National Park Service · Joshua Tree National Park · CA

Jumbo Rocks Campground

5Heads up4 park alerts · 1 fire 36 mi away
Wildfire
2026 Training fire · 36 mi away · 0 acres · updated Oct 14, 2026
Caution
Inaccurate Third-Party Apps Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.
Park Closure
Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed The park received a significant amount of rain. Due to flooding, Geology Tour Road is temporarily closed. Please use caution while traveling on all other roads in the park.
Caution
Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
Caution
Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop There is a partial trail closure of West Side Loop trail in the Black Rock area to allow for trail crew and volunteers to conduct trail repairs. Sections of West Side will be closed to all forms of traffic, Equestrians and hikers will have…
Alerts: National Park Service alerts API · Oct 17, 2026
Reservable, and full this SaturdayEvery one of the 115 sites on offer is taken this Saturday, and the record lists no site held back for a walk-up. read 16:53 UTC

We don’t think it should be. Every campground should hold some sites for whoever drives up.Tell your representative →

Right now
Taking bookingsSites offered on 30 of the next 30 nights read 16:53 UTC
A night
$30From, per site
Sites
124119 on recreation.gov
46 ftLongest rig
4,360 ftElevation
2.9 miWater · an unnamed pond
6.1 miS of Twentynine Palms, CA
0%Tree cover

The place

the agency’s own description · what’s there · 14 notices

In the agency’s own words

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Jumbo Rocks Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. Close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Jumbo Rocks is one of four campgrounds in the park that requires reservations year-round. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Jumbo Rocks is at an elevation of 4,380 feet. Keep reading

Recreation

Rock scramblers flock to Jumbo Rocks Campground for the variety of geological formations and warmer temperatures that can be found in the interior of the park. Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There is a short interpretive nature trail and plenty of rocks and canyons to explore within the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing.

Facilities

This large facility has 124 individual tent and RV campsites. There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however the town of Twentynine Palms is 12 miles away and provides basic amenities. The park allows six people and two vehicles per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See site details for specifics.

Natural Features

Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight and low with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff). No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.

What the agency tells you

Rule

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!

Rule

Reservations are required year round and can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance.

Rule

No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date.  No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite.  *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.

Everything else this campground posts · 11
Rule

The park allows six people, two vehicles and three tents per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See Site Details for specifics. There is no overflow parking. Trailers count as a vehicle.

Rule

Please call 760-367-5554 for information.

Rule

$30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to camping fee.

Rule

There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites; nor is a dump station located nearby. Potable water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center, 11 miles away.

Rule

Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.

Rule

Pets are not allowed on trails but are welcome in the campground, on any dirt road or within 100 feet of any road. Pets must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object; leaving pets in unattended vehicles is strongly discouraged – especially on warm days.

Rule

Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.

Rule

All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator, jeannie_wilson@nps.gov.

Rule

Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. Late Cancellation Fees: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Rule

STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center.

Rule

FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills. NO Fires! Only gas or propane stoves are permitted. Starting June 15, ending October 1st of every year.

Read them on the agency’s own page →

Tents and rigs

Sites
124 · 74 tent-only
Hookups
None
Longest rig
46 ft
Paved pads
117 of 124
Accessible sites
1
Pets
Allowed
Campfires
Allowed, barring fire bans
Shade
Every site
Source: Recreation.gov campsite records · Aug 23, 2026

Facilities

Toilets
Vault Toilets - year round
Drinking water
None, bring your own
Stay limit
30 nights
recreation.gov facility rule maxStay
Source: National Park Service and agency records

Around the campground

Climbing
Hiking
Ranger programs
Wildlife viewing
Night sky · 1003rd darkest of 1,201 in CA
Bortle 4
Source: Recreation.gov activity records · Aug 23, 2026

Full this Saturdayread 16:53 UTC

How full the weekend is nationally.

1 campground has sites open within 30 miles, read 16:52 UTC. See them

OpenBooked

Every one of the 115 sites on offer is taken this Saturday. 39 are free on Tue, Oct 20. read 16:53 UTC Why the weekend fills and the week doesn’t

Booking window6 months outBookable now through April 16, 2027. Today at 10 AM ET, availability opens through April 17, 2027.recreation.gov
Max stay30 nightsthe facility record
A night$30plus $8 to reserve, once per bookingthe agency’s rate schedule
A weekend$68DerivedFriday and Saturday, everything includedours, from the lines above
If plans change$10 to cancel$10 to change a reservation; this campground publishes its own terms toorecreation.gov’s schedule
Runs itNational Park ServiceBooked through recreation.govthe agency’s record
Watch for a cancellation

Watch this campground

One email when a night opens, plus More Than Just Parks dispatches. Unsubscribe any time.

We read recreation.gov once an hour, at 40 minutes past, and write the first time a site in your window is free for the nights you asked for.

Scanners that check every few minutes exist, and most of them charge. This one is free, it reads the same calendar, and it won’t always be first.

Free forever, no booking kickbacks.
Where there’s room this weekendBook on recreation.gov ↗

We make nothing when you book. The link goes straight to the government.

Every line of the receipt · 13

What you actually pay

The sign priceNational Park Service
A night$30
Standard Nonelectric$30
Tent Only Nonelectric$30
Rates for the season the campground is in now, Jan 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026.
The booking feerecreation.gov
Reservation fee, booked online$8
One fee per reservation, however many nights you book, and it’s non-refundable. $9 if you book by phone, $3 in person.
Pass discounts only apply to the recreation (or use) fee for the facility. Other charges such as electricity or water hookups, reservation or other fees are not eligible for a discount.
What a stay costs
One nightDerived$38
A weekend, Friday and SaturdayDerived$68

Derived by CAMPANAC: the agency’s published rate for this season, $30 a night, plus one $8 recreation.gov reservation fee for the booking. A weekend here means Friday and Saturday night, booked once. Optional charges (an extra vehicle, a second tent, a dump-station fee) are listed separately and aren’t in this total.

If your plans changerecreation.gov
Change fee, moving to dates outside your booking$10
Cancellation fee$10
Cancelling the day before, or the day of$10 + your first night
No-show$20 + your first night

“A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.” · this campground’s own no-show terms

Who keeps the booking fee

The agency’s own policy text says the reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee are “retained by the reservation service contractor”, and that a campground concessionaire will decline to refund them because “they did not receive these fees”. Recreation.gov is run under contract by Booz Allen Hamilton. What share of your booking fee the contractor keeps isn’t published in any federal dataset we can read, so we print no number for it. Our reporting on the contract →

How we know this receipt · 6
Open within 30 miles this weekend · 1

Sites the agency is offering this Friday and Saturday that nobody has taken, nearest first. read 16:52 UTC

recreation.gov availability, read 16:53 UTC · rules read Sep 9, 2026 · rates Sep 10, 2026 · How we know all this

Seen something wrong here? Tell us.

The sites

124 sites · which ones have room · the site map

The sites, ranked

from 119 mapped sites
56 ftbetween you and the next site, typically
Least room015 24 ft016 24 ft021 25 ft

All 124 sites

124 of 124 sites located
Standard44Tent only74RV / electric1Type not stated5
SleepsTakes aUp to

The price is derived by CAMPANAC, not published per site: the per-night rate this campground publishes for each site’s own site type. 118 of the 124 sites listed carry one, and a site whose type has no published rate sits out of the price rather than being called free.

JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND001standard nonelectric36 ft41 ft3.2 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND002standard nonelectric36 ft35 ft3.2 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND003standard nonelectric18 ft35 ft3.2 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND004tent only nonelectric18 ft41 ft3.2 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND005tent only nonelectric18 ft67 ft3.2 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND006tent only nonelectric18 ft35 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND007tent only nonelectric18 ft30 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND008tent only nonelectric18 ft30 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND009tent only nonelectric18 ft37 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND010standard nonelectric18 ft44 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND011standard nonelectric18 ft44 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND012tent only nonelectric20 ft32 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND013tent only nonelectric18 ft32 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND014tent only nonelectric18 ft35 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND015tent only nonelectric18 ft24 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND016tent only nonelectric18 ft24 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND017tent only nonelectric18 ft50 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND018tent only nonelectric18 ft44 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND019tent only nonelectric18 ft44 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND020tent only nonelectric18 ft45 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND021tent only nonelectric18 ft25 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND022tent only nonelectric18 ft25 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND023tent only nonelectric20 ft48 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND024type not stated20 ft3.0 mi
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND025standard nonelectric35 ft73 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND026standard nonelectric40 ft73 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND027tent only nonelectric18 ft96 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND028tent only nonelectric18 ft47 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND029tent only nonelectric18 ft47 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND030tent only nonelectric18 ft63 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND031tent only nonelectric18 ft63 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND032tent only nonelectric18 ft69 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND033standard nonelectric20 ft69 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND034tent only nonelectric18 ft38 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND035tent only nonelectric18 ft38 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND036tent only nonelectric18 ft75 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND037tent only nonelectric18 ft72 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND038tent only nonelectric18 ft67 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND039tent only nonelectric18 ft67 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND040rv nonelectric30 ft72 ft2.9 mi
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND041standard nonelectric32 ft92 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND042type not stated40 ft2.8 mi
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND043type not stated46 ft2.8 mi
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND044standard nonelectric35 ft101 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND045tent only nonelectric18 ft73 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND046tent only nonelectric18 ft63 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND047tent only nonelectric18 ft41 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND048tent only nonelectric18 ft41 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND049tent only nonelectric18 ft76 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND050tent only nonelectric18 ft78 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND051tent only nonelectric18 ft47 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND052tent only nonelectric18 ft47 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND053tent only nonelectric18 ft58 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND054tent only nonelectric18 ft58 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND055tent only nonelectric18 ft58 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND056tent only nonelectric18 ft58 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND057tent only nonelectric18 ft59 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND058tent only nonelectric18 ft42 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND059tent only nonelectric18 ft42 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND060standard nonelectric20 ft48 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND061standard nonelectric28 ft79 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND062tent only nonelectric18 ft56 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND063tent only nonelectric18 ft54 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND064tent only nonelectric18 ft54 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND065tent only nonelectric18 ft58 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND066tent only nonelectric18 ft38 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND067tent only nonelectric18 ft38 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND068tent only nonelectric18 ft43 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND069tent only nonelectric18 ft43 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND070tent only nonelectric18 ft45 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND071standard nonelectric35 ft94 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND072tent only nonelectric18 ft47 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND073tent only nonelectric18 ft47 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND074standard nonelectric21 ft100 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND075type not stated24 ft2.7 mi
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND076type not stated20 ft2.7 mi
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND077standard nonelectric28 ft105 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND078standard nonelectric30 ft105 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND079tent only nonelectric18 ft127 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND080standard nonelectric45 ft80 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND081standard nonelectric45 ft80 ft2.7 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND082standard nonelectric38 ft78 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND083standard nonelectric28 ft63 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND084standard nonelectric45 ft63 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND085standard nonelectric35 ft67 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND086standard nonelectric32 ft55 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND087standard nonelectric40 ft55 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND088standard nonelectric35 ft67 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND089standard nonelectric38 ft67 ft2.8 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND090standard nonelectric35 ft94 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND091standard nonelectric35 ft78 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND092standard nonelectric28 ft76 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND093standard nonelectric26 ft76 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND094standard nonelectric35 ft104 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND095standard nonelectric22 ft87 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND096standard nonelectric20 ft74 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND097standard nonelectric26 ft41 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND098standard nonelectric25 ft67 ft2.9 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND099tent only nonelectric18 ft41 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND100tent only nonelectric18 ft45 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND101tent only nonelectric17 ft45 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND102tent only nonelectric17 ft71 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND103standard nonelectric24 ft67 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND104tent only nonelectric18 ft46 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND105tent only nonelectric18 ft57 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND106tent only nonelectric18 ft57 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND107tent only nonelectric18 ft59 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND108tent only nonelectric20 ft66 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND109tent only nonelectric20 ft47 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND110tent only nonelectric20 ft47 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND111standard nonelectric20 ft40 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND112tent only nonelectric20 ft40 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND113tent only nonelectric18 ft61 ft3.0 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND114tent only nonelectric18 ft40 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND115tent only nonelectric18 ft43 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND116tent only nonelectric18 ft40 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND117standard nonelectric31 ft70 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND118tent only nonelectric18 ft46 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND119standard nonelectric20 ft60 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND120standard nonelectric25 ft60 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND121standard nonelectric35 ft46 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND122standard nonelectric24 ftyes81 ft3.1 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND123standard nonelectric18 ft56 ft3.2 mi$30
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND124standard nonelectric18 ft56 ft3.2 mi$30

25 of 124 listed

Getting there

the map and the coordinate · the agency’s directions · the phone number
Coordinate33.99222, -116.06250
The phone760-367-5554
The agency’s pageOfficial page ↗

Where it is

Getting there

Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Jumbo Rocks is approximately 18 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twenty-nine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Jumbo Rocks is approximately 8 miles from the entrance.

The weather

the next four days

Next four days, and the thirty-year normal

Forecast

Tonight54°Partly Cloudy1% rain
Saturday65°Partly Sunny6% rain
Saturday Night53°Mostly Cloudy7% rain
Sunday66°Mostly Sunny1% rain

NWS forecast for Twentynine Palms, CA

The land, and who answers for it

what threatens it · who answers for it · a letter you can send

What threatens this place

Watch
Joshua Tree National Parkdevelopment, climate

You’re camping on ground somebody wants. We track the threats and the comment deadlines.

Source: MTJP Threatened Lands map · Oct 9, 2026

Who answers for this land

Raul Ruiz, official portrait

Jumbo Rocks Campground is in California’s 25th congressional district. Its representative, Raul Ruiz (D), votes on the laws that decide what happens to this land. Public-lands grade so far: A+. See every public-lands vote →

Seen something wrong here? Tell us.

Who can change it · 4
Write to somebody who can change it

Two offices, two different asks. The draft to the agency asks it to set aside a published share of the sites here for whoever drives up. The draft to Congress asks why that share is zero and presses for a published minimum at the campgrounds it funds.

Read the draft, or change the wording

For the camper who turned up, or tried to book, and couldn’t get in. Every draft is written from this campground’s own record (its agency, its unit, its site count and its own weekend) and the buttons above copy whichever wording is selected here.

To Joshua Tree National Park

Asks the National Park Service to set aside a published share of the sites here for whoever drives up, and to post what that share is.

Subject Hold back a share of sites at Jumbo Rocks Campground for campers who drive up

To the National Park Service, Joshua Tree National Park:

I tried to camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground in California and couldn’t.

recreation.gov lists 119 of the 124 campsites the agency files at Jumbo Rocks Campground, and every one of them is booked ahead, and the agency's own record lists none held back for somebody who drives up. On Saturday, October 17, all 115 sites recreation.gov was offering there were already booked.

1,623 of the 7,647 federal campgrounds in this country still keep at least some sites for whoever arrives first. Jumbo Rocks Campground keeps none, and that’s a choice somebody made rather than a rule.

I’m asking for one specific thing: set aside a published share of the sites at Jumbo Rocks Campground as first-come, first-served, and post what that share is so it can be checked.

Somebody who drives up has no way in, and no way to find out whether they might have had one.

Sent about Jumbo Rocks Campground (Joshua Tree National Park, California) via campanac.com
To Raul Ruiz

Asks them to put the question to the agency in writing, and to press for a published minimum share of walk-up sites across the campgrounds they fund.

Subject Walk-up camping at Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Dear Raul Ruiz,

I’m a constituent in California’s 25th district. I tried to camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California, and couldn’t.

recreation.gov lists 119 of the 124 campsites the agency files at Jumbo Rocks Campground, and every one of them is booked ahead, and the agency's own record lists none held back for somebody who drives up. On Saturday, October 17, all 115 sites recreation.gov was offering there were already booked.

1,623 of the 7,647 federal campgrounds in this country still keep at least some sites for whoever arrives first. Jumbo Rocks Campground keeps none, and that’s a choice somebody made rather than a rule.

I’m not asking you to run Jumbo Rocks Campground. I’m asking you to put it to the National Park Service in writing: why is the share of first-come sites there zero, and what would a published minimum share cost? Please press for that minimum at the federal campgrounds you fund.

The people who open these campgrounds, collect the fees and keep the water running are seasonal positions. At GS-5, base pay plus the government's own 36.25% benefit factor, one costs about $47,414 a year. One percent of the $13.3 billion the USS Gerald R. Ford cost to procure would pay for about 2,800 of them for a year. Both figures are the government's own (a Congressional Research Service report and an OPM pay table), and I’m glad to send them.

Sent about Jumbo Rocks Campground (Joshua Tree National Park, California) via campanac.com
To Adam B. Schiff

Asks them to put the question to the agency in writing, and to press for a published minimum share of walk-up sites across the campgrounds they fund.

Subject Walk-up camping at Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Dear Adam B. Schiff,

I’m a constituent in California. I tried to camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California, and couldn’t.

recreation.gov lists 119 of the 124 campsites the agency files at Jumbo Rocks Campground, and every one of them is booked ahead, and the agency's own record lists none held back for somebody who drives up. On Saturday, October 17, all 115 sites recreation.gov was offering there were already booked.

1,623 of the 7,647 federal campgrounds in this country still keep at least some sites for whoever arrives first. Jumbo Rocks Campground keeps none, and that’s a choice somebody made rather than a rule.

I’m not asking you to run Jumbo Rocks Campground. I’m asking you to put it to the National Park Service in writing: why is the share of first-come sites there zero, and what would a published minimum share cost? Please press for that minimum at the federal campgrounds you fund.

The people who open these campgrounds, collect the fees and keep the water running are seasonal positions. At GS-5, base pay plus the government's own 36.25% benefit factor, one costs about $47,414 a year. One percent of the $13.3 billion the USS Gerald R. Ford cost to procure would pay for about 2,800 of them for a year. Both figures are the government's own (a Congressional Research Service report and an OPM pay table), and I’m glad to send them.

Sent about Jumbo Rocks Campground (Joshua Tree National Park, California) via campanac.com
To Alex Padilla

Asks them to put the question to the agency in writing, and to press for a published minimum share of walk-up sites across the campgrounds they fund.

Subject Walk-up camping at Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Dear Alex Padilla,

I’m a constituent in California. I tried to camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California, and couldn’t.

recreation.gov lists 119 of the 124 campsites the agency files at Jumbo Rocks Campground, and every one of them is booked ahead, and the agency's own record lists none held back for somebody who drives up. On Saturday, October 17, all 115 sites recreation.gov was offering there were already booked.

1,623 of the 7,647 federal campgrounds in this country still keep at least some sites for whoever arrives first. Jumbo Rocks Campground keeps none, and that’s a choice somebody made rather than a rule.

I’m not asking you to run Jumbo Rocks Campground. I’m asking you to put it to the National Park Service in writing: why is the share of first-come sites there zero, and what would a published minimum share cost? Please press for that minimum at the federal campgrounds you fund.

The people who open these campgrounds, collect the fees and keep the water running are seasonal positions. At GS-5, base pay plus the government's own 36.25% benefit factor, one costs about $47,414 a year. One percent of the $13.3 billion the USS Gerald R. Ford cost to procure would pay for about 2,800 of them for a year. Both figures are the government's own (a Congressional Research Service report and an OPM pay table), and I’m glad to send them.

Sent about Jumbo Rocks Campground (Joshua Tree National Park, California) via campanac.com
How we know this · 4
The figures in these drafts: Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress (CRS Report RS20643) · Updated December 4, 2025 · “The ship’s final procurement cost was $13,316.5 million (i.e., about $13.3 billion) in then-year dollars.”
The figures in these drafts: Salary Table 2026-GS, Incorporating the 1% General Schedule Increase, Effective January 2026 (U.S. Office of Personnel Management) · Effective January 2026 · “Grade 5, Step 1: $34,799 (annual rate, before locality pay).”
The figures in these drafts: Update to Civilian Position Full Fringe Benefit Cost Factor, Federal Pay Raise Assumptions, and Inflation Factors used in OMB Circular No. A-76 (OMB Memorandum M-08-13) · March 11, 2008 · “the civilian position full fringe benefit cost factor needs to be adjusted downward, from 36.45 percent to 36.25 percent”

How we know

every fact on this page, and where it came from
Right now: recreation.gov is offering sites on 30 of the next 30 nights, which isn’t something a closed campground does.
Cell signal: the Park Service’s own campground description, read as text by CAMPANAC. None of this is a measurement. It’s what the land manager published about the place, and phones, carriers and weather all disagree with each other; treat it as a warning, not a promise.