"Experience the Beauty of Joshua Tree: Camping, Hiking, Stargazing, and More!"

Joshua Tree National Park offers various camping options for those who want to immerse themselves in the beautiful desert landscape. There are nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, and each one has its unique features and offerings.

It’s been a hot spot over the past few years for camping and vacationing in general. The landscape is perfect for camping activities because of its flat and mountainous terrain. There are outdoor activities as well as sights to see.

• Hiking: Joshua Tree National Park has over 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The trails offer stunning views of the desert landscape and rock formations.
• Climbing: The park is a world-renowned destination for rock climbing with over 8,000 climbing routes.
• Stargazing: Joshua Tree is famous for its dark skies, making it an ideal place for stargazing. Visitors can attend ranger-led night sky programs or stargaze on their own. Check out our stargazing events here.
• Scenic Drives: Driving through the park offers breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscape. Some of the most popular scenic drives include the Geology Tour Road and the Keys View Road, which offers a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.
• Photography: Joshua Tree’s stunning scenery is a photographer’s dream. The park’s unique rock formations, desert landscape, and stunning sunsets offer plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos.

Some campgrounds, like Black Rock and Indian Cove, have designated sites equipped with toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. Other, smaller campgrounds are first-come, first-served and have fewer amenities, like Belle and White Tank. For those who want to experience true wilderness camping, backcountry camping is also permitted in Joshua Tree National Park with a permit.

It’s important to note that Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination, so campgrounds can fill up quickly, particularly during peak season from October up until the end of May. Reservations can be made in advance for some campgrounds, and it’s best to plan ahead to ensure a spot. Here are the sites we recommend, they are closed during summer months due to extreme desert heat.

First-come, first-served:

1. Belle Campground – located in the northern part of the park with 18 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet; pit toilets and potable water available
2. White Tank Campground – located in the southeast part of the park with 15 sites for tents only; pit toilets and no water available
3. Jumbo Rocks Campground – located in the central part of the park has 124 sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet; flush toilets and potable water available

Reservable:

1. Black Rock Campground – located on the north side of the park with 100 sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet; flush toilets, potable water, and dump station available
2. Indian Cove Campground – located near the park’s north entrance with 101 sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet; flush toilets and potable water available
3. Ryan Campground – located in the center of the park with 31 sites for tents only; pit toilets and no water available
4. Hidden Valley Campground – located in the central part of the park with 44 sites for tents only; pit toilets and no water available
5. Sheep Pass Campground – located in the northwest part of the park with 6 group sites for tents only; pit toilets and no water available
6. Cottonwood Campground – located in the southeastern part of the park with 62 sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet; flush toilets, potable water, and dump station available

Overall, camping in Joshua Tree is a great way to experience the beauty of the desert and connect with nature. Whether you prefer a more developed campground or a backcountry experience, the park offers something for everyone so bring your crew out and have a blast!