Jumbo Rocks Campground: A Joshua Tree Gem

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It wasn’t until AFTER we bought a motorhome, that I realized between all three kids’ various sports, we would likely never be able to use it. Bound and determined to prove myself wrong, I picked a weekend in March and start scouring various campgrounds to get in a quick weekend getaway. When I scored a cancellation at Jumbo Rocks campground, I was stoked!

We had never been to Joshua Tree before, and this campground was listed as one of the best campgrounds in Joshua Tree. With all the boulders, this particular campground stood out to me as one the kids would have a blast at. I was right. As soon as we pulled up to the campsite, they were off climbing the rocks that lined the site.

What to Expect

Jumbo Rocks campground has 124 campsites, 41 of which can fit an RV or trailer. Most of the sites there are small tent-only sites, and there are pit-toilets throughout the campground.

Since we only had one full day to explore, we didn’t venture out past the Jumbo Rocks campground. We did the super easy, quarter-mile trail that took us to Skull Rock. That was another great area for the kids to explore and climb.

We walked back along a nature loop trail, which was perfect way to get out and explore with the kids without having to engage in some serious hiking. Joshua Tree has tons of hiking trails. If you’re looking for more adventurous trails, be sure to pack some of these kids hiking essentials to make it easier on the whole family.

We spent the rest of the day exploring more of the Jumbo Rocks campground and the various trails there. At the top of a rock, I actually got a bit of cell service (I’m not typically one who embraces being completely off the grid, so I took advantage of checking texts and completing the Wordle to continue my streak).

Weather in Jumbo Rocks

One thing to keep in mind when planning your trip to Jumbo Rocks is the weather. Joshua Tree is a true desert climate, which means big swings between day and night. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, with warm, sunny days in the 70s–80s°F and crisp, cool nights perfect for campfires. Summers can be brutally hot, often soaring well into the 100s during the day, while winter nights can dip below freezing even when the daytime sun feels pleasant.

No matter when you visit, layers are your best friend—you’ll want a hat and sunscreen by day, and a cozy jacket once the sun goes down.

We stayed at the Jumbo Rocks campground in early March during a historically cold winter, so there was actually a bit of snow on the ground and in the shade of some of the rock formations. We had weather in the low 60s. But I think that was still on the cooler side for that time of year.

The kids did not want to leave the next day, and they are already talking about next time we go. They want to plan a big group trip with family and friends. We will definitely venture back to Jumbo Rocks–maybe with a tow car so we can explore even further into the park. If you ever do the same, take the drive over to Pioneertown to catch a gun fight show. That’s a lot of fun!

How to Book Jumbo Rocks Campground

Reservations for Jumbo Rocks can be made 6 months in advance. Go to the Recreation.gov website and search Jumbo Rocks to book your site. Or click here. The most popular seasons (fall and spring when the weather is cooler) will book up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead. You can also use my favorite campground scanner app to help you score cancellations. And check out my strategies for successfully booking the most popular campgrounds for even more tips on booking here.

If you’re new to camping, I have tons of resources for you, such as the best family camping gear and a complete list of what to pack for your family camping trip.

Prefer not to camp? Check out this list of the best hotels in Joshua Tree.

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