Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

$15 a night, which is a better deal than most NPs will offer and right in the middle of the park! This spot was awesome, lots of wildlife to see (lizards, jackrabbits, etc). There’s plenty of spots that offer great shade, because of the rocks. The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on. Bring your climbing gear if you’re interested! A baby jackrabbit came right up to me at one point, which was adorable but not great. I guess people feed the critters all the time, so be wary. Don’t feed the animals!! The bathrooms are clean & have trash cans and even lights. There are plenty around, and dumpsters too. They don’t smell either. Picnic tables at every site and fire pit with a grate. Really just a wonderful time here. Mostly for tent camping, but we saw some RVs here and there. Ps. Don’t burn the vegetation lying around, a park ranger told us it’s horrible for burning and creates lots of smoke, and check under your cars for turtles!!! It says that everywhere but incase you miss it

One of 3 campgrounds in Joshua Tree that is first come, first served. Filled up by 4PM in mid May. NO water, no electric no internet. Little shade most of the day. Few sites can accommodate anything larger than a Sprinter. Sites vary from flat to 5 degree slope.

DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful.

Hidden Valley is the kind of campsite that begs you to remember where you are. The campground flanks some large rock formations that host rock climbers during the day.

The sites are pretty well spaced out and arranged. I was lucky enough to grab a spot up against the rocks and it was spectacular. Be sure to climb up on the rocks at night for some awesome stargazing. (Don’t forget your headlamp.)

Hidden Valley is first-come first-serve. Once you claim your site, you now have to travel back to an entrance station to pay. So keep that in mind.