I’ve been going to this area for years. Unfortunately now it’s hard to find a spot let a lot have any sort of private camping experience. There is more light pollution and less chance to see the Milky Way like we used to. That being said, the area is super unique and wonderful!

You can escape the crowds during the day to go and boulder or climb on some random rock piles. There are bathrooms but no water sources so bring your own.

I hate the crowds but still come back every year.

Of all the campgrounds in Joshua Tree this one is consistently the most slammed. It can be extremely difficult to get a site here as they are available on a first-come first-served basis. If you don't get a site here but you want to check out the cool features that make the site so popular, do not despair! There are two day use parking lots in the area so you can park/hike/climb by day. Bring your own water (there's a tap at the park entrance where the ranger station is). You can park at Intersection rock parking lot and enjoy everything Hidden Valley has to offer.

Things that make this campground so popular- classic climbs on all sides, beautiful views if you scamper up any of the rock formations, tons of climbers and a weekend climbers coffee hosted by the climbing ranger.

heads up that falcon nesting in the spring means some areas are closed- please respect closures.

The campground itself continues to be five stars in terms of quality and facilities. However, there really is difficulty finding a spot during the fall through spring season, so you can’t count on it unless you can arrive early on Friday or during weekdays. Also, although dogs are allowed at the campgrounds, they must be within 100 ft of sites or major roads at all times. This isn’t a fault of the campground specially, as this restriction applies to the whole national park and all campgrounds within it. However, it’s good to know if you’re planning a trip with your dog, because it rules out any hiking and 95% of climbing options.

As a rock climber I absolutely loved my time in Joshua tree, but especially this campground. I loved the community here and the overwhelming kindness everyone showed. There were so many night people would just gather around a campfire, cook together and climb together regardless if it was the first time meeting each other. I really enjoyed all of the sun sets as well. This is a good place to meet new people and hike or climb.

We camped at Hidden Valley campground. It’s surrounded by some rocks, has vault toilets, a fire pit, and max two cars per site. Water can be found at the ranger station about 15 minutes away. Recommend 3 gal per person per day. Easily drank 1 gallon on the trail alone. Sights are awesome. Be sure to pack a large hat and some long sleeves, oddly enough it feels cooler than wearing a tank.

This campground is the perfect place to truly experience the magic that is Joshua Tree. From climbers coffee on the weekends hosted by the park rangers, to boulder problems right in your campsite, to world class classic climbs feet from your car, the Hidden Valley Campground offers everything you could imagine for a Joshua Tree experience.

If you are not a climber, don't worry! This site offers beautiful hikes, scrambles to explore, and hikes nearby. The desert is beautiful and Hidden Valley offers a little bit of everything.

Notes: This is a very popular campsite - it is not free, and sometimes you will have to drive around for a while to find a spot.

Cons: No water, busy

Pros: Beautiful, LOADS of climbs, lots of people to meet and climb with if you come alone or with friends

Very cozy campgrounds. The entire campgrounds are surrounded in a wall of boulders varying in shales and sizes. Tons of fun to scramble and boulder on. We wenf in July and the evening temps were fantastic. No need for tents or sleeping bags. Just a mat and a thin blanket, and sleep under the stars. Although the sounds of coyote packs passing by in the pre dawn mornings can raise a hair or two. Many of the individual camps are well secluded and tucked under or near by boulders. The gynormous boulders surrounding the entire hidden valley camp makes for pretty good shade and sunset photos. All campsites have fire ri gs and bench tables, nearby vault toilets that are well dispersed through the camp. My favorite camps were 16, 17. Next woukd be 22,23. These camp sites are often filled throught the year. Best time to get em is early in the am. First come first serve, $15 a night.

Nice sites amongst the rocks and Joshua Trees. Clean pit toilets, but no water. Non-reservable, so can be tough to get in some times (Ryan campground is another good option nearby).