Deonna W.
Traveler
TravelerJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
I love this campground! While you are pretty close to other campers, you can’t beat getting to camp by the giant boulders. And the stargazing is unmatched!
Tent Camping near Yucca Valley, CA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites near Yucca Valley, California range from developed campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park to primitive dispersed sites in the surrounding mountains. Black Rock Equestrian Campground offers tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings, while Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites provide more remote options for hikers willing to venture at least one mile from trailheads. Yellow Post sites, located in nearby mountain areas like Keller Peak, offer additional primitive tent camping opportunities with varying levels of seclusion.
Most tent sites in the region have minimal amenities, with many backcountry areas requiring campers to pack in all water and supplies. Drive-in tent sites typically feature fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. Walk-in tent areas often require permits, particularly within Joshua Tree National Park where backcountry camping rules mandate setting up at least 500 feet from trails and water sources. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds and some trailheads, but primitive tent setups in dispersed areas have no facilities. High clearance vehicles may be necessary to access more remote tent camping locations, especially Yellow Post sites along unpaved forest roads.
Tent camping near Yucca Valley varies significantly with elevation and season, offering desert sites with year-round access at lower elevations and cooler pine forest settings at higher elevations in the San Bernardino Mountains. Lower elevation sites can become extremely hot in summer months, while higher mountain campsites may be inaccessible during winter. Tent campers frequently use Joshua Tree backcountry sites as bases for exploring the park's unique desert landscape and rock formations. According to one visitor, "Yellow Post sites are spaced really far apart. Most have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and the San Jacinto mountains." Another camper noted that "Backcountry camping is the easiest to get to from the West entrance" and serves as a "good backup option for when campgrounds are full."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Yucca Valley (54)
1. Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
2. Simply Camping
"I love that this property is so close to the Copper Mesa Mountains. With all the sites being spread out, you'll have plenty of privacy. Pack it in, pack it out!"
from $33 - $39 / night
3. Rancho Capotista
"We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Pick your spot anywhere on the property. Give them a try and leave them some love."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
4. Desert Rose
from $49 / night
5. Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites — Joshua Tree National Park
6. Twentynine Palms
"I'd like to welcome your host Stephanie to our platform. This is vacant property for short term camping. Try them out and leave them some love."
"Loved staying in twentynine palms to explore Joshua tree and the surrounding areas. Pioneer town was so fun. Headed in to Palm springs. Wow!"
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $80 / night
7. Auntie Bert's Farm
from $50 / night
8. Yellow Post #54
"You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."
9. Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground
"Easy trail up. Great views. Intersects with PCT."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $127 - $137 / night
10. Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
"We got to the camping area and it's tucked in the woods so there's lots of nooks and crannies even though it's a primitive open group camping area. "
"This is a heavily used campground by many backpackers not only trying to get away for an overnight, but also get a shot at summiting Southern California's tallest mountain, San Gorgonio."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 1 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 4 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 48 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Yucca Valley, CA
35 Photos of 54 Yucca Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Rancho Capotista
Yellow Post #54
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Tent Camping Reviews near Yucca Valley, CA
1409 Reviews of 54 Yucca Valley Campgrounds
- SSandy W.Traveler
Serrano
We liked it a lot. It was our first time there and newbie camper so I didn’t pick the best spot, but it’s a great location, close to the river… I had my dog so we walked the campground quite a bit and it’s good size and I saw a lot of other sites that I would have preferred. The bathroom wasn’t terrible, typical I’d say. The woman working the front was very helpful and nice. Little store close too.
- ccarol R.
ScoutTwentynine Palms Resort
upscale Rv resort with pool, hot tub, sauna, laundry, game room.
- BBrooke P.
GuideJoshua Tree South Entrance
So many spots, great for every vehicle
There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
- KKim S.Scout
Amboy Crater Dispersed
It was just us, so five stars. Good views, and flat parking area. Windy AF and trains all night. Most folks would give it two stars. But we love the desert and waking up to seeing Amboy Crater was very cool and it was free!
David M.ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
Guide to Yucca Valley
Tent camping near Yucca Valley, California offers various experiences from developed sites with amenities to remote backcountry locations requiring significant hiking. Elevations range from approximately 3,300 feet in Yucca Valley to over 7,000 feet in nearby mountain areas, creating distinct temperature variations throughout the year. Most dispersed camping locations in the region require campers to follow strict fire regulations due to extreme wildfire danger.
What to do
Hike the Boy Scout Trail: This trail provides access to backcountry camping and requires hikers to travel at least one mile from the trailhead. According to Les R., Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites serve as a "good backup option for when campgrounds are full" and offer "guaranteed camping during busy weekends." However, note there are "no facilities along the trail (just the bathroom in the parking lot)."
Explore Pioneer Town: The historic movie set area offers unique attractions near tent camping options. As Stephanie C. from Twentynine Palms notes, "Pioneer town was so fun. Headed in to Palm springs. Wow!" The area provides a cultural contrast to the natural landscapes.
Ride equestrian trails: Black Rock Equestrian Campground provides extensive trail access specifically for horse campers. Judith W. highlights, "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." The dedicated equestrian facilities make this area unique among camping options.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many dispersed camping locations offer significant privacy. At Simply Camping, Ashley F. notes, "With all the sites being spread out, you'll have plenty of privacy. Pack it in, pack it out!" This isolation contrasts with more developed campgrounds in the region.
Astronomical viewing: The clear desert skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities from tent sites. Stephanie C. at Twentynine Palms enthuses, "Twentynine thousand stars - oh my," highlighting the exceptional night sky visibility in this low light pollution area.
Ridge views: Elevated camping locations offer panoramic vistas across the surrounding landscape. Mike M. describes Yellow Post #54 as being "up on the ridge some lots of solitude and views," though warns you will "earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary: Regulations differ significantly between campgrounds and change seasonally. Fires are permitted at some locations like Black Rock Equestrian Campground which provides fire rings, while backcountry areas in Joshua Tree National Park prohibit all fires.
Water availability is limited: Most tent camping locations require bringing all water needed. At Black Rock Equestrian Campground, Judith W. notes there is a "Central water location so you do have to schlepp your water to the corrals," indicating even developed sites may have restricted access points.
Road conditions can be challenging: Access to remote camping areas often requires appropriate vehicles. Mike M. warns about Yellow Post #54: "The final road to the spot is a single lane and others wanting to camp there will not know if it is occupied so you may get to meet so new friends." High clearance vehicles are recommended for many dispersed sites.
Tips for camping with families
Consider established campgrounds: Sites with basic facilities provide more comfortable family camping experiences. PRballer 1. recommends Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground noting it has an "Easy trail up. Great views. Intersects with PCT," making it accessible for families with children while still offering recreational opportunities.
Verify pet policies: Rules regarding dogs vary between camping areas. While many tent sites permit pets, restrictions apply. Simply Camping and Rancho Capotista allow pets, but Joshua Tree backcountry camping prohibits them, requiring families with pets to select sites accordingly.
Research safety considerations: Some locations present unique challenges. Ian O. shares a concerning experience at Desert Rose: "The aftermath was a scene of chaos, with my dog desperately fleeing into the desert night and me, bruised and bleeding, in pursuit." This highlights the importance of researching site-specific safety factors when camping with children or pets.
Tips from RVers
Choose appropriate sites: Many tent-focused campgrounds cannot accommodate RVs. Among reviewed locations, only Rancho Capotista specifically lists RV camping as an accommodation type, making it one of few options for RV campers seeking more primitive experiences near Yucca Valley.
Prepare for no hookups: RV sites in this region typically lack standard amenities. Ashley F. describes Rancho Capotista as offering "Raw Desert Camping," indicating visitors should expect minimal facilities and services compared to developed RV parks.
Plan for water conservation: Limited water access requires careful planning. RVers must bring sufficient water supplies as most tent camping areas near Yucca Valley offer no hookups or centralized water sources, particularly at dispersed and backcountry locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Yucca Valley, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yucca Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yucca Valley, CA is Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Yucca Valley, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Yucca Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 tent camping locations near Yucca Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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