Established Camping
Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
About
National Park Service
Joshua Tree National Park
Overview
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park ___ trail maps and more! Jumbo Rocks Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. Close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Jumbo Rocks is one of four campgrounds in the park that requires reservations 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 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Jumbo Rocks is at an elevation of 4,380 feet.
Recreation
Rock scramblers flock to Jumbo Rocks Campground for the variety of geological formations and warmer temperatures that can be found in the interior of the park. Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There is a short interpretive nature trail and plenty of rocks and canyons to explore within the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing.
Facilities
This large facility has 124 individual tent and RV campsites. There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however the town of Twentynine Palms is 12 miles away and provides basic amenities. The park allows six people and two vehicles per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See site details for specifics.
Natural Features
Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight and low with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels 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.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.__ Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.__ Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff). No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date.__ No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night___s recreation fee for a campsite.__ *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.__
Location
Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park is located in California
Directions
Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Jumbo Rocks is approximately 18 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twenty-nine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Jumbo Rocks is approximately 8 miles from the entrance.
Address
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine palms, CA 92277
Coordinates
33.9922222 N
116.0625 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Staying in Maine
Very good
Great central location
Jumbo Rocks is a great campsite with decent amenities. There are bathrooms everywhere and has over 100 sites available. Trash receptacles are plenty and usually nearby. Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly.
The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check everyday.
Can’t beat the location
So much exploring to be had right from your camp site. The high dessert is fascinating. The rock formations are so easy to explore and offer an abundance of intrigue. The campground has great sites tucked here and there. Pit toilets, garbage and recycling for all, bbq, picnic table and fire pit at each site. Great location.
- (13) View All
Big and crowded but beautiful and fun
We loved Jumbo Rocks although to be honest we liked Ryan a little better-- Jumbo Rocks is so big and there were a lot of people around, so it didn't feel as remote as Ryan. However, as the name implies, there are SO MANY ROCKS to climb around on, which our 9 year old totally loved. He was scampering around morning to night. And the campground itself was clean and well maintained.
Windy Camping with Views
Great campground for exploring Joshua Tree NP. The weather was super windy during our stay and even saw some snow on the last day of camping. The bathrooms have vault toilets, no water available so come prepared. No cell service within the park either. Twentynine Palms town is about 20 minutes away, has plenty of stores and has cell service. Skull Rock seems likes it’s always packed with tourists, I recommend coming early in the morning or for sunset. Attach Rock and Heart Rock are also cool to see and are close to the campground.
- (4) View All
Pull Over Spots
70 yr olds in 17’ trailer:
Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good)
Overall Rating: 4.8
Site Privacy: 3.5 Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good)
Overall Rating: 4.8
Site Privacy: 3.5 - many sites are pullover
Site Spacing: 4.0 - Many campsites nestled in or near the jumbo rocks
Campground Noise 4.5 Pretty Quiet
Road Noise: 5. None
Bathroom Cleanliness 5. Nice pit toilets
Cell Service (Verizon): None
Setting: 5 Very picturesque .
Weather: 5
Solar: 5 - in most sites
Host: None
Site Spacing: 4..0 . (Site 12 parking is in site 13 area)
Campground Noise 5 Quiet
Road Noise: 5. None
Bathroom Cleanliness 5. Nice pit toilets
Cell Service (Verizon): None
Setting: 5 Very picturesque
Many sites offer a unique setting. Some are close to CG road
Weather: 5
Solar: 4 - in most sites
Host: Yes
(We walked through, did not stay)
- (9) View All
Great campground but mediocre campsite
Site 049 is set off from the road but you park your vehicle in a 4 slot space nearby. That means you have to carry all your gear 100 feet every time you need to get something from the van. Also, the assigned parking slot is just about on top of the restroom, so everyone troops by your vehicle to use it.
You would not know these facts just by looking at the NPS photos, so our advice is to try to search for photos taken by campers rather than NPS.
Campground itself is fantastic. Our second time to Joshua Tree but first time in Jumbo Rocks. Lots of ways to ramble around the rocks and desert.
- (5) View All
Really cool landscape, not great campsite
We had a group camp at Jumbo Rocks during the recent new moon. We had campsites 147, 148, and 150. The campsite was completely full and the way the sites are laid out it feels like you are on top of one another.
While site 150 had some space deep into the landscape it had zero to no flat space. The site is also right next to the restroom and you have to park and walk back to the site. When we got there the parking was nearly full despite a car limit in place per site. Site 147 was even more on a hill side. It was barely a camp site.
The sites did have a good table and fire pit that we used. The restrooms are pit toilets and were not in the best shape.
The skies were awesome outside of some light pollution to the south (the direction of the milky way core). We stayed out quite late taking pictures.
Another issue we found was that coyotes were super loud throughout the night and kept some of us up.
- (13) View All
One of those special places in the world
Let me start by saying what a special place this is. Joshua tree as a whole is a such a magnificent place, but the jumbo rocks campground is otherworldly. I have camped in a lot of different deserts across the country none compare to the amount of fun that can be had on Joshua tree all the climbing and exploring that can be done is outstanding. Although we went in February the weather was great during the day a little chilly and windy at night but with the right preparation all went well. We spent three nights tent camping with sleeping bags and it was low 50s high 40s and we were okay with layers. The days were 60s/70s and sunny. The campsite has about a 45 min drive to town through the north part of the park. Overall this place is amazing highly recommend and for new campers its in the middle of the park but theres lots of people around so you don’t feel totally alone. If u wanna walk away from camp and get away from people and noise theres plenty of opportunity to. If you do stay try and get a camp site next to one of the giant boulders makes for great nighttime ambiance with stars and a fire.
- (20) View All
Nice spot in the park
Being in the park, camping here is beautiful and convenient. However, it’s a big campground with a lot of spots and people and not a lot of shade. I think it’s great if you’re short on time to visit the park, but you can find similar places outside of the park a bit further that offer more privacy if that’s your jam.
Amazing scenery
This is one of my favorite places to camp. The night sky is amazing and during the day you can explore the campground and climb rocks for amazing photo ops. They have bathrooms on site and keep them clean and maintained
Super Sick
Awesome tent sites in Joshua Tree, tucked between some Jumbo Rocks. The sites are pretty spacious and private and have primo scenery and star gazing opportunities.
A few good sites but most are on top of each other
We made the mistake of booking a site that we were supposed to park and “hike” in to set up. It was pretty much a group site with other people that you’re not in group with… The party next to us also made the mistake of booking one of these sites with a rooftop tent so we had the pleasure of camping right next to people who should have been wearing CPAP at night. We snagged a spot in a FCFS campground the next morning and were much happier!
- (6) View All
031, JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND
Joshua Tree is of course spectacular and this campground is no exception. The campground is one of the bigger/busier ones in JT. Beautiful rocks and lots of places to explore. Kids love climbing on the rocks. You can hike to skull rock from the campground. JT has very narrow windows of time where it is not too hot or too cold (but you probably knew that, and if not, do more research). There is no water at Jumbo Rocks or pretty much anywhere in the park - bring the water and fire wood and everything else you need. Site 031 has beautiful views, but there are no flat spots for tents. Also, you have to walk through other sites to get to your car, so just expect that.
- (4) View All
Jumbo Rocks
Very busy and crowded campground. Need reservations at Jumbo Rocks. Usually only one parking spot per camp site. Vault toilets have high use. Camp hosts and rangers visible and quiet hours observed.
not good too windy
it was so windy!! and sandy!! No water nearby
Site 82 - private and comfortable
Site 82 is on the main campground road, but you can put your tent far enough back that you don't hear the cars or vehicles pass by. It's also far enough away from the other sites that you don't really know there're there.
A lot of the other sites are right on top of each other or far away from the parking for that site.
Pretty but populous
Great area, but the sites are really right on top of each other, at least where I was.
- (10) View All
Great Location
Awesome campground that is close to lots of hiking trails. The sites are good sized and the scenery is amazing.
Nice Campground
Nice campground in the National Park, most sites are next to the gorgeous rocks
Insane Geology, Close Campsites
Jumbo rocks was overall a beautiful campground! Do beware of how close campsites are, and in order to reach many you have to walk directly through others sites. This was at least the case with sites 104-107. The grounds were overall very clean, however the restrooms were a bit of a mess. We didn’t get the chance to meet the campground hosts, and only saw the ranger once over a 3 day stay. If you head to Jumbo Rocks, make sure to give Geology Tour Rd a go if you have a 4wd! Happy camping!
- (5) View All
Camping in the big rocks
Super campspots among the boulders. Great hiking out of the campground. Some of the tent sites are "really" walk in sites so it makes it a bit more challenging if sleeping in van. Bring everything you need ie. Water!
Safe for Solo Campers
This was my first time solo camping and it was the best experience for a nature newbie like me. I appreciated the close proximity of the next door campsite for the only reason of me traveling alone with just my dog. I do appreciate a little more space from other campers now as I’m getting more comfortable camping alone & like my privacy. That being said, I still got the full experience of camping alone with privacy and not bumping into other camps space. The whole site is well organized by space number with multiple parking spots per campsite. It was pretty full of campers when I pulled in but not once did I see or feel too many ppl were around me at the camp ground. I also appreciated how one of the trails from the camp lead right up to a popular pic spot, the Skullhead Rock. It’s a quick little hiking trail with a great ending spot. There was the longest line waiting for a pic on the rock so I passed and drove a little further past skullhead and did some hiking at the end of a little turn off road. The reason why I’m going back: Ranger patrol came to every site to verify the camper and confirmed reservations. Didn’t expect this but once I talked to him, I felt soo much safer and was glad someone at the park was maintaining some kind of system of the sites and who was staying in them. Showers/bathrooms are dispersed throughout. Perfect place for huge groups that book multiple sites or large family.
- (6) View All
Beautiful campground with the best sunrises
We LOVED camping at Jumbo Rocks! We were in site 101 which was set back from the road a bit and gave more privacy than some sites. The campground is perfectly located near everything you’ll want to see in Joshua Tree. There are huge boulders all around that really make it feel like a cool place to be. Twice we saw foxes near our site and we were visited by lots of birds. There was a convenient fire ring, bbq grill and picnic table. We woke up to the prettiest sunsets I’ve ever seen!
The campground only lost 1 star because the bathrooms were yucky and there was no where flat to set up tent so we had to sleep at a slight incline.
- (6) View All
Racist hosts and rangers!
I wanted to love this campground but I can’t. I had the absolute worst camping experience and probably the most stressful. I was forced to move my pop up camper from space 99 to 43. There was a group of 4 families and we were placed in 99. The reservations were made months ago and not by us. So we trusted which sites were assigned to us.
A camp host initially came to tell us our site wasn’t a camper or trailer site and that we had to move; it was only a tent site. Meanwhile a whole Airstream was in the next site over. This after we are all set up and level. Anyone that knows about a pop up camper knows it’s not the easiest thing to just break down and move. We decided to wait it out and get official word from the park rangers. Eventually 2 park rangers came that seemed to be okay with us staying in our site, until another camp host came by ranting about measurements and nonsense. At this point we were told we had to move. And please note…kids were crying and upset at this point. You think these grown adults seeing kids cry cared…NOPE! My son in particular l, because he hadn’t seen his friends in months and the thought of having to leave would crush him. So after all the back and forth, we started to attempt to halfway break down the camper down and move to the other site, 43. And note this site wasn’t close.
So next, some super park rangers with guns came to our site. I was already upset and here they come. We already complied and agreed to moving so this crazy camp host for some reason, felt the need to call the cop rangers to our site. Also note, I never had any words with this woman or anything to have her feel the need to call them. I don’t ever like to think race plays a part in situation like this but at this point, when ranger police are called to our site after already agreeing to move, I had no choice to believe it was for anything other than being black.
If it wasn’t for our crying son, I would have just packed up and left. We made the move and had a rather tolerable weekend.
I won’t be rushing to ever come back here again. If your black just beware, they will find a reason to mess with you and pick on you for minute things that can force you to move or leave your campsite.
Beware of the hosts; I believe they are a couple and just terrible. And ALL the park rangers. They walk your site looking for reasons to make you move or your camp experience a living hell. They also don’t mind making kids cry just to prove a point!
Too windy for a tent!
We’ve got a 9 person tent and it was impossible to set up at Jumbo Rocks in July. Beautiful campground!!
One of the most unique sites
We camped here middle of august and it was empty, mostly because it’s unbearable during the day with 100+ degrees during the day. We only stayed from dusk til the early morning but it was so beautiful! Just be sure to bring enough water with you cause there’s no spigots.
Good campground!
A lot of the sites were very private, and you can sometimes get a shady spot. I did have a scorpion burrow under the tarp I had under my tent during the night, so just be careful when putting everything away!
Beautiful!!
Sites are close together but worth it to be so close to the rocks. Very clean vault toilet. Picnic table, fire ring, and grate.
- (4) View All
Sites are close together
Jumbo Rocks gives great convenience to trails like Skull Rock, but the sites are pretty close together, especially if you are car camping. I snagged a 1st come 1st serve spot at Hidden Valley the night before and preferred that.