"Apocalypse Wow"- Tent Site

94%

14 reviews

· Twentynine Palms, San Bernardino, California · 30 acres

Hosted by Derek D.

RV/tent site

· 4 guests max

Near Joshua Tree National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Oasis Visitor Center.

This open camp tent area is owned by (and was/is built by) the former HGTV host of the show "Tiny House Builders". The site also houses a "wooden tent" or micro glamping pod named "The Little Lantern" (a second listing) that is fun to check out, take pix of, store gear in- the structures serve as windbreaks and shade walls for tent campers and you can hang out on the benches near them, use their fire pits, and so on. The owner is also the author of several design and budget-build/reuse books (the bestseller "Micro Shelters" and others). Decades back this land was the site of an old RV park, so we've been in the long process of cleaning it up and removing junk from some corners of the site- but a bit still remains (its NOT pristine- still in the works). As a result you'll find some cool, weird, and unusual detritus and salvage out here (but not so much close to the camp spots)- old car parts, industrial knobs and dials- feel free to explore. Camp at your own risk though if you wander off to check this stuff out. The immediate camping area is cleared/clean. This has made it a favorite spot for junk collectors and photographers (we've found everything from old coins, to actual silver, cool rocks/geodes, and vintage car parts). This place would also make for a great spot for video or fashion shoots (which aren't allowed unless you seek separate permission from us!). Its a dirt site, but easy to get into, easy to pull into and turn around in (even with an RV), and you basically have about 5 acres all to yourself in most cases. There is one other camp site on the property (two total- the little lantern, and the van area for tenting- they are separate and spread out). Note: As I'm not sure of the current hip camp/country standings (new vague rules), I had removed this listing/put it on "hold", but it keeps going live/not adjusting- for that reason I'm just going to keep it live and allow people to book/stay until things are figured out by hip camp (so as not to inconvenience anyone).This spot has a direct view of Joshua Tree National Park (the mountains, etc) in the distance- the 29 Palms park entrance is 15 minutes away from where you'll sleep, if that. This 5 acres tent area/land rental has a no frills camping gear structure that looks REALLY cool when lit from inside at night- hence the name, "The Little Lantern"- feel free to store gear in it if need be, though its not the rental at hand. This is actually a simple tent site- on the ground or the 8' by 8' platform. The little lantern interior is 6' wide and 8' long- plenty of storage room and it serves as a cool, aesthetic wind break. We are in the process of cleaning up all the land (its a former RV park from looooong ago), but the immediate area around the camping pod is clean, nice. All a work in progress to bring the land back to what it was naturally (the proceeds of these rentals go towards that project). Nice and flat- lot of parking space- easy to turn around. The neighbors lot you'll pass is pretty messy (they're harmless, nice even), but ours is much cleaner when you get to it. Bring your camper, RV, etc. Sandy road to get to it, but we've never once gotten stuck- even with a compact car.

RV details

Caravans, Trailer tents, Motorhome, Campervan, Class C (larger motorhome with overcab space), Campervans, and Cars allowed

We've had just about everything in size pull in here.

Vehicles under 10 metres allowed

There is room to pull through and circle around/turn around- packed earth/hard- LOTS of space- we've had some HUGE campers in here before.

Pull-through unit

There is room to pull through and circle around/turn around- packed earth/hard- LOTS of space- we've had some HUGE campers in here before.

Accommodates slideouts

There is room to pull through and circle around/turn around- packed earth/hard- LOTS of space- we've had some HUGE campers in here before.

Surface type: Loose gravel

Dirt or Sand lot (didn't give me that option)- stick to the cleaned up/open areas (which I assume anyone would anyway)- I don't want any vegetation getting hurt. Much of the surface on the actual site is hard packed.

Surface levelness: Flat

No Fifth wheels and Toy haulers

We've had just about everything in size pull in here.

Generators allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

No sewage hookup

Simple composting (we haul out) toilet shack on site

No TV hookup

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit. plenty of wood and wood scraps to burn- just the small stuff please.

Toilet available

Composting toilet. Its really simple and lo-fi. Its front is open (no wall) and faces a 2 mile view into the desert towards the base. Don't worry no one can see you. Its a primative composting toilet with a view. Waste gets dehydrated and is hauled out once a year.

Pets allowed

I'd keep them on a leash- there is so much land out here if they run off you may never get them back.

Picnic table present

Not so much a picnic table, but a deck with a bench area to sit/relax at

No drinking water

Bring your own water

No showers

Pack it out

Cooking equipment absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Super Strict

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

94% Recommend17 ratings · 14 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Unique and inspiring spot

5 m car · With kids

I spent two nights on Memorial Day weekend with my 10 year old son who loves to scavenge for trinkets, and he was entertained the entire time. He also loved the micro structure as a hangout spot. I got what I was hoping for out of this site and had a nice stay. Super quiet with good stargazing and privacy. Very easy to get to Joshua Tree National Park, and many amenities close by. Derek was helpful and communicative, so we felt great about the whole experience.

Orion B.

7 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

7 m campervan

Site was in a really convenient location near Joshua tree which was nice. Lots of space and a he sky view at night was pretty, saw some pretty cool shooting stars, constellations etc. def heed the description of you are bringing pets. Lots of glass and nails around so not great to let your pets roam freely

Mallory P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2023

Tent

Couldn’t have picked out a better spot. It feels totally secluded and the vibe of the space was perfect for a Joshua tree getaway. The park and shops were about 2 miles away which wasn’t bad at all. Very much loved the space and you can tell work was put into it.

Manuel E.

5 reviews

Mixed feelings

· March 2023

Read description well before reserv

Tent

This campsite is just as described. We were fascinated by the debris and old stuff on the lot. Do not bring dogs or children to this campsite since there is so much broken glass and rusty nails. I think it will be an amazing spot, once they get it cleaned up. We only stayed one night due to the base lights. It was difficult to see the stars because the military base lights are prominent.

Michele M.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2023

Tent

This is a good and somewhat interesting site where we ultimately had a great time. The campsite itself was as described which is a bit of a mixed bag - the amenities of the site itself were great: the platform (where we rolled out our yoga mats and did a little practice), the fire pit, benches, work table and the wind break were really great and helpful. But as Derek let us know, the outlying part of the site is a little trashy which at first is kind of odd but not terrible and clearly Derek is working to clean it up. The only tough part for us was that it was quite windy. That said, the open desert views, the sunrise and sunset and the amazing array of stars were fabulous. We had a really fun time just being in the desert. Derek was great and gave us a ton of info before we arrived.

Stewart W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2023

Tent

Fun and funky! Loved it! Felt nice to be out in the open desert. Derek was great to work with, and gave very detailed instructions, which was most helpful.

Steve P.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2023

Nice, and quiet spot

Tent

Great, quite spot! Lots of interesting apocalyptic artifacts to create some wild desert art. We had no trouble with locating the site, thanks to Derek’s details. Check in-out was nice and easy and flexible. Thanks so much Derek! We will be back 🤙🏼

Sylvia K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2022

Tent

Unique location, and expertly curated. The time and effort continuously invested into the property really stands out. Expansive views, "Mad Max" aesthetic, minimalist but comfortable and functional amenities; it feels much more remote than the surprisingly short hop back downtown for supplies would suggest. Absolutely love it, would DEFINITELY stay there again.

Josh S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2022

End of the Earth & Isolated A+++

Tent

Great low key campsite to get away from it all. Really liked the van set up at the end of the site which served as a hang out area during the day & night for us. We were able to find plenty of firewood scattered throughout the site. We loved the ‘end of the earth’ vibe. What more do you need? Derek reached out before, during & after our visit to see if we needed anything which was a sign of a great host.

Sean R.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2022

Tent

Loved it! Cozy, unique privacy, cool vibes. Definitely recommend

Chelsea P.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2022

We had a blast!

Group trip

My group and I had an absolute blast on Derek's property! It's definitely rustic and not for the faint of heart but that made us love it all the more. Having the van/platform/pallet wall to store our supplies in was clutch as was the firepit and free (gatherable) firewood. And hunting for treasures on the 5 acres was definitely a highlight. We made such great memories at this site with 4 humans and 2 furbabies and will be back next time we're in 29 Palms. Derek was also super helpful and responsive! And we were close enough to the 29 Palms JTNP entrance that we could leave mid-day and then drive back for sunset- very convenient!

Lyndsey S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· February 2022

Great desert camping cabin

We had a great time at the Little Lantern! It's a great spot that feels far away enough from town to have solitude, but not so far that you can't easily get to town. The micro cabin itself is sturdy, cute and original. It's able to be latched from inside and outside. Since we went in the winter, the sun warming up the cabin in the morning was great. There's also a great platform for keeping your stuff out of the sand or for hanging up a hammock. The vault toilet is well built and convenient. There are 2 fire rings and a grate for cooking on. Plenty of scrap wood around for burning. There are wooden chairs and benches to sit around the fire. The sky is so clear and beautiful at night. The host is friendly and communicative. Everything was as described in the listing. Thanks, Derek!

Rachel G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· January 2022

We loved camping on Derek's land... and its close proximity to Joshua Tree! The spot is just as it is described. If you dig more remote places without a ton of fancy amenities or people around, this is the place for you. Derek is such a nice guy and is so prompt and detailed with his communication. The structures he has built on the land are delightfully eccentric and one-of-a-kind. There are so many small details to look at and appreciate! A huge unanticipated bonus was the free firewood and hours of "treasure hunting" through all of the remaining debris on the property. There are so many cool, vintage finds to be uncovered! I didn't want to stop searching. Overall great spot and I can't wait to see what other cool stuff Derek does with it. It's newly listed, so slide into those reservations before more people catch wind of this gem!

Tracy H.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2021

Fun, quirky spot. Perfect distance from Joshua Tree NP- approx 15 mins from Oasis Visitor Center (twentynine palms entrance). Plenty of space to set up your tent, or sleep in the van, or in the new structure Derek built (see pictures). Phone service wasn’t an issue. Had a nice fire and star gazed. Bring your own water, trash bags, and toilet paper. Derek has some on site but for emergency/personal use only. Funky outhouse for bathroom. Definitely not for everyone but I loved it. Derek is working on the space; maintaining its character while cleaning up the land. I enjoyed walking around the property and uncovering pieces of the past. Derek is a friendly, communicative host. Definitely will be back!

Bailey C.

2 reviews

Location

Twentynine Palms, San Bernardino, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking