Joshua Tree National Park is quickly rising as one of the most popular national parks in the country, and it can be challenging to decide where to stay. Camping in Joshua Tree National Park allows you great proximity to some of the park’s best attractions and some of the best stargazing in southern California.
There are campgrounds all over the park in addition to lodges and campgrounds outside the park borders. Some Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds require reservations while others allow first-come, first-served camping, so it’s important to plan ahead. The Parks Expert is here to help.
Below, you’ll find a complete guide to camping in Joshua Tree National Park with every detail you need to know about booking, locations, prices, and more. That includes the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park and everything else you need to know for your Joshua Tree National Park camping trip.
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Table of Contents
Reservations for Camping in Joshua Tree
Of the nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, five require reservations. The others allow first-come, first-served camping. You can make reservations by calling 1-877-444-6777 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST or visiting Recreation.gov 24 hours/day.
Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and are strongly recommended if you’re visiting while the park is busy. The busy season is February to May, and you’ll want a reservation no matter which days of the week you’re traveling. Outside the spring season, reservations are strongly encouraged on weekends and holidays as well.
Joshua Tree Camping Regulations
The following list of regulations is from the park’s official website. Make sure you follow these regulations carefully during your visit.
- Slacklines are not permitted in campgrounds. You may not attach lines to any vegetation, including Joshua trees.
- Food must be stored securely where wildlife cannot get into it. You should also store any scented items, such as sunscreen or toothpaste, as if they were food.
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Generators may be used from 7 to 9 a.m., 12 to 2 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m. only.
- California is experiencing a devastating drought, and Joshua Tree National Park is already an arid climate. Fire danger is likely high. Keep all fires contained to the fire ring. Bring your own locally acquired firewood; you may not collect vegetation in the park, even if it is dead and down.
For more details about regulations in Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds, click here.
Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds
Below you’ll find a brief overview of each campground in Joshua Tree National Park.
Important Note: Many campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park do not have potable water. You should plan to bring your own. In this arid climate, bring at least 2 gallons per person per day.
Map of Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park
Read More About Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Belle Campground
In addition to sleeping while surrounded by Joshua Trees and funky boulders, camping in Joshua Tree’s Belle Campground also allows easy access to some popular attractions. During your stay, be sure to allow time for short hikes to Arch Rock and Skull Rock.
Belle Campground is also close to the park’s north entrance. For those who would like to leave the park for meals or other services, this Joshua Tree campground is in a great location.
It’s also quieter with only 18 first-come, first-served sites available. Belle is a great place to avoid crowds you may find at some of the larger campgrounds.
Note: There is no water available at this campground.
Cost: $15/night
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire grates
RVs?: Some sites in Belle Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 35 feet.
Season: Open Labor Day to Memorial Day
Sites: 18
Reservations: Bell is a first-come, first-served campground.
Map: Click here
Black Rock Campground
If you enjoy camping but also require certain amenities, Black Rock Campground is a great option. It’s one of the few Joshua Tree campgrounds to feature flush toilets and potable water.
As for the scenery, while the campground is littered with scraggly Joshua trees, you won’t find many granite boulders. If you’re a geology creek, you might be more interested in Jumbo Rocks or Indian Cove while camping in Joshua Tree.
For hikers, Black Rock is a fantastic option if you’re planning to trek the Panorama Loop. It’s also a great spot for wildlife watchers on the lookout for birds and reptiles. If you’re lucky, you may even see a few large mammals such as desert bighorn sheep, though they tend to avoid the busy campground areas.
Black Rock is also one of the two designated horse camps in the park, making it the perfect stop for your equestrian partners.
Try to grab a spot on the outer edges of the campground for the best vistas!
This is also one of two campgrounds in Joshua Tree with potable water.
Cost: $25/night
Facilities: Water, flush toilets, fire grate, dump station
RVs?: Some sites in Black Rock Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 35 feet.
Season: The Black Rock Campground is open year-round, though some sites may close in the summer.
Sites: 99
Reservations: Click here
Map: Click here
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood is certainly the most remote of the nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree. While it is bustling with people most of the time, it’s quietly tucked away in the southern part of the park.
Nearby, you’ll find the Cottonwood Visitor Center, Lost Palms Oasis, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Mastodon Peak.
Given that Cottonwood is in the southern portion of the park, and therefore an entirely different desert, you won’t see any of the namesake Joshua trees while camping here.
This is also one of two campgrounds in Joshua Tree with potable water.
Cost: $25/night
Facilities: Water, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire grates, dump station
RVs?: Some sites in Cottonwood Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 35 feet.
Season: Cottonwood Campground is open year-round, though some sites may close in the summer.
Sites: 62
Reservations: Click here
Map: Click here
Hidden Valley Campground
Hidden Valley is closest to the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. If you’re hoping to visit the nearby communities for meals or services, Hidden Valley is a great option while camping in Joshua Tree.
In addition to some spindly Joshua trees, you’ll also be among Pinyon pines unique desert shrubs while camping in Hidden Valley.
It’s a perfect hub for hikers as well. If you’re looking for prime access to some of the best hikes in Joshua Tree, camping at Hidden Valley will put you in close proximity to Hidden Valley, Boyscout, Barker Dam, Keys Ranch, and more trailheads.
Note: There is no water available at this campground.
Cost: $15/night
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire grates
RVs?: Some sites in Hidden Valley Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 25 feet.
Season: Year-round
Sites: 44
Reservations: Hidden Valley Campground is first-come, first-served.
Map: Click here
Indian Cove Campground
If you’re camping in Joshua Tree National Park in order to climb as much as possible, Indian Cove is a great location. The area is surrounded by granite formations begging to be climbed by experts and rookies alike. This includes the famous Wonderland of Rocks, located nearby.
Indian Cove is one of the largest campgrounds in Joshua Tree, so if you’re looking for a more secluded experience you may want to look elsewhere.
Note: There is no water available at this campground.
Cost: $25/night
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire grates
RVs?: Some sites in Indian Cove Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 25 feet.
Season: Indian Cove Campground is open year-round, though some sites may close in the summer.
Sites: 101
Reservations: Click here
Map: Click here
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Jumbo Rocks is easily the largest of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree.
It’s in a great central location for exploring more of the park, though it’s close to some of the most popular things to do in Joshua Tree as well. This includes a trail to Skull Rock, one of the most popular rock formations in the park. It’s also close to the California Trail, popular for horseback riding, and the entrance to the unpaved Geology Tour Road.
Note: There is no water available at this campground.
Cost: $20/night
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire grates
RVs?: Some sites in Jumbo Rocks Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 24 feet.
Season: Year-round
Sites: 124
Reservations: Click here
Map: Click here
Ryan Campground
One of the smaller campgrounds in Joshua Tree, Ryan Campground’s few sites are fairly spread out, allowing for a semi-private camping experience that’s hard to find in this popular national park.
Climbers and hikers will both be happy here. Ryan Campground’s location gives excellent access to Ryan Mountain and Ryan Ranch for hikers while nestled among boulders at the campground. It’s also close to the California Trail if you’re interested in horseback riding.
Note: There is no water available at this campground.
Cost: $20/night
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire grates
RVs?: Some sites in Ryan Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 35 feet.
Season: Year-round
Sites: 31
Reservations: Click here
Map: Click here
Sheep Pass Campground
Note: Sheep Pass is a group campground; there are no individual campsites.
These large group campsites can accommodate as many as 70 individuals and are popular for Boy Scout troops and other large groups.
One of the other draws to this campground is its proximity to the Saddle Rocks, one of Joshua Tree National Park’s longest climbing routes.
Note: There is no water available at this campground.
Cost: $40/night
RVs?: Not permitted.
Season: Year-round
Sites: 6
Reservations: Click here
Map: Click here
White Tank Campground
White Tank is usually one of the last campgrounds in Joshua Tree to fill. If you’re having trouble finding a campsite, head here. Perhaps this is because its 15 miles from the nearest services, but those looking for a more remote experience while camping in Joshua Tree National Park would be perfectly happy here.
That said, it is a smaller site. While RVs are permitted, it can be difficult to accommodate them. If you have a larger vehicle, I would try to camp elsewhere.
There are many short, family-friendly hikes beginning from this campground, making it a great option for littler ones camping in Joshua Tree. This includes amazing proximity to the famous Arch Rock formation.
Note: There is no water available at this campground.
Cost: $15/night
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire grates
RVs?: Some sites in White Tank Campground can accommodate RVs. The maximum length is 25 feet.
Season: Labor Day to Memorial Day
Sites: 15
Reservations: White Tank Campground is first-come, first-served.
Map: Click here
RV Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
While many of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree allow RVs, services are limited. Two campgrounds (Black Rock and Cottonwood) have dump stations, but none have hookups. Maximum size limitations vary from 24 to 35 feet.
What to Pack for Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
The following list of items should be included in your pack.
- Detailed topographic maps and a good overview map
- Compass
- First Aid Kit
- High-calorie food
- Shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Appropriate footwear
- Wool or synthetic clothing to layer (dry clothes to sleep in)
- Rain jacket and pants
- Lightweight camp shoes
- Water container and water filter
- Campstove and fuel
- Emergency signaling device
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I loved reading about your experience in Joshua Tree National Park. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!
Thanks so much!