19 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Joshua Tree National Park ranges from free primitive dispersed sites to backcountry tent campsites within the park boundaries. Box Canyon Dispersed camping area offers free tent sites approximately 20 miles southeast of the park, while backcountry tent camping is available along Boy Scout Trail for those seeking a more remote experience inside Joshua Tree National Park itself.
Most tent sites in the area require campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste management. Box Canyon features sandy terrain that may require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, as several reviews mention the risk of getting stuck in deep sand. Fires are permitted at some dispersed sites like Box Canyon, but all backcountry camping in Joshua Tree National Park prohibits campfires completely. Toilets are unavailable at dispersed sites and backcountry locations, though some established campgrounds provide vault toilets. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply throughout the region, with no trash services at primitive sites. A camper noted that Box Canyon is "ideally a good spot, but the sand is way too deep to get far enough off of the road."
The tent camping options vary significantly by location. Box Canyon offers seclusion in a dramatic desert landscape with opportunities for canyon hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter months provide more comfortable temperatures, as summer heat can be extreme. Backcountry tent camping along Boy Scout Trail requires at least a one-mile hike from roads and setting up camp at minimum 500 feet from any trails. This provides guaranteed tent camping options during peak periods when established campgrounds fill quickly. A visitor commented that backcountry camping is "a good backup option for when campgrounds are full" and that while there are "no facilities along the trail," it offers "free, guaranteed camping during busy weekends."
"this is a dispersed location on box canyon in Mecca. the road is loose sand and is possible by most vehicles as long as you stay on the road."
"It was quiet during the week, weekends might be busier with locals because of all the shell casings left behind."
"We ran a 5 day backpacking trip out of this meet up and around Jtree in March and it was one of the most exciting backpacks we have done."
"I'd like to welcome your host Stephanie to our platform. This is vacant property for short term camping. Try them out and leave them some love."
"Loved staying in twentynine palms to explore Joshua tree and the surrounding areas. Pioneer town was so fun. Headed in to Palm springs. Wow!"
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Pit toilets, no water, a little cell service with ATT. Half the sites were full but with quiet folks."
"Well was dry, luckily I carry water. Beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views.
Petroglyphs and historic mining cabin
Someone drops off scrap wood for campfires
I'll be back"
"I love that this property is so close to the Copper Mesa Mountains. With all the sites being spread out, you'll have plenty of privacy. Pack it in, pack it out!"
from $33 - $39 / night
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Pick your spot anywhere on the property. Give them a try and leave them some love."
from $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideThere were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
ScoutIt was just us, so five stars. Good views, and flat parking area. Windy AF and trains all night. Most folks would give it two stars. But we love the desert and waking up to seeing Amboy Crater was very cool and it was free!
ScoutLots of open space
ScoutI discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
LegendThis was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
ScoutFree for up to 7 days. Dry camping, but spots are level. Just behind the General Payton Museum. Great spot for heading further.
TravelerThis was my first solo camping trip. The campground fees were $8 per night for single vehicles. Since I have an Access Park Pass, I was able to pay half the amount. So I paid $4 per night. I stayed two nights, so paying $8 for two days was great on my wallet. There are only 18 sites in this small, quiet campground. I picked campsite #7. I chose that campsite because it was quite roomy and had a trail leading to the bathroom, although I brought my own potty tent and set-up. The site had a huge cement picnic table right under a tall tree. There was a campfire ring, but fires weren't allowed at that time because of recent fires in the area. I chose to visit the Santa Rosa Visitor Center before I drove to the campground so I could get information on bears, coyotes, and other dangerous predators. You can also check online for that information. I brought plenty of protection with me. The sites were fairly clean. I always pick up any trash before setting up my camp. Please leave no trash behind. There are trash cans along the main road, and potable water at each campsite. I had such a good time. The only drawback was I couldn't have a campfire, so I had to go inside my SUV because I could hear Coyotes coming closer. I would definitely recommend this campground for anyone wanting to get away from the noisy city. I will be back!
RangerWe stayed in a spot with electric and water hookups but no sewer hookup. My site was decently shaded but unfortunately my A/C was no match for the 110 degree temp.
Tent camping near Joshua Tree National Park offers several dispersed and established options for campers seeking desert solitude. The area experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most dispersed sites require campers to navigate sandy terrain that can challenge standard passenger vehicles, while established campgrounds within the park require reservations during peak season.
Canyon hiking: Corn Springs Campground provides access to "beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views" with the added cultural interest of "petroglyphs and historic mining cabin" according to camper Paul A.
Stargazing: Twentynine Palms offers exceptional night sky viewing with camper Stephanie C. noting "Twentynine thousand stars - oh my" while using the location as a base to "explore Joshua tree and the surrounding areas."
Wildlife watching: Campers at Box Canyon report frequent wildlife sightings, with Nick A. sharing that "we had two foxes come and visit the campsite" during a late November stay when temperatures remained moderate.
Horseback riding: Black Rock Equestrian Campground provides specialized facilities for equestrians with "10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings" and "amazing" trails including "an overland trail from here to the south end of Joshua Tree NP which is around 35 miles long."
Privacy between sites: At Simply Camping, visitors appreciate that "all the sites being spread out" which provides "plenty of privacy" while still being "close to the Copper Mesa Mountains."
Stunning scenery: Campers consistently mention the dramatic landscapes, with one visitor to Rancho Capotista describing the experience as "raw desert camping" that offers an authentic wilderness experience.
Geological features: Box Canyon campers highlight the "shear cliffs that are heavily eroded" with "very distinct layers of floods," creating a dramatic backdrop for camping according to Kenny W.
Winter camping: Multiple reviews recommend visiting between October and April, with Terry B. noting that Corn Springs is "hard to get to but worth the drive" during cooler months when the desert climate is more hospitable.
Sand conditions: Several Box Canyon reviews mention challenging terrain, with Joe C. advising "would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without" and Kenny W. warning about "very loose sand" making it "very easy to get stuck."
Water availability: Most dispersed camping areas require bringing all necessary water. At Shabby Shanty, despite being listed with drinking water, the nearest reliable water source is in town, requiring adequate planning.
Temperature extremes: Richard D. shares an experience at Corn Springs where "it was so dang hot at night that we slept out on the ground with our dog as opposed to inside the camper van" only to be "woken up and surrounded by coyotes."
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location, with Dan X. reporting "a little cell service with ATT" at Corn Springs, while most other dispersed sites offer limited to no connectivity.
Wildlife education: Box Canyon provides opportunities for children to explore and learn about desert wildlife. Nick A. reports that "the kids did some exploring" and even "found a Geocache" during their family camping trip.
Safety precautions: When camping with children at Corn Springs, Terry B. warns about "petroglyphs, unfortunately some have been ruined with graffiti" requiring parental supervision to protect both cultural resources and children.
Avoid summer months: For family camping, multiple reviews emphasize avoiding peak summer heat. Taylor notes about Corn Springs that "we had a lot of fun here! It was really hot so we'd only go back during winter time."
Road conditions: Access to Corn Springs requires navigating "about 6 miles of dirt road, but fairly well maintained with minor washboarding" according to Terry B., making it accessible for most RVs with careful driving.
Leveling challenges: At Black Rock Equestrian Campground, Judith W. notes camping spots are "almost all sloped but not awful" and the "lot gets regularly graded" making it manageable for smaller RVs with proper leveling equipment.
Backup water supplies: Several reviewers mention unreliable water sources at established campgrounds, with Paul A. reporting "well was dry, luckily I carry water" during a January visit to Corn Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camping regulations and permit requirements for Joshua Tree National Park?
Backcountry camping in Joshua Tree requires registration at one of the dozen designated backcountry boards throughout the park. You cannot camp just anywhere - you must register first and follow specific regulations. When backcountry camping at locations like Box Canyon Dispersed, remember there are no amenities or trash cans, so pack everything out. For established campgrounds like Corn Springs Campground, regulations typically include quiet hours, fire restrictions (especially during high fire danger), and proper food storage to prevent wildlife encounters. Always check the official Joshua Tree National Park website for current permit requirements and fire restrictions.
Where are the best campgrounds for tent camping in Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park offers several excellent tent camping options. Black Rock Equestrian Campground provides spacious sites with picnic tables, BBQs, and fire rings on mostly sloped but manageable terrain. For those seeking a more remote experience, Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites are accessible from the west entrance and offer a true wilderness experience. Backcountry camping requires registration at designated boards throughout the park. These options provide different experiences depending on your preference for amenities versus solitude.
What amenities are available at Joshua Tree National Park tent camping sites?
Amenities vary across Joshua Tree's camping areas. Santa Rosa Springs Campground in the nearby San Bernardino National Forest features basic sites with natural beauty but minimal facilities. Within Joshua Tree itself, most established campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ grills. Shabby Shanty offers stunning views overlooking a dry lake bed with privacy and proximity to park amenities. Most Joshua Tree campgrounds have pit toilets, but water availability is limited - campers often need to bring their own or collect from central locations. Cell service is spotty throughout the park, with some areas receiving limited AT&T coverage. No electrical hookups are available at standard tent sites.
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