Joshua Tree National Park Camping Vacations

Joshua Tree National Park Camping Travel Guide

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Hikers on rocks in Joshua Tree National Park, California
Taking in the view, Joshua Tree National Park (John Kelly/Photodisc/Getty)

Joshua Tree National Park Camping Highlights

By Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown

  • Cottonwood Springs Campground is on the park's south side, where trails lead to Mastodon Peak and Lost Palms Oasis. You won't find any Joshua trees at this low elevation; sites are surrounded by desert scrub and cactus. This camp is one of only two in the park that has potable water and flush toilets. In winter, it is warmer here than elsewhere in Joshua Tree.
  • You'll be in the jovial company of rock climbers at Hidden Valley Campground. This fairly primitive camp is set among the jumbled monzogranite boulders for which Joshua Tree is famous. Practice your bouldering technique at camp, or head to the neighboring Wonderland of Rocks. Jumbo Rocks is another climber-friendly campground.
  • Neighboring White Tank and Belle Campgrounds are good places to get away from the Joshua Tree crowds. The camps aren't suitable for RVs and the rock climbers have better places to go. Sites are nestled among the boulders, which block the wind and provide shade. The sandy soil makes a soft spot for tent pitching. Water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center a few miles down the road.
  • Horse lovers favor Black Rock Canyon Campground because of its corral and proximity to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. With potable water, flush toilets, and ranger programs at the Black Rock Visitor Center, this camp is also a good choice for families.

Joshua Tree National Park Overview

The Joshua trees in this national park are merely a jumping-off point for exploring this seemingly barren desert. Viewed from the roadside, the dry land only hints at hidden vitality, but closer examination reveals a giant mosaic of intense beauty and complexity. From lush oases teeming with life to rusted-out relics of man's attempts to tame the wilderness, from low plains of tufted cacti to mountains of exposed, twisted rock, the park is much more than a tableau of the curious tree for which it is named. Read More

Hotels

GOOD FOR CAMPING
White Tank Campground
Pinto Basin Road
29 Palms, CA
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 5.5 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite hotel
29 Palms Inn
73950 Inn Ave.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 16.7 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite hotel
Roughley Manor Inn
74744 Joe Davis Rd.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 17.2 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
All Joshua Tree National Park Hotels
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Ryan Mountain
Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Dr.
Twentynine Palms, California 92277 Map
Distance: 13.6 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Ryan Mountain offers hikers a strenuous ascent to... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite attraction
Mastodon Peak
Cottonwood Spring area
Joshua Tree National Park
Map
Distance: 14.4 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Mastodon Peak trail in Joshua Tree National... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite attraction
Wall Street Mill
Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Dr.
Twentynine Palms, California 92277 Map
Distance: 15.0 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Wall Street Mill Trail is a level hike that includes the historic Wall Street Mill, which is protected by the National Register of Historic Sites.... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
All Joshua Tree National Park Attractions

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