Is Camping in Joshua Tree Free?

While camping in Joshua Tree and inside Joshua Tree National Park itself is not entirely free, there are still a few ways to do it on the cheap. There’s no avoiding the entrance fee: It’s $20 flat, or $30 per vehicle for a 7-day period. Frequent park-goers may want to consider the U.S. Annual Parks Pass, which provides unlimited visits to Joshua Tree and all other national parks countrywide for $80 per year.

Cost of camping inside the park

Once you’re inside Joshua Tree, there are two tiers of campground prices. The park’s first-come, first-served, walk-in campgrounds (Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank) cost $25 per night. Only debit and credit cards are accepted forms of payment.

The Joshua Tree campgrounds that can be reserved in advance range from $30 to $55 per night. (The two group campgrounds are in that upper range.) These include Indian Cove, Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Sheep Pass, Ryan, and Cottonwood. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

Backcountry camping in Joshua Tree, on the other hand, is free. It’s also logistically challenging, unless you are specifically visiting as part of a dedicated backpacking trip. Backcountry campers in Joshua Tree can park and self-register for a free backcountry permit at one of 13 backcountry trailheads in the park. Regulations state that you must hike one mile in and then go 500 feet off-trail before setting up camp. Because filtering water from natural sources in Joshua Tree is unreliable, you must carry all of your drinking water in with you. More official information on backcountry camping can be found here.

Free camping outside the park

Two other free camping options exist at Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites to the north and south of Joshua Tree NP. These BLM sites are basically giant, open desert lots that offer dispersed camping for free. They have no facilities (no water, restrooms, or trashcans), and the rules with trash and waste are strictly pack-it-in, pack-it-out. Still, these BLM sites are great backup plans if you can’t find a walk-in campsite inside the park or a campsite in the communities surrounding Joshua Tree. And if you have a self-sufficient car camping setup and don’t mind the the nonexistent amenities, you’re good to go. 

The northern BLM site is off of Twentynine Palms Highway, near the Indian Cove Ranger Station. The southern BLM site sits just before the park’s southern entry on Cottonwood Springs Road. The National Park Service provides more info on these BLM sites here. Call to check conditions, as certain BLM roads may require 4-wheel-drive vehicles to access throughout the year.

5 more low-cost Joshua Tree campsites, glamping spots, and RV sites

Still looking for low-cost camping options? The many camping, glamping, and RV accommodations in the area surrounding Joshua Tree are great options if you’re looking for an affordable and reservable spot that’s close enough to conveniently explore the park. Here are some of the best Hipcamp options that will help you stretch your dollar (and vacation days) as you explore the desert (PLUS: You can get $10 off your first booking when you create a new account here and use the referral code JOURNAL):

1. Avocado Camping Deck

This is one of four camping tent platforms at Pink Cloud Ranch, a popular Hipcamp property with a swimming pool, trampoline, and adult seesaw right outside the west entrance to Joshua Tree.

2. Horse With No Name

This tent site just 20 minutes from the north entrance to the park is adjacent to its own desert mountain you can hike up for sunsets or sunrises.

3. The Bird Line

The Bird Line is a charming tent site with an open-air indoor shelter 25 minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree NP. Aside from being a great camping site, the Bird Line also provides potable water, an outdoor shower, and a shady clubhouse full of art for cooking and relaxing.

4. Majestic Mesa

Just 15 miles from the west entrance to Joshua Tree, High Desert Coyote Crossing is a 10-acre plot of wild desert. Camp underneath yucca palms—just be sure to bring your own water.

5. Porte-Chochere

The Porte-Cochere at Joshua Tree Bom is a rustic cabin that sleeps two, and has additional space for a tent. You’ll also get access to a fire pit with chairs and grill. This spot is just five minutes from Joshua Tree Village near the park’s west entrance.

Find out more about Joshua Tree

• Can You Camp at Joshua Tree?
• Is It Safe to Drink the Water in Joshua Tree?
• Can I Sleep in My Car at Joshua Tree?
• How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Joshua Tree?
• Is There Cell Service at Joshua Tree?
• Can You Enter Joshua Tree at Night?
• Are There Showers 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?
• What Is BLM Land for Camping?
• Is Joshua Tree Safe at Night?

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. (TIP: Get $10 off your first booking when you create a new account here and use the referral code JOURNAL)