Joshua Tree Campgrounds — all internal campgrounds—including both reservation-based and first-come, first-served sites —plus group camping zones. Great guide to where each camping area is located in the park.
Campgrounds Inside Joshua Tree National Park
Below is a breakdown of all campground options within the park, organized by their reservation requirement and key features:
Reservation-Only Campgrounds
These Joshua Tree campgrounds must be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov (up to six months ahead) National Park Servicejournal.hipcamp.comTravel + Leisure:
- Black Rock Campground
- Offers potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station
- Includes sites for tents, RVs, and horse camping National Park ServiceTravel + LeisureJames Kaiser
- Indian Cove Campground
- Nestled among boulders; great for climbers
- Vault toilets; closest water point a bit distant; includes group sites (max 25 ft combined rig length) National Park ServiceTime Out WorldwideTravel + Leisure
- Jumbo Rocks Campground
- Largest in the park with stunning rock formations
- Vault toilets only, no water In Joshua TreeTravel + Leisure
- Cottonwood Campground
- In the lower-elevation Sonoran Desert zone
- Flush toilets, potable water, tables, and a dump station
- Suitable for RVs and tents; also includes group sites In Joshua TreeTravel + LeisureJames KaiserNational Park Service
- Ryan Campground (including horse camps)
- Vault toilets, no water; equestrian sites available (must have a horse)
- Access to Ryan Mountain trailhead and Ryan Ranch history National Park ServiceIn Joshua TreeTravel + Leisure
- Sheep Pass Group Campground
- Reserved strictly for groups (10–60 people); tents only
- Vault toilets, no water; near Ryan Mountain trailhead National Park ServiceTravel + Leisure
First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds
Joshua Tree Campgrounds requiring NO reservations — arrive early during busy seasons (especially fall through spring) National Park ServiceIn Joshua Treejournal.hipcamp.comTravel + Leisure:
- Hidden Valley Campground
- 44 sites, vault toilets only, no water
- Mostly Tent camping and small Vehicles
- Popular among climbers; located near Hidden Valley trail and Barker Dam In Joshua TreeTravel + Leisure
- Belle Campground
- 18 sites; small, quiet, excellent for stargazing
- Good for Big RVs
- Vault toilets; no water Time Out WorldwideAble CamperTravel + Leisure
- White Tank Campground
- 15 sites; smallest campground
- Near Arch Rock Nature Trail; great for stargazing
- Vault toilets; no water Time Out WorldwideAble CamperTravel + Leisure
Summary Table
| Campground | Type | Water/Toilets | Special Features / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Rock | Reservation | Potable water, flush toilets | Horse camps, RV friendly |
| Indian Cove | Reservation | Vault toilets (limited nearby water) | Boulder-rich, group sites available |
| Jumbo Rocks | Reservation | Vault toilets only | Largest, with dramatic rock scenery |
| Cottonwood | Reservation | Potable water, flush toilets | Southern access, dump station, warm winter temperatures |
| Ryan (incl. horse camps) | Reservation | Vault toilets only | Near hiking, equestrian access |
| Sheep Pass (group) | Reservation (group) | Vault toilets only | Group-only, near Ryan Mountain |
| Hidden Valley | First-Come | Vault toilets only | Climbing hotspot, near trails |
| Belle | First-Come | Vault toilets only | Quiet, dark skies, good for stargazing |
| White Tank | First-Come | Vault toilets only | Tiny, near Arch Rock, excellent night sky views |
Camping Outside the Park
- BLM Land (Bureau of Land Management): Offers free, first-come, first-served dispersed camping just outside the park boundaries. Only 10 miles from downtown Joshua Tree, it’s on the dry lakebed, not considered a Joshua Tree Campground. No amenities—bring all necessities and practice Leave No Trace Dalton JohnsonJames KaiserJoshua Tree National Park Association. “BLM camping is my favorite… quieter, free, and less restrictive.” Reddit
- Private Joshua Tree Campgrounds & RV Parks: Available in nearby towns like Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, and near the south entrance. These may offer services like showers, hookups, and more comfortable amenities National Park ServiceReddit.
Tips for a Smooth Camping Trip
- Reserve early, especially for peak seasons (spring and fall) for reservation campgrounds.
- For first-come sites, arrive early in the day and be flexible—especially at Hidden Valley, Belle, or White Tank National Park ServiceIn Joshua TreeReddit+1.
- BLM camping is a great backup if internal campgrounds are full. Travelers on forums recommend keeping it as a ready option Reddit+1.
- Be prepared: bring water, as most campgrounds lack it (only Black Rock and Cottonwood have potable sources) journal.hipcamp.comIn Joshua Tree.
- Abide by regulations: Quiet hours, no slacklining across trees, pack out your trash, and respect wildlife and vegetation National Park ServiceIn Joshua Tree.
Campground availability, route planning, or suggestions for nearby private campgrounds are available at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. You can get a map and information for the Joshua Tree Campgrounds at the Visitor Centers in the area.
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