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Black Rock Equestrian Campground in Joshua Tree National Park offers a spacious open horse camp with 10 individual corrals, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings. Campers select their own spots within the large, regularly graded lot, though most areas have a slight slope. The central water location requires campers to transport water to the corrals for their horses. Huge open areas accommodate trailers with ample parking space. Pioneertown Corrals provides an additional horse-friendly camping option near Desert Hot Springs with tent and RV accommodations in a drive-in setting. The trails surrounding Black Rock are particularly noteworthy, with numerous hiking and riding routes directly accessible from the campground.
The California Riding & Hiking trail connects directly to Black Rock Equestrian Campground, offering an impressive 35-mile overland route that traverses Joshua Tree National Park from north to south. This makes the campground an excellent starting or endpoint for multi-day horse treks through the park. Trail signage is comprehensive throughout the network, with various difficulty levels suitable for different riding abilities. The campground's location outside the main park boundary provides the advantage of not requiring passage through entrance gates for access. Reservations are required for all equestrian campsites. The area experiences significant temperature variations and occasional strong winds, particularly in winter months, so horse owners should plan accordingly with appropriate shelter and supplies for their animals.
"Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."
"This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."
"Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.
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from $30 / night
Check Availability"There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."
"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Next to one of best small music venues. We stayed here for a concert and walked to and from the show avoiding the traffic in and out. Friendly host."
from $60 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other."
"Trees provide lots of shade and some privacy despite campsites being fairly close to one another. Easy road in most anything can drive it."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use."
"Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
from $25 - $300 / night
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RangerWe normally camp in the other side of Big Bear, but decided to try a new campground this year. Overall we really liked this campground. Although some of the sites are close together most of them have good separation. There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails. It’s close enough for a quick trip to the lake yet you are far enough away that you still get the true camping experience.
ScoutI was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.
RangerThis is a really fun place to stay and has a bunch of awesome amenities. Right behind the campground is the Pioneertown Main Street, featuring replica buildings from the old west. They have stores, gun fights, and a restaurant nearby. The campground itself has a communal fire pit and bbq area that all campers can use. Each site has a table and fire pit. The layout of the sites is a little cramped and there is no privacy. It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site. The restaurant (Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace) is somewhat of a local icon, and has amazing food and is known for their live music.
ScoutI only saw the first 9 or so sites and stayed I think at site #9. For the most part, spacious spots, fire ring, picnic table, a lot of trees, and varied slopes. Road in is placed initially then dirt but is fine. There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other. You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from.
GuideSweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
GuideStayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.
GuideWhile technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.
PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.
CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.
Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.
After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.
ScoutHeart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet. If you plan to camp in the Big Bear area, I strongly suggest giving Heart Bar a try. The beauty of the surrounding environment is worth it alone.
LegendThis campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. So we usually spend the first night here and then head into the main park in the morning. It has full facilites and water on sight. It has a small visitor center/ranger station as well.
You drive through a residential area and then you are at the campground. You are on a knoll or incline so you are looking down over the valley. There is horse site as well but I do not know the details of that.
We are tent campers. There are good tent sites as well RV sites. A great place to watch the star, the sunset and the sunrise. Trail right fromt= the campground up to a hill/mountain behind the campground.
Be prepared. We have been snowed on here and wind whipped. Always go in February.
Sites have tables, fire rings and water. Modern bathrooms.
You are surrounded by Joshua Trees and if you catch them in the right time they are blooming.
Black Rock Equestrian Campground serves horse owners with individual corrals and access to various trail systems. The campground sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation within the high desert terrain of Joshua Tree National Park, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. Trail access remains a key feature for equestrians, with the California Riding & Hiking Trail providing a major thoroughfare through the park for mounted exploration.
Night sky viewing: Black Rock Campground offers exceptional stargazing due to dark skies and elevation. "The star cover was amazing, and surroundings were beautiful," notes Justin L. from Black Rock Campground.
Mountain hiking: Access trails directly from the campgrounds without driving elsewhere. Sierra T. from Black Rock Campground confirms: "There are also great hiking trails right next to the campground. The campground is also super close to the towns of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree for picking up supplies."
Wildlife observation: Many horse campgrounds near Desert Hot Springs provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Quails running around everywhere, cool little spot at JTree, a little different than Jumbo and the other climber sites," reports Michael K.
Visit Pioneertown: Experience the Old West replica town near equestrian camping areas. "The campsite itself is no frills. Basically a huge dirt lot. Each spot has a picnic table. No hookups. There was 2 toilets near by which were clean," mentions Heather L. from Pioneertown Corrals.
Convenient location: Equestrian campers appreciate sites with access to both wilderness and amenities. Christopher D. notes, "If you're looking for a quick and easy trip to experience nature and a national park, this is a good place to go."
Trail access: Horse trails are a primary draw for equestrian camping near Desert Hot Springs. As Judith W. from Black Rock Equestrian Campground explains: "Trails are amazing. There is even an overland trail from here to the south end of Joshua Tree NP which is around 35 miles long."
Diverse terrain: The varied landscape offers different riding experiences within a single area. Ryan W. states: "Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels. Something for everyone, and each of the trails we hiked, or came across were very well signed, which in the desert is appreciated."
Dark skies: Minimal light pollution makes for excellent night views. Justin L. advises: "Make sure to check the low and high temps to plan accordingly. The dessert has been known to test adventurers, so travel safely."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. Mark D. from Black Rock Campground confirms: "Reservations are required but the park is easily accessible."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings extreme heat while winter nights can be unexpectedly cold. Justin L. recounts: "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! I know better, but we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!"
Limited amenities: Water and bathroom facilities vary significantly between equestrian campgrounds. Julie K. notes: "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."
Wind conditions: Strong desert winds can affect camping comfort and fire safety. Christopher D. cautions: "The wind can get really crazy. I don't know if it was just a freak weather event, but the wind was crazy both days I camped here."
Choose sites with shade: Desert sun can be intense for children. Ashley W. from Heart Bar Campground recommends: "Sites are good, bathrooms are always cleaned. Close to amenities if you need it (we travel with small children so that's a plus) compared to the more remote stays inside the national park."
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn animal sightings into learning experiences. Kevin T. observes: "This campsite has a lot of bird and would come during the cooler months."
Bring entertainment: Limited cellular service means offline activities are essential. Kathleen D. suggests: "The kids liked biking the loop. The scenery and starry night sky are breathtaking."
Bathroom access: Facilities vary widely between equestrian campgrounds. "Bathrooms with flush toilets (no showers)," notes Ryan W., an important consideration for families with young children.
Site leveling: Many horse campgrounds have uneven parking surfaces. As Judith W. notes about Lake Cahuilla: "Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian areas can be challenging. Ashley F. reports: "The road was pretty well maintained, a car without 4WD can handle it easily."
Generator rules: Noise restrictions vary between campgrounds. Christopher D. advises: "Neighbors can be very noisy, and I mean noisy in a number of different ways. There was loud music that was audible far beyond campsites."
Campsite spacing: Horse camping often means open areas rather than private sites. Julie K. observes: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Desert Hot Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Desert Hot Springs, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Desert Hot Springs, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 equestrian camping locations near Desert Hot Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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