Black Rock Equestrian Campground

About

Black Rock Equestrian Campground lies on the northern perimeter of Joshua Tree National Park, surrounded by one of the densest Joshua tree forests in the park. At 4,000 feet elevation, it offers a mix of sun and shade and serves as a popular rest stop for horseback riders exploring the variety of trails around Black Rock, including routes with spectacular views of the low desert and high peaks around Palm Springs. This campground is exclusively for equestrians. You must have horses or mules to book a site; arriving without them results in forfeiture of your reservation. The facility provides flush toilets, potable drinking water, a dump station, fire pits, picnic tables, and dumpsters. Four 12x12 stalls are available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with shared hitching posts. No hookups or showers are available, though showers can be found 5 miles away in Yucca Valley. The unique silhouettes of Joshua trees frame the landscape during sunrise and sunset, with bunches of white flowers blooming in early spring. Wildlife viewing opportunities include desert tortoises, lizards, rattlesnakes, coyotes, ravens, and occasionally bobcats or mountain lions. Birders will find a surprising variety of species around the campground.

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.