Top 8 Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds

With iconic rock formations and a sweeping desert landscape, Joshua Tree National Park is an outdoor lover’s dream and has something for everyone, from adventure to unplugging from the chaos of daily life. But before you lace up your hiking boots and load up the RV, it’s important to decide what campgrounds close to this amazing destination you want to call home for a few nights.

So, to help you find the perfect spot, we’ve put together a detailed guide on some of the best campgrounds in and around Joshua Tree National Park. Each campground has its own vibe, too, with varying amenities, seasonal considerations, and proximity to trails and activities, and we’ve covered everything you need to know. All you need to do is focus on the adventure ahead!

Are you ready? Let’s explore some of the amazing campgrounds you can choose from when you visit Joshua Tree.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Jumbo Rocks Campground is a favorite among Joshua Tree visitors, and for good reason. Picture this: massive boulder formations towering over your campsite, casting shadows that change color with the setting sun and presenting the perfect opportunity for snapping some amazing photos. There are 124 campsites here that can accommodate both tents and RVs, making it one of the larger campgrounds in the park, but it somehow still manages to feel secluded, thanks to the secluded rock formations that separate many of the sites.

As far as amenities go, you’ll have the basics, and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. However, there are only vault toilets and no potable water, so you’ll need to bring plenty of your own. Also, don’t forget to pack your own firewood, as collecting wood within the park is prohibited.

Jumbo Rocks is open year round, but it sees the most visitors during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and the desert is at its most pleasant. If you’re planning to camp here during the winter, make sure you come prepared as temperatures can dip below freezing overnight, while summers are a different beast altogether, with temperatures often rising well over 100ºF. No matter what time of year you’re planning to visit, you’ll need to make a reservation to stay here, and you can book your spot in advance for $15 per night.

One of the best things about staying at Jumbo Rocks Campground is the easy access you’ll have to some incredible hiking trails. The 1.7-mile Skull Rock Nature Trail is a must-see, with its aptly named Skull Rock formation just a short walk from the campground, as well as Juniper Flats and Pleasant Valley trails right on your doorstep. Jumbo Rocks is also fantastic for night photography and stargazing, and the lack of light pollution means you’ll get outstanding views of the Milky Way on a clear night.

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

Located just outside the northern boundary of the park, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground is a solid option for campers looking for a bit more comfort without sacrificing proximity to Joshua Tree’s wonders. These private campgrounds offer a range of amenities that you won’t find at the park’s more primitive sites, and for RV travelers, the full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) are a game changer. There’s also plenty of space for larger rigs, and you’ll also have access to potable water, hot showers, and flush toilets, all of which make a big difference after a long day in the desert sun! WiFi is also available in certain areas, which is handy if you need to check in with the outside world.

Like Jumbo Rocks, this campground is open year round but it also tends to be less crowded than the in-park options, even during the peak season. It’s also an ideal place to stay during spring or fall when the outdoor temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities, and during winter this campground is much quieter, but nights can get really cold, which is typical of desert weather.

Since Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground is privately-owned, reservations are easy to make through their website (prices vary depending on seasonality but typically range from $20 – 40 per night) and there’s no need to worry about first-come-first-served politics. However, if you’re planning to explore Joshua Tree National Park during your stay, you’ll still need to pay the park entrance fee.

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground is just a 15-minute drive from the park’s North Entrance, which gives you access to some of the best hiking trails and sights. From here, you can easily hop on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, which is a 1-mile loop that takes you through a rock-enclosed valley and is ideal for first-time hikers or anyone short on time. Also, if you’re visiting in October or May, you might catch the Joshua Tree Music Festival, which is hosted right here at the campground, adding a whole new level of excitement to your trip!

Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground is a unique place to pull up in your RV, set between towering boulders that not only offer stunning views but also provide a sense of privacy you won’t find in many other campgrounds. With 101 sites on offer, Indian Cove is a favorite spot for rock climbers looking for easy access to nearby routes, as well as a peaceful spot for campers wanting to soak up the desert ambiance. The sites here are large and well-spaced, and while there are no hookups for RVs, the campground can accommodate small RVs and rigs up to 25 feet.

As with most campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, you won’t find potable water here, so plan ahead and bring your own. Vault toilets are available, though, and each site has picnic tables and a fire rings, providing you with all the essentials you need for a cozy campfire under the stars.

Open all year, Indian Cove sees the most traffic in spring and fall, but winter is still a popular time here, especially for rock climbing. During the summer, the heat can become oppressive, so if you’re heading out on a hiking trail, it would be best to plan your excursions for early mornings and evenings to avoid the blistering midday sun. Reservations are also a must during the busy season of May through September, but you can usually find a spot on a first-come-first-served basis during the quieter months.

While Indian Cove’s location makes it a hub for rock climbing, with plenty of beginner and intermediate routes accessible right from the campground, it’s also a great spot for hiking. The nearby Boy Scout Trail is particularly popular, and is an 8-mile one-way hike that takes you through a mix of rugged terrain and serene desert landscapes. Or, for a shorter, more family-friendly option, the nature walk around the campground is a lovely way to explore the area without too much effort.

Black Rock Campground

Tucked away in the park’s northwest corner, Black Rock Campground is surrounded by lush Joshua trees, yucca, and creosote, making it one of the most scenic spots you can camp in. This National Park Service run campground is also a bit of a departure from the typical desert campgrounds, and its situated at a higher elevation, which means the plant life is more diverse and it offers a welcome change of pace.

Black Rock is well-equipped for both RV and tent camping, and there are 101 sites, including 13 group sites, that can accommodate rigs up to 35 feet. Unlike many other campgrounds in the park, Black Rock also offers flush toilets, potable water, and even a dump station for RVs. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, too, and the entire campground has been reviewed as being relatively quiet and peaceful, which means it won’t be as busy as some others, even during peak season.

You can make a reservation to stay at Black Rock Campground all year round, which is ideal if you like to plan ahead as much as possible. Just be aware that there is a six-person, two-vehicle limit per site, so keep this in mind when making your reservation and adjust as necessary in line with the number of people in your party.

Another great thing about Black Rock is that it makes a fantastic base for hikers, with several awesome trails starting right from the campground. One of the most popular hiking trails from here is the Hi-View Nature Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that takes you to a scenic overlook with incredible views of the surrounding desert and mountains. Or, for those looking for a longer trek, the West Side Loop Trail offers a 5.5-mile hike through varied desert terrain.

Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA

If you’re the kind of camper who enjoys a few more creature comforts while still getting the chance to experience the great outdoors, the Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA might be just what you’re looking for! Located about 40 minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park entrance, this KOA offers full RV hookups, tent sites, and even a range of cabin options for those who would prefer to stay out of the elements. You’ll also find hot showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities, as well as luxury amenities like a pool, hot tub, and free WiFi.

Because this is a privately owned campground, making reservations to stay here is easy, and you won’t have to worry about park permits unless you actually plan on entering Joshua Tree National Park. It’s also open all year round, and you can book a site online or by phone, but just make sure you check availability during peak times, as this campground can fill up quickly.

Though it’s a 10-mile drive to Joshua Tree, the easy access to both the park and the amenities of Palm Springs makes it a great home base for exploring the area. In the park, must-see spots like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and the Cholla Cactus Garden are all within easy reach, and if you want to stay closer to camp, Palm Springs offers a wealth of activities, from hiking in the nearby San Jacinto Mountains to taking the aerial tramway up to 8,516-feet for unparalleled panoramic views.

Bonus – Travelers Autobarn customers receive 10% off all KOA Campground bookings through our partnership. There are 500+ KOA Campgrounds across North America, making your road trip convenient and stress-free.

Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground is one of the smaller, quieter campgrounds within Joshua Tree National Park, making it a great choice for anyone looking for more of a laid-back experience. With just 31 sites, it’s a more intimate setting where you can truly feel at one with nature and the desert surroundings, and while there is no potable water here, each site is equipped with a trash can, picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilets.

There are also three reservable bicycle sites that cost $5 per night for guests, but no more than three tents or three guests can stay each night, and RV campers can also bring vehicles up to 35 feet in length, though there are no hookups. Generators are not allowed in the campground either, which helps maintain the tranquil atmosphere.

The sites at Ryan Campground are open year round and are offered on first-come-first-served basis. This means they can fill up quickly, especially during the busy season, so it’s a good idea to arrive as early as possible if you’re hoping to grab a spot at this site. There’s also a six-person, two-vehicle limit per site in place, as well as fire restrictions during dry months.

This is an excellent campsite to pull up at if you’re hoping to explore some of the park’s best climbing routes and hiking trails, too. One of the most popular hikes nearby is the Ryan Mountain trail, a 3-mile round-trip that takes you through some of the most breathtaking views of the park. Also, if you’re into cycling, there are some great loops nearby, and the area even offers access to equestrian trails if you’re traveling with horses.

Hidden Valley Campground

Hidden Valley Campground is often regarded as one of the best campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, especially for rock climbers, and with 44 campsites scattered through incredible boulder formations, it’s easy to see why! This is a first served campsite and can accommodate smaller RVs up to 25 feet, but there is no potable water or hookups, so you’ll need to come prepared with drinking water and plenty of supplies.

Vault toilets and fire rings are provided but don’t expect luxuries like showers. This campground is all about getting back to nature, and what Hidden Valley lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in scenery and unbeatable proximity to some of the park’s best climbing and hiking areas. It’s also open year round, but if you’re looking for a quieter trip, winter is a great time to visit – just be prepared for chilly nights.

Don’t worry if you’re not into rock climbing – Hidden Valley Campground still has plenty to offer, including the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. This 1-mile loop takes you through a scenic, rock-enclosed valley that’s said to have been a favorite hiding spot for cattle rustlers back in the day. Or, for a longer hike, head to the nearby Barker Dam Trail, which offers fascinating views of ancient petroglyphs and seasonal water features.

Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground offers a quieter, more remote camping experience for anyone heading to the southern part of Joshua Tree, and it is also home to a completely different ecosystem. There are 62 campsites here and each can accommodate RVs up of to 35 feet. You’ll also find potable water, flush toilets, and picnic tables, giving you a few more comforts without straying too far from nature. There are no hookups for RVs, but there’s plenty of space, and the lack of light pollution makes it an excellent spot for stargazing!

Because Cottonwood is located at a lower elevation, it can be quite warm during the summer months, and spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit, as temperatures are much milder. Wildflowers are often in bloom during spring, too, especially after a wet winter, adding to the beauty of the area and offering some great wildlife spotting and photography opportunities.

Like most campsites throughout Joshua Tree, Cottonwood is a first served campsite, and each site comes with a different price. However, a budget of around $30 – $40 per night is about right, even during the peak season. There are also group sites available at Cottonwood that can accommodate between 7 – 25 people, which is ideal if you’re traveling with family or friends.

You’ll be at the gateway to some awesome hiking trails and points of interest when you camp at Cottonwood, too, many of which you won’t find in the busier northern areas of Joshua Tree. The Cottonwood Spring Oasis is a short walk from the campground and is a great spot for birdwatching, particularly during migration season, while the Lost Palms Oasis Trail is a more challenging 7.2-mile hike that leads to a hidden palm grove in a secluded canyon. Other hiking trails end with incredible views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault Line, and the staggering heights of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or simply a chance to gaze up at the star-filled sky, Joshua Tree National Park has a campground that’s perfect for you. Each site has its own unique charm, too, and with options ranging from secluded primitive spots to full-hookup RV camps, there’s something to suit every style of camping. Just remember, when you’re planning your trip, be sure to check the regulations, reserve your spot (if necessary), and come prepared for the desert’s extreme conditions.

At Travellers Autobarn, we know that part of the fun is getting there – and with unlimited miles on our RV rentals, you can explore every corner of Joshua Tree and beyond without worrying about the cost. So pack up your gear, pick a campground, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth.

Looking to extend your stay beyond Joshua Tree? For some awesome places to stay while you’re on the road, take a look at the best campervan campgrounds in California.