Looking for an adventure where you can explore Amboy and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Amboy, California's most popular destinations.
Simply Camping is a dry camp...The only "frill" is a clean, well-equipped portable toilet with tiny sink. My five campsites are well separated for privacy, located approx., 700 ft. to the Copper Mesa Mountains! A great spot for hiking about and or off roading. Simply Camping is great for "sky"gazing, relaxing, enjoy quiet peacefulness of the beautiful desert with the amazing sunrise and sunsets, and the stars at night are incredible! Located in Joshua Tree, approx., 30 minutes to Joshua Tree National Monument and we are approx. 12 miles to Hwy. 62 aka: Twentynine Palms HIghway for shopping, eating, and sightseeing. You will not regret your stay at Simply Camping!
$33 - $39 / night
Psitioned on the side of a hill so you can overlook the dry lake bed. Nearest nieghbor is 1/2 mile away. Far enough from town to be private and very peaceful yet only 7 miles from downtown Joshua Tree and JTNP.
$70 / night
The Black Canyon Equestrian and Group Campground is ideal for larger groups. The group site is available to groups of up to 50 people and up to 35 campers at the equestrian site. Reservations are required and requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Please fill out the reservation request form at https://forms.office.com/g/Gguu7Yqfge.
Vacation in the Mojave Desert Wonder Valley California!
We are located in the middle of the desert on 5 acres and surrounded by hundreds of miles of desert fun. We are 15 miles east of Joshua Tree National Park! We offer rv waste disposal and a restroom with a shower. Our well water is not drinkable so make sure to bring lots of drinking water. Must bring your own tent. See you soon!
$20 / night
Sitting on one corner of this magnificent campsite is the emblem of the modern supply chain, the shipping container. This is a used 20 footer with plenty of vertical room for an NBA player.
Yet, this is but the least significant part of the campsite which is in the Wonder Valley region of 29 Palms. "Out there," as the locals may say. As a recent local myself, I refer to this place as My Own Private Anza-Borrego. The darkness there, aka lack of light pollution, can be intimidating while also being the best place to disconnect from dirty, noisy city life.
No matter your degree of prepper, The Emblem will be a campsite worth remembering and returning to.
Whether you choose to sleep inside the container, with the doors wide open, or tent camp right next to it, you'll have hundreds of acres around you to yourself. The silence is pleasantly maddening. You'll get decent download speeds on your phone but don't expect to be able to work remotely out here. Be there to recharge your human batteries, expand your soul, or test your prepper readiness or new camping gear.
Visit The Monument which is just 15 minutes away on the Utah Trail. Visit the small downtown of 29 Palms, just 8 miles away. And the (in)famous bar & grill, The Palms, just about 7 miles down Amboy heading east. They're only open these days on Fridays and the weekend.
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.
Traveler
Campers 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!!
Traveler
Reservations 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
Love, 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!
Guide
I’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.
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.
TravelerI lowkey want to gate keep this area and keep it all for myself.. but spot #39 was hands down the best spot there (if #38 isn’t being used). We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on.
GuideIt’s a beautiful campground surrounded by giant rocks. The bathroom is decent.
GuideWind was too intense to get the car back tent up at night. Good place to stop before or after the Mojave Trail. There's a small water crossing just after the campground before accessing the trail. My Subaru Crosstrek made it fairly easily just note its presence.
Sites had a concrete table, fire pit with cooking bars, cover over the table and room for a couple cars.
Community vault toilets were available. I'd advise bringing toilet paper!
Traveler
Traveling across country, Jeep camping. Spot was perfect and beautiful. Could have been off the road a bit more considering the amount of traffic for such a remote spot. Make sure to wear shoes as there are thorns. Also be ready to wake up to critters (mice? Chipmunks?) running across your exhaust, chewing on their dinner.
Guide
We booked and traveled here to show the kids the stars from a desert view, and it did not disappoint! My camera couldn't capture the magnificent view from just our site. We stayed three nights and had two perfect days, but the final full day was filled with wind, as expected in this part of the desert. No worries, though—explore the town and escape the wind. We did not use any facilities, but the hookups were great and the park was clean. I would come again in the off-summer season!
Traveler
The area was easy to navigate; even when we pulled in late at night. There were a lot of people coming in and out as well. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for privacy. Aside from that, I would camp if you’re looking for something easy, safe, and accessible.
ScoutNice area but we were told that some areas have now become private land, so that’s something to watch out for.
Guide
Just 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.
Scout
We arrived early in the afternoon around 4:30 pm and found a vast, open place witziges only few, dispersed campers. Access was easy, Solid ground . Only the partly littered areas prevent us from giving 5 stars.
ScoutVery good
GuideStayed for one night and we totally enjoyed our stay there. Beautiful place. Cell service was very good.
GuideWe arrived late in the evening and spent one night there. There was couple of other campers too, so we felt safe. No trash but smelled like urine. Cell service was okay.
Guide
23ft rv
Beginning of april
The camping area is small. There was one can there when we arrived on Friday , early in the day. By 5 pm there were several vehicles. Another rv parked about 30 ft away and a van pulled in at night and was about 15 ft behind us. The area is very pretty. Great mountains etc.
bit if garbage around which always bums. Me out. Spent shell casings.
It’s ok in a pinch for sure and I could see it being good mid week when maybe nobody is around.
Travelerbeautiful surroundings - large open space with fire pits and great views - fantastic night sky
Guide
Great spot just before Hole in the Wal 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. No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning.
Tent camping near Amboy, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots nearby, campers can find the perfect setting for their next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Amboy, CA is Granite Pass in Mojave National Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Amboy, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
