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Black Rock Equestrian Campground in Joshua Tree National Park features ten corrals with picnic tables, BBQs, and fire rings in a large open area. Campers can select their preferred spot anywhere within the designated equestrian section, though most areas have a slight slope. The campground is regularly graded to maintain suitable conditions for horse trailers. Water is available at a central location, requiring campers to transport water to the corrals. The equestrian sites are separate from the main Black Rock Campground, providing a dedicated area for horse owners. Sites are $35 per night for partial hookups, while primitive sites at other horse-friendly campgrounds in the region cost approximately $25 per night.
Trails connecting directly from Black Rock Equestrian Campground offer exceptional riding opportunities, including an overland route spanning approximately 35 miles to the southern section of Joshua Tree National Park. Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground near Idyllwild provides another horse camping option with drinking water, picnic tables, and trash service. McCall Equestrian Park in Idyllwild remains open year-round with amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and trash disposal. Heart Bar Campground, located along Highway 38, offers additional equestrian camping from May through September. Most horse campgrounds in the Palm Desert region require reservations, especially during peak seasons, as sites fill quickly. Campgrounds typically enforce quiet hours and have specific regulations regarding horse containment and waste management.
"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."
"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"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."
"Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back Id just need more blankets because the nights are beyond cold."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
"This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled."
"Few trails for wandering around as well. Great Verizon service"
from $30 - $280 / night
Check Availability"Love the rock formations within the campground and proximity to hiking from the campground. Pit toilets, garbage and recycling available. Fire pits, bbq’s and picnic tables at every site."
"Amazing rocks, night skies, and climbing to do all around."
"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
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.
Equestrian campgrounds near Palm Desert, California are situated at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 4,300 feet, creating varied climate conditions throughout the year. Trails connecting these facilities span approximately 35 miles through Joshua Tree National Park with temperature extremes requiring proper planning for both human and equine campers. Water availability varies significantly between sites, with most requiring campers to transport water to horse corrals.
Trail riding near Lake Cahuilla: This recreation area provides access to several riding paths with views of the surrounding mountains. "Here in the off season. Camped in tent section right on the lake. Lots of space. Not on top of neighbors," notes Craig C., highlighting the spaciousness that makes it suitable for horses.
Mountain exploration at Heart Bar: Located along Highway 38, this campground offers access to wilderness riding trails. "Topography-wise this camp sits right over a small meadow that borders the San Gorgonio wilderness. It sits higher above the highway and displaces sound nicely. This spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring," reports Nick L.
Long-distance treks: Ryan Campground serves as an access point for extended riding trails. "Joshua Tree National Park is a world of its own. Ryan was a beautiful site with great rock formations all around," writes Alex R. The nearby California Riding & Hiking trail provides multi-day trek opportunities with several water stops required.
Spacious corral setups: Lake Cahuilla County Park offers larger areas for horse trailers and equipment. "Wide gravel sites, most with 50/30 amp service and water, many right on the small fishing lake. No trees or other screening between sites although not packed in like a standard RV park," explains Patrick M.
Desert wildlife encounters: The equestrian campgrounds provide opportunities to observe native species. "We definitely come back more often," shares Landon M. about Lake Cahuilla, where campers regularly report seeing birds, reptiles and desert mammals at dawn and dusk.
Seasonal temperature variations: Belle Campground in Joshua Tree National Park offers different experiences throughout the year. "Love the rock formations within the campground and proximity to hiking from the campground. Pit toilets, garbage and recycling available. Fire pits, bbqs and picnic tables at every site," reports Jennifer H., noting the amenities available despite the primitive setting.
Reservation requirements: Most horse campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. "Stayed at the start of May as I had appointments in Indio. Wonderfully quiet, hardly anyone else here. If I'd visited in the busy season I think the closeness of the sites would have bothered me," advises Beverley G. about Lake Cahuilla.
Limited water availability: Many sites have minimal water facilities. "Bare bones... Nice campground with a variety of sites to choose from. Primitive sites are $25 and are first come first serve only. Partial hookups were $30 I think, and FHU were $40 if I remember right. Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35," explains Laura M.
Terrain considerations: South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offer more remote options for experienced riders. "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)," notes Tony B., though access requires navigating difficult roads.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some equestrian sites are near facilities designed for children. "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," explains Morgen M., adding that it's "great for family friendly" activities.
Educational opportunities: McCall Equestrian Park near Idyllwild offers wildlife viewing suitable for children. "Only a few spots here that aren't really secluded but since it's not usually crowded you do get some privacy. The bathrooms and showers are CLEAN as heck!! Mostly families here so it was nice and quiet at night except for the wildlife," reports Anastasia H.
Safety considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds have unique challenges. "I recommend you bring extra mosquito repellent," advises Kique S. about South Ridge, while other reviewers note the importance of proper clothing for temperature changes at all equestrian sites.
Site selection for trailers: Black Rock Campground offers designated spots for horse trailers. "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," notes Ashley W.
Hookup availability: Not all equestrian sites provide full connections. "The sites are close to each other. If it were a full camp, it would be a lot less peaceful... Some sites have nice new campfire rings. Ours had a very old, barely above ground one," reports Ryan W. about Black Rock Campground.
Seasonal access: Heart Bar Campground operates from May through September with specific regulations. "We love this campground. Been going there for years. Tent camping to RV. Clean. Lots of hiking and mountain biking in area," shares Aaron S., noting the importance of advance reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Palm Desert, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Palm Desert, CA is Lake Cahuilla with a 4.7-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Palm Desert, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 equestrian camping locations near Palm Desert, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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