The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
- Jennifer Melroy
- Last Modified June 25, 2022
- First Published on December 14, 2019
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Camping is one of the best ways to get the full national park experience. Joshua Tree National Park is no exception. There are few parks that can rival Joshua Tree for an ultimate camping experience. Camping in Joshua Tree is the best way to experience Joshua Tree’s famed sunsets and to stargaze on some of the clearest and darkest skies in California. There are nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree and a few just outside the park. This guide will help you make the most of your camping experience in Joshua Tree National Park.
Here is everything you need to know about front-country camping in Joshua Tree National Park.
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Best of Joshua Tree National Park in a Nutshell
CAN’T MISS: Things You Can’t Miss in the Joshua Tree
ONE DAY: One Day in the Joshua Tree
LODGING: Joshua Tree Glamping
CAMPING: Camping in Joshua Tree
NEARBY PARKS: Death Valley, Channel Islands, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon
Getting to Joshua Tree National Park
The closest airport to Joshua Tree is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), located just under an hour away from any park entrance. The next closest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is 140 miles west of Joshua Tree. Additional airport options include San Diego (SAN), Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix (PHX), although if you’re coming from that far away you should stay in the park for at least three days to make the most of your visit.
Estimated Drive time to Joshua Tree National Park
- San Deigo, California – 3 hours
- Los Angeles, California – 3 hours
- Phoenix, Arizona – 3 hours
- Las Vegas, Nevada – 3.25 hours
Joshua Tree can be reached by public transportation but options are limited.
Currently, there is no public transportation within Joshua Tree National Park. As of May 2019, Joshua Tree finished a two year trial period for a shuttle bus system in the park. As June 2019, no update has been provided on if this service will become a permeant fixture in Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree Camping
Things to Know about Joshua Tree Camping
- Joshua Tree National Park is busiest between October and May.
- There is a 30-day camping limit each year. Only 14 of these nights may take place from October-May.
- Not all the campgrounds are open year-round. Select campgrounds are closed from June 10 to August 29.
- All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the picnic table or fire grate.
- Attaching lines to vegetation, including Joshua trees and junipers, is prohibited. Hammocks, slacklines, and other horizontal ropes are not permitted in campgrounds.
- There are eight campgrounds in Joshua Tree. Reservations are accepted from September to May in four of the campgrounds. The other four campgrounds are first-come-first-serve.
- Each tent campsite can have up to 6 people, three tents, and two vehicles. Select spaces may only have space for one vehicle.
- Campfires are usually allowed in Joshua Tree, but due to the climate fire danger is always high. Please be cautious. If making a campfire please follow these rules:
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills that are found in park campgrounds or picnic areas.
- Keep fires small.
- Bring your own firewood. You may not gather park vegetation, whether living or dead, to fuel your campfire. Do not burn combustible objects other than firewood.
- Firewood transported from far away has the potential to introduce pests and pathogens into the park. Please make every effort to bring firewood that has been acquired locally.
- If you plan to have a campfire, bring extra water to douse it thoroughly.
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am and generators are permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.
- Food must be stored securely where wildlife cannot get to it. Any scented or odorous items, including sunscreen and toiletries, must be secured as if they were food.
Related Post – 10 Things to Miss on Your First Visit to Joshua Tree National Park
Where to camp in Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree Campground Map
Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park
- Belle Campground
- Black Rock Campground
- Cottonwood Campground
- Hidden Valley Campground
- Indian Cove Campground
- Jumbo Rocks Campground
- Ryan Campground
- Sheep Pass Group Campground
- White Tank Campground
Campgrounds near Joshua Tree National Park
- Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
- JT Sportsman’s Club
- Twentynine Palms RV Resort
- Little Pioneertown RV
- Chiriaco Summit
- Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA
- BLM Dispersed Camping
Getting a Joshua Tree Campsite
Joshua Tree Camping Reservations
Joshua Tree National Park Campground reservations are available for dates between August 30th to June 10th. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
The following campgrounds are reservable
- Black Rock Campground
- Cottonwood Campground
- Indian Cover Campground
- Jumbo Rocks Campground
- Sheep Pass Group Campground
Click here to make your Joshua Tree Camping Reservations.
Joshua Tree First-come-first-serve Camping
Joshua Tree is busiest from October to May and finding first-come-first-serve sites can be a challenge during this time. Weekends are particularly busy as is the spring. It is recommended to arrive at your desired campground in the early mornings to help ensure you get a site. Another suggestion is to arrive mid-week and claim your site.
The following campgrounds are first-come-first-serve year-round
- Hidden Valley Campground
What are the Best Places to Camp in Joshua Tree National Park?
With nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree, it can be hard to pick the best place to camp in Joshua Tree National Park. If you are visiting between September and May and have firm plans, I would make a reservation at Jumbo Rocks Campground. If you are like me and prefer not to make firm plans, I love the first-come-first-serve campgrounds of Hidden Valley Campground or Belle Campground.
Camping at Joshua Tree National Park
** All Campground prices are valid as of 12 December 2019.
Yellowstone Campgrounds at a Glance
| Campground | Region | Reservations | Opening Dates (2020) | Sites | Fees | ADA Sites | RV Size | Amenities |
| Belle | Pinto Basin | No | 8/30 – 6/9 | 18 | $15 | No | 35 ft | G |
| Black Rock | Yucca Valley | Yes, 8/30 – 6/9 | All Year | 99 | $20 | Yes | 35 ft | D, F, G |
| Cottonwood | Cottonwood | Yes, 8/30 – 6/9 | All Year | 65 | $20 | No | 40 ft | D, F, G |
| Hidden Valley | Park Blvd | No | All Year | 44 | $15 | No | 25 ft | G |
| Indian Cove | Twentynine Palms | Yes, 8/30 – 6/9 | All Year | 101 | $20 | No | 35 ft | G |
| Jumbo Rocks | Park Blvd | Yes, 8/30 – 6/9 | All Year | 124 | $15 | Yes | 35 ft | G |
| Ryan | Park Blvd | No | 8/30 – 6/9 | 31 | $15 | No | 35 ft | G |
| Sheep Pass | Park Blvd | Yes | All Year | 6 | $50 | No | N/A | |
| White Tank | Pinto Basin | No | 8/30 – 6/9 | 15 | $15 | No | 25 ft | G |
Amenities Key
- D – Dump Station
- F – Flush Toilets
- G – Generator
- H – Full Hookups
- L – Laundry
- S – Shower
Joshua Tree Campgrounds
Belle Campground
Belle Campground is located among the giant boulders of Joshua Tree’s high desert. The campground is small. Several of the sites are tucked up against the rocks and provide some shelter from the wind and sun. The campground is unpaved and each site has a fire pit and picnic table.
There is NO WATER at this campground.
| Season | August 30 – June 9 |
| Number of Sites | 18 individual sites |
| Fee per night | $ 15 per site |
| Reservations Available | No |
| Max RV Length | 35 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Vault Toilets – Year Round |
| Water | No |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | February to May – mid-morning or possibly earlier on weekends or holidays August to January – mid-afternoons or possibly earlier on weekends or holidays |
| Closest General Store | Twentynine Palms |
Black Rock Campground
This campground is one of the largest in the park. The campground is spread out in the amoung the Joshua Trees and near the Black Rock Nature Center. The spaces are hard-packed dirt and for the most part, spread out from each other.
There is WATER at this campground. Please do not attach anything to the Joshua Trees. They have a shallow root system and are easily damaged.
| Season | Year-round |
| Number of Sites | 99 individual sites (Site 61 is ADA compliant) 1 horse site |
| Fee per night | $ 20 per site |
| Reservations Available | Yes, from August 30 to June 9 |
| Max RV Length | 35 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Flush Toilets |
| Water | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Yes |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | August to May – reservations HIGHLY recommended June to July – may fill during weekends and holidays |
| Closest General Store | Yucca Valley |
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground is located in the southern part of Joshua Tree near I-10. The campground is flat and the campsites are hidden by desert shrubs.
There is WATER at this campground. Please do not attach anything to the Joshua Trees. They have a shallow root system and are easily damaged.
| Season | Year-round |
| Number of Sites | 62 Individual Sites 3 Group Sites |
| Fee per night | $ 20 per individul site$40 per group site |
| Reservations Available | Yes, from August 30 to June 9 |
| Max RV Length | 35 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Flush Toilets |
| Water | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | August to May – reservations HIGHLY recommended June to July – may fill during weekends and holidays |
| Closest General Store | Indio |
Hidden Valley Campground
Hidden Valley Campground is a centrally located campground. It is tucked up against the park’s famed boulders. The boulders provide limited shade and help give the campground a bit of privacy.
There is NO WATER at this campground.
| Season | Year-round |
| Number of Sites | 44 individual sites |
| Fee per night | $ 15 per site |
| Reservations Available | No |
| Max RV Length | 25 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Vault Toilets |
| Water | No |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | August to May – reservations HIGHLY recommended June to July – may fill during weekends and holidays |
| Closest General Store | Joshua Tree |
Indian Cove Campground
Indian Cove Campground is an isolated campground in the Wonderland of Rocks area. This area isn’t connected to the other regions of the park. Like several other campgrounds, Indian Cove’s campsites are tucked into boulders.
There is NO WATER at this campground.
| Season | Year-round |
| Number of Sites | 88 individual sites 13 group sites |
| Fee per night | $ 20 per individual site $ 50 per group site |
| Reservations Available | Yes, from August 30 to June 9 |
| Max RV Length | 35 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Vault Toilets |
| Water | No |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | August to May – reservations HIGHLY recommended June to July – may fill during weekends and holidays |
| Closest General Store | Twentynine Palms |
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Jumbo Rocks Campground is one of the more popular centrally located campgrounds. It spread out among the granite boulder fields. This campground has great views.
There is NO WATER at this campground.
| Season | Year-round |
| Number of Sites | 124 individual sites (Site 122 is ADA accessible) |
| Fee per night | $ 15 per site |
| Reservations Available | Yes, from August 30 to June 9 |
| Max RV Length | 35 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Vault Toilets |
| Water | No |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Yes |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | August to May – reservations HIGHLY recommended June to July – may fill during weekends and holidays |
| Closest General Store | Twentynine Palms |
Ryan Campground
Ryan Campground is a centrally located campground near the California Riding and Hiking Trail. The campground sites are mixed in with the boulders and Joshua Tree.
There is NO water in this campground.
| Season | August 30 – June 9 |
| Number of Sites | 27 individual sites 4 group sites |
| Fee per night | $ 15 per individual site $15 per horse site |
| Reservations Available | No |
| Max RV Length | 35 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Vault Toilets |
| Water | No |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | August to May – fills early mornings on weekends and holidays, mid-afternoon during the weeks June to July – may fill during weekends and holidays |
| Closest General Store | Joshua Tree |
Sheep Pass Group Campground
Sheep Pass Group Campground is a group only campground. Its sites can accommodate between 10 and 60 people. The campground has towering rock formations.
There is NO water in this campground.
| Season | Year-round |
| Number of Sites | 6 group sites |
| Fee per night | $ 35 – $ 50 per site depending on group size |
| Reservations Available | Required |
| Max RV Length | N/A |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Vault Toilets |
| Water | No |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | Reservations Required |
| Closest General Store | Twentynine Palms |
White Tank Campground
White Tank Campground is located at the north end of the park near many of the immense granite boulders. The campground is one of the darkest in the park.
There is NO water in the park.
| Season | August 30 – June 9 |
| Number of Sites | 15 individual sites |
| Fee per night | $ 15 per individual site |
| Reservations Available | No |
| Max RV Length | 25 ft, only select sites |
| RV Hook-up | No |
| Restrooms | Vault Toilets |
| Water | No |
| Showers | No |
| Max Length of Stay | 14 Nights from October to May 30 Nights yearly |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No |
| Wifi on Property | No |
| Laundry Facilities | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes, but please review the Joshua Tree National Park Pet Policy |
| Typical Fill Time | August to May – fills early mornings on weekends and holidays, mid-afternoon during the weeks |
| Closest General Store | Twentynine Palms |
More Information for your trip to California
- CALIFORNIA: National Parks of California
- CHANNEL ISLANDS: Visiting Channel Islands National Park: The Complete Guide
- DEATH VALLEY: Visiting Death Valley National Park: The Complete Guide
- 15 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Death Valley National Park
- The Ultimate Guide to Camping In Death Valley
- Where to Stay in Death Valley?
- Best Glamping in Death Valley National Park
- Death Valley Airbnbs
- Death Valley Stovepipe Wells Village Review
- Death Valley Jeep Rental – Farabee’s Jeep Review
- JOSHUA TREE: Visiting Joshua Tree National Park: The Complete Guide
- KINGS CANYON: Visiting Kings Canyon National Park
- LASSEN VOLCANIC: Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park: The Complete Guide
- LOS ANGELES: National Parks Near Los Angeles, California
- PINNACLES: Visiting Pinnacles National Park
- REDWOOD: Visiting Redwood State and National Park: The Complete Guide
- SAN FRANCISCO: National Parks Near San Francisco, California
- SEQUOIA: Visiting Sequoia National Park: The Complete Guide
- YOSEMITE: Visiting Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide
Get help planning your trip to Joshua Tree National Park
- National Parks of California
- All about Joshua Tree National Park
- One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
- 10 Things to Miss on Your First Visit to Joshua Tree National Park
- The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
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