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)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Amboy

494 Reviews of 12 Amboy Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    May. 12, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    GOOD ENOUGH

    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.

  • Doc P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Lava Tube Camp
    Apr. 21, 2024

    North Lava Tube Camp

    Perfect desert camping for beginners and families.

    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.

  • Rainer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Joshua Tree
    Apr. 14, 2024

    North Joshua Tree

    Nice stay, plenty of space

    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.

  • Emmi O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    Ok for one night stay

    We 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.

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Heart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road

    It’s ok.

    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Horse Road Dispersed
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Wild Horse Road Dispersed

    Beautiful Spot

    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.

  • Joey N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Great central location

    Jumbo Rocks is a great campsite with decent amenities. There are bathrooms everywhere and has over 100 sites available. Trash receptacles are plenty and usually nearby. Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly.

    The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check everyday.

  • Maura G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    Stolen Tent

    Not a bad spot in close proximity to Joshua Tree, but our tent disappeared from our site on 3/12. We left in the morning to hike and returned to our site to find that every piece of our tent and sleeping gear was gone.

  • Michaela H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Joshua Tree
    Mar. 8, 2024

    North Joshua Tree

    Good camping with dump station nearby

    Stayed here for two weeks in February and found it very enjoyable. Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.

    1. The most paved way in is to take Sunfair to Broadway. Sites are technically in and next to the Coyote Lake bed, but so long as it’s not too crowded the residents next to the solar farm don’t seem to mind parking closer to them, which is a lifesaver during rain because you do NOT want to get trapped in lake mud trying to leave. There’s a large compacted area to the left and right once you pass the solar farm. NOTE: if you park closer to the solar farm, just be aware that there are farm animals so it smells appropriately like manure.
    2. BE CAREFUL!! Don’t drive into areas with any kind of grasses growing or even dead, this is a good indicator you’ve gotten to the sandier soil which is NOT your friend and WILL sink you with only 2WD.
    3. Further up Sunfair is a family run campground, wonderful people, standard site pricing ($30 dry, $55 full hookup). Convenient to have nearby because they’ll let you use the dump station for $20, fill your water for $5, and shower for $10.
    4. When I was here we had rangers driving through semi regularly, but I never saw them stop or approach a rig at any point. Definitely nice to just be left alone!


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.