Indian Cove Campground | 100+ Sites | Good place to camp

The Indian Cove area in Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful and unique section of the park that’s located outside of the park off hwy 62 and is especially popular for camping, hiking, and rock climbing. Unlike many other areas, Indian Cove is accessed from Highway 62 (near the town of Twentynine Palms) without having to go through a main park entrance station, making it a convenient option for day use and camping.

🏕 Indian Cove Campground

Size: ~100 campsites (including some group sites).
Scenery: Surrounded by towering granite boulders and desert vegetation—an iconic Joshua Tree backdrop.
Activities:
- Excellent for stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
- Very popular with rock climbers (many routes right from the campsites).
- Great basecamp for nearby trails.
Note: Campsites do not have water—bring plenty with you.

🥾 Indian Cove Hiking Trails

1. Indian Cove Nature Trail

Length: ~0.6 miles (easy loop)
Highlights: Interpretive signs about desert plants and geology; perfect for families.

2. Rattlesnake Canyon (unofficial trail)

Length: Varies (~2–3 miles round trip depending on exploration).
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (rock scrambling involved).
Highlights: A hidden desert canyon with seasonal water pools and palm oases after rain.
Note: Not a maintained trail; navigation and scrambling skills required.

3. Boy Scout Trail (Indian Cove to Keys West)

Length: ~8 miles one way (can be done as a through-hike or partial out-and-back).
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Connects Indian Cove to the higher elevations of the park, passing through rugged desert landscapes and offering solitude.

🌟 Why Indian Cove is Special

Accessibility: You don’t need to enter the main gates of Joshua Tree NP to access it.
Scenic Rock Formations: Some of the park’s best granite formations are here—climbers and photographers love it.
Wildlife: Look for desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and a wide variety of birds.
Night Skies: The lack of nearby development makes it fantastic for astronomy.

✅ In summary: Indian Cove Campground is a perfect spot if you want a quieter camping experience, easy access to unique hikes, and world-class climbing, all framed by spectacular boulder formations.