1 / 58

The Desert Ambassador Camp

Hosted by Max · Yucca Valley, California
2 sites · RV, Tent · 3 acres
100%
·
22 reviews
Avatar
Near Joshua Tree National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Black Rock Nature Center.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Max is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Inspiring sunrises and breathtaking sunsets in the high desert are a magical experience matched only by full moon and starfilled moonless nights. We fell in love with this natural land within minutes of Joshua Tree National Park entrance. We began tent camping on the 2.5 acres with friends on weekends and holidays. Eventually we brought our Airstream (The Desert Ambassador) onto the property as an off grid escape from the city. Our plans are to keep the property as natural and unspoiled as possible and continue to share this unique part of the American landscape with you. We now offer 2 sites, Upper and Lower. They are located on opposite sides of the 2.5 acre property and provide a unique private space to enjoy your time in the desert. Learn more about our land: Get away and relax under the Joshua trees with a glass of wine and a book, hike through the meandering terrain, and gather around a glowing fire-pit at night with your family and friends under the vast night sky. The Desert Ambassador Camp is located in the Southern California high desert, less than a 2 hour drive from the Los Angeles/OC area. This secluded escape is a short distance (2.5 mi) to the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, Covington Flats, and Black Rock hiking/day use areas.  Nestled between the towns of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, The Desert Ambassador Camp is just minutes away from near by off-road parks like Johnson Valley OHV and other high desert attractions. Our natural (undeveloped) high desert land boasts dozens of Joshua trees, cactus and wildflowers in addition to, views of rocky foothills to the south and the desert valley to the north and east. You can see wildlife including: jackrabbits, quail, hawks, kangaroo rats, snakes, and coyotes in and around the property. This is a primitive camping site. Bring your tent and/or RV, camping supplies, (plenty of water), and your sense of adventure.
from
$36
/ night
2 sites

Select a site

Filter by

RV/tent sites

2 sites
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Ambassador Site

100%
(25)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 25 ft
The Lower Site offers offers remote primitive camping, with a central fire ring, two designated tent spots, RV parking, and a picnic table. The property is a mixture of loose decomposed granite, rocky terrain with many Joshua trees, cactus and wildflowers. the terrain on this area of the property is relatively even. The lower site is just down the trail from a natural wash. Bring your tent and/or RV, camping supplies, (plenty of water), and your sense of adventure.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$36
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Desert Ambassador - Upper Site

100%
(6)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 25 ft
The Upper Site is larger and offers primitive camping with a 12'x24' platform/deck to lounge or set up on, a fire ring down a short lighted path, tent spots, RV parking, and a picnic table. The upper site also has 2 cornhole boards for use (with your own bags) The property is a mixture of loose decomposed granite, rocky terrain with many Joshua trees, cactus and wildflowers. The trail form the camping/parking area to the firepit has a pprox 25' change in elevation. Take care wlaking the paths. Bring your tent and/or RV, camping supplies, (plenty of water), and your sense of adventure.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$41
/ night
for NaN guests
from
$36
/ night
2 sites

Reviews

100% Recommend31 ratings · 22 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
21 ft travel trailer ·
Desert Ambassador - Upper Site
Peace and Quiet. For being close to town we could not hear anything. Very well maintained property. While we didn't use the fire pit it was nice. We enjoyed beautiful nights under the stars and unwinding.
Avatar
Troy B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
21 ft Class B ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
The Lower Ambassador site exceeded our expectations! The location was perfect — close enough to town and the park for easy access, yet secluded enough to enjoy the wildlife and the peaceful silence of the trees and stars at night. The views of the skyline and surrounding landscape were incredible, allowing us to take in both sunrise and sunset in total tranquility. It truly elevated our experience. If we’re ever in the area again, we will absolutely come back!
J
Jessica E.
4 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Peaceful Stay with Amazing Views
20 ft campervan · With pets ·
Desert Ambassador - Upper Site
We stayed at the Desert Ambassador Upper Site in a 20-foot camper van, and it was a great experience. Even arriving at night, the site was easy to find. Two-wheel drive vehicles should watch for soft sand, but overall, navigation was simple. The road is a bit bumpy, but driving slow makes it manageable. The location is quiet and feels remote, though you can see some city lights and a few nearby houses. Noise wasn’t an issue, and we still felt secluded. The deck was a fantastic touch—we parked right beside it, and it worked perfectly for setting up a Gazelle tent for our six-year-old son and two small dogs. The views were breathtaking, and while we didn’t see as many stars due to clouds and the moon, this would be a great spot for stargazing on a clear night. There’s also a fire pit, which we didn’t use but was nice to have. A major plus is the convenience of nearby stores—Walmart is just 1.5 miles away, making it easy to grab anything you need. Overall, this was a fantastic campsite, and we’ll definitely return, hopefully on a clearer night. Highly recommend for a peaceful desert getaway!
B
Brian K.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
14 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Desert Ambassador - Upper Site
We loved camping here! The site was level and worked great for our tear drop trailer. We stayed a couple of nights and loved the starry nights and proximity to the park. The wooden deck was also super helpful for setting up a play area for our 11mo old. Would definitely recommend!
C
Caitlin K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2024
Beautiful 360 Views
Tent ·
Desert Ambassador - Upper Site
My boyfriend and I had a great time on the property! There were a few things that made it seem like they were still working on building things out like stray boxes of flooring wood and something that looked like satellites on the ground/maybe some electric poles, and the cornhole bags were missing, but the 360 views of the mountains were definitely amazing! I think once the grounds are more cleaned up it will definitely be worth the price point for tent camping. Overall we had a great time and will definitely consider staying here again on our next JT visit!
P
Paige P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2024
Tent ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
We had a great time staying at the Dessert Ambasador- Lower Site! The campsite was well maintained and Max’s instructions on how to find it made it possible to find even in the dark! It felt remote compared to Joshua Tree Park campsites but a short drive from 29 plans main areas and the park itself! We did see 4 coyotes roaming near camp when we pulled up after being out exploring so be on alert if your pets are off leash near the camp. Overall great stay!
L
Lauren W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2023
Tent · With kids ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Great spot with plenty of space and privacy. Close to town if you are looking for that convenience. Very close to Joshua Tree, perfect place to stay right outside the park.
Avatar
Josh C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2023
Tent ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Loved this site! Private and beautiful space. Off the main road and about a 15 minute drive to the Joshua Tree National Park entrance. Max is a great host - very helpful and kind!
O
Olivia J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2023
Awesome site
Tent · Group trip ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Awesome campsite with lots of space, nice sunsets, and great stargazing despite being so close to town. The site is conveniently located, right by the park entrance and also a short drive into Yucca Valley if you need to get anything from town. Max was super accommodating and gave us a bunch of useful info when we arrived.
Avatar
Luisa S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2023
Tent ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Beautiful site surrounded by Joshua trees and desert plants. Host is organized and friendly, site is neat and clean! Definitely would recommend for campers who are self-sufficient at dry camping, bring a tarp or shade if the weather looks to be windy or hot, it is on a sloped plain (between the mountains where the park is and the valley where the towns are)! Great access to MTB or walk on dirt roads to Northside of JT park without a car if desired, or drive dirt to access trails and exploring north west of park. Thanks max!
Avatar
Em P.
4 reviews
Recommends
· April 2022
1st class park setting yet secluded
Tent · With pets ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Beautiful camp site. So close to the park entrance yet so secluded! Amazing fire pit. Bring lots of wood. Our hostess Dana was Lovely. Highly recommended ❤️💕
Avatar
Julie G.
4 reviews
Recommends
· April 2022
Camping Under the Joshua Trees!
Tent · With kids ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Beautiful site amongst the Joshua Trees, close to everything but far enough removed that you feel like youre truly in the backcountry of Joshua Tree. Very close to a much less crowded area of JTNP. Highly recommend.
G
Genevieve K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
This is the perfect location. It feels remote but is a 5 minute drive from Vons supermarket. The host Max was prompt with texts and very helpful with tips. Joshua Tree NP is less than a 10 minute drive away. There is a picnic table and fire pit with a grill that fits over it. We brought a canopy and set it over the picnic table- there is no shade on the property which is typical of the area and landscape. Bring lots of water!
D
Deborah S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2022
Beautiful Private Camp
19 ft Class C · Group trip ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Max was an amazing host, answered all our questions and made sure the camp was best for our family. It's quiet, private, and beautiful. Location is minutes to Joshua Tree or all the amenities of Joshua Tree city.
Avatar
Kenneth R.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2022
16 ft campervan ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Beautiful location with nice picnic table and fire pit. Very close to Joshua National park. Excellent communication. We had a great time!
A
Andrew T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2022
Terrific alternative to the Park
Tent · With pets ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
We had a wonderful experience at this site. Max was the perfect host; terrific communication, meeting us at check-in and going over the site. Great privacy, especially compared to the very crowded campsites at Joshua Tree Nat'l Park, but still close enough to the park and town. A lot of work has gone into making this a great site including a bottle opener on one of the posts and soft lighting on one of the many Joshua Trees.
Avatar
Christine S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2021
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Max and his wife are fantastic hosts. Super welcoming and excellent communication about their place. They even gave us recommendations for local spots. Their land is accessible yet private with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Views galore!
Avatar
Lisa W.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2021
Beautiful remote desert dry camp
Group trip ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
We really enjoyed our stay! Great spot if you want all the desert scenery, to be away from the crowds and are prepared to dry camp. Short drive to JTNP. Max is very friendly, good with the communication and was there to greet us when we arrived and showed us to the site. Feels remote but you’re just a short drive to town if you need to pick anything up. Highly recommend!
J
Jennifer B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2021
Beautiful & private nature getaway!
Group trip ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
This campsite is absolutely perfect if you want to submerge yourself in nature privately and safely! It is free from other campers and is packed with Joshua trees and beautiful desert plant life, animals, etc. The camp host Max is lovely and gave us lots of great recommendations about nearby activities. He continually responded to my messages promptly and made booking a breeze. Not a far drive from the national park entrance makes it much easier to get up early and beat the crowds. (Also a quick drive to coffee and food, firewood, etc.) 10/10 would recommend and hope to be back soon!
Avatar
Brooke V.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2021
Group trip ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
Great spot in the desert with very easy access to Joshua Tree NP. Our family loved being away from the crowds of the park campgrounds but still have the Desert environment, stars, and abundance of Joshua Trees, yucca’s, and other desert flora. Host Max went out of his way to welcome us despite an unplanned late arrival. Definitely recommend - thanks Max!
A
Andrew B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2021
Secluded & Beautiful Location
Group trip ·
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
We loved our stay at Max’s camp. The location was secluded, filled with Joshua trees, and close to multiple park gates. Day views of the desert and night views of the stars were stellar. Max was a very accommodating host and communication was easy. Will stay again. Thanks Max!
D
Drew Q.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2021
Great little remote camp
Desert Ambassador - Lower Site
We’ve been traveling to the national parks during COVID, and Joshua Tree was next on our list. We were looking for a campsite within the park, but they were booked. We found this little gem on Hipcamp and could not have been happier. It’s just minutes from the gate, but unlike the cramped and noisy sites within the park, this camp was peaceful and remote, like a desert oasis. If you like camping to get away from it all then make this your first choice when visiting Joshua Tree. You won’t be disappointed. The host here is great, very friendly and wants to make sure you fully enjoy your experience. Will definitely stay again the next time we’re in the area.
R
Roger H.
4 years on Hipcamp

Location

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

Hosted by Max B.

Joined in February 2021

Things to do nearby

    Similar campgrounds nearby

      Popular searches in California

      RV parks & camping
      RV parks & camping with full hookups
      Camping with campfires
      Dog-friendly camping
      Private sites camping
      Desert camping
      Pets off leash camping
      Camping with hiking
      1. United States
      2. California
      3. Yucca Valley

      About us

      Gift cardsGeneral storeJournalCareersPressHipcamper FAQ

      Hosting

      Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?Professional campgroundsInsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

      Everywhere You Want To Camp™

      Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

      Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

      Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemapLLMS
      © 2025 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
      Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.