Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Show on map760-367-5554cynthia_libby@nps.gov
9800 Black Rock Canyon Road
Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Overview

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Black Rock Horse Campground is strictly for campers planning to bring horses or mules. It lies among one of the thickest Joshua tree forests in Joshua Tree National Park. Its location on the park's northern perimeter makes it a popular rest stop for horseback riders . Reservations are required for Black Rock year-round. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger

Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70 to 90 degrees during the day and drop anywhere between 40 to 60 degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to uncomfortably high desert heat. Black Rock is at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a mix of both sun and shade.

Recreation

Equestrians will enjoy the variety of trails around Black Rock for day rides, including some with spectacular views of the low desert and high peaks around Palm Springs.

Facilities

The facility is convenient for RV camping, complete with flush toilets and a dump station. There are no hookups. Black Rock is one of two campgrounds in the national park that provides drinking water. Showers, laundry and other amenities are available in the town of Yucca Valley five miles away.

Natural Features

The unique shape of Joshua trees and the huge rocks that surround them draw tourists and scientists alike to the national park. Within the Black Rock facility, the surrounding trees form silhouettes against the landscape during sunrise and sunset and display bunches of blooming white flowers in early spring.

Campers staying at Black Rock may have the chance to view the elusive desert tortoise, found only in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Visitors may also want to keep their eyes out for more typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, coyotes, ravens and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans. Birders may also be pleasantly surprised at the variety of species found around the campground.

Contact Info

This location is staffed. Please call (760) 367-3001 to speak with local staff.

Camp site features

Across 21 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: 1 of 21 sites
  • Pets allowed: 1 of 21 sites
  • Longest rig: 35 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people

Directions

Take Interstate 10 to Route 62 into the town of Yucca Valley. Turn south on Joshua Lane and follow signs to campground, about five miles from the turn. If coming south on Highway 247, go straight across Highway 62 and continue onto Joshua Lane. There will be no sign for the park as you cross Route 62.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

61 reviews
5 stars
34
4 stars
19
3 stars
5
2 stars
2
1 stars
1
Tamara R
Loop:Horse Sites
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
A few things that would be nice is to have a port-a-potty on location during peak months. Also they need to provide an easier way to dump manure into the trash bin. It’s almost impossible to lift a manure bucket and pour it into the trash bin that is chin level.
Jen H
Loop:Horse Sites
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Great place for equestrians to camp and ride! Huge flat lot, plenty of space for multiple rigs. Although it doesn’t state it on the website, there are at least 8-10 corrals available on a first come, first serve basis (on the smaller side, probably 10x10, but so convenient!). Lots of picnic tables and some hitching rails. We spent 2 nights and went on 2 rides. Lots of hikers along the way but everyone was very pleasant and moved aside for our horses. It was our first time and we got a little bit lost on our first ride; trail markings could be better. Footing was great - mostly nice sandy trails, with some occasional rocks. Amazing night skies and pretty good cell service in the main lot. Would definitely go back!
Emily M
Loop:Horse Sites
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
Stunning place to stay
Bernie L
Loop:Horse Sites
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
The weather was perfect.The corrals were great. You still have to haul water from a centrally located spot but it works. We wish they had a portable toilet there. That would be nice.
Terry J
Loop:Horse Sites
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
camp was clean and roomy, more corrals would be nice or high line poles. trails are well marked and in good condition.
Robbyn M
Loop:Horse Sites
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
One of my favorite places to camp
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Camp Sites

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