Joshua Tree National Park is a popular camping destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its stunning desert landscapes and unique rock formations. If you’re planning to camp in Joshua Tree, it’s important to make a reservation in advance to ensure availability, as campsites can fill up quickly during peak season.

There are nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, with a range of options from primitive campsites to those with amenities like running water and flush toilets.

8 popular campgrounds of Joshua Tree Camping

Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree Camping

Black Rock is one of the popular campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. Located at the northwestern edge of the park, it is accessible through the town of Yucca Valley. It is situated at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has 100 campsites.

Each campsite in Black Rock has a picnic table, a fire pit, and a grill. The campsites can accommodate both tents and RVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground also has potable water, flush toilets, and dump stations.

Black Rock offers several amenities to its campers, including a visitor center, a nature trail, and an amphitheater. The nature trail is a one-mile loop that offers views of the surrounding desert landscape. The amphitheater hosts ranger-led programs and campfire talks during the peak season.

Black Rock is open year-round and reservations can be made up to six months in advance. During the peak season, which runs from October to May, reservations are highly recommended as the campground can fill up quickly.

Overall, Black Rock is an excellent option for those who want to explore the northern section of Joshua Tree National Park. Its proximity to Yucca Valley and its amenities make it a popular choice among visitors to the park.

Cottonwood

Cottonwood is one of the nine campgrounds located in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located in the southern part of the park, near the Cottonwood Visitor Center. It is relatively small and has 62 campsites, making it the perfect spot for a quiet and peaceful camping experience.

The campsites at Cottonwood are surrounded by desert vegetation and have views of the surrounding mountains. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, and there are also restrooms with running water and flush toilets. The campground is open year-round and is typically less crowded than some of the other ones in the park.

Cottonwood is a great base camp for exploring the southern part of the park, including hiking trails, scenic drives, and the nearby Cottonwood Springs oasis. The campground is also close to the Eagle Mountains and the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area, which offer additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Reservations are recommended for Cottonwood and can be made up to six months in advance. The campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis from June through September, but reservations are strongly recommended during the peak season from October through May.

Indian Cove

Indian Cove is another popular one in Joshua Tree National Park, located approximately 13 miles east of the town of Joshua Tree. It offers 101 campsites for tents and RVs, all of which are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

Indian Cove is known for its stunning rock formations, making it a popular spot for rock climbers. It also offers access to several hiking trails, including the Indian Cove Trail, which is a 6.3-mile loop that provides views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.

In addition to camping and hiking, Indian Cove is also a great place for stargazing, as it is located far away from city lights. There are several designated stargazing areas within the campsite, and during the winter months, the campground hosts a popular astronomy program.

Jumbo Rocks

Jumbo Rocks is another popular campground in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located in the northern section of the park, about 18 miles from the town of Twentynine Palms. Jumbo Rocks is known for its unique rock formations and boulder piles that create a natural playground for hikers and rock climbers.

The campground has 124 sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, and potable water and pit toilets are located throughout the campsite. Jumbo Rocks is a tent-only campground, and RVs and trailers are not permitted.

The campsites at Jumbo Rocks are surrounded by massive rock formations that create a stunning landscape. Visitors can hike the Jumbo Rocks Loop Trail or explore nearby rock formations like Skull Rock and Arch Rock. Jumbo Rocks is also a popular spot for stargazing, with clear night skies offering views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects.

Ryan

Ryan is located near the park’s historic Ryan Ranch, and it has 31 campsites that can accommodate tents, vans, and small RVs. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table, and there are vault toilets and drinking water available.

Belle

Belle is a small, primitive campground located in the northwest corner of the park. It has just 18 campsites that can accommodate tents, vans, and small RVs. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table, and there are vault toilets and no drinking water available.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is located near the center of the park, and it is known for its beautiful rock formations. It has 44 campsites that can accommodate tents, vans, and small RVs. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table, and there are vault toilets and no drinking water available. It is open year-round.

White Tank

White Tank is located in the northeast corner of the park, and it is known for its scenic hiking trails. It has 15 campsites that can accommodate tents, vans, and small RVs. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table, and there are vault toilets and no drinking water available. The campground is open year-round.

To make a reservation for one of these campgrounds, visit the recreation.gov website or call 1-877-444-6777. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and are strongly recommended, especially during peak season (October through May). Keep in mind that some campgrounds may have the length of stay limits, so be sure to check the details when making your reservation.

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