Pioneertown is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Pioneertown is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Pioneertown, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$35 / night
"Originally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot"
"The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.
- Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels."
$55 / night
"Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills."
"Indian Cove is on the Northern side of the park, and you will use a different entrance than the main park entrance."
$30 / night
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"The campsites are tucked between massive granite boulders, offering natural windbreaks and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find elsewhere."
$15 - $55 / night
"A great spot away from the main Joshua Tree strip. We visited for one night during the waning height of COVID and staff was taking all the necessary precautions."
"Away from highway noise a place to recharge."
"Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like."
"As others have noted, this a giant dry lake bed. There is tons of space, plenty of room to spread out and not be near other campers, which there are many on the weekends."
"The entire campgrounds are surrounded in a wall of boulders varying in shales and sizes. Tons of fun to scramble and boulder on. We wenf in July and the evening temps were fantastic."
"Location is great and close by to al the main attraction!"
$29 - $58 / night
"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."
"second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though"
"The KOA is reasonably priced for KOA and California. 3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground."
"Plenty of stuff to do behind the walls, mini golf, dog kamp, pool, hot tubs, games, game room... Nice shower house and bathrooms. Camp store is a little small but has the essentials."
$22 - $44 / night
"This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever."
"You don’t get many good views inside the RV park gates, but once you walk out there driveway and along the street you can actually get some good mountain views on clear days."
"My favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space."
"We set up fairly close to the paved road by the solar panels. Land was flat, plenty of room for ourselves and quiet."
ScoutI strongly urge you to camp or rent your watersports anywhere else than this place!! The staff here have shown me numerous times over the past few weeks that they don't care about you or your vacation needs!!
ScoutThe campground was amazing. It was very hot in July so I went into town during peak afternoon hours but the morning and evenings at Jumbo Rocks are amazing!
Highly recommended m
ScoutAwesome quiet campground for a more “dispersed” camping feel. Dispersed due to the fact there’s only a few water spigots at select sites and the bathroom were a hike from our spot. We took site #20, it was little bit of a trek from the parking spot to our camp, but the site was extremely spacious and secluded. We decided 4 stars because the forest service failed to post our reservation for site #06 (which has the best view but not much shade). We were here mid July on a Thursday and there were only 2 other sites occupied. Beware the unreal amount of mosquitos.
RangerGreat spot! We went as a famile boy scout trip and had a great time. There was bouldering right behind the camp sites and room for tons of campers and tents. Great for a group.
ScoutJumbo Rocks Campground is an absolute gem for anyone looking to experience the surreal beauty of Joshua Tree. The campsites are tucked between massive granite boulders, offering natural windbreaks and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find elsewhere. We spent our days scrambling across the rock formations—each turn revealing a new panorama—and our nights marveling at the Milky Way in one of the best dark-sky locations in California. The facilities are basic but well-maintained: clean pit toilets, potable water stations, and plenty of picnic tables and fire rings. Because there’s no cell service here, it’s the perfect spot to unplug and reconnect with nature. Nearby trailheads like Skull Rock and Hall of Horrors are just a short walk away, making it easy to plan half-day hikes without moving your rig. To make your trip seamless, consider booking an Airport pick-up service so you can roll straight from the terminal into the desert without the hassle of rental cars. And if you’re visiting multiple national parks in a single journey, their inter-city transfers will keep you moving in comfort—no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or parking fees. Overall, Jumbo Rocks delivers on every level: epic scenery, stellar stargazing, and the chance to truly get away from it all. Highly recommended for adventurous campers!
GuideNice spot, close to road with shade from the trees
TravelerYellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.
Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.
Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.
A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.
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We stopped overnight at Amboy Crater during our vanlife road trip in our Hi 5 Campervan, and it was one of the most surreal camping spots we’ve experienced. It’s boondocking-style, so don't expect any hookups— but the peace, stars, and Mars-like vibes make it worth it.✅ What we loved: Easy access right off Route 66. Ample parking space for our Hi 5 campervan(ours is about 11 ft tall— no issues at all). Uninterrupted views of the crater and desert. Free and quiet overnight stay(just be respectful and leave no trace). Perfect for catching a sunrise or drone shot!⚠️ Good to know: No water or amenities— bring your own supplies. Cell service is very weak, so download offline maps in advance. Gets windy at night, so secure your gear. Trail to the crater rim is doable but not shaded— hike early morning or sunset.🎥 This spot was a dream for content creation. We got epic drone boomerang shots of our van parked solo in the desert. You won't find a vibe like this in Canada!
TravelerI am low-income and sometimes I can't reserve additional nights until I get paid in the afternoon. The rest of the employees at Lake Perris campgrounds had no problem with me, always polite, and welcoming. I was contacted 12 times by this deputy for minuscule infractions, several of them before checkout ⏲️ time.
Camping near Pioneertown, California, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Pioneertown, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the desert while having access to various activities and amenities. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Pioneertown, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 316 campgrounds and RV parks near Pioneertown, CA and 38 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pioneertown, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 48 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 38 free dispersed camping spots near Pioneertown, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Pioneertown, CA that allow camping, notably San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park.
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