OCLB- Jumbo Rocks Camping at Joshua Tree NP
Fri. 2/27/26 to Sun. 3/01/26
Jumbo Rocks Campground, near Twentynine Palms, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Surrounded by impressive rock formations, this campground offers a unique backdrop for camping, climbing, and exploring the high desert.
The campground features designated sites with picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to enjoy meals and evenings around the fire. Visitors have noted the abundance of nearby hiking trails and the convenience of clean pit toilets scattered throughout the area.
While the campground can get busy, many campers appreciate the privacy offered by certain sites, especially those tucked away among the rocks. The vibrant sunsets and starry nights are a big draw, with one reviewer mentioning, “Sunsets at Joshua Tree are magical!” Whether you are climbing the rocks or just soaking in the views, Jumbo Rocks Campground is a great base for our desert adventures.
Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members
Starts: Fri. Feb 27th, 2026 at 4pm
Ends: Sun. Mar. 1st, 2026 at 12pm
Space left: 6 vehicles
Location: Jumbo Rocks Campground is located 18 miles from the West Entrance, or 12 miles from the North Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park via Park Blvd.
Directions: Take Int. 10 East from Long Beach and Orange County to Palm Springs. Take Hwy 62 to Yucca Valley. In Yucca Valley, drive eastbound on Hwy 62 to Park Blvd. Turn right at Park Blvd.
Park Blvd turns into Quail Springs Road. Continue until you reach the Joshua Tree National Park West entrance. After entry, Quail Springs Road turns into Park Blvd. Drive 18 miles from the West entrance to Jumbo Rocks campground.
Carpooling- All members are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Carpooling is highly encouraged to allow more members to attend because each campsite has a vehicle limit. There is no overflow parking.
If you can offer to carpool to another member or are interested in joining a carpool with another member, check out the website:
www.groupcarpool.com
I cannot arrange carpools for members, but I invite you to click the link above to connect with other members to arrange a carpool.
Waitlist- If the trip is full, please add yourself to the waitlist.
Important information
NO WATER—There is no water at Jumbo Rocks Campground. You must bring enough water to drink, cook, and wash during the camping trip. I suggest you bring AT LEAST (2) gallons of water for drinking and (1) gallon of water for washing.
NO CELL PHONE SERVICE- Depending on your cell phone provider, you may have limited or no cell phone service within JTNP.
NO FUEL- There are no gas stations within JTNP. Fill up your fuel tank before entering the park.
Schedule
Fri. Feb. 27th
4 pm Arrive, check in with trip leader, Set up camp. Climb a Jumbo Rock (carefully!)
5 pm- Welcome Tea- Refreshments provided. Meet & Greet
6 pm- Group campfire, star gaze, and good conversation.
Sat Feb. 28th.
8 am- Breakfast on you own.
9 am to 3pm—Arrange carpools for day activity options: Driving tour to Hidden Valley, Keys Point, and Cholla Cactus Garden. Afternoon walk to Skull Rock. Optional hike to Ryan Mountain. Pack a lunch and water.
5:30pm- Group Dinner Potluck
6pm- Group Campfire, star gaze, and more good conversation.
Sun Mar. 1st.
8 am- Breakfast on your own.
9 am to 11 am— Group photo. Break camp, pack up, and see you at the next Great Outdoors event!
Noon- Check out
Amenities: Campsites feature a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground has vault toilets and trash bins. There is NO WATER at the campground. Bring enough water for drinking and washing for 2 nights. Bring AT LEAST (2) gallons of water for drinking and (2) gallons of water for washing.
Parking: 4 vehicles (1 vehicle per campsite), 2 vehicles (1 campsite accommodates 2 vehicles). NO overflow parking.
RVs: No RVs on this campout.
What to bring: Tent, Camp chair, Sleeping bag with a sleeping pad or air mattress, Air pump with extra batteries for air mattress, Pillow, Extra blanket, Day pack for hiking, camp stove, matches or lighter, propane fuel, flashlight with batteries, a lantern with batteries, headlight with red light feature and batteries, external power bank and phone charger; cooking utensils, cold weather clothing (jacket, sweater, long sleeve shirts, long pants, beanie), underwear, shirts, sleeping clothes, socks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet paper, toiletries kit, Wet Wipes, and hand sanitizer. Please bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils. You may want to get a pop-up shade with an anchor.
BRING 1 bundle of firewood per person.
Climate: February Avg. high 65 F, Avg. low 44 F. Be prepared for COLD nights and mornings. Bring cold-weather clothing and dress in layers. Bring an extra blanket. Rain is unpredictable. Bring a raincoat if rain is forecast. Wear sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Fees:The camping fee is $75 per driver and $65 per passenger. The camping fee is discounted for passengers carpooling with a driver in the same vehicle. Carpooling is highly encouraged to help more people attend this event and save on fuel and trip costs. Bring cash to contribute to a carpool driver during the Saturday activities.
There is a $30 per-vehicle park entrance fee, payable to the ranger at the entrance. This is in addition to the camping fee. Displaying a valid national park pass waives the park entrance fee.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Attendees may self-cancel with a refund, less a $10 fee, by midnight Friday, February 13th, 2026. No refunds will be given for self-cancellations after 2/13/26 or for no-shows. Refunds are processed via PayPal, Zelle or check.
Attendees must self-cancel via email to the trip leader. Please provide your email address linked to your PayPal or Zelle account.
Please do not self-cancel on the Wild Apricot website, as refunds cannot be processed through this method.
Food: Bring enough food, water, and snacks for two days. I will provide refreshments at the Friday welcome tea. Snacks to share with others are always welcome. The theme for the Saturday night dinner potluck is “South of the Border.”
Dogs: Yes, dogs are allowed in Joshua Tree National Park but with significant restrictions: they must be leashed (six feet or less), can only walk within 100 feet of roads and campgrounds, and are strictly prohibited on all hiking trails, in the backcountry, and inside buildings. Owners must pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.
Communication: I will contact attendees at least two weeks before the camp starts to share essential details about the camping trip, including campsite assignments. I am available via email for communication. However, I may not reply to emails right away due to my work schedule. I respond to emails about the camping trip on my days off.
Questions? Email Michael at [email protected]
Disclosure- I do not respond to emails immediately due to my non-traditional work schedule. I will respond to emails about the camping trip on my days off.
