The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Joshua Tree National Park. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Joshua Tree National Park, reviewed by campers like you.
Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. The town that once gave miners a good living lost its hustle and became a “ghost town.”
Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950’s architecturally restoring all but the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880’s. Calico received State Historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Today, Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system, which is visited by people from across the country and from all over the world. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping, hiking and off-roading.
Welcome to Barstow-Calico KOA, a convenient and friendly spot near Yermo, CA. This place is perfect for those passing through or looking to explore the nearby attractions of Barstow and Calico. The campground is open all year and offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping options, and even yurts.
One of the standout features here is the pool, which is a great way to cool off in the desert heat. You'll also find hammocks next to the pool, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The general store on-site has some treats and essentials, making it easy to grab what you need without leaving the campground.
The sites are mostly pull-throughs, making it easy for big rigs to get in and out. Hookups are straightforward, with 50 amp service available. The campground is conveniently located near the highway, which makes for easy access but can also mean some road noise.
Visitors have mentioned the helpful and friendly staff, who go out of their way to make your stay as smooth as possible. The campground is clean, with well-maintained showers and bathrooms. There's also a laundry facility if you need to freshen up your clothes during your stay.
For those traveling with pets, you'll be happy to know that pets are allowed, and there's even a dog run for your furry friends to stretch their legs. If you're into exploring, the views of the desert and mountains are stunning, and the proximity to historic sites like the Calico Ghost Town adds a bit of adventure to your stay.
Overall, Barstow-Calico KOA is a great waypoint for travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient stop with plenty of amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
Welcome to Owl Canyon Campground, located near Barstow, CA. This spot is perfect if you're looking for a quiet desert escape with some stunning views. The campground is known for its seclusion and beautiful landscapes, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.
The road to get here can be a bit rough, with some washboard bumps and sandy patches, so take it slow, especially if you're in a low-clearance vehicle. But once you arrive, you'll find it worth the effort. The campground offers basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, and while there are water spigots, they might be capped, so it's a good idea to bring your own water.
One of the highlights here is the hiking trail that starts at the northern end of the campground. It's an easy and scenic trek through Owl Canyon, perfect for a morning hike before you hit the road again. The campground itself is pretty spacious, with plenty of room between sites, and it's generally quiet and peaceful.
Pets are welcome, and you can have a campfire, but you'll need to bring your own firewood. There are no electric or sewer hookups, so it's best suited for those who are prepared for a more rustic camping experience. The cost is quite reasonable at $6 per night, and it's first-come, first-served.
Overall, Owl Canyon Campground is a great spot if you're looking for a peaceful desert camping experience with some beautiful scenery and a bit of adventure. Just be prepared for the drive in, and you'll have a fantastic time.
$6 / night
Sawtooth Canyon Campground, also know by its nickname ___New Jack City,___ is located approximately 3 miles west of California Highway 247 and 20 mile south of Barstow, California. In this ___Limited___ use area there are many different recreation activities: camping, wildlife viewing, hunting, rock climbing, and picnicking. The name "New Jack City" is the most widely used name and originates for the rock climbing community who use the area. However, the historic name for the canyon is ___Traer Agua___ which means ___bring water___. "Sawtooth Canyon___ is derived from the resemblance between the ridge line and the outline of a saw blade. There are not open routes of travel in this campground area. OHV vehicles must be trailered in and trailered out, there is not a staging area. Sawtooth Canyon is designated multiple and ___Limited___ vehicle use. Recreation management guidelines for ___Limited___ use provides lower intensity, carefully controlled activity to ensure minimal damage to soil, vegetation, wildlife, scenic values, and air quality. __
OHV riding is prohibited in Sawtooth, this is not a OHV Recreational riding area. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Bring sufficient water, food, clothing, equipment, and first aid supplies for your activity. Weather extremes and poisonous snakes are desert hazards common to this area. Avoid low-lying areas during storms and remember that rain upstream can cause flooding even though it is not raining in the immediate area. Weather: The area is hot and arid, with summer high temperatures ranging from 100 to 120 degrees F. Winter low temperatures may drop below freezing with highs in the 70's. Typical of the desert, winds are frequent and strong, and humidity is generally low. Food, Fuel and Necessities: Food, fuel and most necessities are available in Barstow. Cellular phone service is not reliable in all locations. __
Campgrounds are on a first come first serve basis. No reservations are needed and there are is no fee. Sawtooth has 13 campsites: Four campsites are located near Boy Scout Wall, just north of the concrete pad, along with a vault toilet and kiosk. Three campsites are located on the other side of the canyon from Boy Scout Wall, these campsites are walk-in sites since they are 50 feet from the parking area. Sawtooth has a campground host-site just northeast of White Face Wall. There are shade Ramadas, 12 fire pits with grills, 12 barbeque grills, and 12 picnic tables. Sawtooth is a primitive campground area, primarily visited by visitors in tents as well as self contained recreational vehicles RV___s and travel trailers. __
Campfire permits are required and may be restricted in fire season. Fire danger is extreme during most of the year. Campfire permits can be obtained online at www.preventwildfireca.org. __
Afton Canyon Campground, near Baker, CA, is a unique spot for those looking to explore the Mojave Desert. This place is open year-round and offers a rugged yet rewarding camping experience. The campground is accessible via a dirt road, which can be a bit bumpy, but it's manageable for most vehicles, including RVs and motorhomes.
One of the standout features here is the metal canopies over the picnic tables, providing much-needed shade in the desert heat. The sites are spacious, making it easy to set up camp whether you're in a tent or an RV. While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, the campground does have vault toilets and trash facilities.
Afton Canyon is known for its scenic beauty, with colorful cliff faces and the Mojave River running above ground nearby. It's a fantastic spot for hiking, ATV riding, and exploring the desert landscape. The area is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
Visitors have mentioned the occasional noise from nearby trains, but many find it adds to the charm rather than being a disturbance. The campground is also a great place for stargazing, thanks to the clear desert skies.
If you're passing through on I-15 between L.A. and Vegas, Afton Canyon Campground is worth a stop. Just remember to pack out your trash and be prepared for a bit of wind—it can get pretty gusty out here!
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources.
Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Rainbow Basin Natural Area is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern with outstanding views and geological and paleontological features.. Many visitors come to see exciting multi-colored rock formations and walk the scenic canyons. A variety of desert adapted wildlife are found here, including the desert tortoise. Owl Canyon Campground is a first-come first-served campground with 22 campsites (no hookups). Campsites include a picnic table and a fire ring. Fee is $6.00 per night. There is a single tap centrally located for potable water that is brought in weekly by truck. It is advised to bring your own drinking water. There are vault toilets , but no dump facilities. Holding tanks can be emptied at facilities in the towns of Baker and Barstow. Please take all trash out with you. Permits are needed to remove fossils. If any are found, please leave them in place and notify the BLM Barstow Field Office at (760) 252-6000. Activities include hiking, camping, photography, sightseeing, and horseback riding. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Bring sufficient water, food, clothing, equipment, and first aid supplies for your activity. Rainbow Basin is a mix of public and private lands, including those held by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Respect private landowners__ rights. Land ownership status can be found on the "Cuddeback Lake" Desert Access Guide. These BLM maps can be purchased from any of the California Desert District BLM offices. Rainbow Basin has a diverse landscape of hills, canyons and washes. Multicolored rock walls and mesas are accented by changing light conditions, making for many photographic opportunities. The washes are good hiking trails for experiencing the area's natural beauty. Wildlife viewing is best during early morning and evening hours. In Fossil, Coon, and Owl Canyons, birds tend to gather in thick vegetation. Vegetation is critical for wildlife water, food, and shelter. So, washes in Rainbow Basin have been closed to vehicle travel to protect these areas. Within this Area of Critical Environmental Concern, routes are posted with "open" route markers. Use of passenger vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles is permitted only on designated and signed "open" routes. All routes not signed as "open" are CLOSED to vehicles. Staging of off-highway vehicles (e.g. ATVs) is not allowed in the Rainbow Basin area or at Owl Canyon Campground. The Fossil Canyon Loop Road is an interesting route for vehicle touring. This one-way narrow dirt road is best driven with a high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles. Weather extremes and poisonous snakes are desert hazards common to this area. Rainbow Basin has a flash flood risk as well. Avoid low-lying areas during storms and remember that rain upstream can cause flooding even though it is not raining in the immediate area.
$35 / night
Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. The town that once gave miners a good living lost its hustle and became a “ghost town.”
Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950’s architecturally restoring all but the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880’s. Calico received State Historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Today, Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system, which is visited by people from across the country and from all over the world. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping, hiking and off-roading.
Welcome to Barstow-Calico KOA, a convenient and friendly spot near Yermo, CA. This place is perfect for those passing through or looking to explore the nearby attractions of Barstow and Calico. The campground is open all year and offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping options, and even yurts.
One of the standout features here is the pool, which is a great way to cool off in the desert heat. You'll also find hammocks next to the pool, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The general store on-site has some treats and essentials, making it easy to grab what you need without leaving the campground.
The sites are mostly pull-throughs, making it easy for big rigs to get in and out. Hookups are straightforward, with 50 amp service available. The campground is conveniently located near the highway, which makes for easy access but can also mean some road noise.
Visitors have mentioned the helpful and friendly staff, who go out of their way to make your stay as smooth as possible. The campground is clean, with well-maintained showers and bathrooms. There's also a laundry facility if you need to freshen up your clothes during your stay.
For those traveling with pets, you'll be happy to know that pets are allowed, and there's even a dog run for your furry friends to stretch their legs. If you're into exploring, the views of the desert and mountains are stunning, and the proximity to historic sites like the Calico Ghost Town adds a bit of adventure to your stay.
Overall, Barstow-Calico KOA is a great waypoint for travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient stop with plenty of amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
Welcome to Owl Canyon Campground, located near Barstow, CA. This spot is perfect if you're looking for a quiet desert escape with some stunning views. The campground is known for its seclusion and beautiful landscapes, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.
The road to get here can be a bit rough, with some washboard bumps and sandy patches, so take it slow, especially if you're in a low-clearance vehicle. But once you arrive, you'll find it worth the effort. The campground offers basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, and while there are water spigots, they might be capped, so it's a good idea to bring your own water.
One of the highlights here is the hiking trail that starts at the northern end of the campground. It's an easy and scenic trek through Owl Canyon, perfect for a morning hike before you hit the road again. The campground itself is pretty spacious, with plenty of room between sites, and it's generally quiet and peaceful.
Pets are welcome, and you can have a campfire, but you'll need to bring your own firewood. There are no electric or sewer hookups, so it's best suited for those who are prepared for a more rustic camping experience. The cost is quite reasonable at $6 per night, and it's first-come, first-served.
Overall, Owl Canyon Campground is a great spot if you're looking for a peaceful desert camping experience with some beautiful scenery and a bit of adventure. Just be prepared for the drive in, and you'll have a fantastic time.
$6 / night
Afton Canyon Campground, near Baker, CA, is a unique spot for those looking to explore the Mojave Desert. This place is open year-round and offers a rugged yet rewarding camping experience. The campground is accessible via a dirt road, which can be a bit bumpy, but it's manageable for most vehicles, including RVs and motorhomes.
One of the standout features here is the metal canopies over the picnic tables, providing much-needed shade in the desert heat. The sites are spacious, making it easy to set up camp whether you're in a tent or an RV. While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, the campground does have vault toilets and trash facilities.
Afton Canyon is known for its scenic beauty, with colorful cliff faces and the Mojave River running above ground nearby. It's a fantastic spot for hiking, ATV riding, and exploring the desert landscape. The area is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
Visitors have mentioned the occasional noise from nearby trains, but many find it adds to the charm rather than being a disturbance. The campground is also a great place for stargazing, thanks to the clear desert skies.
If you're passing through on I-15 between L.A. and Vegas, Afton Canyon Campground is worth a stop. Just remember to pack out your trash and be prepared for a bit of wind—it can get pretty gusty out here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Joshua Tree National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, Joshua Tree National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 46 campgrounds and RV parks near Joshua Tree National Park and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Joshua Tree National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Joshua Tree National Park is Calico Ghost Town with a 4-star rating from 40 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Joshua Tree National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Joshua Tree National Park.
What parks are near Joshua Tree National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Joshua Tree National Park that allow camping, notably Arkabutla Lake and San Bernardino National Forest.
