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Joshua Tree National Park’s granite formations create a fantastic backdrop for sunsets, sunrises, photos, and all types of athletic exploration.
A lot of these campsites are dry, so bring your own water. There are also restrictions on hanging hammocks and burning fires outside the designated areas.
Beyond all that, camping in and around Joshua Tree National Park is an unforgettable experience, sprinkled with stars and incredible rock sculptures created by nature.
1. Black Rock Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Berton M.
One of the most accessible campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, Black Rock Campground is only 32 miles from Palm Springs and 5 miles from amenities in Yucca Valley. It is also a larger campground, and each site has a picnic table and a fire ring, with restrooms and potable water nearby.
Tying anything to vegetation is forbidden, as are fires outside the designated areas. Fires in Black Rock Campground may be temporarily prohibited, so check the website. You can’t beat these starry skies and sunset vistas.
“Lots of space on this site. My 7-year-old son and I played baseball, football and loved the campfire. Rangers here are friendly and super helpful, very welcoming.”– Dad & B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $5-20
- Number of sites: 99
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Ryan Campground
At 1 hour and 8 minutes from Palm Springs, CA, this is a little farther afield than many campgrounds, but it is worth the distance.
Sometimes Ryan Campground is called an overflow campground for Hidden Valley. But it’s a gorgeous little campground in and of itself, perfectly situated in the northwestern end of the park. Bring in all the water you need, and choose a spot with rocks to use as a windbreak.
Rock climbers love this campground next to some climbing spots. Even if you’re not into climbing, the views over the rock formations are like nothing else in the world.
“Fantastic first-come, first-served campground right in the middle of Joshua Tree. Really great spots near the boulders, some even had partial shade.”– Jeremiah F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $12-40
- Number of sites: 31
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Hidden Valley Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Sara S.
Right on the edge of the Wonderland of Rocks is Hidden Valley Campground, the most popular campground in the park. Just over an hour to Palm Springs, campers feel as if they’re on a different planet.
It’s a first-come, first-served campground, so arrive early in the week to capture a choice site. Pets must be leashed, bring in your drinking water, and no generators are allowed, making for a very serene experience.
“Almost every campsite has places to hide away and tuck a tent into a private rocky area. Quiet, well-kept, great for stargazing.”– Kristen
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 44
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Indian Cove Campground
The entrance to Indian Cove Campground is located outside the park’s entrance gates off of highway 62. It’s close to Twentynine Palms and a 54-minute drive to Palm Springs.
Campsites are ranged around gigantic rocks amid a barren landscape. There’s no water or electrical hook-ups, and you can only use your generator for 2-hour stretches. Watch out for hares, lizards, and desert tarantulas amidst the fantastic natural landscape.
“The site is nestled up against giant rock formations that you can climb around on for views of the area. We laid on the warm rocks at night and watched the stars after dinner.”– Jacs D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-50
- Number of sites: 101
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. White Tank Campground
Image from The Dyrt Camper Elena S.
Located in the park’s darkest area, you can see the most incredible starry skies in White Tank Campground. This is a small campground nestled amid large granite boulders and only has flush toilets, no showers or water.
This campground is in the central part of Joshua Tree, and so it takes over an hour to drive the 60 miles from Palm Springs. It never feels crowded since it’s tucked away, but its central location is very convenient.
“Whether it is down-pouring or blazing hot, the desert displays its true beauty in the form of wildflowers, Joshua Trees, amazing rock formations, and loads of secret wildlife.”– Hayley K.
- Price: $5-20
- Number of sites: 15
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Jumbo Rocks Campground
Unlike other campgrounds in the Joshua Tree National Park, guests are strongly recommended to reserve their campsites for the winter months, but the sites are first-come, first-served during the summer.
Pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site, and there’s a nifty wall of boulders to block wind or sun for parts of the day. The 55 miles to Palm Springs may feel a little longer because you have to loop through the gorgeous national park when you stay at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
“The bathrooms on site make it easy to camp with kids, and the landscape makes it so much fun to explore. It is still definitely my favorite campground to date.” – Linda V.
Campground Details:
- Price: $5-10
- Number of sites: 124
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Catalina Spa and RV Resort
Image from The Dyrt camper Vera S.
If you want to have a unique experience, try the Catalina Spa and RV Resort, only 22 miles from Palm Springs. It has odorless mineral springs, misters to keep you cool, and a kiddie pool for family fun.
This resort is extensive, with almost 500 campsites. It’s a pass-code access compound, and they offer free water and electricity for as long as you’d like to stay.
“There are lots of activities such as mini-golf, pickleball, and shuffleboard, just to name a few, but the main draw is definitely the pools.”– Emma J.
- Price: $22-44
- Number of sites: 482
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park is like visiting another world. These campgrounds are only the beginning of the camping options available in this area. For hundreds more, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping near Palm Springs, California.
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The post Camping Near Palm Springs: Your Basecamp to Explore Joshua Tree National Park appeared first on The Dyrt Magazine.
