Camping at Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree
Jumbo Rocks Campground provides campers with easy access to all of the world class climbing and desert adventure that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer. This campground offers 124 sites, making it convenient for solo camping or large groups. The area is also in a convenient central location within Joshua Tree National Park, featuring views of the surrounding rock formations. Crag enthusiasts come here from all over the world to enjoy the quiet splendor of the Mojave Desert.
To help you make the most of your visit, we have some tips and suggestions from The Dyrt campers who have visited Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Plan Ahead
It is always a good idea to arrive early when you plan on staying at a popular campground like Jumbo Rocks. Another idea that can save you time, is looking ahead and planning out which sites you are interested in before you arrive. This can make things move more quickly for you and everyone else who shows up looking for a site. You can check out a map of the campground on the National Park Service website.
“The only real downside of this campground is its availability, especially during the peak visiting season or on weekends. All sites are first-come, first-served, and new sites often fill up mid-morning.” -The Dyrt campers SwitchbackKids
Rise and Shine
Getting an early start on the trails or climbing sites can allow you to experience these scenic areas while they are the least crowded. Night hiking is a fun experience too, allowing you to see the landscape through a fresh lens. Just be sure to take the necessary safety precautions, no matter where or when you go, to ensure a good time. This includes bringing along enough water and having clear directions to follow. Check out our solo backpacking safety tips for more ideas about wilderness safety.
“The Skull Rock trail starts near the middle of the campground and is a really nice hike, especially at night. You can also walk out into the desert for a nice view of the sunrise.” – The Dyrt camper Darrin L.
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Enjoy the Onsite Climbing
Jumbo Rocks Campground features several climbing and bouldering paths for you to explore without leaving the campground. The surrounding area is incredible, but sometimes it is nice to relax a bit and stay close to your temporary home base. These paths can even provide some practice before you head out to the climbing areas farther out.
“[Jumbo Rocks] has my favorite rock climbing and bouldering paths– right outside of your tent nonetheless!” – The Dyrt camper Molly G.
BYOW
Dehydration is not something you want to encounter on your Joshua Tree National Park trip. Jumbo Rocks Campground does not have water, so make sure that you bring plenty along with you. The standard recommendation is somewhere around 1 gallon a day, per person. However, this is the Mojave Desert. It is hot and dry in this area, so you’ll need more that usual. Also consider that you will likely need some water for washing and cleaning purposes as well. It never hurts to over prepare a little in this area.
“No water, make you bring enough as you’ll end up using more than you realize in the desert.” – Elliot B.
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Remember to Bring Firewood
There is not firewood for sale within the park. The camping regulations for Joshua Tree National Park suggest that you do everything you can to source your firewood as locally as possible. Wood brought from different regions may introduce pests. You should also keep in mind that, with it being so hot and dry, the fire hazards are high. Keep fires inside fire rings and watch them closely at all times.
“There’s no firewood available in the park – You have to buy it before you come in.” – The Dyrt camper Tara S.
Bring the Whole Gang
The design of Jumbo Rocks Campground is laid out perfectly for large groups to stay together. However, you should not all cram into one campsite. According to the park’s camping regulations, six people, three tents, and two cars are allowed at each individual site. Camping in a group is a really fun way to experience this area, but as you have a good time together remember to keep nearby campers in mind. Quiet time is from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. If you would rather camp solo or with a smaller group, no worries–the campground is laid out in an appealing way for all sorts of campers. The camp sites are close together, but the rock formations provide plenty of privacy for those who want it.
“This is a wonderful campsite for meeting people and having a large group in one area. You can’t stay together at a campfire but the turnoffs hold 4-5 sites so you can take over an entire loop if you’re able to.” – The Dyrt camper Hayley K.
Related Campgrounds:
- Hidden Valley Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, CA
- Alabama Hills Camping, Bishop, CA
- Black Rock Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, CA
- Indian Cove Campground Joshua Tree National Park, CA
- Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree, CA
- Joshua Tree RV Park, Joshua Tree, CA
