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Joshua Tree National Park camping is extremely popular and the campgrounds in the park are full every weekend year-round. During the peak season (February through May) the campgrounds will be full even throughout the weekdays because of the many things to do and see in the park. To improve your odds of getting a site, choose one of the campgrounds in the park that offers reservations, or visit in the off-season and arrive mid-week.
All campgrounds in the park are dry camping and offer no hookups, however, some do have potable water fill-ups and a dump station. Or of course, you can opt to camp outside the park altogether. We hope the round-up below will help you decide where to camp with your RV in Joshua Tree.
Camping Inside Joshua Tree National Park
The following campgrounds inside the park require reservations on Recreation.gov from the end of August through early June, bookable up to 6 months in advance of your visit. They all accommodate an overall combined RV length (including vehicle) of up to 35 feet.
Please note: Because of the park’s very dry climate, campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings. Please keep fires small and bring plenty of water (3+ gallons) to douse it thoroughly.
Black Rock Campground
Located in the NorthWest corner of the park. It has 99 sites and offers an RV-accessible potable water fill and dump station.
Cottonwood Campground
This campground is located near the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the SouthEast area of the park. It has 62 sites and offers an RV-accessible potable water fill and dump station.
Indian Cove Campground
At a dead-end in a secluded area of Joshua Tree National Park, yet is the closest campground to the town of Twentynine Palms (just 10 miles west). It has 101 sites, including 13 group campsites. This is the only reservable campground inside the park with group sites. This campground has no water available and does not have a dump station.
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Enjoy your time camping at Joshua Tree National Park with this centrally located campground with beautiful views of rock formations and easy access to anywhere in the park. This campground has no water available and does not have a dump station.
When you camp in Joshua Tree National Park, please respect the Joshua trees for which the park is named. The NPS reminds campers- attaching lines (for hammocks, slacklines, etc.) to vegetation, including Joshua trees and junipers, is prohibited.
Camping Outside Joshua Tree National Park
If your RV is too big for these national park campgrounds or you are looking for some cheap or luxury accommodations, below are a few options available outside the park.
Joshua Tree South Boondocking
Free camping is available on BLM land near Cottonwood Springs. It’s just before the park’s southern entrance on Cottonwood Springs Road. You can point your google maps to “BLM Joshua Tree South” or these GPS coordinates will get you there – 33.673996, -115.807075. There is also a Harvest Hosts nearby in Chirico Summit for those with a membership.
Joshua Tree North Boondocking
Boondocking spots are available on BLM land near the town of Joshua Tree on Twentynine Palms Highway, near the Indian Cove Ranger Station. This label on google maps is “North Joshua Tree BLM” or try these GPS coordinates- 34.172781, -116.224534
Sky Valley Resort
If you are looking for some luxury camping near Joshua Tree National Park, this is your destination. A true resort complete with mineral pools, tennis courts, a clubhouse, and more. It’s located in Desert Hot Springs nearly one hour from the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. They can accommodate any size rig, offer pull-throughs, and some sites even come complete with patio furniture.
Joshua Tree Sportsman Club
This community-minded service club with a campground on-site and it’s a prime location, only 5 miles from the West Entrance to the National Park. They offer full hookup sites with restrooms, showers, and on-site laundry, all for a very fair price!
