Best Tent Camping near Amboy, CA

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Amboy, CA (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Pass in Mojave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Pass in Mojave National Park

    1. Granite Pass in Mojave National Park

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    9 Saves
    Mojave National Preserve, California
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twentynine Palms
    Camper-submitted photo from Twentynine Palms
    Camper-submitted photo from Twentynine Palms
    Camper-submitted photo from Twentynine Palms
    Camper-submitted photo from Twentynine Palms
    Camper-submitted photo from Twentynine Palms

    2. Twentynine Palms

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    1 Save
    Twentynine Palms, California

    Vacant land available for exploring and short term tent camping. Conveniently located near shopping, eateries and amazing areas to explore for days. Located near the North entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 - $80 / night

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Simply Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Simply Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Simply Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Simply Camping

      4. Simply Camping

      1 Review
      4 Photos
      13 Saves
      Twentynine Palms, California

      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!

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash

      $33 - $39 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Shabby Shanty
      Camper-submitted photo from Shabby Shanty
      Camper-submitted photo from Shabby Shanty
      Camper-submitted photo from Shabby Shanty
      Camper-submitted photo from Shabby Shanty
      Camper-submitted photo from Shabby Shanty

      5. Shabby Shanty

      1 Review
      6 Photos
      16 Saves
      Joshua Tree, California

      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.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Showers

      $70 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp

      7. North Lava Tube Camp

      2 Reviews
      41 Photos
      30 Saves
      Baker, California
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian
      Camper-submitted photo from Desert Camp Festivities
      Camper-submitted photo from Desert Camp Festivities
      Camper-submitted photo from Desert Camp Festivities

      8. Desert Camp Festivities

      Be the first to review!
      3 Photos
      17 Saves
      Twentynine Palms, California

      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!

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $20 / night

      • No image available

        9. The Emblem

        Be the first to review!
        4 Saves
        Twentynine Palms, California

        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.

        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Cabins
        Camper-submitted photo from Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites — Joshua Tree National Park
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      Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Amboy

      511 Reviews of 12 Amboy Campgrounds


      • Diane M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Jan. 25, 2025

        Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Boulder Haven! True to its name!

        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 .

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Jan. 25, 2025

        Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Best campground in Joshua Tree

        I 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.

      • aThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Joshua Tree
        Jan. 24, 2025

        North Joshua Tree

        Spacious, flat, windy

        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.

      • Ava C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
        Jan. 20, 2025

        Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

        Easy Booking & Kind Staff

        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. 🦆👍🏼🤠

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
        Jan. 11, 2025

        North Lava Tube Camp

        Quiet and scenic

        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.

      • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Jan. 6, 2025

        Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Close to Joshua Tree NP but not a stellar CG for $35/night

        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.

      • Tamara Keri E.
        Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon
        Dec. 31, 2024

        Black Canyon

        Great spot

        No facillities, but beautiful quiet place to spend the night. No one else there, rings provided for fires.

      • Karen M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree RV & Campground
        Nov. 30, 2024

        Joshua Tree RV & Campground

        Clean, safe and friendly spot

        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.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
        Nov. 25, 2024

        Afton Canyon Campground

        Sunny Delight

        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.

      • Mark D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Nov. 25, 2024

        Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Limited Space

        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!!

      • Mark D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Nov. 25, 2024

        Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Easy access

        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.

      • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Nov. 8, 2024

        Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Joshua tree np without the fee

        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.

      • Karen D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Oct. 5, 2024

        Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Beautiful and quiet

        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.

      • Carol L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Shabby Shanty
        Sep. 20, 2024

        Shabby Shanty

        cool

        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!

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Sep. 14, 2024

        Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        We were too big

        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.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
        Sep. 14, 2024

        Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

        Beautiful

        This 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.

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree
        Aug. 25, 2024

        BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

        Definition of Dispersed Camping

        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.

      • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
        Jun. 10, 2024

        Afton Canyon Campground

        Convenient stop before the Mojave Trail

        Wind 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!

      • Jami C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Granite Pass in Mojave National Park
        May. 21, 2024

        Granite Pass in Mojave National Park

        Beautiful, but critters and thorns

        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.

      • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
        May. 13, 2024

        Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

        Good Times and Clear Skies!

        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!


      Guide to Amboy

      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.

      Tent campers like these nearby activities

      Amenities that enhance your camping experience

      Tent campers should check out unique features

      • Simply Camping is known for its epic sunrises and sunsets, making it a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts.
      • Experience the thrill of camping near historical sites at 17 Mile Camp — Mojave National Preserve, where you can explore the remnants of the past while enjoying the great outdoors.
      • For those traveling with pets, Desert Rose allows furry friends, ensuring that your entire family can enjoy the camping experience together.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Amboy, CA?

        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.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Amboy, CA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Amboy, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.