Best RV Parks & Resorts near Amboy, CA

A great spot away from the main Joshua Tree strip. We visited for one night during the waning height of COVID and staff was taking all the necessary precautions. There were some restrooms and dish cleaning station available, though we didn’t use them. Spaces were clean and tidy and, although close together, were separated by beautiful bushes that kept it feeling private. Lots of birds around and great views of the desert and mountains. Fire ants were everywhere, so wear shoes. Most of the spots don’t have individual sewer connection but access to shared dump station. Everything was in great condition. The art installations and theatre looked so cool, but were closed temporarily. The lake was super cool and teeming with wildlife. Very reasonably priced for 50 amp & water hookup per night. Very easy access with 25’ trailer. We will definitely return.

Heads 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.

Campground review

Similar to all campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, it's hard to get a camp site, unless you come midweek or come off-season when it gets hot (mid-may through September). The availability is the reason for not rating this site with a full 5 stars. Otherwise this campground is great. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire pit. There are vault toilets but no running water. This campground is the only one in the park that has a an emergency phone line, which is necessary given lack of cell service. Payment of sites is self service with envelopes at campground board. This campground is extremely convenient for the nearby classic trad routes. There are also many bouldering problems in the campground itself, and many more just a short walk away.

Gear review

One of the great parts of being a Ranger for The Dyrt is testing awesome new products from time to time - on this trip I was testing Boost Oxygen. I'd never used sports oxygen before trying this product, so I'm playing around with all the different potential uses. I ordered the flavorless kind and all three flavors in order to try them all. My personal favorite is the menthol-eucalyptus. My friends and I were using Boost throughout our climbing trip. At first assessment: they're fun. We weren't sure what to expect in terms of effects, but we got a major kick out these canisters. We found every opportunity to boost some extra Oxygen - before bed for recovery during sleep, to wake up in the morning, after running around, in between climbs, etc. The flavors really add to the experience. I found the effects to be more noticeable in the immediate sense, like getting a shot of alertness when groggily waking up in the morning or when feeling winded right after exercise. Sometimes I experienced it as a very subtle and brief tingling after taking a few bursts of Boost. Long term effects were less obvious to me, and I didn't notice any clear muscle recovery effects. One final nice feature is that the canisters are extremely light weight - because it's oxygen! So it doesn't add any weight to day packs, which is especially nice if you want to bring some for long hikes, especially at high altitudes. Check it out: https://www.boostoxygen.com

It was a very nice camping location however there is virtually no signage to direct folks to a campsite number- very poor . The roads are paved, but are in horrible condition.

Sites vary in size. Make reservations on recreation.gov and make sure the site you pick is adequate in size for your vehicle. Many sites are pull through, although mine was a bit tight to pull in due to a Joshua tree and vegetation on one side. The site was fairly large and nice picnic table.

Public restrooms' are available and Wi-Fi is available near the main building. 

This is a nice location if you want to be close to shopping and also close to the main entrance to the National Park.

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.

Pure Review:  

Stayed here on the 29th of May 2021. Was a little warm during the day but hella cool at night. The campground is kinda remote, way better than "Hole in The Wall." You can get there in a 2wd car during dry conditions. Nice sites with a table and fire pit. Room for trailer or tent camping. Might have to arrive early to get a good site. 

************************FACTS*********************************************

Price: $12 (first come basis)

Water: NO  

Amenities: Picnic tables and fire ring/grill

Access: A freaking Prius made it

Cell service: Verizon 2-3 bars @ top of hill next to site 24

Pit toilet: Clean

Privacy: Yes/NO depends on your site.

Pure Tip:

Drive the loop before you pick a site. Better ones are at the back. Enjoy!!