Joshua Tree - Black Rock vs Indian Cove

[steveandjil]

Dear All,

We are thinking of a few night stopover in Joshua tree on a mid December visit to our son in LA. The 2 CG's that take reservations in the winter are Blackrock and Indian Cove. Indian Cove gets better ratings on RV park reviews, but it is hard to know - any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[tuna_fisher]

Black Rock would be my last choice for camping to visit JTNP, JMO

[Roy_Lynne]

In December it might just be Indian Cove as its all you can get. Like others have said, they are very different. Also, the last time we were at Black Rock driving in was like trying to negociate huge pot holes. I don't think anyone who cares owns the roads so they just leave them torn up. Its been 2 years so hopefully its been fixed but always seems to be an issue.

[steveandjil]

Thanks to all!

Steve

[CVD]

Jumbo Rocks is probably the best way to experience Joshua Tree in an RV, but I’d only go there if are arriving Mon – Wed, maybe early Thu. It fills up this time of year closer to weekends, especially with all the rock climbers (most rock climbers are tent campers, prefer Oct/Nov and Mar/Apr, can get really cold Dec - Feb).

Indian Cove is a very worthwhile alternative. You do get a sense of being surrounded by giant rocks.

[vermilye]

Another vote for avoiding Black Rock, particularly site 11. Took me forever to level the trailer & felt like I was in someone's back yard. If you need it, the only advantage is it is one of the few campgrounds in the park with cell service.

I also prefer Jumbo Rocks...

[tuna_fisher]

Neither campsite is directly in the park, of the 2 Indian Cove is much nicer. Like mentioned if you arrive mid week try Jumbo Rocks, in the park and the nicest. There are quite a few in the park and should be no problem finding a space mid week. Don't forget there are no services except at Cottonwood and it's the north side of the park that's the best, bring plenty of water as none in the park. PM me if you need any other info.

[mockturtle]

I wasn't impressed with Black Rock. The interior roads had potholes that would swallow a Mack Truck. Cottonwood, on the south side, was nice but awfully crowded. I found the best campsite just south of JTNP at the BLM dispersed camping area. For $5 you can use the fresh water fill, dump station and garbage dumpsters in the Park.

[2oldman]

IF you make a mid-week stop you sholdn't need a reservation.

These previous JT posts should help.

[steveandjil]

Good suggestion re Google earth. I was thinking of making a reservation and then seeing if Jumbo Rocks has any open sites - that seems quite beautiful. I have also heard people love Belle - a very small CG. We have a 25 ft Winnebago View, and have been told that even that may be a tight fit in many spots ..

Any more suggestions/reviews of the other CG's welcome along with the two above.

[Tiger4x4RV]

I've been to both. Black Rock seemed more like an RV park almost in the back yards of local homes, or at least it did 10 years ago on my last trip there. Indian Cove is more remote.

It may help your decision to take a look on satellite maps or Google Earth.