How Much Does It Cost to Camp in Joshua Tree National Park?

The cost of Joshua Tree camping varies, depending on where you stay. But entrance fees apply for everyone visiting Joshua Tree National Park no matter what: The standard entrance pass costs $30 per private vehicle and is valid for 7 days. Visitors on motorcycle will pay $25 for 7 days, while those entering on foot or by bicycle will pay $15 per person.

If you hit this part of California near Palm Springs and Los Angeles often, you may opt for the $55 Annual Pass to Joshua Tree, which comes with unlimited visits. Or, for $80, purchase an annual America the Beautiful U.S. National Park Pass that’s good year-round at all U.S. national parks and 2,000 federal recreation sites—a golden ticket for frequent park visitors. Beyond entrance fees, let’s get into camping fees.

Campsite fees in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree’s in-park campgrounds have a few price tiers. The first-come, first-served campsites you’ll find at Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank cost $25 per night ($12.50 for seniors), which is to be paid at a park entrance station or visitor center (The north entrance and west entrance accept debit or credit only). The campgrounds that allow online reservations (Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, Ryan, and Cottonwood) range from $30 to $35 per night and most are surrounded by stellar rock formations, rock climbing, and places to spot wildflowers.

Group campsites run at $55 per night and can be found at a few campgrounds. The Sheep Pass Group Campground, 25 minutes’ drive from Twentynine Palms, accepts advance reservations for parties of 7 to 50 people. RV campers should try to snag one of the 16 group campsites accommodating rigs up to 25 feet long at Indian Cove. Cottonwood has one group site, too.

Backpackers camp in Joshua Tree for free (aside from the entrance fee, of course), but this requires hiking in at least one mile from a trailhead with all of your water and supplies, then packing everything out in the morning. Joshua Tree has 13 trailheads with backcountry registration boards, most in the Mojave Desert. You can find more info on Joshua Tree backcountry camping and backpacking regulations in Joshua Tree on the National Park Service website.

Just outside the park: BLM campsites are free

Outside the national park, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains two overflow dispersed camping lots for Joshua Tree visitors. Camping at these BLM sites is free, but the campsites have no facilities or amenities (running water, toilets, etc). Campers are expected to pack everything out, including waste. You can find out more about these locations on the NPS website. 

Unique campsites and RV parks near Joshua Tree

A number of eye-catching camping, glamping, and RV sites can be found at a wide variety of price points in the desert communities surrounding Joshua Tree National Park. These campgrounds are ideal for day trips into Joshua Tree and make for easy exploration of the area’s restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Check out a few of our favorites.

1. Shangri-la Stargazer Labyrinth

Joshua Tree, CA

2. Milky Way Stay

Joshua Tree, CA

3. Stargazer Cabin

Landers, CA

4. Scorpion Ranch

Desert Hot Springs, CA

5. Tranquil Joshua Tree Getaway

Joshua Tree, CA

Book your next Joshua Tree camping trip now 

Now’s a great time to find the perfect spot in Joshua Tree for your next camping, glamping, or RV adventure.

Find out more about Joshua Tree

• The Best Spots for Camping and Glamping at Joshua Tree
• What’s the Best Time of Year to Camp at Joshua Tree?
• Are There Showers at Joshua Tree?
• Can I Sleep in My Car at Joshua Tree?
• Is It Safe to Drink the Water at Joshua Tree?
• Can You Enter Joshua Tree at Night?
• Is There Cell Service at Joshua Tree?
• Can You Backpack at Joshua Tree?
• Which Entrance Is Best for Joshua Tree?
• Can You Touch a Joshua Tree?
• Are There Snakes in Joshua Tree?
• Can You Stay in Joshua Tree National Park?
• Do You Need a Permit to Camp at Joshua Tree?
• Is Camping in Joshua Tree Free?
• What Is BLM Land for Camping?
• Is Joshua Tree Safe at Night?