Description

In the heart of Joshua Tree National Park and just a short hike from Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks Campground weaves through a valley of ginormous boulder piles to provide the classic J-Tree camping experience. All of the campground’s 124 tent and RV sites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilet access, though there are no services or potable water, so you’ll want to bring an ample water supply and plan to refill at the drinking water spigots at park entrances. Although the surrounding rocks provide some morning and evening relief from the sun, a sun shade is smart to bring.

Tips for snagging a campsite reservation

  • All 124 Jumbo Rocks campsites are reservable six months in advance online or by calling (877) 444-6777. Same-day reservations are available only if sites are available.
  • This popular campground regularly books out on weekends, holidays, and school breaks during fall, winter, and spring.
  • If Jumbo Rocks is full, you can try your luck at the park’s three first-come, first-served campgrounds: Hidden ValleyWhite Tank, or Belle.
  • When to go

    Jumbo Rocks Campground is open year-round. Temperature-wise, fall and spring are the best seasons for camping at Jumbo Rocks. Winter camping is nice, though it brings early sunsets and nighttime lows in the 30s. Joshua Tree summers are extremely hot, making daytime activities like hiking and rock climbing risky for heat injury. Summer visitors may be most comfortable staying at a Hipcamp with air conditioning just outside the park. Make early morning or evening visits into Joshua Tree to avoid the intense heat.

    Campsite area
    Tent sites
    124 sites
    Up to 6 guests per site
    Up to 6 vehicles
    No wheelchair access
    Essentials
    Campfires allowed
    Toilet available
    Pets allowed
    Amenities
    Picnic table available
    No potable water
    No showers

    Activities

    Offered near the campground.

    Biking

    Road cyclists can access Park Boulevard from the campground entrance, but be prepared to share the road with fast-moving cars. ...Read more

    Hiking

    The 1.7-mile Skull Rock Loop trail starts at the entrance to the Jumbo Rocks Campground, while the trailhead for the 2.5-mile S...Read more

    Horseback riding

    Sometimes, a strikingly beautiful place is just made better by the presence of a good friend. We believe this absolutely applie...Read more

    Off-roading (OHV)

    You KNOW those endless stretches of California desert are calling your name, and you can feel your fingers itching at the thoug...Read more

    Climbing

    Joshua Tree visitors, young and old, find the park’s boulders irresistible to scramble upon, and there are plenty of rock featu...Read more

    Wildlife watching

    At Jumbo Rocks, keep your eyes peeled for cottontail rabbits, coyotes, roadrunners, chuckwallas, and the Mojave desert tortoise...Read more

    Terrain

    Natural features you'll find at Jumbo Rocks Campground.

    Desert
    Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences.
    Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more.

    56 Reviews

    750
    No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
    Drop some Jumbo Rocks Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Cornelius
    Cornelius V.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    November 15th, 2019

    This information is out of date now. Jumbo Rocks Does take online reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272300

    Hipcamper Emmett
    Emmett M.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    September 3rd, 2019

    Quite possibly my favorite front country campsite in a national park. I mean, this place just feels like the deep desert even though you just barely pulled in. The Jumbo Rocks area is in my opinion the best part of J Tree, and camping in the middle of the whole thing is such a surreal experience. You'll have plenty of beautiful round boulders to climb for days.

    Hipcamper Sierra
    Sierra R.
    recommends this listing.
    March 1st, 2019

    A big array of sites - some with more privacy than others. Make friends with your neighbours and keep your space clean and contained for the benefit of everyone.

    Hipcamper Colin
    Colin K.
    recommends this listing.
    February 13th, 2019

    Try to get a campsite with a firepit next to the tall rocks. The reflection of the flickering of the fire on the rock face is gorgeous. Very hygge :)

    Hipcamper Aileen
    Aileen C.
    recommends this listing.
    January 25th, 2019

    Easy walk to Skull Rock

    Hipcamper Caitlin
    Caitlin O.
    recommends this listing.
    January 20th, 2019

    Be prepared for some noisy neighbors! Try to get a spot away from the RVs (and their generators)

    Hipcamper Christy
    Christy T.
    recommends this listing.
    November 2nd, 2018

    FYI, all campsites are now reservable on Recreation.gov; sites are no longer first-come, first-served. This campground is in the heart of the National Park, so unlike Black Rock Campground, you will also have to pay $20/car to enter. Don't forget, it can snow and get below freezing in winter, with wind chill, and bring lots of water and shade in the warmer months. There is no cell service and it takes around 40 minutes to get out of the park from here to all services (gas, cell, food, etc).

    Hipcamper Betty
    Betty T.
    recommends this listing.
    October 24th, 2018

    Betty the Van loves Jumbo Rocks Campground. The eroded lava flow is otherworldly.

    Hipcamper Audrey
    Audrey D.
    recommends this listing.
    October 22nd, 2018

    get there early: these sites fill up so fast and are pretty noisy

    Park
    Joshua Tree National Park
    State
    California
    Country
    United States
    Phone Number
    760-367-5554
    Directions
    View on Google Maps
    Official Website
    View Website
    Coordinates
    33.992° N, 116.062° W
    $10/night
    Tent Only: 124 Sites
    (Up to 6 people per site)