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Black Rock Equestrian Campground provides open-space camping for horse owners in Joshua Tree National Park. The expansive dirt lot allows campers to select their own spots throughout the grounds, with room for trailers and vehicles. Ten individual corrals are available for horses, along with picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire rings. Most terrain is slightly sloped but regularly maintained through grading. Water is available at a central location, requiring campers to transport water to their corrals. The campground accommodates tent camping and is designed primarily for equestrian use. Trails accessible directly from the campground offer scenic riding opportunities through Joshua Tree's distinctive desert landscape.
Extensive trail networks connect riders to various parts of Joshua Tree National Park from Black Rock Equestrian Campground. An overland trail stretches approximately 35 miles from the campground to the southern section of the park, providing a significant riding route for equestrians seeking longer adventures. Pioneertown Corrals offers an alternative horse-friendly camping option near Morongo Valley, with convenient access to the historic Pioneertown attractions. Horse stalls are available for rent alongside camping sites at Pioneertown Corrals. Both locations require proper preparation for desert conditions, including temperature fluctuations and occasional strong winds. The trails surrounding Black Rock are particularly praised by equestrians for their quality and scenic value.
"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"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"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."
"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"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"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"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."
"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!"
from $35 - $71 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
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.
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.
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.
Black Rock Equestrian Campground provides several camping options for horse owners in Joshua Tree National Park. Located at 4,300 feet elevation, the campground experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The area receives approximately 4 inches of annual rainfall, creating a dry desert environment that requires careful preparation for both horses and humans.
Trail riding through Joshua Tree National Park: Access extensive trail networks directly from Black Rock Equestrian Campground. The campground serves as a starting point for the 35-mile overland trail. "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," notes Judith W.
Visit Pioneertown attractions: Stay at Pioneertown Corrals for easy access to western-themed activities. "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," explains Andy H.
Hiking options near horse camps: Several trails can be accessed without trailering horses. "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," says Ryan W. from Black Rock Canyon.
Equestrian amenities: The dedicated corrals at equestrian campgrounds near Morongo Valley provide secure containment for horses. "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," writes Judith W. about Black Rock Equestrian Campground.
Proximity to town services: Black Rock Canyon offers convenience while maintaining natural surroundings. "The campground is on the outside border of the park. Meaning you don't have to go wait in line at the entrance to access it in and out, and it is much easier to get into Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree if you're both camping and want to visit a restaurant or shop. Very convenient location," according to Ryan W.
Music and dining: Western-themed entertainment complements the equestrian experience. "Best $10 camping site in funky old western faux town. 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," says Sara S. about Pioneertown Corrals.
Weather preparation: Temperature changes can be extreme, particularly at higher elevations. "This is the high desert! There is wind—gusty wind. There is sun. Nights get cold. Be aware of the weather and the surroundings," advises Ryan W. from Ryan Campground.
Water access limitations: Water management requires planning at horse campgrounds. "Central water location so you do have to schlepp your water to the corrals," notes Judith W. about Black Rock Equestrian Campground.
Terrain challenges: The natural landscape includes slopes at many equestrian sites. "The park roads are rough...like falling apart rough. Not an issue for most unless you were in a small or low vehicle," reports Ryan W. about Black Rock Canyon.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe desert animals near the campgrounds. "Quails running around everywhere, cool little spot at JTree, a little different than Jumbo and the other climber sites," shares Michael K. about Ryan Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Morongo Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Morongo Valley, 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 Morongo Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 equestrian camping locations near Morongo Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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