Complete guide to Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Campground is a popular camping location located in Joshua Tree National Park. The park has gained popularity because of its large boulders and the unique shapes of the park's namesake, Joshua Trees.

Ryan Campground - Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Campground is an extremely popular destination due to its proximity to several of the park's key features. The best-known stops include Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, and Keys View, known for its panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and where you can see the famous San Andreas Fault.

Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Fee

7-day single-vehicle park pass - $30.00

7-day individual park pass - $15.00

7-day motorcycle park pass - $25.00

Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass - $55.00

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Ryan Campground map Joshua Tree National Park

Campground Fees

Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

Campground Reservations

Are Campground Reservations Available? Yes, reservations year-round.
Phone Number? (877)444-6777
On-line? Yes, click here to book your stay at Ryan Campground.
How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Individual sites at Ryan Campground operate on a six-month rolling basis.

Park Ranger John Pro Tip - Joshua Tree is a great park to visit in the winter! June through August (the park's off-season) typically receive uncomfortably-high desert heat ranging from the upper 90's to low 100's and over 14+ hours of daylight and little shade. Most visitors and campers prefer warm, dry winters when temperatures range between 70-90 during the day and 40-60 degrees at night.

Ryan Campground General Information

Season: Open Year-round
Number of Sites: 31 individual campsites. There are four sites designated equestrian sites.
Check-out time: 12:00 PM (noon)
Campground Address: N/A
Latitude/Longitude: 33.9830° N, 116.1548° W
Elevation: 4,300
Accessible Sites: No, There are no ADA-accessible campsites in the Belle Campground. If you are looking to reserve ADA-accessible campsites, please look into Jumbo Rocks Campground, site 122, and Black Rock Campground, site 61, which are ADA-accessible.

Campsite 1 Ryan Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 1 Ryan Campground

Campground Amenities

Potable Water: No
Bear Box in site/area? No
Flush Toilet Restrooms? No, Belle Campground only has Vault Toilets/Pit toilets
Laundry: No
Showers: No
Is Wi-Fi available? No
Is Cellular Service Available? No
Is there a camp host available on-site? No
Is firewood available for purchase? No
Amphitheater: No
Are fire pits/fire rings available at each site? Yes
Are Picnic Tables available at each site? Yes

Campsite 4 Ryan Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 4 Ryan Campground

RV Camping at Belle Campground

Hookups Available: There are no water or electric hookups available; this is a primitive campground.
RV Length: Small RVs and trailers are allowed but length restrictions not to exceed 35 feet
Generators: Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.
Dump Station: No

Campsite 6 Ryan Campground Joshua Tree National Park CA — Campsite 6 Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground Regulations

The maximum number of people in a campsite: Maximum of 6 people
The number of cars per campsite: 2 cars. A vehicle towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, or fifth wheel—or a motorhome towing a vehicle—is considered two vehicles.
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 6 am
Pets Allowed: Yes, but they must be on a leash less than 6 feet

Make sure to remember to B.A.R.K.

B - Bag your pet's waste and dispose of it properly.
A- Always leash your pet; leashes may be no longer than six feet in length, under your control, and not left unattended.
R- Respect Wildlife - keep you and your pet plenty of distance from park wildlife.
K- Know where you can go; pets are welcomed throughout Greenbelt Park, except inside the Ranger Station.

There is no overflow parking, and not all campsites accommodate two vehicles.

There is a 30-day camping limit each year. Only 14 of these nights may take place from October to May.

Campsites left vacant for 24 hours will be treated as vacant.

No slacklines in campgrounds.

Food must be stored securely where wildlife cannot get to it.

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando

Don't forget to pack these items!

Don't forget to pack

Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.

Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.

Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!

Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!

Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.

Campsite 13 Ryan Campground Joshua Tree National Park CA — Campsite 13 Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree National Park

Things to do and nearby attractions at Ryan Campground

Wildlife Viewing - Joshua Tree is home to a variety of typical desert inhabitants, including coyotes, squirrels, bobcats, lizards, scorpions, desert tarantulas, the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and the elusive desert tortoise! If that's not enough, birders will rejoice as over 250 species of birds have been identified in the park, including ravens, Cactus Wren, and the Greater Roadrunner. Needless to say, don't forget your binoculars and cameras!

Explore the Night Sky - Did you know Joshua Tree's clear desert skies are the perfect place to go star-gazing, see the Milky Way, and do night photography? This is especially true during the cooler months of the year as cold air holds less moisture leading to clearer skies with less haze and better visibility.

Joshua Tree is one of only 11 Dark Sky Parks in the US and the park even has four designated stargazing areas. There is even a Junior Ranger Night Explorers program and the park also offers Night Sky programs. Make sure to check their calendar for upcoming programs.

Joshua Tree Visitor Center & Cultural Center - located in the town of twentynine palms, this beautiful new information center is near the park's North Entrance, with fantastic educational displays, rangers handing out brochures and trail maps, and a nice bookstore you will not want to miss! They also offer rotating exhibits that celebrate the culture, history, and stories of the Native American Communities.

Hiking trails - Some of the park’s best known trails are nearby and include Skull Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Hidden Valley. The campground is also adjacent to the California Riding and Hiking Trail.

The Hall of Horrors is popular for both hikers and rock climbers with its steep rock formations and narrow slots.

Tours available in/near Joshua Tree National Park

Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park - A 4.5-hour tour allows you to truly see Joshua Tree National Park and feel the Mojave Desert's magic. This private tour comes with a local guide and naturalist who will take you beyond the guidebooks and discuss the area of flora, fauna, geology, history, and more of this incredible park. A daypack and bottled water are included.

Full-Day Hike in Joshua Tree National Park - Here is your chance to have a seasoned guide take you on a seven-hour hike, including a daypack and bottled water. Hiking is the best way to experience Joshua Tree, and your experienced guide will help you learn about the region's floral and fauna and human history and feel the desert's energy and artistic vibe.

4-Hour Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua Tree offers some of the best rock-climbing in the National Parks System with over 9000 climbing routes! Routes include anything from beginners to pros, and their certified climbing guides will help you choose the route that best fits you. Guides also provide you with all the necessary gear and training, and all guides are Wilderness First Responders.

Campsite 14 Ryan Campground Joshua Tree National Park — Campsite 14 Ryan Campground

Lodging at/near Joshua Tree National Park

There are no Joshua Tree National Park Lodges, cabins, or Yurts within the park. Here is an additional list of lodging options in Twentynine Palms, California.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms - We have stayed at this hotel our last few visit to the park and it has been great. Free continental breakfast, shopping on site, and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree NP. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms - Consider a stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms, an IHG Hotel, and take advantage of a complimentary manager's reception, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour gym. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.

Oasis Inn & Suites - A grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and a coffee shop/café are just a few of the amenities provided at Oasis Inn & Suites Joshua Tree - 29 Palms. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like hiking/biking. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a business center.

Hampton Inn & Suites Indio - provides amenities like free full breakfast and a gym. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Click on the map below for vacation rentals and lodges near the park.