Do You Need a Permit to Camp at Joshua Tree National Park?

Yes, you do need a permit to backcountry camp in Joshua Tree National Park, but permits are easier to snag than those at other national parks thanks to same-day permit availability.

If you’re planning to go backcountry camping at Joshua Tree in California, the required $6 permit can be booked up to six months in advance online or by phone [(877) 444-6777], or in person at the park headquarters’ permit office (74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA). More information on permits and backpacking in Joshua Tree can be found in this official NPS guide. As always, contact park rangers for current conditions before your trip.

Similarly, Joshua Tree has no trail quotas, and no advance permits are necessary for day hikes or to access any regions of the park. Advance reservations are only needed for the ranger-led tour of Keys Ranch and any in-park activities with third-party outfitters such as rock climbing with a local guide.

Joshua Tree National Park entrance fees

All guests—including day trippers, campers, and backpackers—need to pay an entrance fee upon arrival at any Joshua Tree National Park entrance. Entrance fees cover 7-day passes and cost $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person without a vehicle. Visitors can also purchase a $55 annual Joshua Tree park pass or the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass, which is good at all US national parks and federal recreational lands for a full year.

When it comes to camping in  Joshua Tree National Park, most campgrounds are reservable in advance (Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan campgrounds), while the three others (Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle campgrounds) operate on a walk-in (first-come, first-served) basis.

How to reserve a Joshua Tree campsite

Joshua Tree campsite reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Keep in mind that weekends during peak season (October to May) nearly always sell out early. For the best chance at snagging a last-minute spot at one of the reservable campgrounds, create a free Hipcamp Alert. You’ll be notified when a sold-out campsite opens up due to a cancellation.

For a shot at the walk-in campgrounds, arrive on the day you want to camp and hang around the campground at checkout time (noon) when other campers are hopefully leaving. The park’s 77 first-come, first-served campsites are distributed among three campgrounds: Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle campgrounds. To find the best Joshua Tree campground for you, check out our full Joshua Tree camping guide.

Other camping, glamping, and RV sites near Joshua Tree

Aside from the official Joshua Tree campgrounds, Hipcamp has a wide variety of additional camping, glamping, and RV campsites around Joshua Tree just outside the park. From all-to-yourself tent sites to RV parks, vintage trailers, yurts, and cabins, these options are perfect for day trips into the park and exploring the eclectic desert culture in the surrounding towns. See below for a few of our favorite spots.

De La Luna Reserve

The Castle House Estate

The Lovelight Ranch

Joshua Tree Container Resort

BASECAMP Joshua Tree

Flying Point Homestead

This air-conditioned 1969 Silver Streak trailer is based on a Joshua Tree homestead that gives visitors easy access to the park and a glimpse at desert life.

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Find out more about Joshua Tree

• What’s the Best Time of Year to Camp at Joshua Tree?
• Are There Showers at Joshua Tree?
• Is There Cell Service at Joshua Tree?
• Which Entrance Is Best for Joshua Tree?
• Is It Safe to Drink the Water at Joshua Tree?
• Can You Enter Joshua Tree at Night?
• Can You Backpack in Joshua Tree?
• Is Camping in Joshua Tree Free?
• Can You Touch a Joshua Tree?
• How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Joshua Tree?
• Are There Snakes at Joshua Tree?
• Can You Stay in Joshua Tree National Park?
• Is It Safe in Joshua Tree at Night?