Joshua Tree Container Resort
10 acres hosted by Steve J.
3 lodging sites · 7 RV/tent sites · 1 RV site
Near Joshua Tree National Park
Within a 30-minute drive from the Oasis Visitor Center.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Big rig-friendly
Spacious, level camping well-suited for travel trailers over 40 ft long.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Hiking
Horseback riding
Natural features
Cave
Desert
Field
Ranch
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Reviews
96% Recommend180 ratings · 126 reviews
El Ranchito offers a range of experiences for campers, with some visitors praising its serene desert setting and amenities like a hot tub and sauna which make for a relaxing retreat after a day exploring Joshua Tree. However, interactions with the host have been mixed; while some find him helpful and accommodating, others describe him as inconsistent and dismissive. The facilities are well-equipped, with highlights including star-gazing opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere. Despite the promising features, some guests have faced unexpected situations, impacting their overall experience.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Mixed feelings
· May 2025
22 ft Class B · With pets ·
Tent or Hammock Camping @ spa/ranch
This spot truly has great potential and many of the amenities I look for in a stay. I could genuinely see myself enjoying it under different circumstances.
Unfortunately, our experience was impacted by what seemed to be an unexpected, one-off situation on the owner's end. When I brought my concerns to his attention, his response was quite direct and, in my opinion, dismissive of my perspective as a guest. It appears there may have been some misunderstandings on my part regarding aspects of the property, which he pointed out quite abruptly.
Overall, while the property itself has the makings of being amazing, we found the management style and the pet pricing policy for boondocking-style camping to be less than impressive.
Rene W.
2 months on Hipcamp
This was my second visit to el ranchito and I’ll be back many times. Steve has created a beautiful oasis in the desert and takes care to make certain everyone is respectful of each other and the land.
Both of my kids came with me this time and they felt the same way. We slept on hammocks and the party that was going on next to us noticed we were going to bed and immediately wound down.
That doesn’t happen at every hip camp or campground one goes to.
The facilities are amazing… Like a spa in the middle of nowhere. The best part is that there is no pretentiousness that comes with typical southern California spas and resorts. Anyone and everyone would feel at home here, whether you’re looking for a wilderness experience or posh glamping.
It is priceless to be able to soak in a hot tub and sauna under pristine skies at night after climbing all day at Joshua tree. Sublime.
Mike A.
12 reviews
Our stay was incredible! We stayed on the camp sites. The area is well equipped with an amazing jacuzzi, pool, sauna, bathrooms, and showers. There is a drive-in movie just a few minutes away that I would recommend checking out after a day of hiking/climbing in Joshua Tree.
G
Garrett J.
3 months on Hipcamp
Friendly people - friendlier dogs (if you meet them) - fantastic amenities!
Pro-Tip: Know where you're going on the site before-hand, especially after dark. It can be hard to see and get you bearings if you're new to this, or haven't done it in 20 years. :)
Ian C.
3 months on Hipcamp
The space was expansive and we really enjoyed the hot tub and sauna every day after hiking. The manager was quick to respond to our messages and had great recs for hikes and dinner spots. Our only negative was the wind. Because it's so open there is nothing to break the wind near the tent sites. Some small windbreaks with rebar and railroad ties could vastly improve the sites so tents were less affected.
H
Hillary K.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Great spot for a night of peaceful camping in the desert. Host was friendly and the hot tub was a nice amenity.
J
Jeremy H.
3 reviews
Steve is a thoughtful host and fascinating human being. This is a luxury-laden little resort getaway with desert backcountry charm and wide open skies. There are two adorable dogs on property and we couldn’t get enough of them. Jacuzzi, sauna, Wi-Fi, hammocks and a dump station in the middle of nowhere. The dry sauna is crazy tech I had no idea existed. Combine the two level shipping container structure with the pack of coyotes yipping at dusk, it feels like Frederick Remington survived Fallout.
S
Steven A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Great Experience!
25 ft Class A ·
Site 1 - RV camp on J Tree Ranch w/ hookups
Great facilities and easy hookups for our RV. Steve is a great host! We will come back again
David D.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· February 2025
Steve was nice and the venue was fun! The fee’s charged are unacceptable. I signed up for $199 per night and my credit card was charged $382 $99 cleaning fee and a 50 something or odd amount of dollars for service fee. I was unaware of these charges when I book the room I reached out to Hipcamp to ask about the fees but I have yet to hear back.
J
Joseph B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Beautiful, peaceful and safe
With kids ·
Ranch House suite, 2 beds, spa, gym
Beautiful and peaceful. Clean lodge with great amenities. Traveled with my 8 year old daughter and her friend, my mom and I and I felt safe. We enjoyed ourselves. Our neighbors were nice as well. Thank you to our host for a great experience.
T
Tracy C.
8 months on Hipcamp
Nice view, very quiet and host very friendly.
Good time away from the city crowd.
M
Marine C.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
17 ft campervan ·
Site 1 - RV camp on J Tree Ranch w/ hookups
Beautiful land and friendly host. Hot tub and star gazing was incredible! Good cell reception, spotty WiFi.
T
Tiana M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
16 ft car · With pets ·
Site 4 - RV camp on J Tree Ranch w/ hookups
We loved the camping in this area! Steve had a great set up and relaxing amenities to help make your stay enjoyable. Amazing star gazing opportunities. We highly recommend and will be back soon.
J
Jordan N.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
Do not skip this spot!!!
Tent · With kids ·
Tent or Hammock Camping @ spa/ranch
Steve has created an absolute destination in the container resort. I’m certain the containers would be spectacular as a lodging option, but camping under the stars with coyotes lullabying my daughter and I to sleep was priceless! Steve was awesome, letting us sleep in the hammocks with a star viewing cutout, and was helpful at every turn. The place s immaculate in its design, and the amenities (hot tubs, saunas, and *epic view* showers ) were like an oasis of old in the desert. Steve went above and beyond as a host and we will *definitely* be back soon💜
Mike A.
12 reviews
Steve’s camp (or should I say Glamp) was the most relaxing camp experience I’ve ever had in my life. I was there for less than 24 hours and it felt like I spent an entire week relaxing. I enjoyed an amazing sauna and one of the best jacuzzis ever, and I’m very particular about my hot tubs. Steve was also the most hospitable host I’ve come across and he’s an even better tour guide (I highly recommend his ATV tour around Joshua Tree). Extremely accommodating and the nicest guy in the world.
If you’re looking to enjoy Joshua Tree, just relax for a few days, stargaze, or all of the above, then this is the place to stay. 100%. I’ve already recommended it to all of my friends and family.
T
Tom N.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Amazing place
30 ft Class C · Group trip ·
Site 3 - RV camp on J Tree Ranch w/ hookups
What a cool place! We had a great time there!
Joshua has an area with a pool, jacuzzi, and played guitar for us!
It was amazing!
T
Thaiane M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Steve is the best! Very welcoming and the Ranch is one of our favorite places to stay.
L
Lehr B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
16 ft car ·
Site 4 - RV camp on J Tree Ranch w/ hookups
The owner is super sweet and very welcoming. The place was easy to find. It was extremely comfortable, and star watching is amazing there!! We recommend checking it out!
R
Rachael C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Tent or Hammock Camping @ spa/ranch
I love the all the amenities included in the camping site. The camping grounds were very spacious and clean. Host was very nice and gave us a nice little tour. It went very well for our first time. We will be back again as it holds a very special place for us.
L
Linda L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Group trip ·
Mid-air suspended container home
This is a quiet and convenient place to spend time with your friends. Although it looks like a barren desert during the day, it is also a place close to nature where you can see and hear the sound of the wind. There is a sunset that makes you forget the worries of the day, a sunrise that makes you dream of hope for the day, and at night, beautiful constellations that remind you of the myth of the stars will make you happy. It's a safe and quiet place where your dog can come and have fun with you. I would like to recommend this place to my friends.
S
Soo Jin P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· May 2024
25 ft campervan ·
Tent or Hammock Camping @ spa/ranch
The location is great but the amenities Fe misrepresented. The toilet was just a random trailer toilet in what appeared to be someone's trailer. Dirty, no running water. No pool, only hot tub that got to about 102 degrees. Shower was very hot but not very private and the shower head had nowhere to hang so you have to hold it.
J
Jessica F.
3 reviews
Amenities were adequate water was hot in the shower. The toilet was kept clean. hot tub was a nice touch and helped me relax after a lot of hiking in Joshua Tree. If you want quick access to the park this place is fantastic. Staff was super responsive. First night I arrived I was met with high winds no fault of the site but plan accordingly its the desert wind is a thing.
V
Vincent U.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Tent or Hammock Camping @ spa/ranch
We had a great time tent camping at El Ranchito! Jonsey was a great host and our tent camping neighbors were super sweet, too. Would rec!
M
Meredith A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
We loved the ranch and it was so close to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. It was our first time visiting and it was perfect.
A
Angie B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Tent or Hammock Camping @ spa/ranch
Amazing amazing location! Our host and his doggies were great. Absolutely recommend this treasure of a campsite.
Ria M.
4 reviews
We stayed here on the last night of our 2 week trip and it was a lovely relaxing time - the hot tub was amazing after a long hike!
Jonesy is a really personable guy and a great host, and his dogs are beautiful.
The ranch is very serene and you do feel in the middle of nowhere, with a great view of the night sky. We loved it and would happily recommend staying here.
G
Greg H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
30 ft Class A · With pets ·
Site 1 - RV camp on J Tree Ranch w/ hookups
The perfect place to getaway in my bus! Thank you so much for the hospitality. My best friend and I really enjoyed the quiet space. The hot tub was excellent.
S
Sarah B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2024
Gem in the Desert!
17 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·
Tent or Hammock Camping @ spa/ranch
Incredible place, location, and host. Will be back!
G
Griffin F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
Beautiful sunsets near JT NP
16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Site 3 - RV camp on J Tree Ranch w/ hookups
Great communication from the owner. Nice location with beautiful sunsets and views. 25 minutes from shopping in JT. Close to 29
palms and Park entrances. We chose a hookup site Which is adjacent to hammock area & containers with little privacy. If we return we would do a boondock site. Book your reservation a few days out if possible as the weather changed on us and there were 40 mph wind gusts. We packed up early and left a night early forfeiting 1 night. The cancellation policy is strict 30 days out. Overall private and nice experience.
Judy & Mark H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
Our stay out here was a good get away. The owners were so kind and made the location very easy to find. They were very considerate of our work schedules and allowing us to check in late. Would definitely come out again.
A
Alexis K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Location
Twentynine Palms, San Bernardino, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Steve J.
Joined in July 2021Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
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