideal if you had a horse trailer (there is not water source) as across the site is a good equestrian/hiking trail. I chose this one because it was actually smaller and I didn’t want to take up the larger second site. The second site is visible from the first but not close enough to interact much. The rock formation is larger, it’s more hidden from the main road, and has more space for vehicles. Better for a group - even a large one. Check the sign on the way into the preserve to make sure fires are allowed that day. Firewood can be purchased at the market in Baker.
The Approach and Ace Test The exit off of I-15 is convenient - stop in Baker immediately on the right for supplies then right across the interstate is Kellbaker Rd - the paved road that goes through the Mojave. After the mile 10 marker, the road turns right and in the middle of the turn is an unmarked paved driveway. Turn onto that driveway and it becomes a sandy dirt road that runs straight. There are some signs that say “No Motor Vehicles” and “No Camping” but these signs are talking about not leavening the road. You’re fine if you stay on the road. There are some pull offs that look like campsites but they will have rocks across the path and have signs saying no camping. Look for the designated camping signs and pull offs with a fire pit. This road does pass the Ace test for me (Ace was my 216 VW Jetta that I took on roads like this often); however, there are a couple spots toward the second campsite and beyond that I, personally, would do with Ace but if you’re less comfortable, the first campsite is maybe 200m in and any car could make that easily.
Activities The trails are well marked and one can explore the Lava Tubes which is just across the dirt road and easy access. It’s hot even in spring so bring a lot of water - more than you think you need. WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES. I had a fire and it was great to sit, relax, and stargaze. There isn’t a lot of light pollution so on a clear night, it’s awesome. Further down the paved road, there are other things like more Lava Tubes, some mines, and a trail you can drive along to check out water tanks. I like this camp area because it’s isolated and out of town but close enough to get supplies while allowing access further into the preserve. You can also go check out the World’s Largest Thermometer in Baker as well as an Alien kitsch shop and a few restaurants.
Weather I was there towards the end of April and it was in the 90’s and sunny during the day, a hot breeze coming from the west. At night, it was clear and starry and a low around 65.
Cell Service and Other Services I had 3 bars of Verizon LTE and was able to text and send videos and do some of my remote work. There are no amenities; however, Baker is just 10 miles away and has a few gas stations and a market that have pretty much everything from laundry detergent to firewood.
LegendThis is a great example of a park that should get the 1/2 star. If an option, I'd give it 4.5 stars, and nick it only because of the minimal bathroom maintenance done after a weekend. I'd note, I think that is more due to staffing than care.
The campground was lightly populated during our February visit, which was a bit surprising considering the other JTree camps inside the park were full. I chose our site online only knowing that it was on the outer ring of sites. It turned out to be a huge site with great views of the CA hiking and riding trail (out the back of the site).
Other pros:
Not so good notes:
This has nothing to do with campground operations, but remember this is the high desert! There is wind—gusty wind. There is sun. Nights get cold. Be aware of the weather and the surroundings.
We had a lovely campfire on night one. The second night was windier at about 15mph with gusts and we chose not to light one, but there wasn't a red flag warning or restriction. Another site nearby (upwind) had a big campfire and were definitely not safe about it. It was a bit nerve-wracking being down the hill from them.
In the morning, asked the park ranger what would cause them to institute a warning, and he said the call wasn't made by the rangers on-site, but rather someone in admin elsewhere. That was surprising, and he commented that it is a challenge they've been working to change because all the rangers were up all night waiting for the call that a fire had started. I relay that to say, that when starting a fire please use common sense and caution. That completes my after school special.
I would definitely recommend this campground if you're looking for access to hiking, Joshua Tree NP but away from the core tourist areas, and also wanting to dip into town. It is conveniently located with lovely scenery.
GuideFor a NP campground, this was nice, but not remote. You are essentially in Yucca Valley, which may be great or not-so-great depending on your expectations. The Joshua trees are plentiful and it was quiet. The facilities were dated, but functional. The staff were incredibly nice and helpful. Despite the proximity to the town, we did have a mountain lion walk through our campsite after dark (we saw him as we pulled in after viewing a sunset in the park). The ranger confirmed they are in the area, but we did not see signage to the effect (we could have missed it). You have to drive through a couple of towns to get back the the Joshua Tree entrance to the park, so be aware the location does not provide direct access. There are hiking trails in the area, but we did not hike them.
Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground serves as a strategic base for horseback riders exploring Mojave National Preserve. Located 35 miles northwest of Amboy at 3,600 feet elevation, the area experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer highs reaching 100°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Winter months bring more moderate temperatures suitable for extended trail riding sessions.
Trail riding opportunities: The North Lava Tube Camp area features equestrian trails across from established campsites. "There is a good equestrian/hiking trail across the site. The rock formation is larger, more hidden from the main road, and has more space for vehicles," notes Doc P.
Explore lava formations: The unique volcanic landscape provides geological interest for riders. "The trails are well marked and one can explore the Lava Tubes which is just across the dirt road with easy access," reports a North Lava Tube camper who visited in April.
Desert sunset viewing: The Wild Horse Road Dispersed area offers remarkable views at day's end. "Nice views of the nearby mountain and gorgeous sunsets," shares Gregory O., adding that "the site is small and basic; just a fire pit; perfect!"
Desert solitude: Many equestrian campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere. "No one else there, rings provided for fires. No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning," writes Dan about Wild Horse Road.
Stargazing conditions: Clear skies and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "I had a fire and it was great to sit, relax, and stargaze. There isn't a lot of light pollution so on a clear night, it's awesome," notes a visitor to Black Canyon who rated it 5 stars.
Natural landscape: The desert setting provides a stark but beautiful backdrop. "Nice little campground in desert-quiet," says Kristi D. about Black Canyon, while another camper simply states: "Great spot, beautiful quiet place to spend the night."
Weather considerations: Desert temperatures fluctuate dramatically. At Black Rock Equestrian Campground, campers should prepare for varying conditions. "Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings. Almost all sloped but not awful. Central water location so you do have to schlepp your water to the corrals," notes Judith W.
Water access: Most horse campgrounds near Amboy have limited or no water facilities. Bring ample water for both humans and horses.
Road conditions: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. Wild Horse Road is "about 1/4 mile down a road marked '4x4 high clearance only.' But if you're just hitting the campsite you can make it in a lot less. There's a turn around there for people towing trailers," explains a camper.
Horse-focused activities: Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary offers unique equine experiences. "They invite guests to come interactively experience the herd, equine therapy and overnight stays. Cascade Trails is a unique experience created by impassioned owners who are personally committed to saving the wild mustangs," notes Ashley F.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety. "WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES," cautions a North Lava Tube camper who encountered them near rock formations.
Temperature planning: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature swings. One camper reported "it was in the 90's and sunny during the day, a hot breeze coming from the west. At night, it was clear and starry and a low around 65" in late April.
Site selection: Choose camping spots with adequate space for rigs and horse trailers. At Belle Campground, "roads were passable - there's a chunk of the road missing near the entrance but it gets a lot better back by the sites," notes Jennifer H.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many horse campgrounds. "Probably my biggest complaint is there aren't any level campsites," shares an RVer who stayed at Belle Campground.
Cell service considerations: Some areas maintain surprisingly good connectivity. At North Lava Tube Camp, a camper reported "3 bars of Verizon LTE and was able to text and send videos and do some remote work," which can be helpful for coordinating trail rides or checking weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Amboy, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Amboy, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Amboy, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Amboy, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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