Ultimate Guide to Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

Pitch your tent or park your RV amid the park’s signature boulders and spiny plants.

Fact checked by

Kevin Ford

Between its expansive desert, striking boulder formations, and distinctive plant life, Joshua Tree authoritatively feels like both an alien planet and the prototypical American landscape. Its proximity to Los Angeles makes it a beloved weekend getaway for Angelenos, but every year the park attracts visitors from all around the world. Sitting at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, Joshua Tree is a must for avid national park hikers. Consequently, whether you’re seeking a spiritual adventure or a detox from everyday life, Joshua Tree is worth a trip.

One of the best ways to experience Joshua Tree is camping within the national park. Not only does camping in Joshua Tree help you fully immerse yourself in the desert experience, but it also provides easier access to some of the best trails and bouldering rocks in the park. Here’s a quick guide to camping in J-Tree, detailing family-friendly options and the best base camp for hikers.

The Best Joshua Tree Campgrounds

When selecting a campsite in or near Joshua Tree, there are several factors to consider, including proximity to popular trails and landmarks. Here, we outline the very best J-Tree campsites for every park visitor.

Black Rock Canyon Campground

This camping spot in the northwest corner of the park is popular due to its closeness to a particularly dense Joshua tree grove. However, Black Rock Canyon campers should be aware that the most famous rock formations are farther from this campground than some of the others. There are 99 sites and 20 horse-stall sites. Campsites can accommodate both tents and RVs, with each site offering a picnic table and fire ring. Guests also benefit from communal restrooms, a dump station, and potable water access.

White Tank Campground

White Tank Campground is ideal for visitors without reservations, as it operates on a first come, first served basis. Nestled between the massive granite boulders, this campground is particularly family-friendly due to its proximity to the kid-friendly Arch Rock interpretive trail. Moreover, it’s located in the darkest area of the park according to the National Park Service, making it a perfect spot for stargazing by leaving the rain fly off your tent.

Both tents and RVs are welcome at this campground, which features vault toilets but lacks water, so ensure to pack enough for drinking and cooking on your packing list.

Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground is suitable for both short- and long-term RV stays, although tents are also accepted. Situated in the southeast of Joshua Tree National Park, it features 62 campsites arranged in two loops of 31 sites each. During peak season (September-May), the campground operates on a reservation-only basis. In the summer, one loop is closed while the other operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers have access to vault toilets, a dump station, and potable water.

Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground is conveniently located off Highway 62, situated between Twentynine Palms and the village of Joshua Tree, both of which are within a 15-minute drive. Besides being close to essential supply points, Indian Cove is located near the rugged, boulder-filled Wonderland of Rocks, a backcountry hiking area. There are 101 sites, including 13 group sites, that cater to both tents and RVs. The campground provides vault toilets, with the nearest water station located two miles away.

Hidden Valley Campground

Hidden Valley sits near the intersection of Barker Dam Road and Park Boulevard, making it an ideal base camp for hikers. Its 44 sites are conveniently located near the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Keys View. All sites at Hidden Valley operate on a first come, first served basis. Campers benefit from vault toilets, but water is not available on-site.

Ryan Campground

Just a few miles from Hidden Valley Campground is Ryan Campground, featuring 31 tent and RV sites alongside four designated equestrian sites. For hikers and horseback riders, this campground is adjacent to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Unlike Hidden Valley, Ryan Campground operates on a reservation-only basis. It offers similar amenities: vault toilets and no available water.

Sheep Pass Campground

In the vicinity of Hidden Valley and Ryan Campgrounds, Sheep Pass is a suitable option for groups. It offers six tent-only sites, all of which are available via reservation only. Nestled among large boulders, it is positioned right at one of the two Ryan Mountain trailheads, making it popular among rock climbers and avid hikers. Facilities include toilets, but water is not provided.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Jumbo Rocks is the largest campground in Joshua Tree National Park, offering 124 sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. Here, campers enjoy close-up views of the famous rock formations and easy access to Skull Rock, a boulder featuring depressions resembling hollowed-out eye sockets. From September to May, reservations are mandatory for Jumbo Rocks Campground; sites tend to fill quickly. Like many campgrounds in Joshua Tree, this location provides vault toilets but does not offer water.

Belle Campground

Belle Campground represents a great first-come, first-served alternative if you’re unable to secure a reservation at Jumbo Rocks, which is only about five miles away. Belle features 18 sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, situated in the Pinto Basin close to Castle Rock, another renowned bouldering spot. Notably, it is an excellent location for stargazing, recognized as a designated Dark Sky Park.

Making Joshua Tree Camping Reservations

Obtaining camping reservations for Joshua Tree can be challenging. Therefore, the best strategy is to reserve well in advance (the campgrounds that accept reservations can generally be booked six months prior to your desired stay). Alternatively, if you aim to camp at Hidden Valley, arriving as early as possible is crucial to securing a spot, especially during busy weekends such as Memorial Day.

Since Belle, Hidden Valley, and White Tank campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis year-round, their sites get reserved quickly each day during the peak season. Black Rock, Indian Cove, Cottonwood, and Jumbo Rocks campgrounds either take or, in some cases, require reservations.

Joshua Tree RV Camping

With the exception of Sheep Pass, all campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park permit RVs. When planning an RV adventure, it’s best to reserve a site as soon as you’ve finalized your travel dates. Moreover, check that your camper meets size restrictions, as many RV-friendly campgrounds have such limits.

If you seek more amenities than what the available campgrounds offer, such as water and electricity, there are several private RV parks in the nearby towns of Joshua Tree Village and Twentynine Palms. If you don’t have your own RV but still wish to enjoy RV camping, consider checking the Airstreams at AutoCamp Joshua Tree or look for options on Outdoorsy.

The Best Time to Go Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

The optimal season for camping in Joshua Tree is spring—March, April, and May—when the weather begins to warm, but the scorching summer heat has yet to descend upon the desert. Spring is also ideal for witnessing the desert wildflowers in bloom. Although a full-blown super bloom does not occur every year, the springtime flowers in Joshua Tree mixed with the year-round flora and fauna provide a picturesque sight. Moreover, the fall months of October and November offer similarly comfortable camping, hiking, and climbing conditions. While the clear skies during summer are inviting, you should plan to hike or climb in the evening or early morning during the hotter months of June, July, August, or September to avoid the peak sun. Winter tends to be the busiest season in the park.