Cornelius V.November 15, 2019
This information is out of date now. Jumbo Rocks Does take online reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272300
Emmett M.September 3, 2019
Quite possibly my favorite front country campsite in a national park. I mean, this place just feels like the deep desert even though you just barely pulled in. The Jumbo Rocks area is in my opinion the best part of J Tree, and camping in the middle of the whole thing is such a surreal experience. You'll have plenty of beautiful round boulders to climb for days.
Sierra R.recommendsMarch 1, 2019
A big array of sites - some with more privacy than others. Make friends with your neighbours and keep your space clean and contained for the benefit of everyone.
Colin K.recommendsFebruary 13, 2019
Try to get a campsite with a firepit next to the tall rocks. The reflection of the flickering of the fire on the rock face is gorgeous. Very hygge :)
Aileen C.recommendsJanuary 25, 2019
Easy walk to Skull Rock
Caitlin O.recommendsJanuary 20, 2019
Be prepared for some noisy neighbors! Try to get a spot away from the RVs (and their generators)
Christy T.recommendsNovember 2, 2018
FYI, all campsites are now reservable on Recreation.gov; sites are no longer first-come, first-served. This campground is in the heart of the National Park, so unlike Black Rock Campground, you will also have to pay $20/car to enter. Don't forget, it can snow and get below freezing in winter, with wind chill, and bring lots of water and shade in the warmer months. There is no cell service and it takes around 40 minutes to get out of the park from here to all services (gas, cell, food, etc).
Betty T.recommendsOctober 24, 2018
Betty the Van loves Jumbo Rocks Campground. The eroded lava flow is otherworldly.
Audrey D.recommendsOctober 22, 2018
get there early: these sites fill up so fast and are pretty noisy
This campsite is out out of this world. The rocks are an instant playground for the kids to climb on. As fun as the rocks are to explore & climb...do be careful. It's easy to get disoriented - they all look the same after a while!
This campsite is not first come first serve, you can (and should) book in advance... we found this out the hard way; hipcamp needs to update this.
Jumbo Rocks Campground is no longer first come, first serve. As of February, 2018, you need to reserve campsites thru recreation.gov. After June, campground is first come first serve until September.
The name Jumbo Rocks has a lot to live up to, and it doesn't let you down. I had mediocre expectations going in, but this campground is like no other. We were camped out at spot #5, nestled in the corner towards the front of the campground. Not much shade, but you're against 50 ft rocks so after 5:30 it can cool off pretty quickly. Bathrooms were right across the street and weren't giving off bad smells. Definitely, check this place out!
Nicki P.February 25, 2018
Accessible Site 122 is AWESOME - one of my all-time favorite camping spots. It's a flat, isolated enclave surrounded by jumbo rocks with two sections--one for fire and picnicking and the other for the tent and rest. It's also right next to the accessible restroom, but since it's such a nice enclave, you don't see everyone going to and fro. For people with limited mobility like myself, the amphitheater is a bit of walk, but doable. Only con: it's directly across from a group campground and can get pretty loud at night.
Fontane A.recommendsFebruary 14, 2018
As of February 7, 2018, this campground is no longer first-come first-served; make sure to make a reservation on recreation.gov beforehand!
Ray B.recommendsJanuary 11, 2018
Bring lots of water.
Daryl A.recommendsDecember 22, 2017
Plan your arrival early in the week and early in the day.
Craig T.recommendsNovember 15, 2017
It is first come first serve, so get there early if you are going on a weekend. Depending on where you're traveling from you may need to beat the sun up to get a good campsite. Check the tags on any campsite you see that may look vacant. Some people forget to take them before they leave so you may luck out, and find it's available.
Kris Z.recommendsOctober 26, 2017
Temp drops SOOOO much at night, pack things to keep you warm!
Definitely show up early if you want to grab a good spot. We visited on a Thursday in the middle of October and almost every campsite was taken. There are some really incredible places to camp and some pretty mediocre ones, so plan accordingly.
Anna P.recommendsSeptember 12, 2017
My favorite Joshua tree campground. It gets busy but you can usually find some privacy with all the large boulders.
Jake O.recommendsAugust 31, 2017
Definitely one of my favorite campgrounds in the park! Amazing sites amongst the rocks.
Jake F.recommendsAugust 20, 2017
Really fun campground to be in with a lot of really good sites. I recommend finding a site that gives the best possible protection from wind because it can be very windy at times in Joshua Tree, especially at night.
Great camping spot in the heart of Joshua Tree. Big sites with fire rings and tables. Great hiking within walking distance.
Charles R.recommendsAugust 9, 2017
Can get very windy!
Mae B.recommendsJuly 2, 2017
Fees:
$25 per person entrance fee (if i remember that right)
$0- military
Bring cash! There's no service once you get in the park so let your comrades know your site. I had to drive 9 miles just to get service and text my friend from the campground.
$15/night fee. Envelope is by the information post. Put the money in, seal it up, drop by the box. That's how you pay.
Bring lots and lots of water! And a camera! You don't wanna miss out the stars at night. Did my first solo camp here, it didn't let me down. Site 62 was perfect! Climbed the rocks during sunrise, perfect spot for breakfast. Had the whole view to myself.
Beware of bees! They are attracted to water. I saw a lot of bunnies here too.
I travelled on a Friday morning, arrived around 3pm, it was hot. Make sure you set up your tent under a shade.
Recommended for the star gazers.
Great spot! Sites feel private amongst the giant rocks. Stargazing was absolutely unreal. We arrived on a Sunday morning, Memorial Day weekend, and luckily several people had already vacated so there were some empty sites to choose from!
Kirsten B.recommendsJune 5, 2017
First come, first serve - no reservations. A lot of campsites (a bit busy!)
Love J tree!! No matter how packed this place may get, you can always find your little slice of peace. Even though some of the sites are pretty close, privacy and noise have never been an issue - it seems to me the people who visit here are respectable nature loving good folk. J tree is just insanely safe and clean feeling - always!! And definitely, check the camp tags - many times they are expired and the campers forgot to remove them.
Jumbo rocks was awesome ! Camped here in a camper van and it was perfect. Got a spot in early May with no problem! Definitely nicest camp in the park!
