Joshua Tree National Park and surrounding desert areas offer an array of RV camping options near Amboy, California. Located in the high desert at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet, this region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night. Camping options vary from established campgrounds with amenities to primitive sites on public lands, with most experiencing strong desert winds especially during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Black Rock Campground offers direct access to multiple trail systems without requiring additional driving. "There are actually tons of trails that lead directly out of the main camping area, so if you're not in the mood to even leave the campground, you can still experience a lot of nature," notes one visitor about Black Rock Campground.
Star gazing: The clear desert skies provide exceptional celestial viewing opportunities. "This is the most beautiful place to watch sunrise and sunset and stars. So peaceful," describes a visitor at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. The dark skies allow for photography opportunities and constellation identification.
Rock climbing: Hidden Valley Campground places you near popular climbing routes. "Nice sites amongst the rocks and Joshua Trees. Clean pit toilets, but no water. Non-reservable, so can be tough to get in some times," explains a reviewer about this central location for climbing enthusiasts.
What campers like
Desert wildlife encounters: The diverse desert ecosystem supports various animal species. "My daughter and I came here for a meteor show, amazing! The hiking was good, it is very hot bring plenty of water," shares a camper from Hidden Valley Campground.
Proximity to town amenities: Campers appreciate being close to supplies while still enjoying nature. "It's right next to a park where the kids can skate, play and you can take your doggos! We had a little issue w our RV and the manager was more than happy to come help me look at it," mentions a camper at Joshua Tree RV & Campground.
Geological features: The unique rock formations throughout the area create distinctive camping experiences. "Enormous boulders are the backdrop (and only promise of shifting shade relief) of this little campground in Joshua Tree. Toilets. Trailheads. Bike in sites. Tents. Adventure Vans," describes a visitor at Ryan Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. "We've stayed many times - September, October & May. The Joshua Tree Music Festival takes over the campground for a week in October and a week in May," reports a camper at Joshua Tree Lake RV Campground.
Limited water access: Many campgrounds require visitors to bring their own water. "No water or RV hookups. Saw a coyote though," notes a visitor about Hidden Valley Campground. Most visitors recommend bringing at least one gallon per person per day.
Wind conditions: Strong winds can affect camping comfort. "I would give this 5 stars if we had been given the option to move to one of the tent sites that had more of a wind block. Instead the campground was pretty empty but they put us at the back of the campground completely exposed to the wind," explains a camper from Joshua Tree Lake RV Campground.
