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Joshua Tree/Jumbo Rocks
Overview
Jumbo Rocks Campground offers one of the most iconic camping experiences within the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park. Nestled deep in the heart of the Mojave Desert, this campground is world-renowned for the massive monzogranite boulders that surround and shield individual campsites. It provides a unique opportunity to sleep under some of the darkest skies in California, offering a primitive setting where the dramatic desert landscape is the primary attraction for every visitor.
Location & Surroundings
Located near Twentynine Palms, California, the campground is centrally positioned to provide easy access to the park’s most famous geological wonders. The high desert elevation creates a climate of crisp nights and sun-drenched days, with expansive views that stretch across the rugged wilderness. Travelers will find themselves completely immersed in a landscape of twisted Joshua trees and ancient rock formations that offer a true sense of desert solitude and adventure right outside their door.
Amenities & Park Features
This facility is designed specifically for a rustic, off-grid experience. There are no electrical hookups or water connections available, which means RVers must arrive with their tanks full and batteries charged. Each site is equipped with a sturdy fire ring and picnic table, and communal vault toilets are placed throughout the campground loops. While there is no dump station or potable water on-site, the natural wind protection provided by the towering boulders makes it a cozy spot for self-contained rigs.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The most famous landmark within walking distance of the campsites is Skull Rock, a geological formation that naturally resembles its namesake. Visitors can also trek the Discovery Trail, which winds through the rocks and provides educational markers about the local environment. For those who enjoy vertical adventure, the area is a haven for rock scrambling and technical climbing. When the sun sets, the remote location allows for exceptional stargazing, with the Milky Way often visible to the naked eye.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for travelers who prioritize a deep connection with nature over modern resort luxuries. It is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, landscape photographers, and families looking to explore a natural rock playground. Because it offers a more primitive style of camping, it is best suited for self-sufficient RV travelers who are comfortable dry camping and want to wake up surrounded by the striking, rugged beauty of the California desert.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Me Me
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.
Brooke James
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!
Wesley Good
This campground was really great. The location was nice too, since it is in the middle of the park. You are close to everything. I recommend this campground, it is nice for tents as well if you bring a mallet or rock to place the stakes.
Kristina Cross
Campsites were nice supplied with good sized parking spaces, picnic table, fire pit, and barbecue grill. Toilet near site 63 had well stocked toilet paper. No sink or water at site.
Alexandra Ronca
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.