Best Camping near Joshua Tree National Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Joshua Tree National Park. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Joshua Tree National Park is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Joshua Tree National Park and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Joshua Tree National Park, CA (47)

    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town

    1. Calico Ghost Town

    41 Reviews
    178 Photos
    250 Saves
    Yermo, California

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Barstow-Calico KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Barstow-Calico KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Barstow-Calico KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Barstow-Calico KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Barstow-Calico KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Barstow-Calico KOA

    2. Barstow-Calico KOA

    24 Reviews
    55 Photos
    64 Saves
    Daggett, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    4. Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    28 Reviews
    121 Photos
    520 Saves
    Daggett, California

    Overview

    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.

    Know Before You Go

    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.

    Camping and Fees

    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 RVs and travel trailers.

    Campfire Permits

    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.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Lane RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Lane RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Lane RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Lane RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Lane RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Lane RV Camp

    6. Shady Lane RV Camp

    9 Reviews
    28 Photos
    35 Saves
    Barstow, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

    8. BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

    3 Reviews
    9 Photos
    92 Saves
    Joshua Tree National Park, California

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

    9. Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    66 Saves
    Barstow, California

    Overview

    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.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $6 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park
Showing results 1-10 of 47 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Joshua Tree National Park

Recent Reviews in Joshua Tree National Park

234 Reviews of 47 Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful and quiet with lots of space

    Verizon had excellent reception, enough room between campers to run a generator without bothering anyone. Lots of litter everywhere. It would be nice if people would haul out more trash than what they bring in. After all it is free camping.

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Calico Ghost Town

    halloween event

    Great camping site during halloween event. Very kid friendly. There were free balloon twisters, pumpkin craving, arts and crafts, toss games. We enjoyed the train ride. it was about $5 per a ride. Campsites were dirt roads. we had electric hookup. Dump station was easy to access and water/trash located next to it. No fees for water and dump. Weather was perfect in mid 70's. Would definitely take the kids back again before they get older.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Desert Site
    Oct. 17, 2024

    BLM Desert Site

    BLM desert site

    35.08627305276245,-117.54092669125416 Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Campground
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Holcomb Valley Campground

    2 nights at Holcomb Valley Ranch campground

    Just got back from a 2 night stay with a group of 6 at this camp. Enjoyed the ample space between camps because it allows for extra privacy and less noise from other campers. However, we stayed on a night where a wedding reception was taking place and the DJ sound system was blasting until about 10:15 pm— this is unacceptable for a campground. They should’ve closed the sites all around the wedding area down, we were about a 3 minute walk away and this really tarnished the experience for Saturday afternoon thru evening. Pros- clean accessible bathrooms and showers, gorgeous horse meadow with about 40 horses roaming free. The road into the camp is totally unpaved, so truck & suv recommended. Camp manager Ed was very kind and helpful.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Great, and free

    This is a great BLM campground, FREE, individual sites with varying levels of privacy and levelness, no reservations. Each site has a shade structure, table, fire pit, and grill. There are pit toilets but no other amenities. No water and no trash service- please pack your trash out! We had to pick up after some other campers which is just so dumb to have to do. There was a camper there who looked like they had set up for long term residency, and the sheriff came by and kicked them out.

    This is also a big rock climbing destination so you’ll have climbers coming in for the day as well. There are some “dispersed” type sites in the brush area so if you show up and all the spots are taken, you can sleep in one of those spots in a pinch until morning. We were there in late December and there were only a couple of other campers, and then again in early January and it was busy on weekends but quiets down during the week. 

    The road coming in is 1.6 miles of washboard and some big dips, but it’s doable. Cell service is very spotty throughout the campground. Parts of decent ATT or Verizon service, and parts have zero. Lots of hikes and trails and places to walk and scramble.

  • Julia H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Ehh

    It was an aight spot. did the job. the spots are like behind a sketchy gas station, so i drove down a little bit so i wasn’t near it. tons of garbage. other than that, decent morning view ! stayed safe the whole night. can’t complain.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ord Mountain Dispersed
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Ord Mountain Dispersed

    Actual location 34.684300, -116.960600

    I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location.  This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.

    We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area. 

    Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Afton Canyon Campground

    Convenient stop before the Mojave Trail

    Wind was too intense to get the car back tent up at night. Good place to stop before or after the Mojave Trail. There's a small water crossing just after the campground before accessing the trail. My Subaru Crosstrek made it fairly easily just note its presence.

    Sites had a concrete table, fire pit with cooking bars, cover over the table and room for a couple cars.

    Community vault toilets were available. I'd advise bringing toilet paper!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Jun. 7, 2024

    Calico Ghost Town

    Nice but small sites

    I think I was lucky. There was myself and two others in the entire campground. Granted it was June and hot. The sites are ok. The electric and water worked. The bathrooms were clean and maintained. The shower costs $1.00 for 6 minutes. The water was pleasantly warm. The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through.

  • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Barstow-Calico KOA
    May. 20, 2024

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Great Waypoint for Passing Through

    It's an excellent location for access to Barstow and Calico. We appreciated the pool, hammocks next to the pool, and the treats at the store. Sites are primarily pull-throughs, and many are occupied by people passing through them for one night. There are easy hookups, 50 amp service, and easy on/off from the highway. We visited both Barstow and Calico and had a good time at both.

  • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    May. 2, 2024

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Amazing experience

    I was lucky to get campsite #9. One of the regular campers told me to keep driving til the end when I could find a spot. So amazed when I got there. I had the entire canyon to myself! The next day I met some climbers from France and one from Ohio. They were the only other people in the canyon. I watched them climb and they invited me to try it. I made it up a 40ft rock that was adjacent to my campsite. Exhilarating!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl Canyon Campground
    Apr. 16, 2024

    Owl Canyon Campground

    AVOID - Not suitable for RVs

    Nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road (Shaking parts of the vehicle loose) or loose sand that you can get stuck in.

    After driving 4 miles down the track there was a huge ditch across the middle of the road, which was uncrossable in a vehicle and lead to us turning around.

    Didn’t get to stay at the site as it was unreachable, had to book a motel as it was late in the day to book another site.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry Mountain RV Park
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Newberry Mountain RV Park

    Nice Little Campground

    The campground (CG) was super easy to find as it was right off I-40 on old Route 66. Our check-in could not have been easier, and the reception was very nice. There are 18 FHU sites here, with half being for long-termers on the west side and short-term pull-throughs on the east side. We were given an option of several sites and chose site 17. We had to disconnect and park on the side of this gravel site. The Wi-Fi speed was 3.32 for Download and 2.35 for Upload, which worked okay. We got 3 bars on Verizon. Due to the expected freeze warning, we did not hook up to the water or sewer. There are a few trees in the CG so getting a clear shot for satellite is easy. The old caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch. They had a shower house and laundry, but we did not use them. Heads up that we got diesel at the exit a couple of miles west of the campground, and that was the most expensive price we experienced in CA at$6.69/gallon last January.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silurian Dry Lake Bed
    Mar. 28, 2024

    Silurian Dry Lake Bed

    Close to Vegas, but still outside!

    Great place to stop off the 15 on the way to where ever you're going! One other car other than us at this spot. Few other campers closer to the main road.

  • Stephanie W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Mar. 15, 2024

    Calico Ghost Town

    Good location awful camp site

    We loved visiting calico ghost town! It was fabulous, but the two nights at the campground were rough. We stayed in the “O” section which I didn’t want based on the map but after we arrived, I’m glad we were in That section. The other side of the campground looked awful. Our sites were small but the main campsite area had lots that were Even smaller! I mean we had 10’ from the edge of our camper to the next camper. How do I know? Our 10’ awning was only an inch or two from my parents camper next door. The picnic tables were nice in our area but warped and awful in the main campsite area. The bathrooms were dirty. They didn’t stink but they don’t appear to clean anything. I brought Clorox wipes with me every time to wipe the toilets. There was no toilet paper in the bathrooms ever and the light are off at night but on during the day. Super helpful. I passed on the showers - didn’t even look at them based off the toilet area. The first night there was so many parties and loud drunks. It went on past midnight. The people next to us were loud and had apparently rented a trailer and had it swapped out for a new one at midnight and no one seemed to care about even attempting to be semi quiet for the neighbors. The second night was a Sunday. Everyone moved out and it was much quieter but early Monday in the am the trash picks up. I probably wouldn’t stay there again.

  • Timmee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Mar. 3, 2024

    Afton Canyon Campground

    Windy windy windy!

    My wife and I stopped here in March on out way to death valley 3 miles down a wasboard road which wasn't to bad though the wind good lordy the wind was soooooo loud and so strong!

  • Danny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawtooth Canyon Campground
    Feb. 10, 2024

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Amazing spot but crowded

    February 10 Rv 23 ft

    Sawtooth canyon is a really cool spot. Great rocks and mountains surround you. It is also called new Jack city by the rock climbing community There are only about 20 spots here and it is popular. We arrived at 10:30 on a Friday night and it was only 35 degrees out and we still got the very last spot. So be aware of when you’re going and what time you will want to show up. There are some spots that are a good distance from other folks and some spots that are right next to each other. It’s clean and a very pretty spot. We got two bars with att and were able to stream tv shows decently. Had a few distributions. Can be quite windy at times. I camped here on my motorcycle in late spring and it was pretty windy.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Calico Ghost Town
    Jan. 21, 2024

    Calico Ghost Town

    Great campground

    Reasonable price for full hook up - 40 dollars Amazing place, quiet, the ghost town was really a good surprise it s really interesting, nice hiking around. Definitely recommends

  • Lori K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton Canyon Campground
    Jan. 4, 2024

    Afton Canyon Campground

    So beautiful

    Easy to access with 34 ft class A motor home. Beautiful spots with a metal canopy over top of picnic table. Plenty of room.

  • 5 STAR X P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Razor Road Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 26, 2023

    Razor Road Dispersed Camping

    Excellent stop before Vegas

    Several firepits, leveled big area. You can continue on this dirt road to get farther from the freeway to get a quieter sleep. I dropped in very late, so I didn't want to go further exploring in the dark, but I saw campers drive further out.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojave Narrows Regional Park - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE
    Nov. 26, 2023

    Mojave Narrows Regional Park - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

    You'd better like trains!

    General: A mix of FHU RV sites tent sites, group sites around Horseshoe Lake and some additional dry camping and equestrian sites around Pelican Lake. There are also four RVs you can “rent” in the Horseshoe Lake area. The sites around Horseshoe Lake are close to an active rail line. And by active, I mean really active – I stopped counting after I counted 24 trains lumbering by during our short overnight stay. 

    Site Quality: IMO the waterfront tent sites are the nicest. They are farthest away from the trains (but not far enough!) The other dry sites have paved camper pads; some are “doubles” which would kind of suck if both sites were occupied by people who did not know each other! (Ours was one but fortunately, this was not the case for us on a Sunday in November). 

    Bath/Shower House: There were two restrooms about equidistant from our campsite, but both were very basic– no soap, hooks or shelves and no mirrors (it looked like they had been ripped off the wall). The floors were concrete, and the entire appearance was very drab. I did not use the shower. 

    This was an overnight stop for us, so we did not take advantage of any of the activities (horseback riding, hiking, disc golf, fishing). There was a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites. I had called about a week ahead of time to make a reservation (the online reservation system has been down for quite some time) and was assured would not need a reservation. However, there is a gate that is locked at 4 pm and we knew we would not arrive in time, so we called and were able to make a phone reservation when our site was assigned. We were a little concerned when we saw a security guard making rounds around 10 pm (and this combined with the locked gate), we wondered if we were in a safe environment, although we did not encounter any problems. Make sure you know that the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (which seems a bit bizarre) so you will need to know the gate code after 4 pm and on those days (the code seems to change daily). Also, I read that seniors (62 and older), active duty military, and veterans receive a $5 discount Sundays through Thursdays but you have to go to the office and show proof and then you will receive a “rebate” a few days later (which we did). This was just an overnight for us as we worked our way back home but we would likely not stay here again.



Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

Camping near Joshua Tree National Park, California, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for exploring the park, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Ghost Town: Visit the Calico Ghost Town for a fun day of walking through history. One camper mentioned, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through," making it a great addition to your itinerary.
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. One reviewer at Sawtooth Canyon Campground noted, "There are lots of hikes and trails and places to walk and scramble," perfect for those who love to explore.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, check out the rock formations near Sawtooth Canyon Campground. A visitor shared, "This is also a big rock climbing destination," so bring your gear!

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One happy camper at Afton Canyon Campground said, "Wind was too intense to get the car back tent up at night," indicating that while it can be windy, the serenity is worth it.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the sites. A reviewer at Shady Lane RV Camp stated, "Very clean and friendly place," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Good customer service can make a trip more enjoyable. One visitor at Barstow-Calico KOA noted, "The staff was incredibly helpful," which can make your stay more pleasant.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Owl Canyon Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper warned, "The road to get there isn’t paved, it’s all dirt/sand," so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways can be noisy. A reviewer at Barstow-Calico KOA mentioned, "The interstate is loud, so it did impact a good night's sleep," which is something to consider if you're sensitive to noise.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Sawtooth Canyon Campground said, "It is also called New Jack City by the rock climbing community," indicating that it can get busy, especially on weekends.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Calico Ghost Town enjoyed the Easter egg hunt, saying, "They have an egg hunt divided by children's age groups," which can be a fun experience for little ones.
  • Safety First: Always bring your own supplies. A camper at Afton Canyon Campground advised, "I'd advise bringing toilet paper!" to ensure you have everything you need.
  • Plan for Weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. One camper at Sawtooth Canyon Campground mentioned, "Ambient temps soared," so check the forecast before you go.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Owl Canyon Campground warned, "Nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road," so make sure your RV can handle it.
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One camper at Newberry Mountain RV Park appreciated, "Full hookups and check-in was easy," making it a hassle-free experience.
  • Stay Connected: If you need internet access, check the Wi-Fi situation. A visitor at Newberry Mountain RV Park mentioned, "The Wi-Fi speed was 3.32 for Download," which can be helpful for planning your next adventure.

Camping near Joshua Tree National Park, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery!

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 47 campgrounds and RV parks near Joshua Tree National Park and 15 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 41 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Joshua Tree National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Joshua Tree National Park.

  • What parks are near Joshua Tree National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Joshua Tree National Park that allow camping, notably Mojave River Dam and San Bernardino National Forest.