Camping is one of the best ways to experience Joshua Tree National Park. There are nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree, plus a handful of campgrounds near Joshua Tree.
There are nearly 500 campsites in Joshua Tree National Park, most of which are first-come, first-served. Only Black Rock, Indian Cove, Sheep Pass, and Cottonwood Group campgrounds accept reservations from September through May.
During peak camping season (January, February, March, April, May, October, November, Christmas/New Years) campgrounds fill up fast on the weekends. If you want a first-come, first-served campsite on a weekend during peak season, your best bet is to arrive on Thursday or early Friday morning to claim your site. By Friday afternoon most of the best campsites have been taken.
It’s much easier to find a great campsite mid-week. This does not include popular weeks like Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years, the week before Easter, and the week after Easter.
Remember: temperatures fluctuate wildly throughout the year. In the summer temperatures frequently top 100˙F (37˙F). In the winter temperatures often drop below freezing. The best months for Joshua Tree camping are in early spring (March, April) and late fall (October, November).
Be aware that most campgrounds have no water, so you’ll need to bring your own. Water is available at Oasis Visitor Center and West Entrance. You can also buy large plastic containers of water in stores outside the park. Only Black Rock, Cottonwood and Indian Cove campgrounds have running water.
All Joshua Tree campgrounds have (basic) toilet facilities. All campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, but you must bring your own firewood. Lots of stores sell firewood just outside the park.
Best Campsites in Joshua Tree National Park
In my opinion, these are the best places to camp in Joshua Tree National Park:
1. Hidden Valley Campground
2. Ryan Campground
3. Belle Campground
4. White Tank Campground
5. Jumbo Rocks Campground
Joshua Tree National Park Camping
Most Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds are nestled among fantastic boulder formations. These formations become even more fantastic when light from flickering campfires illuminates them against the dark night sky. Add twisted Joshua Trees, howling coyotes and a billion stars overhead, and you’ll start to understand why so many people love Joshua Tree camping.
Joshua Tree camping reservations are available up to six months in advance. They can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
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Belle Campground
Belle Campground is home to just 18 campsites, making it a great choice if you’re looking to get away from the crowds often found at larger campsites. Although a bit removed from the park’s Mojave Desert highlights, it provides easy access to Pinto Basin and the Sonoran Desert part of the park. Elevation: 3,800 feet (1,158 meters).
Open: October – May
Cost: $10
More Belle Campground Photos
Black Rock Campground
Located above Yucca Valley near the far western edge of the park, Black Rock Campground is relatively far away from the park’s major attractions. But it’s certainly not without its charms. For one thing, it has running water (flush toilets!), and it’s situated among particularly dramatic Joshua Trees. It’s location alongside the Little San Bernardino Mountains also provides hiking access to some of the highest peaks in the park. And at night you’ll be treated to a pretty view of Yucca Valley’s lights shimmering below. Elevation: 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). For questions about Black Rock Campground, call 760-367-3001. Black Rock Campground Reservations.
Open: Year-round (1/2 of campsites closed June – September)
Cost: $15
Cottonwood Campground
Located near the southern boundary of the park, Cottonwood Campground has a completely different feel from other Joshua Tree campgrounds. For one thing, Cottonwood Campground is located in the Sonoran Desert, so Joshua trees are nowhere to be found. And because of its relatively low 3,000-foot (914-meter) elevation, it’s generally warmer than the other campgrounds (a good thing in the winter, a bad thing in the summer). Another plus: Cottonwood Campground is also located near one of my favorite hikes in the park: Lost Palms Oasis. 62 campsites. Cottonwood Group Campsite Reservations.
Open: Year-round (1/2 of campsites closed June – September)
Cost: $15
More Cottonwood Campground Photos
Hidden Valley Campground
Due to its location on the southern edge of the Wonderland of Rocks, Hidden Valley Campground is incredibly popular with rock climbers. In my experience, this is the most difficult campground to nab a campsite. But if you can grab one of the 44 campsites at Hidden Valley Campground, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful, and centrally located, campgrounds in the park. Elevation: 4,200 feet (1,280 meters).
Open: Year-round
Cost: $10
More Hidden Valley Campground Photos
Indian Cove Campground
Located just south of Twentynine Palms Highway, Indian Cove Campground is a great choice if you want quick access to the towns outside the park. The downside: it’s located far away from the park’s major attractions. But it’s also nestled among some fantastic boulder formations, making it popular with rock climbers. At 101 campsites, Indian Cove Campground is the second-largest of Joshua Tree campgrounds. Elevation: 3,200 feet (975 meters). For questions about Indian Cove, call 760-362-4367. Indian Cove Campsite Reservations.
Open: Year-round (1/2 of campsites closed June – September)
Cost: $15
More Indian Cove Campground Photos
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Home to 124 campsites, this is the largest of Joshua Tree campgrounds. Surrounded by fantastic boulder formations perfect for scrambling, Jumbo Rocks Campground is one of the most family-friendly campgrounds for Joshua Tree camping. Elevation: 4,400 feet (1,341 meters).
Open: Year-round
Cost: $10
More Jumbo Rocks Campground Photos
Ryan Campground
Another campground popular with rock climbers. Because there are only 31 sites at Ryan Campground, finding a space here is nearly as hard as finding a space at Hidden Valley Campground. Elevation: 4,300 feet (1,311 meters).
Open: October – May
Cost: $10
More Ryan Campground Photos
Sheep Pass Campground
Sheep Pass Campground is home to six group campsites, which can accommodate 10 to 60 people, making it popular with boy scouts and other large groups. Elevation: 4,500 feet (1,372 meters). Sheep Pass Group Campsite Reservations.
Open: Year-round
Cost: $25 – 40
White Tank Campground
With just 15 campsites, White Tank Campground is the smallest of Joshua Tree campgrounds. Another great choice if you’re looking for peace and quiet. White Tank Campground is also located next to Arch Rock Nature Trail, one of the best easy hikes in the park. Elevation: 3,800 feet (1,158 meters).
Open: October – May
Cost: $10
Photos of White Tank Campground
Note: When all Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds are full, there’s additional camping near Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree Camping Rules
Campsites – Each campsites can accommodate six people, three tents, and two cars. Group sites accommodate 10 to 60 people. Campsites can not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. There is a 30-day camping limit each year, and only 14 nights total are allowed from October through May.
RVs – There are no hookups for recreational vehicles. Black Rock and Cottonwood have fresh-water fill-up and dump stations.At Hidden Valley campground, White Tank campground and Indian Cove group sites, motorhomes and trailers cannot exceed a combined vehicle length of 25 feet.
The park service has detailed information about Joshua Tree camping at www.nps.gov/jotr.
If you have additional questions about Joshua Tree camping, you can call the park service at 760-367-5549.
Discover the best
of Joshua Tree
The bestselling Joshua Tree guide for over two decades.