{"id":21136,"date":"2016-10-04T11:35:03","date_gmt":"2016-10-04T18:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21136"},"modified":"2023-06-09T10:45:14","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T17:45:14","slug":"joshua-tree-national-park-visitor-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/joshua-tree-national-park-visitor-guide","title":{"rendered":"Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At the intersection of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts in <\/b>Southern California is the strange, surreal landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Named after a tree with thick, spiny branches, the park is home to some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California\u2019s deserts. Exposed granite monoliths and rugged mountains of twisted rock testify to the power of the natural forces that shaped this unique environment. The rock formations of Joshua Tree have enticed rock climbers, hikers and backpackers to explore this desert wonderland for generations.<\/p>\n

Springtime in the park brings colorful shows of desert wildflowers, and Joshua Tree\u2019s clear night skies offer spectacular displays of stars and meteor showers.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning a visit, check our suggestions for getting the most out of your trip. The National Park Service is also a good resource for information on camping<\/a>, day hiking<\/a>, backpacking<\/a>, climbing<\/a>, birding<\/a>, stargazing<\/a> and wildflower viewing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Camping in Joshua Tree<\/h2>\n

Joshua Tree has a total of nine National Park Service (NPS) campgrounds, which are known to fill up on weekends. Find details about park-service campgrounds, as well as overflow camping options on the park’s camping <\/a>page. All campgrounds have pit toilets. Cottonwood, Black Rock and Indian Cove are the only campgrounds with running water. For the rest, you need to bring all the water you\u2019ll use. Since foraging for campfire fuel is prohibited, you\u2019ll also need to bring your own firewood.<\/p>\n

During the summer months, campsites at all campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. From October through May, the busy season, Black Rock and Indian Cove campground sites are both available by reservation<\/a> only. Sites at the other park campgrounds, though, are first-come, first-served.<\/p>\n

Here are a few of our favorite campgrounds in the park:<\/p>\n

Jumbo Rocks Campground (124 sites; non-reservable):<\/b> The largest campground in Joshua Tree and very family-friendly, Jumbo Rocks lives up to its name with a number of boulder formations that are ideal for scrambling. It\u2019s situated near to some great climbing as well. For a side hike, the iconic Skull Rock<\/a> is less than 2 miles away. Because it\u2019s the biggest campground in the park, you can expect to find a lot of families and overflow from other campgrounds during busy times.<\/p>\n

Hidden Valley Campground (44 sites; non-reservable):<\/b> If you visit Joshua Tree to climb, Hidden Valley is a convenient choice as a basecamp. Located near the center of the park, it\u2019s next to the Wonderland of Rocks and its many climbing routes. Arrive early to snag a site.<\/p>\n

Ryan Campground (31 sites; non-reservable):<\/b> Another favorite among climbers, Ryan is also a designated horse camp and situated along the California Riding & Hiking Trail. Take a quick hike to nearby Cap Rock or Mt. Ryan. Open October\u2013May only.<\/p>\n

White Tank Campground (15 sites; non-reservable):<\/b> This is the smallest campground in Joshua Tree and your best bet for secluded camping. It\u2019s next to Arch Rock and Arch Rock Nature Trail, a short, easy hike that\u2019s well worth doing. You\u2019ll find a number of other trails nearby and some great rock formations in and around the campground that make for fun scrambling. Open October\u2013May only.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Backpacking and Hiking in Joshua Tree<\/h2>\n

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