Jumbo Rocks Campground
Camp among colossal granite boulders in Joshua Tree, offering unparalleled stargazing and unique desert adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps for exploring
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Best Time
Pleasant temps for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Camp among colossal granite boulders in Joshua Tree, offering unparalleled stargazing and unique desert adventures.
"The night sky here is absolutely breathtaking, truly unforgettable."
🎯 Book Reservations Early
Jumbo Rocks Campground is highly sought after. Book your campsite months in advance via Recreation.gov.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no potable water at the campground. Carry more than you think you'll need for drinking and cooking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boulder Scrambling
Throughout the campground
Explore and climb the massive granite boulders that give the campground its name. A natural playground for all ages!
Stargazing Paradise
Camp sites
As an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way. The lack of light pollution here is incredible.
Sunset Views
Camp sites and nearby rock formations
Find a perch atop the giant rocks to witness breathtaking desert sunsets painting the sky.
Proximity to Skull Rock
Short walk from campground
Easily access the iconic Skull Rock formation for unique photos and exploration right from your campsite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Jumbo Rocks
Embrace the Desert Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Reservations Early
Jumbo Rocks Campground is highly sought after. Book your campsite months in advance via Recreation.gov.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no potable water at the campground. Carry more than you think you'll need for drinking and cooking.
☀️ Prepare for Heat
Summers are extremely hot. Seek shade among the boulders and avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
You'll be scrambling on rocks! Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety and comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Reservations Early
Jumbo Rocks Campground is highly sought after. Book your campsite months in advance via Recreation.gov.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no potable water at the campground. Carry more than you think you'll need for drinking and cooking.
☀️ Prepare for Heat
Summers are extremely hot. Seek shade among the boulders and avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
You'll be scrambling on rocks! Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety and comfort.
🌌 Embrace the Dark Sky
Joshua Tree is a Dark Sky Park. Bring a red-light headlamp to preserve night vision for incredible stargazing.
🔌 Limited Cell Service
Expect little to no cell reception. Download offline maps and inform others of your itinerary beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Jumbo Rocks Campground's spectacular boulder formations, incredible stargazing opportunities, and unique desert ambiance. Many highlight the spiritual and connected feeling of being immersed in nature. However, some note the lack of shade, extreme summer heat, and basic restroom facilities as drawbacks, especially considering the nightly fee.
"November 2025. This reservation ONLY campground has VERY tiny sites. Most are car sized. But its a gorgeous area. Inside the grounds and outside for sure. There are trails right there to walk. Including the trail to Skull Rock. Joshua Tree Park truly is an amazing place. And Jumbo Rock Campground is right on the middle of it.
They do have pit toilets. And they are clean. Plenty of paper too. And they have sorted trash bins. BUT no water. At all. No stores in the park. And no gas. NO CELL SERVICE! So come prepared or go without.
It was reasonably quiet once the tenters stopped slamming car doors. Not many people were burning either.
I gave this campground 4 stars instead of 5 for 2 reasons. One is theres no lights in the bathrooms. There should at least be a solar powered nightlight that comes on inside at night. Public restrooms are often gross and I want to see what Im touching!
Secondly, these parkinglot style walk-in camp sites are pooey. People park in them at will during the day for hikes and whatnot. And they're pretty unattractive. The tenters that do legitimately rent them walk back and forth for hours getting their stuff and slamming car doors each time - no matter the hour. Very disruptive to those with pull in sites. They should be all in their own loop away from the entrance.
You'll get a laught at the bus sized trailers trying to stuff themselves into these tiny sites. They really shouldn't be allowed.
Id stay there again, but I'd be way more choosy about which site I rented."
Me Me
"The campground was amazing! It was clean & well maintained, even during the shutdown. No one bothered our campsite and were polite. There is not complete privacy, but our site was sort of out of the way. I enjoyed the trip so much, we will do it again next year!"
Brooke James
"This campground was spectacular. We were in Joshua Tree for three days, and the highlights were all experiences we had at the campground - climbing the jumbo rocks behind our site, stargazing, and watching the sunset at the end of the day. I got chills seeing the silhouettes of solo travelers or small families on top of the larger than life rocks, watching the sun come up each day. It was a quiet but connected, spiritual experience. Lots of coyotes howling at night, bats swooping over as we watched the night sky. We were in site 83 and would recommend for families - toddlers loved scrambling up the paths and rocks right behind our site."
Alexandra Ronca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jumbo Rocks Campground is located within Joshua Tree National Park. Access is via Park Boulevard. From the west entrance (Joshua Tree town), it's about a 20-minute drive. From the south entrance (near Cottonwood Spring), it's about a 40-minute drive. The campground is well-signed.
No, there is no public transportation that directly serves Jumbo Rocks Campground or Joshua Tree National Park. A personal vehicle is necessary for access.
The West Entrance (near Joshua Tree town) is generally the most convenient for accessing Jumbo Rocks Campground, as it's closer to the main park road where the campground is situated.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Joshua Tree National Park. As of recent information, it's $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Campground fees are separate. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
Yes, Park Boulevard runs through the Jumbo Rocks Campground area, allowing you to drive past and access individual campsites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations for Jumbo Rocks Campground are required and can be made through Recreation.gov. They are highly competitive and often book up months in advance, especially for peak seasons.
Jumbo Rocks Campground is open year-round. Check-in is typically after 12 PM, and check-out is by 11 AM. There are no specific 'operating hours' for the campground itself, but park entrance hours apply.
Campsite fees at Jumbo Rocks Campground are approximately $30 per night. This fee is in addition to the park entrance fee. Prices can vary, so check Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information.
It is extremely difficult to get a campsite at Jumbo Rocks without a reservation. The campground is almost always fully booked due to its popularity. It's best to plan and reserve well in advance.
Cancellation policies are set by Recreation.gov. Generally, cancellations made within a certain timeframe before your arrival date may be eligible for a refund, minus any cancellation fees. Check the specific terms when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many campers recommend sites near the large boulder formations for privacy and unique views. Sites like 83 and 120 have been praised for family-friendliness and spaciousness, respectively. Exploring the campground map on Recreation.gov can help you find a spot that suits your needs.
Jumbo Rocks Campground has vault toilets, but there are no showers available. You'll need to be prepared for basic facilities.
You can enjoy rock scrambling, hiking, photography, and incredible stargazing. Many visitors also enjoy simply relaxing and taking in the unique desert landscape.
Yes, Jumbo Rocks Campground is very family-friendly. The large boulders provide a natural playground for kids to explore and scramble on, and the stargazing is a magical experience for all ages.
You might see coyotes, bats, various desert birds, and reptiles like lizards. Remember to store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants, cafes, or food services within Jumbo Rocks Campground. You must bring all your own food and be prepared to cook it at your campsite.
Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill. You'll need to bring your own cooking gear, fuel, and utensils.
The nearest town with grocery stores is Joshua Tree, about a 20-minute drive from the campground. It's advisable to stock up before entering the park.
Campfires are generally permitted in designated fire rings, but always check current fire restrictions with the park service, especially during dry seasons.
Pack non-perishable items that are easy to prepare. Think dehydrated meals, canned goods, pasta, and snacks. Don't forget plenty of water!
📸 📸 Photography
The entire campground is a photographer's dream! Focus on the unique boulder formations, the vast desert landscapes, and especially the night sky for astrophotography. Skull Rock is also a popular subject.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers beautiful light for landscape photography. Nighttime is unparalleled for astrophotography due to the dark skies.
A tripod is essential for long exposures. A wide-angle lens is helpful for capturing the vastness of the night sky. A camera capable of good low-light performance is also beneficial.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park, including campgrounds, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the NPS website for current regulations.
Capture the scale of the boulders by including people in your shots. Look for interesting textures and shadows on the rocks. Silhouettes against the sunset or starry sky are also stunning.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1The stargazing here is also a magical experience for kids, offering a chance to see the Milky Way and countless stars in a way they might never have before. It's a great opportunity for educational moments about astronomy and the desert environment. Remember to pack plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks, as amenities are limited.
+1🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Bring your camera gear, a sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle lens. A red-light headlamp is crucial for preserving your night vision. Consider visiting during a new moon for the darkest skies. The quiet, remote atmosphere of the campground at night only enhances the profound experience of being under such a brilliant celestial display.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Jumbo Rocks
Visitors are encouraged to explore and scramble on these formations, but caution is advised. The granite can be sharp, and unstable areas exist. Always be aware of your surroundings and the potential for rockfalls. The natural windbreaks provided by the boulders can also offer some respite from the desert winds, making certain campsites feel more sheltered.
These unique rock formations are not just visually striking; they are integral to the experience of camping at Jumbo Rocks. They provide natural shade, create a sense of privacy between campsites, and offer endless opportunities for exploration and photography. The interplay of light and shadow on the boulders throughout the day creates a constantly changing and captivating environment.
+1Stargazing at Jumbo Rocks: An Astrophotographer's Dream
For astrophotographers, Jumbo Rocks offers a unique foreground for celestial shots. The dramatic silhouettes of the granite boulders against the starry expanse create stunning compositions. Popular subjects include the Milky Way arching over the rocks, star trails, and the general celestial panorama. Early morning and late evening are often cited as the best times for capturing these shots, with the moon phases also playing a role in visibility.
To make the most of your stargazing experience, it's recommended to arrive after dark to allow your eyes to adjust, or to visit during a new moon phase for maximum darkness. Bringing a red-light headlamp is crucial to preserve your night vision and that of others around you. The quiet solitude of the campground at night enhances the magical experience of being under such a vast, star-filled sky.
+1Camping Essentials for Jumbo Rocks
Given the extreme temperature fluctuations, packing layers of clothing is essential. Evenings can be cool to cold, while daytime temperatures can soar. Sun protection, including hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, is non-negotiable. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating the rocky terrain.
Other essentials include a reliable flashlight or headlamp (preferably red-light for stargazing), a first-aid kit, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Since cell service is unreliable, consider downloading offline maps and informing someone of your itinerary. Remember to pack out all trash, as there are no trash receptacles within the campground.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit