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Home » Travel » US National Parks

Published: Oct 30, 2019 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

Ultimate Joshua Tree Camping Guide

There is nothing better than enjoying the dark skies in Joshua Tree National Park. Each of these campgrounds in Joshua Tree offers something a little different. This Joshua Tree Camping Guide is set up to help you decide which campground is perfect for you.

There are four campgrounds that take reservations and five that are first to come first to served campsites. A few of the campgrounds have water available and others are dry campgrounds.

You definitely want to choose a campground that fits your camping style.

Joshua Tree National Park Camping

Camping in Joshua Tree is an amazing way to experience epic night sky! Each of the campgrounds in the park offers its own unique opportunity to get away from crowds and relax.

Most of the campgrounds have easy access right off the main route through the park. There are individual and group sites available. 

Black Rock Campground

Location: The Black Rock Campground is located outside of the main section of the park. The only access to the main park is via hiking trials.

Open: Year-round

Number of sites: 99

Cost per night: $20

Reservations?: yes, reservations can be made on Reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777

Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, a fire pit, and an amazing amount of Joshua Trees.

RVs allowed?: Yes, there are no hook-ups

See more photos and information on the Black Rock Campground.

 

Cottonwood Campground

Location: Cottonwood Campground is located  25 miles east of Indio, California in the southern portion of Joshua Tree National Park

Open: Year-round

Number of sites: 62

Cost per night: $20

Reservations?: yes, Reservations are required for Cottonwood Campground during the busy season from October through May.  Reservations can be made on Reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777.

Campground amenities: drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

RVs allowed?: Yes, there are no hook-ups in the Cottonwood Campground

For more information and photos check out our post on Cottonwood Campground.

 

Indian Cove Campground

Location:  Indian Cove Campground is located off of Highway 62, thirteen miles east of Joshua Tree Village and ten miles west of Twenty-nine Palms on the north side of the Wonderland of Rocks.

Open: Year-Round

Number of sites: 101

Cost per night: $20

Reservations?: Yes, Reservations are required at Indian Cove Campground during the busy season from October through May. Reservations can be made on Reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777

Campground amenities: Picnic Table and Firepit

RVs allowed?: Yes, there is no water or hookups in the Indian Cove Campground.

Check out our post on Indian Cove Campground to see additional photos and information.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Location:  Jumbo Rocks Campground is 18 miles from the main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.

Open: Year-round

Number of sites: 124

Cost per night: $15

Reservations?: Yes, Reservations are required at Indian Cove Campground during the busy season from October through May. Reservations can be made on Reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777

Campground amenities: Fire pit and picnic table, shade from rock formations at times. 

RVs allowed?: Yes but there are no hook-ups

See our full post on Jumbo Rocks Campground to see more photos and information.

 

First Come First Served Campgrounds 

Belle Campground

Location: Belle Campground is located off of the Pinto Basin Road.

Open: Year-round

Number of sites: 18

Cost per night: $15

Reservations?: No, First come first served

Campground amenities: pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground

RVs allowed?: yes, Length restrictions not to exceed 35 feet

See our post on the Belle Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.

Hidden Valley Campground

Location:

Open: year-round

Elevation: 4,200

Number of sites: 44

Cost per night: $15

Reservations?: No, First come first served

Campground amenities: pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground

RVs allowed?: Yes

Check out our full post on Hidden Valley Campground to see more photos and details on this campground.

Ryan Campground

Location: Adjacent to the California Riding and Hiking Trail

Open: Year-round

Number of sites: 31, There are 4 designated equestrian sites (reservations required for the equestrian sites)

Cost per night: $15

Reservations?: No, First come first served

Campground amenities: Pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground

RVs allowed?: Yes

Check out our full post on Ryan Campground to see more photos and information on this campground

White Tank Campground

Location: Located off Pinto Basin Road in the northern end of the park

Open: year-round

Number of sites: 15

Cost per night: $15

Reservations?: No, First come first served

Campground amenities: Pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no water at this campground

RVs allowed?: Yes

RV Length: RVs and trailers may not exceed a combined maximum length of 25 feet

Check out our full post on White Tank Campground to see more photos and information on this campground

 

Sheep Pass Campground - Group Campground

Location: Centrally located within Joshua Tree National Park.

Open: year-round

Number of sites: 6

Cost per night: $35-50 depending on-site capacity

Reservations?: Yes, Reservations are required at Indian Cove Campground during the busy season from October through May. Reservations can be made on Reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777

Sites can accommodate 10-60 people and may be reserved up to a year in advance.

Campground amenities: firepits, picnic table, there is no water in the campground. There are pit toilets.

RVs allowed?: No

Check out our entire post on Sheep Pass Campground to see more photos and site information.

We hope this Joshua Tree Camping Guide helps you plan an epic camping trip to the park!

Make sure you are prepared for the hot weather!!!! 

Additional Joshua Tree Articles

Top things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park Travel Tips

Exploring Joshua Tree with Kids

Don't forget to pack fun camping games that everyone can enjoy! 

Filed Under: US National Parks

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