15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Black Rock Equestrian Campground offers dedicated facilities for campers with horses in Joshua Tree National Park. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and space for tent camping. Accessible via drive-in access on Black Rock Canyon Road in Yucca Valley, the equestrian area accommodates visitors with horses separate from the main campground. Reservations are required for overnight stays, and pets are permitted within the campground boundaries. The sites are positioned near scenic desert terrain ideal for horseback riding, with ample space for trailer parking. Sites fill quickly during peak season as this is one of the few horse-friendly camping options in the Joshua Tree area.
Located near several desert trail systems, Black Rock Equestrian Campground serves as a starting point for rides through Joshua Tree National Park's unique desert ecosystem. Riders access trails directly from the campground, allowing for exploration of the park's distinctive landscape and boulder formations. The Pioneertown Corrals provide an alternative horse camping option approximately 18 miles northwest of Twentynine Palms, with basic amenities including toilets and trash service. Both locations experience extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with September through June offering the most comfortable riding conditions. The campgrounds have no drinking water available, requiring visitors to bring sufficient water for both themselves and their horses. Morning rides are particularly rewarding during summer months when temperatures rise quickly.
"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"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"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."
"Cascade Trails is a unique experience created by impassioned owners who are personally committed to saving the wild mustangs. Check them out and leave a review."
from $25 - $35 / 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"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"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"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."
"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."
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.
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.
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.
RangerAlthough it's technically in the park, you'll need to drive over to one of the main entrances for park access. Still, this is a great option. The horse stalls are on the north end of the camp, and there are a few loops. It's desert camping so bring your own shade and lots of water. The weather was great in October, and there is a short trail on the west end of camp (plus lots of other in the area to explore).
We had an RV so I can't speak to the bathrooms.
GuideHuge 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. Central water location so you do have to schlepp your water to the corrals. 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.
Black Rock Equestrian Campground provides dedicated horse camping facilities near Joshua Tree National Park's northwestern boundary. Located approximately 18 miles from Twentynine Palms, it offers direct access to desert riding trails. The campground features large, open spaces designed for horse trailers and corrals. Temperatures in this desert region fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing.
Desert trail riding: Explore the California Riding & Hiking trail that runs through Joshua Tree National Park. "There is a small gift store in the DOI building that is accompanied by an excellent little art gallery. The featured artist was Diane Best. It was clearly inspired by the park. The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area," notes a visitor to Black Rock Campground.
Rock climbing: Access bouldering areas near Ryan Campground. "Enormous boulders are the backdrop (and only promise of shifting shade relief) of this little campground in Joshua Tree. Toilets. Trailheads. Bike in sites. Tents. Adventure Vans," reports Kathleen D. about Ryan Campground.
Stargazing: Experience dark skies at Belle Campground. "Awesome location situated at the base of a huge boulder. Fire pit, grill, and bathrooms provided. Busy on the weekends," shares Noah S. about his stay at Belle Campground.
Equine facilities: Horse owners appreciate the large open areas at horse campgrounds. "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.
Primitive solitude: Many campers value the undeveloped nature of the campgrounds. "This campsite is firstcome, first-served and the campground is at 4,300 feet (1,310 m) in elevation. It only have 31 sites and make sure you bring plenty of water since there isn't a single potable water in this site. It's a must for anyone who enjoys being away from big crowds," notes Roland B. about their Ryan Campground experience.
Music venues: Pioneertown Corrals offers proximity to entertainment. "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," explains Sara S. about Pioneertown Corrals.
Water limitations: No water is available at most Joshua Tree campgrounds. "Beautiful landscape. very dry. you must bring all of your own water and firewood (not allowed to collect it there). It is an easy drive from Ryan campground to several classic hikes including ryan moutain trail with an epic view," advises Kelly M.
Seasonal timing: Most equestrian campgrounds operate best during cooler months. "If you're looking for Joshua Trees, this is a good place to camp because they are plenty throughout the campground. Many of the other campgrounds in the park actually don't have the trees; This campground has running water and clean bathrooms with flush toilets," Christopher D. explains about Heart Bar Campground.
First-come sites: Many campgrounds don't take reservations. "Camp sites here and at most campgrounds in Joshua Tree are first come first serve, making them difficult to snag during popular months (mid Fall through mid Spring). If you come during the week you should be fine, but the sites are pretty much always claimed by Saturday morning," warns Les R.
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer flat terrain for cycling. "The kids liked biking the loop. The scenery and starry night sky are breathtaking," mentions Kathleen D. about Ryan Campground.
Playground access: Some county parks near Twentynine Palms include facilities for children. "There was a playground, not too much traffic around the campsite, and fishing for our next trip there," reports Morgen M. about their stay at Lake Cahuilla.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer opportunities to spot desert wildlife. "We loved the location of Ryan campground and also that it was smaller than some of the other loops. It was mostly quiet and the views of both rocks and Joshua Trees was great and it was easy to access any point in the park," shares Delite P.
Site selection: Choose carefully at equestrian campgrounds. "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," advises Ashley W. about Black Rock Campground.
Limited hookups: Most horse campgrounds near Twentynine Palms lack full RV facilities. "The campground is close to the town of Yucca Valley, which some might consider a good thing, but there are neighborhoods literally built right up against the campground, so it doesn't really feel secluded at all here," notes Christopher D.
Dump station locations: Plan accordingly for waste disposal. "Sites are W/E only. Dump station on site. The park has a campground feel, with a bit more space between spots than most rv parks. Sites are gravel and easy to get into," explains Kellie about Lake Cahuilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Twentynine Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Twentynine Palms, CA is Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Twentynine Palms, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Twentynine Palms, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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