Blackrock Campground is part of the Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). It is situated in a forest with some of the oldest Joshua trees in the entire national park. So, respect and protection of these trees MUST always be a concern for the campers. Please do not touch, damage, or tell jokes about the trees. In this campground, the trees’ lives are more important than human lives!
This campground invigorates the soul with some incredible views of the surrounding mountains. There are several hiking trailheads only a short walk or drive from the campground. An entrance to the main part of JTNP is a short drive away. Park entrance fees apply and National Parks passes are accepted.
The campground is situated about a 15-minute drive from the cities of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. Both cities have all the comforts of home waiting for you in the form of grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and coffee shops. The cities are also eclectic. They beckon you to explore the unique shops and diverse architecture. Both cities have an array of delectable restaurants for all dining palates.
A bit further down the road is Twentynine Palms. This desert oasis is a must see. With a massive Marine Base located there, you will no doubt enjoy the scenery of younger and older Marines walking the town. On weekends, weather-permitting, they have a farmers’ market that is pretty cool. Another attraction located about a thirty-minute drive from the campground is Pioneertown. This old-West movie set also features a fantastic bar and grill, Pappy and Harriet’s, popular for its live music shows. Go on a Saturday night and you never know what band may show up!
There are plenty of 4x4 excursion opportunities in this part of the country, and inside JTNP. If you have a 4x4, bring it!
From the pictures, you can see each campground is on sand with very rough asphalt roads connecting them; most sites are not level and may be off-camber a few degrees. The weather is dry and, in the springtime, it could get windy. The temperatures in April are warm, in the 80s during the daytime, but chilly 50s at night.
None of the sites have electricity or water. There is potable water located at shared faucets throughout the campground; bring your canteens. This campground also blesses its campers with flush toilets, YAY!!!
RV/Trailer Profile Information: We need information on your RV or pulled trailer in order to assign you a site you will fit into. Please enter or update your RV or Trailer information when you register.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camp chair, your name tag, camping/cooking gear, food, daypack for hiking, warm/cool weather clothing, potluck item to share and firewood for group campfire.
Pets are welcome; must be leashed at all times; no pets on trails.
Payment: This event is limited to GO members; you can join as a member online (click here) and then return here to register. When you register, you'll need to have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex) ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins.
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus a $10 service charge, must be received by April 02, 2023.
Trip Leader: Robert Varga email click here
Directions: Use your GPS! Or, from I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. Once in Yucca Valley, go to the major intersection of Hwy 62 and Old Woman Springs Rd. Turn right onto Joshua Lane. Follow Joshua Lane through its twists and turns until it T-bones at San Marino Drive. Turn right and follow the road as it turns to the left onto Blackrock Canyon Rd. The entrance to the campground is straight ahead. Map: click here
Proposed Adventure Schedule
Disclaimer: the following schedule is tentative and could change without notice. Check-in and Check-out are set in stone, no changing those.
Thursday, April 13th
· 2:00 pm - Check-in to your assigned site; maneuver slowly, if you damage a Joshua Tree, you will be asked to leave by the park rangers!
· 5:00 pm – Meet and Greet, at site 38, bring finger food to share, if you want
· 6:00 pm – Dinner on your own
· 7:00 pm - group fire at site 38, please bring firewood and your camping chair
Friday, April 14th
· 8:00’ish am – instant coffee and breakfast items at site 38
· 6:00 pm – Pot-Luck dinner under the Coleman Canopies at the trip leader site, bring your own plates and utensils and your camping chair
· 7:00 pm - group fire at site 38, please bring firewood and your camping chair
Saturday, April 15th
· 8:00’ish am – at site 38, instant coffee and the nearly-famous PANCAKE BREAKFAST!
o Trip leader will be making our happy campers pancakes and eggs with mild chili peppers and bacon mixed in, bring your own plates and utensils. **without electricity, keep expectations low. J
· 5:00 pm – dinner on your own, or maybe get a group together for dinner
· 7:00 pm - group fire at site 38, please bring firewood and your camping chair
Sunday, April 16th
· 8:00’ish am – Instant coffee and breakfast at site 38
· 9:00 am - pack up and clean up, say our tearful goodbyes
· 12:00 pm - Check out
Special COVID Related Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
