Joshua Tree Camping: A Complete Guide to Desert Camping

Why Joshua Tree?

There’s something otherworldly about Joshua Tree. The twisted trees, massive boulder piles, and endless stars create a landscape that feels more like another planet than Southern California. And when the sun sets and the desert cools, there’s no better place to be than around a campfire watching the Milky Way appear.

But Joshua Tree camping requires preparation. The desert doesn’t forgive the unprepared.

The Campgrounds

Joshua Tree has 9 campgrounds with roughly 500 sites total. None have showers. Most have no water. Here’s what you need to know:

First-Come, First-Served

Jumbo Rocks (124 sites) - Our Favorite

Iconic boulder scenery
Great stargazing
No water, vault toilets
Fills by 9am on weekends

Ryan (31 sites)

Higher elevation = cooler temps
Central location
No water, vault toilets
Quieter than Jumbo Rocks

Belle (18 sites)

Small, intimate
Great rock formations
No water, vault toilets
Often fills last

Hidden Valley (44 sites)

Climber’s paradise
Can be loud (climbing parties)
No water, vault toilets
Prime location, fills fast

Reservable Campgrounds

Black Rock (100 sites) - Most Amenities

Water and flush toilets!
Horse facilities
Less Joshua Tree “feel”
Reservations at Recreation.gov

Indian Cove (101 sites)

Northern entrance
Some walk-in sites
Water at ranger station
Good for rock scrambling

Cottonwood (62 sites)

Southern entrance
Water and flush toilets
Fewer crowds
Less dramatic scenery

When to Go

Best Months: October - April

October-November: Perfect weather, reasonable crowds December-February: Cold nights (below freezing), but clear skies and solitude March-April: Wildflower season (if there was rain), busiest time

Avoid: May - September

Extreme heat (100°F+), dangerous conditions, limited services.

Survival Tips

Water

Bring MORE than you think. The rule: 1 gallon per person per day minimum, plus extra for cooking. There is NO water at most campgrounds.

Temperature Swings

Desert = 40°F swings between day and night. Pack layers. Nights can hit freezing even when days are 70°F.

Sun Protection

There’s no shade. Bring a canopy, hat, and strong sunscreen. The sun is relentless.

Wind

It’s always windier than expected. Stake everything down. Bring a windproof shelter option.

Critters

Snakes, scorpions, and spiders exist. Shake out your boots. Don’t reach into holes. Mostly they want nothing to do with you.

Getting a Campsite

Weekend Strategy

First-come campgrounds: Arrive Thursday evening or Friday before 7am
Reservable campgrounds: Book 6 months ahead
If full, check dispersed BLM land (see below)

Weekday Advantage

Tuesday-Wednesday you can usually find something, even at Jumbo Rocks.

Beyond the Park: BLM Land

When park campgrounds are full, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land surrounding Joshua Tree offers free dispersed camping:

North of the park: Off Highway 62 South of the park: Near Cottonwood Springs Road

Rules:

Stay on previously disturbed sites
Pack out everything
No fires (fire rings okay if existing)
14-day limit

Best Hikes Nearby

Easy

Barker Dam Loop (1.3 mi): Petroglyphs and a seasonal lake
Skull Rock Trail (1.7 mi): Famous rock formation

Moderate

Ryan Mountain (3 mi): Best panoramic views, 1,000ft gain
Lost Horse Mine (4 mi): Historic mine ruins

Challenging

Warren Peak (6 mi): Quiet, great vistas
Boy Scout Trail (8 mi one-way): Connect to Indian Cove

Stargazing

Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear, moonless nights.

Best spots:

Keys View parking lot (after hours)
Cap Rock parking lot
Your campsite at Jumbo Rocks

Timing: New moon weeks in fall/winter. Check the moon calendar before booking.

What to Bring

Essentials

All your water (no filling up in the park)
Layers (cold nights guaranteed)
Firewood (sold outside park, no collecting inside)
Shade structure
Headlamp (vault toilets are DARK)

Nice to Have

Star map or app
Camp chairs (boulder sitting gets uncomfortable)
Camera with tripod (night photography is incredible)
Binoculars (for both stars and wildlife)

Common Mistakes

Not enough water — We can’t stress this enough
Underestimating cold nights — Pack your 40°F bag even in spring
Arriving late on weekends — Campgrounds fill by morning
No firewood — You can’t collect it in the park
Expecting phone service — It’s minimal to none

The Bottom Line

Joshua Tree camping is unlike anything else. The landscape is surreal, the stars are incredible, and the desert silence is profound. But it demands preparation.

Come ready for the desert, and it’ll give you something you can’t find anywhere else.

Get out there. The desert is waiting.