Can You Stay in Joshua Tree National Park?

Yes, you can stay inside Joshua Tree National Park. While there are no hotels or lodges in the park itself, if you’re game for desert camping you are definitely in luck — there are nine official campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, and many other great camping, glamping and RV options in the area surrounding Joshua Tree.

The 9 campgrounds in Joshua Tree

Five of Joshua Tree’s campgrounds let you reserve a site up to six months in advance: Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, Black Rock, Cottonwood and Sheep Pass. These sites frequently fill-up on peak season weekends (October to May), so make sure to book well in advance.

There are four additional campgrounds that are walk-in (first come, first served) only, giving spontaneous visitors a chance at a great site too: Hidden Valley, Ryan, Belle and White Tank.

What it’s like to camp in Joshua Tree National Park

First time campers to Joshua Tree take note: most campgrounds here are sparse, with pit toilets and no running water or electricity. That means you’ll need to carry all of your water into the park with you. The park recommends 1-2 gallons of drinking water per person per day, and you’ll want cooking and cleaning water on top of that (the exceptions are Cottonwood and Black Rock, which both have drinking water and flush toilets on site). There are communal water spigots at the entry gates to the park, but these can be 30 minutes to an hour from the various campgrounds, so plan accordingly.

You’ll also be camping in a desert at 4,000 feet elevation. In addition to arching boulders, yucca palms and epic astral views, this means powerful sun by day and cold low temps by night. Come prepared with layers, sunscreen, and a warm camping setup. The park provides more info on visiting and camping in the desert climate the here.

7 more camping, glamping, and RV options near Joshua Tree

Looking for more comfortable accommodations for your Joshua Tree trip, some with amenities such as toilets, showers, and beds? We’ve got you covered. Hipcamp has numerous camping, glamping and RV sites in the Joshua Tree area  that are close by and perfect for exploring the park from. Many Hipcamps have access to water, shade and showers. And the glamping options — which range from cabins to yurts to tiny castles — make a cozy reprieve from the daytime heat and nighttime cold of the desert climate. They also make it easy to explore the artistic and spiritual energies of the Mojave Desert communities.

Here are a few of our favorite Joshua Tree Hipcamps:

The Castle Guard Tower glamping site near Joshua Tree. PHOTO CREDIT: Gracie Wilson

1. The Castle House Guard Tower 1 This unique tiny round house has custom furniture including a queen size bed with 1500 thread count sheets and memory foam pillows. There are portable restrooms on the property and an outdoor shower just behind the main house.

2. Jazzlin Rose Ranch The Jazzlin Rose Ranch is the perfect solution for someone who wants a solid tent site near Joshua Tree with more amenities than the park provide. The Ranch has water, showers, bathrooms, and a communal indoor kitchen and lounge to beat the heat. There’s also working horse stable here and farm fresh eggs in the morning when available. 

3. Sage Camping Deck If you’re looking for something a step-up from the desert floor (literally), try the Sage Camping Deck at the Pink Cloud Ranch. Not only does Pink Cloud provide water, showers, wifi and electricity, but the adult-playground themed Ranch has a swimming pool, trampoline and teeter totter.

4. Mojave Stars Camp Located right outside the north entrance, this peaceful campsite is complete with an outdoor shower, breathtaking 360 degree views of the desert, a fire pit and picnic table.

5. Pathfinder Tipi at Camp Temenōs The Pathfinder Tipi at Camp Temenōs will be an unforgettable part of your Joshua Tree trip. Inside this canvas-walled tipi is a queen sized bed. The Camp Temenōs sanctuary features a heated indoor shower and outdoor kitchen so you can experience the desert in comfort night and day.

6. Stargazer Yurt The Stargazer Yurt is just outside Joshua Tree on a 40 acre Luna Vista Ranch. You’ll feel like you have the whole desert to yourself in this cozy yurt, which has a wood stove to keep you warm on winter nights. There’s also an outdoor bathtub to soak away your desert adventures in.

7. Bijou Ranch Bijou Ranch is a spectacular glamping site where you can stay in a vintage Airstream trailer on a 20 acre ranch just 30 minutes from the entry to Joshua Tree.

Find out more about Joshua Tree

Book your next Joshua Tree camping or glamping trip now 

Now’s a great time to find the perfect spot in Joshua Tree for your next camping, glamping or RV adventure. #FindYourselfOutside (TIP: Get $10 off your first booking when you create a new account here and use the referral code JOURNAL)

Vincent Levy wishes he was camping every night. The West Coast is his home and he loves spending time in the Cascades, High Sierra, and the SoCal desert.

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