One hour northeast of Palm Springs, California, lies Joshua Tree National Park. This popular camping destination has nine campgrounds with 500 campsites! Most of these sites can be reserved online through Recreation.gov.
Joshua Tree National Park Camping
Joshua Tree National Park is one of Southern California's premier camping destinations. The park is known for large granite boulders, unique rock formations and the park's namesake, Joshua Trees, that surround this campground.
The park's desert landscapes, wildlife, and vegetation also draw crowds as there are two distinct ecosystems: the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Deserts.
The biggest crowd favorite is seeing the Joshua Tree. These members of the Yucca family are easily identifiable with their long evergreen leaves, shaggy bark, and bunches of white flowers that bloom in the spring.
Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Fee
7-day single-vehicle park pass - $30.00
7-day individual park pass - $15.00
7-day motorcycle park pass - $25.00
Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass - $55.00
Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.
$80.00 For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Belle Campground
Belle Campground is located in Joshua Tree National Park. Campers love this quiet 18-site small campground with incredible boulders.
Season: OpenYear-round
Number of sites: 18
Reservations?: No, First come, first served
Campground amenities: pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground.
RVs allowed?: Yes, the length is not to exceed 35 feet.
Check out our Complete Guide to Belle Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Black Rock Campground
The campground is located along the park's northern perimeter and does not have direct access to the central portion of Joshua Tree National Park from the Black Rock Campground except by hiking trails.
Season: Year-round
Number of sites: 99
Reservations? Yes, Click here to book your stay at Black Rock Canyon Campground.
Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, a fire pit, and an amazing amount of Joshua Trees.
RVs allowed?: Yes, there are no hook-ups.
Check out our Complete Guide to Black Rock Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground is near the park's southern entrance and some of the park's best stargazing and wildflower viewing!
Season: This campground is open Year-round
Number of sites: 62
Reservations?: yes, Click here to book your stay at Black Rock Canyon Campground.
Campground amenities: drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.
RVs allowed?: Yes, there are no hook-ups in the Cottonwood Campground
Check out our post on Cottonwood Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Hidden Valley Campground
Hidden Valley Campground is an extremely popular first-come, first-served campground among climbers. The campground is just steps away from popular climbing locations like Real Hidden Valley Area and Hall of Horrors.
Season: Open year-round
Number of sites: 44
Reservations?: No, First come, first served
Campground amenities: pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground.
RVs allowed?: Yes.
Check out our post on Hidden Valley Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Indian Cove Campground
Indian Cove is a very popular camping location due to its close proximity to steep rock formations with a variety of rock climbing routes for climbers, several trails for hikers, and clear skies for stargazers alike.
Season: Open Year-Round
Number of sites: 101
Reservations?: Yes, Click here to book your stay at Indian Cove Campground.
Campground amenities: pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground.
RVs allowed?: Yes, there is no water or hookups in the Indian Cove Campground.
Check out our post on Indian Cove Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Jumbo Rocks Campground lies amid huge boulders with plenty of rocks that kids (both young and old) will want to climb! The campground is also in close proximity to most of the parks main attractions, including Hidden Valley, a place where rock climbers flock to.
Season: Open Year-round
Number of sites: 124
Reservations?: Yes, Click here to book your stay at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Campground amenities: Fire pit and picnic table, shade from rock formations at times.
RVs allowed?: Yes but there are no hook-ups available.
Check out our post on Jumbo Rocks Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Ryan Campground
Ryan Campground is an extremely popular destination due to its proximity to several of the park's key features. The best-known stops include Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, and Keys View, known for its panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and where you can see the famous San Andreas Fault.
Season: Open Year-round
Number of sites: 31 individual campsites. There are 4 designated equestrian sites.
Reservations?: Yes, Click here to book your stay at Ryan Campground.
Campground amenities: Pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground.
RVs allowed?: Yes
Check out our post on Ryan Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Sheep Pass Campground - Group Campground
Sheep Pass Group Campground is located in Southern California's Joshua Tree National Park and is known for large rock formations and the park's namesake Joshua Trees that surround this campground.
Season: Open year-round
Number of sites: 6
Reservations?: Yes, Click here to book your stay at Sheep Pass Group Campground.
Campground amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, and no water in the campground. There are pit toilets.
RVs allowed?: No.
Check out our post on Sheep Pass Group Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
White Tank Campground
White Tank Campground is located in Joshua Tree National Park. Campers love this quiet 15-site small campground with incredible boulders.
Season: Open year-round
Number of sites: 15
Reservations?: No, First come, first served
Campground amenities: Pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground.
RVs allowed?: Yes
RV Length: RVs and trailers may not exceed a combined maximum length of 25 feet
Check out our post on White Tank Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.
Backpacking
Backpacking into the wilderness and setting up camp can be a perfect way to find solitude and to see seldomly seen areas of the park.
Just remember that backpacking into the wilderness does take preparation and is not for someone who shows up and is unable to locate a campsite!
Camping is only permitted in specified backcountry areas. There are 15 camping zones in the wilderness, and you must identify which zone you plan on camping in, along with which designated parking area you plan on parking in when making your Wilderness Backpacking Permit reservation.
I highly recommend you thoroughly read the backpacking page on the NPS website to watch a Backpacking Permit Orientation video and to go over all the rules and regulations before deciding to choose this option.
Click here to book your Backcountry Permit online.
You can also call (877)444-6777 or visit the permit office at the park's headquarters located at 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, Ca.
The use of yellow self-registration permits is prohibited.
For a fun adventure, check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built-in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando.
Don't forget to pack these items!
Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.
Water Bottle
Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
National Park Passport Stamps
Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book with you or we like to pack these circle stickers so we don't have to bring our entire book with us.
Tours available in/near Joshua Tree National Park
Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park - A 4.5-hour tour allows you to truly see Joshua Tree National Park and feel the Mojave Desert's magic. This private tour comes with a local guide and naturalist who will take you beyond the guidebooks and discuss the area of flora, fauna, geology, history, and more of this incredible park. A daypack and bottled water are included.
Full-Day Hike in Joshua Tree National Park - Here is your chance to have a seasoned guide take you on a seven-hour hike, including a daypack and bottled water. Hiking is the best way to experience Joshua Tree, and your experienced guide will help you learn about the region's floral and fauna and human history and feel the desert's energy and artistic vibe.
4-Hour Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua Tree offers some of the best rock-climbing in the National Parks System with over 9000 climbing routes! Routes include anything from beginners to pros, and their certified climbing guides will help you choose the route that best fits you. Guides also provide you with all the necessary gear and training, and all guides are Wilderness First Responders.
Lodging at/near Joshua Tree National Park
There are no Joshua Tree National Park Lodges, cabins, or Yurts within the park. Here is an additional list of lodging options in Twentynine Palms, California.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms - We have stayed at this hotel our last few visit to the park and it has been great. Free continental breakfast, shopping on site, and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree NP. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms - Consider a stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms, an IHG Hotel, and take advantage of a complimentary manager's reception, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour gym. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.
Oasis Inn & Suites - A grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and a coffee shop/café are just a few of the amenities provided at Oasis Inn & Suites Joshua Tree - 29 Palms. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like hiking/biking. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a business center.
Hampton Inn & Suites Indio - provides amenities like free full breakfast and a gym. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Click on the map below for vacation rentals and lodges near the park.
Additional Joshua Tree National Park information
Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park - Breakdown of all the information you will need to plan a trip to Joshua Tree National Park! Complete list of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park - don't miss out on the most popular activities in Joshua Tree, including:
- Exploring the park's visitor centers
- Watch sunset
- Cholla Cactus Garden
- Ranger-led tour of Keys Ranch
- Go rock climbing, rappelling, bouldering
- Epic wildlife viewing and much more!
- Arch Rock Trail
- Bajada Nature Trail
- Barker Dam
- Cholla Cactus Garden
- Hidden Valley Trail
- Skull Rock
- Lost Horse Mine
- Fourtynine Palms
- Caligornia Riding and Biking Trail
- Ryan Mountain & more!
Exploring Joshua Tree with Kids
Don't forget to pack fun camping games that everyone can enjoy!
Parks near Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave National Preserve
- Castle Mountains National Monument
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- Death Valley National Park
- Channel Islands National Park
- César E. Chávez National Monument
Check out all of the national parks in California, the neighboring national parks in Arizona, Nevada national parks, and national parks in Oregon.
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