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Best Campgrounds near Yucca Valley, CA

1,536 Reviews

Camping options near Yucca Valley, California range from established campgrounds within Joshua Tree National Park to dispersed camping on surrounding public lands. Black Rock Campground provides a developed camping experience with amenities like drinking water, toilets, and fire rings. Just a short drive away, Joshua Tree North BLM offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. The area accommodates both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground offering full hookups for recreational vehicles.

Weather conditions in the desert require careful planning, with extreme temperature fluctuations between seasons and even day to night. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! We didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!" noted one camper at Black Rock Canyon. Most campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park require reservations during peak season (October through May), though some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and visitors should be prepared with adequate water supplies as many areas have limited or no drinking water available.

Campers consistently praise the stargazing opportunities throughout the region, with minimal light pollution at campgrounds farther from Yucca Valley. Joshua trees and unique rock formations create distinctive desert landscapes that draw visitors year-round. One visitor mentioned that "sweeping views of the valley, elder Joshua Trees scattered about, and the sporadic desert cactus flower offered a surreal landscape painting." Wind can be a significant factor in camping comfort, particularly at exposed sites like Black Rock Campground. Privacy between campsites varies considerably, with some locations offering more seclusion than others. Campgrounds near the town, such as Black Rock, provide convenient access to supplies but sacrifice some of the remote desert experience that draws many to the area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Yucca Valley, California (308)

    1. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "To get to Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree, you have to take a separate road into it from Yucca Valley."

    "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"

    2. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    62 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $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."

    3. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    119 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "The rocks around the campground are fun to climb on and explore, plus they create an amazing show of light and shadow from sunrise to moonrise."

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    4. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

    27 Reviews
    Landers, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 366-1213

    $15 - $55 / night

    "There is a tiny "lake" with reeds and visiting birds who congregate around the water. Fishing offered, but no swimming. I spent a very serene time with just myself and my cat."

    "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."

    6. Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    39 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-3001

    "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!"

    7. Joshua Tree North BLM

    19 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "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."

    8. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 251-6555

    "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."

    9. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "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.

            "

    10. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-4431

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Yucca Valley, CA

697 Photos of 308 Yucca Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Yucca Valley, CA

1536 Reviews of 308 Yucca Valley Campgrounds

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Park Campground

    We didn’t stay here because we were too big although you can stay with a big rig if you reserve the group camp. That’s $55 a night so we decided to move to the dispersed camp close by. This does have a dump station and fresh water

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Joshua Tree South Entrance

    Joshua Tree for the big rig

    This spot is great if you want to explore Joshua Tree and have a big rig. The campgrounds in Joshua tree do not have any space for larger RVS. You can reserve the group camp at Cottonwood but that is $55 a night. This was a perfect alternative. It has a few small trees and the spots are spread out. Some spots have fire pits. When you come in there is a sign on the first road saying you need permission to drive on but you can access the area from a road farther down or right before this sign you can veer down into the dispersed spots. Free is close but not enough to keep you awake at night.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Interesting location

    Great spot right in the park but we drove our bigger rig down the nice paved road to check it out and at the end was a round about that we couldn’t t navigate so we had to back out about 150 yards before we could attempt a turn around. Not big rig friendly. Which is too bad because it’s a great spot, don’t drive in unless you’ve made a reservation and they know the spot for you or will tell you you’re too long🤦‍♀️

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Belle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Amazing location

    Really only one spot that our larger RV (35 foot) would fit. Close to other campers and we run our generator some so we decided not to be those people! It is a great spot right in the middle of the park

  • Iris V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Stunning Free BLM Campground with Epic Scenery

    Spent some time at Sawtooth Canyon Campground near Barstow, California, and wow—this spot is spectacular. The BLM offers 13 free, first-come-first-served sites nestled against dramatic rock formations. 🌵 Sunsets glow across the cliffs 🌅, and the moonrise over the rocks is unforgettable 🌕🔥.

    The access road is washboarded, so take it slow 🚙💨. Once you’re there, it’s peaceful and wide open. Each site has a picnic table 🪑, fire ring 🔥, and vault toilets 🚻. Plenty of space for trailers and rigs 🚐, and the night sky is breathtaking 🌌.

    If you’re passing through Barstow and want a quiet, beautiful free camping spot, Sawtooth Canyon is absolutely worth it.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pine Knot Campground

    Nice Campground Close to Town

    This campground is located pretty much in town right off Summit Blvd, on a side street right next to Snow Summit. We stayed here a couple nights with our pop-up camper in site #17. Cost was $34 a night. We pulled in a little later than planned, around 7:30, there were about 10 other sites occupied with a few more reserved. There are 48 sites throughout the campground. All primitive sites. Generators are allowed, but must stay on paved areas, and not run during quiet hours, 10:00 PM- 6:00 AM. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, grill and bear box provided. There are 4 bathroom houses around the campground with flush toilets and sinks, they were pretty clean and well kept. Potable water was available. We did hear the coyotes at night and even had one or two come through our site. Campfires are allowed at this campground as of Oct. 9, 2025. We had great T-Mobile and AT&T cell service. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful.

  • Elijah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Big Pine Flat Campground

    50/50

    Sites are nice, there is potable water and toilets BUT there is also a OHV staging area directly across from the campsites. The occasional dirt bike is fine right? So I thought. There was a group of 20+ people partying and playing corridos so loud I couldn’t fall asleep. They had a side by side with large speakers facing the campsite :/ I wouldn’t be annoyed if it was free but I paid $30 to camp and the camp host said this is their turf and there is nothing he can do.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Twentynine Palms Resort

    Perfect for Vets and Golfers

    Awesome location. Joshua tree is very close. The MCCC base is about 3 miles away with exchange, commissary and golf course. We had the base course to ourselves on a Sunday afternoon. The RV park is just fine. Must be seasonal spot. Pretty empty in September. We had a nice pull through. Laundry room is fine and uses an app I could not get to work. $2, 2.25 per load in washer and dryer. They gave credit card readers on the machines so that’s what I used. Pool is open to the sun. Maybe they put the roof on in the winter. Very comfortable and quiet. We arrived on a Saturday and the office person recommended the Dark Skies program at the observatory near by. But it was sold out for the next three months so if you are going to be here maybe you should plan ahead if you want to experience the observatory program. I would stay again.

Guide to Yucca Valley

Camping near Yucca Valley, California, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers rave about the hikes near Jumbo Rocks Campground, with one reviewer noting, "So much exploring to be had right from your campsite."
  • Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, Hidden Valley is a hotspot. A visitor mentioned, "The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Indian Cove Campground shared, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp, it was so peaceful."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A review for Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed said, "Absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself!"
  • Privacy: Many appreciate the spacious sites. One camper at Black Rock Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spread out."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms are a big plus. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What you should know:

  • No Water at Some Sites: Many campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, do not have drinking water available. One camper advised, "Bring your own water too."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Hidden Valley said, "Filled up by 4 PM in mid-May."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping lack facilities. A camper noted, "No trash but smelled like urine."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Indian Cove Campground, which is described as "very family friendly."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One camper at Lake Hemet Campground suggested, "If you have little ones, you can take them with a wagon."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near rocks. A visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground said, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Roads can be rough. One camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed noted, "The road was quite bumpy, but we managed with a campervan."
  • Cell Service Varies: Check your service provider. A visitor at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "Verizon 5G works great here."

With these insights, you’re all set for an enjoyable experience in the great outdoors around Yucca Valley, CA camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at campgrounds in Yucca Valley?

Campgrounds in Yucca Valley offer varying amenities depending on location and type. Jumbo Rocks Campground provides a unique experience with massive boulder formations perfect for climbing and exploring, creating spectacular light and shadow displays from sunrise to moonrise. Basic amenities include vault toilets but no showers or running water. For more facilities, Serrano offers lakeside camping with friendly staff and nearby water access. Several campgrounds like Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provide full hookups, water, and flush toilets for RVs. Black Rock Campground features running water, flushing toilets, and is conveniently located near town for supply runs. Many campgrounds offer fire rings, picnic tables, and designated tent pads.

Where can I find camping spots in Yucca Valley?

Yucca Valley offers several excellent camping options. Black Rock Campground is accessible via a separate entrance from Yucca Valley and features beautiful Joshua trees and hiking trails. It's an ideal starting point for the California Riding & Hiking trail through Joshua Tree National Park. For RV campers, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground offers affordable sites at $15 per person nightly, friendly staff, and a small lake with recreational opportunities. Other nearby options include Joshua Tree North BLM for free dispersed camping and Indian Cove Campground within the national park. Most campsites in the area require reservations during peak seasons, so booking in advance is recommended.

What is the best time of year to camp in Yucca Valley?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the ideal seasons for camping in Yucca Valley, offering comfortable temperatures between 70-85°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. These moderate conditions are perfect for hiking and exploring Indian Cove Campground and other areas of Joshua Tree National Park. Winter (December-February) can be enjoyable with daytime temperatures in the 60s, but nights often drop below freezing, as experienced by campers at Hidden Valley Campground. Summer (June-August) brings extreme heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, making camping challenging without proper preparation. If camping in summer, plan activities for early morning or evening and bring plenty of water and sun protection.

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