This is the southernmost campground in Joshua Tree -- it doesn't have the gravitas of the other sites with the views and the incredible rock formations in the park, but I was glad to snag a site on a busy weekend. The sites are pretty close together, so hope for a good neighbor. There was a big group of preteens -- practically a whole school -- studying geology when I was there, that may have colored my experience a bit.

There were only 6 sites at this canyon campground on the babbling Cave Creek, but for that reason it felt exclusive, an unexpected and delightful discovery. Ideal for tents, maybe not so much for big RVs. First come, first served -- March and April are the busy season, so an end-of-April visit was perfect, and even a 6-site location was only half full. Highly recommend this and nearby Idlewild and Sunny Flat Campgrounds.

Late April is the end of Chiricahua National Monument's busy season -- you'll find chamber of commerce weather and light crowds. This is a dry area -- the creek was dry, and while the campsites have no fire rings, campers are allowed to have a fire in the grill stands (I was put off by this, and didn't do it). It's a spectacular drive through the canyon and a lovely setting -- I highly recommend a pre-dawn walk through the woods to the Faraway Ranch, watch the sunrise on the mountains.

It's beautiful, but this is a jumping-off point for ATVs; lots of semi-trailers with ATVs and equipment in the park, and ATVs rumbling through the grounds on their way too and from a fabulous day on the dunes.

This campground actually has a fully staffed little store for sundries and firewood.