Which is the Best Joshua Tree Entrance?

When it comes to planning your getaway to Joshua Tree National Park, it’s important to choose your route based on both your origin and your main destination in the park, as there are three major park entrances: the North Entrance, the West Entrance, and the South Entrance.

The entire California park is surrounded by scenic desert landscapes, but each Joshua Tree entrance has its highlights. From the South Entrance in the Colorado Desert ecosystem, campers can see desert wildflowers and cacti. From the West and North entrances in the Mojave Desert ecosystem, the iconic Joshua trees are plentiful, as are the massive boulders and rock formations. All in, the North and South entrances are about an hour’s drive from one another.

With a bit of planning (and our handy tips below), Joshua Tree campers can spend less time driving and more time exploring. Here’s what you need to know, including the best campgrounds near each Joshua Tree entrance.

West Entrance, Joshua Tree Village

The park’s main (and busiest) entrance, best for visitors coming from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs

Entering via the West Entrance Station, you’ll be immersed in Joshua trees and wildflowers very quickly. The services and stores of Joshua Tree Village are nearby in case you need to pick up a last-minute item or want to grab a bite to eat. It’s possible to pay the park entrance fee or buy an annual pass in advance on Recreation.gov or in person at the entrance station. (Read up on the costs of Joshua Tree entrance passes here.)

In-park campgrounds near Joshua Tree West Entrance

• Hidden Valley Campground (15 minutes’ drive)
• Ryan Campground (20 minutes)
• Black Rock Campground (20 minutes)
• Sheep Pass (20 minutes)

Other campsites with availability near Joshua Tree’s West Entrance

• Airstream with Incredible Views (8 minutes’ drive)
• Luna Mesa Cabin on Frederick F.’s Land (8 minutes away)
• BASECAMP Joshua Tree (15 minutes away)
• Rancho Mama (15 minutes away)
• Finding Ground RV Camping (15 minutes away)
• Desert Hideaway with Electricity (20 minutes away)
• Roni’s Perfect JTree Paradise (20 minutes away)

North Entrance, Twentynine Palms

The park’s secondary entrance known for shorter lines and best for visitors coming from Las Vegas

The Joshua Tree National Park North Entrance is a smart year-round option for a driving tour loop through the namesake trees and iconic boulder formations beloved by rock climbers. The nearby National Park Service visitor center in Twentynine Palms offers a bookstore, bathrooms, and water bottle filling stations. And compared to the West Entrance, the North Entrance sees much shorter entry lines on weekends and holidays.

In-park campgrounds near Joshua Tree North Entrance

• White Tank Campground (10 minutes’ drive)
• Jumbo Rocks (10 minutes)
• Belle Campground (10 minutes)
• Indian Cove (20 minutes)
• Ryan Campground (20 minutes)
• Sheep Pass (20 minutes)

Other campsites with availability near Joshua Tree’s North Entrance

• Quails Campsite (20 minutes away)
• Indian Cove Abode (20 minutes away)
• Schmidt Ranch (20 minutes away)
• De La Luna Reserve (25 minutes away)
• The Palms Camp Site (25 minutes away)

South Entrance, Cottonwood Spring

A lesser-visited entrance best for visitors coming from Indio, Phoenix, and New Mexico

This entrance is on the Colorado Desert side of the park with a flatter terrain full of cacti and wildflowers. It’s about 30 minutes from the Cholla Cactus Garden and only a few minutes from the Cottonwood Visitor Center, home to picnic tables, a bookstore, and flush toilets. If you’re looking for the iconic Joshua Trees and boulders, you’ll see ’em once you drive north to the Mojave Desert side.

In-park campgrounds near Joshua Tree South Entrance

• Cottonwood Campground (5 minutes away)

Other campsites with availability near Joshua Tree’s South Entrance

• Joshua Tree Private Campsite (25 minutes away)
• Coachella Lakes RV Resort (35 minutes away)
• Forsythe Equestrian Club (45 minutes away)
• Salton Sea Seclusion (1 hour away)
• Private Hot Springs & Organic Farm (65 minutes away)

Start planning your next camping trip

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

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