California / San Bernardino County / Joshua Tree National Park

Black Rock Equestrian Campground

Open — Open year-round with required reservations available same-day or up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions prohibit charcoal and wood fires June 15 through October 1; only gas or propane stoves permitted during this period.

About

Black Rock Equestrian Campground is exclusively for campers bringing horses or mules to Joshua Tree National Park. Located at 4,000 feet elevation on the park's northern perimeter, the campground sits among one of the thickest Joshua tree forests in the park, offering a mix of sun and shade. The facility provides shared hitching posts, fire pits, picnic tables, water faucets, and a dumpster. Restrooms with flush toilets and a dump station are available in the adjacent family campground. Equestrians can access a variety of trails for day rides, including routes with spectacular views of the low desert and high peaks around Palm Springs. The California Riding and Hiking Trail provides access into the main portion of the park. The surrounding Joshua trees create dramatic silhouettes during sunrise and sunset, and display bunches of white flowers in early spring. Wildlife viewing opportunities include desert tortoises, lizards, coyotes, ravens, and numerous bird species. The campground is located five miles from Yucca Valley, where showers, laundry, and other amenities are available. Popular visiting season is October through May when daytime temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees, with nighttime temperatures dropping between 40 to 60 degrees. Summer experiences uncomfortably high desert heat.

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.

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