Natalie R.November 28, 2022
Desert Maui Camp Site
Great location, False advertisement
Overall location is great, but this campsite is definitely not as advertised, and I was worried about this as I saw another review that said the same thing. It says there is a hot shower on site. There is a shower, and what looks like a water tank, however there is no water heater or water flowing into any of the spouts for either shower or sink. In addition, it says each campsite comes with a gas BBQ and gas campfire. Our site had neither, but the other sites did. For $60 / night I would expect more.
Joshua Tree Bungalow
Overpriced and Under-Delivered
Alright, so the bungalow is a very nicely located shed on a fairly rural piece of land near Joshua tree. The property is representative of the desert beauty of that area and the bed is VERY comfortable!
That being said, it's clearly a work in progress and most of the listed amenities were not functioning. I don't mind roughing it, but I DO mind paying more for a hot shower and running water and a finished lodging if those things don't actually exist. The host should not be charging full price for what is basically a campsite with curtains. I was particularly disappointed that he did not even try to make it right or offer a partial refund when we discovered the broken shower and other issues. We're happy to pay for our stay, but to charge full price for a site that doesn't match its description is greedy and irresponsible.
Issues we encountered:
Host is remote and has NO idea what's happening on site. Told us he "thought" shower was fixed. Was not.
The jute rug in the bungalow seemed to have been drug across the desert? My partner and I both got large cactus spines in our feet immediately after taking off our shoes. Beware - Keep your shoes on till you get in bed!!!
Shower set up was completely disconnected/non functional.
Solar lights barely worked. Lots of half-assed construction
Sliding door is so crooked doesn't close at the top. A problem when it's winter temps and there's no heat inside.
Construction materials were scattered everywhere. Hasty and incomplete.
Jon C.recommendsNovember 15, 2022
Desert Rose
Absolutely Camp Here!
Awesome campsite! So grateful Paul shares his land in such an amazing place. Super easy to get into town and the park while still feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere (because you are). The stars are insane and we will definitely come back.
The only downfall was no functioning propane tanks. One was basically fused shut and wouldn’t open and one wasn’t compatible with the fire pit. It got cold but we managed. Most sites don’t even offer propane fire pits and I know that’s a costly amenity to offer, so we weren’t bothered.
Desert Maui Camp Site
Only ok
The site and land were beautiful. The location was easy to access. Unfortunately felt a bit too expensive for what it was. This was a plain, no frills camp site. A pic nic table and a few chairs and that was it. No fire pit. Turns out couldn’t have fires anyway. There was a sense that the property isn’t maintained regularly, or hadn’t been recently. There was trash strewn all around the property. Couldn’t go 10’ without seeing a plastic bottle, or camper trash. Very sad and not what you want to see in such a majestic place. It says pack in pack out, but there are 2 trash cans that are clearly being used and going unchecked by the owner, blowing trash around in the desert winds. The shower which was beautiful, also looked like it needed some love. No hot water, which was fine, but should advertise as such. Lots of construction debris around due to multiple build projects in different levels of completion. Didn’t meet hosts. Didn’t seem anyone was on the property when I arrived. For the price expected just a bit more. Seems like the property has the right idea, but hasn’t exactly hit the mark. Gorgeous sunset & sunrise. Wouldn’t repeat.
Claire B.recommendsOctober 3, 2022
Desert Maui Camp Site
This site was gorgeous! We absolutely loved the scenery and having more space to ourselves. The location to Joshua Tree National Park and the nearby towns was great. So easy to book, and clear directions to and from the site! Would definitely go back!
Daisy C.recommendsJune 6, 2022
Desert Rose
This site was pretty average I would say. It's a bit out in the middle of nowhere, which is great if you want to see some stars! I would recommend having either a four wheel drive vehicle or at least a car that can handle dirt roads. They have BBQ grills and gas fire places available, but we never used those. Nice touch though! I was incredibly surprised out how clean the porta potty was during our stay. We had a TON of coyotes around us, which we thought was very neat, but maybe something to consider if you are camping with kids that might get scared.