Best Campgrounds near Landers, CA

Many campers head to Landers, California to explore the desert camping options that surround this small town. Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park stands out with its massive boulder formations that create natural boundaries between sites. Lil Miss DaisyNameWanderlust Getaways Joshua Tree has larger campsites that work well for groups with kids. The dark skies around Landers make nighttime spectacular - you can see the Milky Way clearly on moonless nights. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s, while summer days can hit over 100 degrees, requiring extra water and shade. At popular spots like Jumbo Rocks, showing up early in the day helps secure a site since they don't take reservations. Some of the back roads to camping areas can be rough and sandy, so trucks or SUVs handle better than passenger cars. Fire rules change throughout the year - rangers often ban open flames during the dry season. Most camping areas limit stays to two weeks maximum. Michelle S. typically looks for campgrounds that have clean bathrooms and tables for eating. Water isn't available at all sites, so bringing your own is essential in many places. Before leaving home, check whether you need to reserve ahead or get permits at a ranger station. The landscape around Landers draws people who want to hike, climb, or just sit and take in the desert views. Always pack out everything you bring in, and try to leave each site better than you found it.

Best Camping Sites Near Landers, California (284)

    1. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "Originally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot"

    "The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.

    • Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels."

    2. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    62 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $55 / night

    "Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills."

    "Indian Cove is on the Northern side of the park, and you will use a different entrance than the main park entrance."

    3. Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

    27 Reviews
    Landers, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 366-1213

    $15 - $55 / night

    "A great spot away from the main Joshua Tree strip. We visited for one night during the waning height of COVID and staff was taking all the necessary precautions."

    "Away from highway noise a place to recharge."

    4. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like."

    "The entire lake bed area and well beyond into the desert N.E. is dispersed desert camping. This spot specifically is close to the motorcycle track and 4x4 area."

    5. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    116 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    "It’s very close to fascinating hiking trails."

    6. Joshua Tree North BLM

    19 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "My favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space."

    "We set up fairly close to the paved road by the solar panels. Land was flat, plenty of room for ourselves and quiet."

    7. Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    39 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-3001

    "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."

    "Location is great and close by to al the main attraction!"

    8. North Joshua Tree

    12 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    12 miles

    "Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.

    1. The most paved way in is to take Sunfair to Broadway."

    "If it has rained or snowed, stay off the actual dry lake bed. It can get deeply rutted, and if wet, you will sink several inches."

    9. Joshua Tree RV & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 974-9132

    $25 - $60 / night

    "Located close to the town of Joshua Tree so you can still grab a bite to eat if you’re not up to cooking. Easy access to the west entry gate but this gate tends to get busy on holiday weekends."

    "Good price in comparison to nearby lots. Very close to restaurants and stores. We felt very safe there!"

    10. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."

    "Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree

    Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.

            "

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Showing results 1-10 of 284 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Landers, CA

1325 Reviews of 284 Landers Campgrounds



Guide to Landers

Camping near Landers, California, offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy nature.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around Joshua Tree National Park. One camper mentioned, "Jumbo Rocks is a great campsite with decent amenities. Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly."
  • Rock Climbing: The rock formations in the area are perfect for climbing. A visitor at Hidden Valley Campground said, "The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. A camper at Ryan Campground noted, "Be sure to climb up on the rocks at night for some awesome stargazing."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Indian Cove Campground said, "What a beautiful place. It was really quiet when we were there and saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the spacious sites. A visitor at Ryan Campground mentioned, "The camp sites are private feeling, and spaced far enough apart."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at Black Rock Campground shared, "The bathrooms are extremely clean. Overall I had a very nice stay."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jumbo Rocks Campground, do not have drinking water or showers. A reviewer pointed out, "The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Hidden Valley Campground noted, "Filled up by 4 PM in mid-May."
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp; it was so peaceful."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that are known for being family-friendly, like Jumbo Rocks Campground. A reviewer said, "The campground is very family friendly."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A visitor at Ryan Campground mentioned, "It's a great experience for families because it's likely neighbors will have kids."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially around rocks. A camper at Hidden Valley Campground warned, "Be cautious of rattlesnakes! One showed up right next to our tent."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground said, "If you have an RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The desert can get cold at night. A camper at Indian Cove Campground noted, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade."
  • Use Reservations Wisely: Some campgrounds allow reservations, which can be helpful. A visitor at Ryan Campground mentioned, "Must reserve!!"

Camping near Landers, California, provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone in this beautiful desert landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Landers, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Landers, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 284 campgrounds and RV parks near Landers, CA and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Landers, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Landers, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Landers, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Landers, CA.

What parks are near Landers, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Landers, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.