Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

camping joshua tree

Joshua Tree is one of America’s most unique national parks. Tucked into the southwestern corner of California, it’s home to otherworldly rock formations and epic stargazing. Its desert landscapes combine the best of both the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, creating a truly otherworldly place. And a camping trip here is the best way to experience everything this special park has to offer.

There are nine campgrounds in the park, six of which you can reserve ahead of time. In addition, there are endless backcountry campsites available for those with a permit. Campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season from October through May.

We recommend setting a reminder to make your reservation about six months in advance. This ensures you’ll get a site at the campground of your choice and avoids the high-season crowds.

The most popular campground is Bell Campground, which has a lot of privacy among the boulders and is close to all the hiking trails. Another great option is Jumbo Rocks Campground, which has sites tucked among the famous Joshua Trees and is connected to the Skull Rock Trail.

The other six campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-serve and have a more primitive experience. They all have pit toilets, fire grates, and parking spots but no hookups for RVs. Cottonwood Campground is the first campground you’ll come to when entering the park from Highway 10, and is a good spot for a “first night” from the south entrance.