Black Rock Equestrian Campground

About

Black Rock Campground 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 hikers, birders, horseback riders and RV campers. Black Rock is one of only two campgrounds in the national park that can be reserved during the busy winter season; it is open on a first-come, first-served basis from June 1 through September 30. 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. Access into the main portion of the park from the campground, is via the California Riding and Hiking Trail. If arriving one or more days late, call (760) 367-3001; or your reservation will be forfeited if we do not hear from you within 24 hours of your arrival date. Equestrian sites are for campers with horses only; there are no horse corrals; sites have shared hitching posts, fire pits and picnic tables. Restrooms are available in the adjacent family campground. Commercial guided operations must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization Permit; please call (760)367-5545 No special events shall be held at reserved campsites. Special events must use designate area with a special park use permit. Resale or auction of advance reservations is prohibited. Gathering firewood is not allowed in the park. Dogs are not allowed on trails and cannot be left unattended in the campground, and must be restricted in developed area only. This facility has a backcountry registration board; visitors who will be backpacking in the park are required to park and register at a backcountry registration board. For additional park information, call (760)367-5500 or visit www.nps.gov/jotr

Don’t Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.