5 Awesome Camping Spots to Explore in Joshua Tree
by Aventura on October 20, 2022
There is no doubt that Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most beloved national parks in the US. It has a thriving ecosystem, grand rock formations, and diverse wildlife that make it an exceptional place. Every year, thousands of people visit this park to get a glimpse of its magnificent nature.
There are many camping spots to explore at Joshua Tree, California. It is a beautiful place to spend time with friends and family. The best part of Joshua Tree is that you can camp in the wilderness, but it is still close enough to civilization to get what you need if something goes wrong.
Joshua Tree is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Southern California. It's a desert, but it's not like any other desert you've ever seen. It's got mountains, boulders, cacti, Joshua trees, and more. There are campsites all over the park that offer different experiences, from primitive sites to ones with water and electricity.
Best Campsites at Joshua Tree
There is always a reason to go camping in Joshua Tree National Park. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors, or an opportunity to escape from it all, the desert offers endless opportunities for adventure.
The best part about Joshua Tree is that it's so easy to explore this vast desert landscape and find spots where you can camp out under the stars. Here are five campsites we love:
Hidden Valley Campground
Located in the southern part of the park, Hidden Valley offers peace in an alpine setting. When it comes to camping near Joshua Tree's climbing routes, the Hidden Valley Campground is your best bet. This campsite is in a beautiful location, overlooking the park from a desert environment. For those who enjoy stargazing, this is an excellent choice. It's worth noting that, being one of the most popular campgrounds, finding a spot here might be challenging during peak travel times.
If all of its 44 campsites are used, you may always set up overnight in the Ryan Campground located about two miles away. Campers in Hidden Valley must carry their supply of water as there is none accessible at the campground. The maximum length for RVs and trailers is 25 feet.
How to book: First come, first served. No reservations.
Dog friendly: On-leash within the campground, but not on trails.
Ryan Campground
Ryan Campground is one of the most popular spots in the park, so you'll want to get there early if you want a spot. The campground has over 31 sites and is situated right next to Ryan Mountain, which offers amazing views of the desert landscape below. Several trails lead up to the summit, but they're all challenging hikes that require careful navigation through an extremely rocky landscape. If you're looking for something easier though, there are plenty of trails around the campground itself that offer great views as well.
How to book: recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On-leash within the campground, but not on trails.
Indian Cove Campground
Indian Cove is a nice place to camp, although it is far from the park's hub and the main entrance at Twentynine Palms. Access to this campsite may be found off State Route 62. The landscape as you approach the campground is eerily reminiscent of the moon: sparse, with heaps of rocks of varying sizes and shapes.
There are fewer trees and shrubs here because of the lower height. The main season at Indian Cove runs from October to May, and if you book in advance, you won't have to worry about getting a spot. Only 39 of the available sites are reservable between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
There are 101 tent and RV sites (13 of them are designated for large groups) and RVs up to 35 feet in length are welcome at the park. The group campsites are quite nice and are located in a quiet area.
The use of generators is permitted, but only during certain two-hour periods throughout the day.
How to book: recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On-leash within the campground, but not on trails.
White Tank Campground
White Tank Campground in Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit for any desert campers interested in exploring spectacular rock formations and stargazing under some of the darkest nighttime skies in Southern California. There are 15 campsites at this little campground beside a hiking route, and they are all first come, first served. At the picnic tables provided at each spot, you may enjoy a meal you prepared over the fire pit with your fellow campers. White Tank Campground, like the rest of the campsites in the park, does not provide drinking water. If you want to camp in Joshua Tree National Park and have the best chance of experiencing pleasant weather, you should go in the late fall or early spring.
How to book: First come, first served. No reservations.
Dog friendly: On-leash within the campground, but not on trails.
Sheep Pass Group Campground
Sheep Pass Group Campground is one of Joshua Tree’s most popular spots for camping, offering plenty of space for both RVs and tents.
Sheep Pass Campground is a great place to stay and get a feel for what makes camping in Joshua Tree National Park so unique. If you're looking for something a bit more private and secluded, we recommend checking out Sheep Pass Group Campground. There are six group campsites available, but no electricity is provided. Don't expect to find any water there, so stock up before you go.
How to book: recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On-leash within the campground, but not on trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Joshua Tree dog-friendly?
A: Short answer- sort of. Long answer- pets are allowed on-leash within in the campsites and within 100 ft of roads, campgrounds and picnic areas. They are not allowed further into the park unless you have a service animal. More information here.
Q: What kind of camping gear should I bring?
A: We recommend bringing everything you need for any possible weather conditions that you might encounter in Joshua Tree during the spring, summer, and fall months. This includes sun protection, water bottles/canteens/hydration packs, bug spray/sunscreen, hats/sunglasses/hats/umbrellas etc.
Q: When Is the Best Time to Go Camping in Joshua Tree?
A: The months of September through May are ideal for camping in Joshua Tree National Park. Guests flock during this time of year for good reason: the weather is perfect, with balmy days and chilly to cold evenings. The months of May through September have the hottest daytime temperatures of the year, making camping nearly impossible. Be warned that the park is prone to strong winds and adjust your activities appropriately.
