Joshua Tree National Park’s Best Campsites
If you’re looking for one of Joshua Tree National Park’s best campsites – you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of our favorite 30 (out of 500) campsites in Joshua Tree. It was a challenge to pick our 30 favorites – because there are so many good ones, but you can always click on the links to see photos of all the other campsites in the particular campground.
Be forewarned though, the campground name/campsite # for the last photo listed was not mentioned because it is our most favorite in all the Park. For now, it is simple known as Joshua Tree National Park’s Best Secret Campsite Ever! If you think you know the campground name and campsite #, send us an email with your answer (deadline: December 31, 2018). If correct, we will enter your name in a drawing for a CampsitePhotos.com t-shirt!
For at least 5,000 years people have been camping (and living) in the area we now know as Joshua Tree National Park. The first group of people to live in the area was the Pinto Culture, followed by the Serrano, Chemehuevi and Cahuilla. Cattlemen, miners and homesteaders also lived and camped in the area starting in the early 1800s.
Today, Joshua Tree National Park has 8 campgrounds, with approximately 500 campsites. Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks and Sheep Pass campgrounds take reservations. Belle, Hidden Valley, Ryan and White Tank are first-come, first-served. Group camping is allowed at Cottonwood, Indian Cove and Sheep Pass campgrounds.
The 30 campsites that made our Joshua Tree National Park “best list” were chosen primarily based on views, privacy, as well as the layout and functionality of the campsite. Size was also a consideration, but not super important. So without further adieu, and in no particular order (other that going alphabetically with the campgrounds), here is our list of Joshua Tree National Park’s best campsites.
Belle campground is located in the north/central part of the Park and a bit closer to Twentynine Palms. The quiet campground has 20 campsites that are set among large boulders. It’s a good basecamp for rock climbers. The campground has vault toilets, but no water (bring your own).
Hidden Valley had a handful of sites that made or Joshua Tree National Park’s best campsites list. The campground is close the Wonderland of Rocks and has 44 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. There’s quite a few large sites that offer nice privacy and almost all sites have spectacular large boulders that will watch over your site when you’re off rock climbing, hiking and exploring. Vault toilets provided / no water.
Indian Cove campground has 91 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. There are several large sites that have great privacy and spectacular views of the boulders and surrounding hills. Indian Cove is also close to many rock climbing routes and nature trails. Vault toilets / no water.
Jumbo Rocks campground is generally the most popular in Joshua Tree National park and has 124 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. A majority of the campsites are rather small and close together – best for tents. There are a few sites that will accommodate large RVs. The campground is popular because of its proximity to the many large granite boulders you can climb on and there’s also a few nice nature trails at the campground. No water, but there are delightful vault toilets!
Ryan campground is located in a secluded area of the Park and offers 31 campsites offering great views of large granite boulders and the surrounding area. The campground is a quiet and peaceful place, offering spectacular stargazing, hiking and rock climbing. The trailhead up to Ryan Mountain (5,740) is located at the campground. Vault toilets / no water.
Sheep Pass campground offers 6 group-only campsites. It’s a primitive campground and has no water. There are vault toilets and each site has campsite tables, fire rings and grills. There are many hiking trails and popular rock climbing routes nearby.
White Tank campground is located in the center of Joshua Tree National Park and has 15 campsites that will accommodate tents, trailers and RVs (up to 25 feet). It tends to have the fewest visitors even though its scenery and views rival any of the other campgrounds in the Park. Vault toilets/ no water.
Joshua Tree National Park’s Best Secret Campsite Ever!
And last, but not least our most favorite campsite in Joshua Tree National Park is pictured below. Unfortunately, we like it so much we’re going to keep the campground and campsite # a secret. It’s big, private, has incredible views, awesome rocks to play on and it even has an oak tree that provides some shade for your campsite table. Even though we’re keeping its identity a secret, the photo (campground/campsite #) is on our site if you care to do some searching. If you find it – mums the word ;-). If you think you know the campsite – send us an email with your answer (campground name/campsite #) by December 31, 2018 and if correct you will be entered in a drawing to win a CampsitePhotos t-shirt!
Cottonwood and Black Rock Canyon are two other campgrounds in the Park. Neither had any campsites that made our list of Joshua Tree National Park’s best campsites, but both offer good camping options at the Park.
In Closing – A Little About The Park
Joshua Tree National Park is quite large (792,510 acres) and ranges from 536 feet in elevation in the park’s southeast corner to 5,814 feet atop of Quail Mountain. The area is considered high-desert wilderness and can be a bit harsh and unforgiving so make sure you mind the weather (especially the heat).
There are 4 visitor centers, miles of hiking trails, lots of historic sites and no cell phone service. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its many rock climbing routes, but also is high on the list for wildflower viewing, stargazing and photography. Other outdoor activities include backpacking, birding, motor touring, horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
We hope you enjoyed our post on Joshua Tree National Park’s best campsites. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell us about your favorite campsite or camping adventures in Joshua Tree.
Best Regards,
Campsite Photos Ranger
Joshua Tree National Park’s best campsites
Joshua Tree National Park’s Best Campsites.
23 Replies to “Joshua Tree National Park’s Best Campsites”
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PLEASE tell me the answer to the Best Secret campsite at Joshua Tree?? Please??
At the very least could you offer a Good Clue??
I am going crazy trying to figure it out .. I’m begging you for the answer : )
Hi Sheilah,
Love your attitude!
Despite many objections from our staff, we ultimately decided to grant your request (so you don’t go crazy) – LOL!
Joshua Tree National Park’s Best Secret Campsite Ever (in our opinion) is Hidden Valley campsite #45.
Hope you’re able to give it a try someday!
Boooo. I know I’m late to the party. It isn’t THAT hard. I have never even been there and found it in 2 minutes on Google earth.
Hey guys! I want to go camping this weekend with my family and I was wondering if you know if any of these are open? Or where I could find out if these are open. I just want to be sure before we drive all the way out there.
Thanks!
Best Regards,
Nick
Hi Nick, Joshua Tree National Park is open. Campgrounds are also open – individual sites only (no group campsites). All campsites are first-come, first-serve until September 4, 2020 and then you can reserve on Rec.gov. Most bathrooms are open and so are the trails, roads and parking. Visitor centers are closed.
Which campground and which campsites offer shade and best for families? Have a 6person tent for a family of 4 (2 toddlers). thanks!
Hi Michele,
Almost all campgrounds / campsites at Joshua Tree National Park have no (tree or structure) shade. A few campsites do have some trees that provide a little shade. Black Rock Canyon Campground has several campsites with large Joshua Trees that do the trick.
There are also several campsites throughout the park that will get afternoon (or morning) shade from the large rocks that are nearby. Indian Cove Campground is really nice (good for families) and has several campsites set among large boulders that will provide afternoon shade. Here’s a photo of Indian Cove campsite #22 showing some shade later in the day:
Hidden Valley Campground is also a great family camp, and probably has one of the only campsites (#45 below) that has a large oak tree that offers shade.
Hope this helps!
Hi Guys,
I have never been to Joshua Tree and would like to go soon. What time would you usually go to the campground and find a spot to camp?
Hi Nina,
Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful high-desert area with lots to see and do. There are 9 established campgrounds and you can reserve a campsite ahead of time at these: Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove and Jumbo Rocks. Since this is your first time, I recommend camping at either Indian Cove or Jumbo Rocks. If the campgrounds are sold out you can use our Campsite Assist tool and get notified when a campsite becomes available. You can also try one of the first-come, first-serve campgrounds including: Belle, Hidden Valley, White Tank or Ryan. Check in is at 2pm and check out is 12pm. For a Friday arrival (at first-come, first-serve), you should try and get up there about 8AM to try and get a site . . . although this time of year you should have no problem. Just be sure to check the weather as it gets hot in the summer.
Heading out there in December. Any suggestions for a group of about 8-10 young adults (so 2 campsites) that offer nice views (pref with rock formations and joshua trees?) and privacy/secluded? We plan on going on a Monday, so reservations or first come first served campsites won’t be a problem I believe. Thanks!
Hi Thaison,
Most all of Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds have campsites close to the big rocks with views of Joshua Trees. However, I’d narrow your search to Indian Cove, Hidden Valley, Ryan, Belle, White Tank and Jumbo Rocks. Belle, White Tank and Ryan are smaller and more remote. Jumbo Rocks is pretty busy most of the time, but there are some sites that have good privacy/seclusion. Hidden Valley, Indian Cove and Jumbo all have large rock formations throughout the campgrounds. Hoe this helps – have a great time!
Thank you so much! We plan on going the second week of December on either a Monday or Tuesday. Do you think that we should have no problems grabbing 2 sites together (if we plan to try for Hidden Valley), or if you suggest just reserving campsites from Ryan online? Would love some tips as we do enjoy hiking as well.
You shouldn’t have any problem getting a Hidden Valley campsite in December (Monday/Tuesday). That campground may get busy over the weekend (especially if weather is nice) as it is a popular campground for rock climbers. A mid-week arrival should be no problem to get a site. There are many hiking trails and rocks to climb at Hidden Valley. You could probably spend much of the day just hiking around there.
Here are a few Joshua Tree National Park hiking trails I’d recommend: Ryan Mountain Trail – 3 miles round trip with a 1,069 elevation gain to the summit of Ryan Mountain. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is about 1.3 miles, relatively flat, and takes you by large rock formations and Joshua Trees. The Skull Rock Nature Trail is 1.7 miles and located over by Jumbo Rocks. And the Arch Rock Natural Trail (1.2 miles) is nice too. It’s over by White Tank campground. Hope this helps!
Headed to JT soon, just two of us. Looking for secluded (No rvs) quiet views with some character. It’s getting colder so any recs on choosing a site/ground would be great! This page is very helpful-bookmarked!
Hi Lauren,
I’d definitely lean more toward White Tank or Ryan campgrounds. Those are smaller campgrounds, more secluded and have some great (private) campsites. There’s also some beautiful rocks and desert. Hidden Valley campground is another option, but it’s a little larger and most campsites not as private. Indian Cove also has some really great campsites (among the rocks), and some are fairly private. It’s a larger campground though. Have a great time!
can you tell me which campsite has a clean restroom, shower and water? Thank you
Hi Cin,
None of the campgrounds at Joshua Tree National Park have showers. Only Cottonwood and Black Rock campgrounds have flush toilets. All other campgrounds have vault toilets, and others don’t have water.
Really enjoy your website! First time Joshua Tree camper looking to visit around the first of June 2021. Going solo and will be tent camping and road-tripping from Kentucky. Looking for safety but with some good adventure. No rock climbing but enjoy a good long hike. Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks!
Hi Richard,
You should find some good availability at Joshua Tree National Park in early June. The reservable campgrounds (Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, Black Rock Canyon and Cottonwood) should have sites available. The first-come, first-serve campgrounds (Hidden Valley, Ryan, Belle and White Tank) should as well, but weekends may be busy. I’d recommend any of the campgrounds, but Black Rock and Cottonwood would be lower on the list. All are safe and well maintained. There are also many hiking trails near all of the campgrounds that you should really like. Keep on an on the weather though as June could heat up. Typically it should be in the mid to high 80s, with lows in the 50s, but a heat wave could push temps close to 100 during the day. Glad you like our website and hope you have a great trip!
hi
We cannot get reservations for April 7th or 8th inside the park proper (spring break). we are spending the first night at 29palms RV resort as will be coming from Death valley where we would have had no hook ups for a coupe of night. second night we want to try our luck findng a spot in one of the first come first serve spots. What time do you think we should enter to look for spots and where is best place: we were going to try Belle and White Tank first and then move onto the others (Ryan, Jumbo & hidden Valley) or should we start at Hidden valley? The third and last night I did get a booking at Black rock canyon as that was all I could find and I wanted to have something just in case. I am going to keep looking each day on rec.gov as things open up sometimes…
Hi Justine,
Sounds like you have a fun trip planned. April is very popular/busy at Joshua Tree National Park as we you know. You can always use our Campsite Assist tool to get a text & email alert when a campsite becomes available at the reservable campgrounds (Jumbo Rocks, Indian Rocks, Black Rock Canyon). For the first-come, first-serve campgrounds I’d recommend trying Belle, White Tank and Ryan first. Hidden Valley is great, but very popular and more difficult to get a campsite. Check out is 11 am, but I’d recommend starting to cruise the campgrounds around 8am if you can – to try and get a site. Best of luck!
I am hoping to get a campsite for a wednesday night in mid march, we have a small 10 foot camper so would i be able to fit that with a 16 foot SUV in a site that says one car max? what are the chances of getting a first come first serve site if we arrive at 8am on a wednesday? Ryan, Jumbo rocks, and indian cove don’t have any sites available, we could book in blackrock but I would like to stay closer inside the middle of the park. thanks for you help.
Hi Sam,
March through May are busy months out at Joshua Tree and the reservable campgrounds sell out most days (especially weekends/spring break). Even the first-come, first-serve campsites are popular and mostly full. With that said, you may be able to snag a campsite with a midweek / Wednesday arrival at one of the FCFS campgrounds (Bell, Hidden Valley, Ryan and White Tank). I recommend arriving early in the day Wednesday so you can drive through to see if any sites are available and/or see who is leaving that day.
Rangers are pretty strict on the one vehicle rule (if campsite is designated for one vehicle). Many of the one-vehicle campsites are really small parking areas.
Another option is to try our Campsite Assist service. It will send you an alert (text and email) if a campsite becomes available at the reservable campgrounds on the dates you select. Many people are using it to scan/monitor for availability and many have already been successful at getting a cancelled campsite. Generally cancellations will occur more frequently the closer to the arrival dates.
If you do try Campsite Assist, and get an alert – be sure to click on the link in your alert ASAP to try and reserve the site. As I mentioned, many people monitor for availability and you need to be quick or lose out on the open campsite.
Hope this helps!