David M.
Scout
ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
Camping near Twentynine Palms, CA
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The entrance to Joshua Tree National Park sits close to Twentynine Palms, where desert camping puts you right among unique rock formations and plants. At Jumbo Rocks Campground, the massive boulder piles draw rock climbers and hikers looking to explore the terrain. If you want fewer neighbors, try Indian Cove Campground, which has campsites scattered among huge rocks that kids and adults like to climb around on. Watch for wildlife in your camp - coyotes might visit at night, and you might spot desert tortoises during the day. Keep your food locked up tight to avoid attracting animals. Most campgrounds have good roads, but rain can create washouts that might challenge cars with low clearance. You don't need permits for Joshua Tree camping, but during busy times (spring especially), you should reserve spots ahead of time. Check if fires are allowed before you go, as fire bans happen regularly due to dry conditions. Remember you can only stay for two weeks max at any park campground. The summer heat here is brutal - temperatures regularly hit 100+ degrees - so most people camp in spring or fall. Bring more water than you think you'll need; the dry air dehydrates you quickly. The quiet and stargazing make Twentynine Palms worth the trip, even with the harsh conditions.
Best Campgrounds near Twentynine Palms (263)
1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"Twentynine Palms town is about 20 minutes away, has plenty of stores and has cell service."
"The rocks around the campground are fun to climb on and explore, plus they create an amazing show of light and shadow from sunrise to moonrise."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability3. Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"Rangers comes around several times per day to collect camping fees. Have credit card ready to pay. Honor system upon exit if you miss them. Easy walk to Hidden Valley loop trail."
"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."
4. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
"Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like."
"As others have noted, this a giant dry lake bed. There is tons of space, plenty of room to spread out and not be near other campers, which there are many on the weekends."
5. Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
"Great open space minutes from Joshua Tree park and next to Twentynine Palms town. A lot of OHV rolling around and a few scattered groups. We got some wind that luckily died down."
"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."
from $15 - $55 / night
Check Availability6. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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.
"
from $30 / night
Check Availability7. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. White Tank Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"And, admittedly, I was just passing though this time around."
"Camping at White Tank during a Joshua Tree summer is a great location in the middle of the park (easy to get there from any of the 3 entrances) and perfectly positions you for some early morning hiking"
9. Joshua Tree North BLM
"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."
10. North Joshua Tree
"Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.
- The most paved way in is to take Sunfair to Broadway."
"Close to town. Looks like the road may get kinda messy with rain. ☔️"
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 21 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 24 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 29 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 2 hrs 36 min from San Diego, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Twentynine Palms, CA
604 Photos of 263 Twentynine Palms Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Recent Reviews near Twentynine Palms, CA
1441 Reviews of 263 Twentynine Palms Campgrounds
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I 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.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed 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 Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
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:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
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 Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
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!
Eric C.
GuideHeart of the Mojave on Kelbaker Road
Good desert lull off
Nive parking for rv big turn around
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This 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!
- Hans V.Ranger
South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Robyn C.
TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
FiftysevenNine T.GuideDesert Rose Collective RV Parking
functional
Nice place, rustic, unpublicized, congenial host. It can accommodate a number of vans and RVs, but I was the only guest. There is water and nothing else that is stated in the blurb. A self-contained rig is recommended.
As I explored the premises, I imagined that a small traveling couple or group could enjoy the camp as a peaceful alternative to Joshua Tree or Desert Hot Springs. There is evidence that guests stayed there before, with ample communal space for a campfire experience possibly with libations.
The camp might not be a priority business for the host, thus a work-in-progress or attempted endeavor. It has potential to be a stellar and successful camp if kempt.
Security was my concern, being solo, so I locked down more than usual when I left during the day for a music festival. No issues. I stayed three nights. The location is four miles from Morongo Valley Covington Park and the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a hiking attraction.
A bumpy dirt road to get to camp. Unsure if a large RV can traverse it. Call or text is the only way to book. The cellphone number is on Google Maps.
Guide to Twentynine Palms
Camping in Twentynine Palms offers access to Joshua Tree National Park at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 5,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night. The area receives less than 5 inches of rainfall annually, resulting in extremely dry conditions where campers need to plan for water conservation throughout their stay.
What to do
Night sky photography sessions: At Hidden Valley Campground, the absence of light pollution creates ideal conditions for astrophotography. "My daughter and I came here for a meteor show, amazing!!! The hiking was good, it is very hot bring plenty of water!!!" reports Jill E.
Early morning rock scrambling: Boulder formations throughout the area provide natural climbing opportunities. "We spent our days scrambling across the rock formations—each turn revealing a new panorama," notes a visitor at Jumbo Rocks. The formations are most accessible during cooler morning hours.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk are prime times for spotting native desert species. "We had a coyote visitor twice in the morning, so don't forget to keep your food/trash locked up from critters!" advises Sierra T. Desert tortoises are most active in spring, while roadrunners can be spotted year-round.
What campers like
Natural windbreaks: The massive rock formations at Indian Cove Campground provide protection from desert winds. "The sites are tucked into the rocks which block wind and kept us nice and warm at night. Bats flew just overhead for a couple hours and I thought it was magical!" shares Heather L.
Seasonal water features: While typically dry, brief rain events create temporary water features. "Enjoyed staying at this campground. Each site is different, but the information on reservation site contains all details. Planning for water is needed, there is only a pit toilet," explains Robert at Jumbo Rocks.
Winter temperatures: The cooler months offer comfortable camping conditions. "Nice place to visit in early January. With sunshine and daytime temperatures of 60s and 70s. Most sites are suitable for tent camping or small campers," reports Gary H. from Indian Cove.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds. "Only drawback is there is no cell service at all at this campground," notes Susan N. at Jumbo Rocks, while at Ryan Campground, service is virtually nonexistent.
Wind preparedness: High winds can develop suddenly and intensify at night. "We spent very little time outside of the tent once our food was finished cooking, and when we were outside it was a little miserable," shares a camper about their windy night experience.
Campsite selection timing: Arriving early is essential for first-come, first-served sites. "The best first come first serve campground in the park but good luck getting a spot on a weekend. Getting a campsite here is never guaranteed but always worth it," advises Paul N. regarding Hidden Valley.
Tips for camping with families
Boulder play areas: White Tank Campground offers natural climbing features suitable for supervised children. "This is a smaller campgrounds in Joshua Tree with only 15 sites and no amenities. Best thing about this campgrounds is that Arch Rock trail is there for your sunrise and sunset needs. Scramble the boulders as well," suggests Andrew D.
Wildlife education opportunities: Morning wildlife sightings provide teaching moments. "This place was the perfect campground as far as I'm concerned. It wasn't busy at all when we were there in May. The sites are tucked into the rocks which block wind and kept us nice and warm at night," reports a visitor.
Short hiking options: Several accessible trails accommodate younger hikers. "The campground is set in the middle of a boulder field- very dusty and sandy--with no trees. A fun feature of this campground is that it is also the trail head to Arch Rock. The hike is very short, but it's fun to be able to see it at different times of the day and night," explains Stephanie Z.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, specific sites accommodate bigger rigs. "Interesting park about 8 miles from the Joshua Tree visitor center. Large full hookup spaces separated by bushes, clean bathrooms and showers, easy in/out, and beautiful scenery," notes Rich J.
Parking challenges: Campground layouts can restrict larger vehicles. "Campers beware that the sites are close together and have limited space for campers. We have a RTT with a fold out annex. There are boulders along the road side that do not allow you to pull into the sites," warns Mark D.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "A nice campground with more amenities than the internal campgrounds, plus the ability to make a reservation, but longer drive to get into the park," explains Amanda P. about Black Rock Campground, one of the best places to camp near Twentynine Palms with RV facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Twentynine Palms, CA?
What camping is available near Twentynine Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Twentynine Palms, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 263 campgrounds and RV parks near Twentynine Palms, CA and 48 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Twentynine Palms, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Twentynine Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Twentynine Palms, CA is Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 125 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Twentynine Palms, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Twentynine Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 48 free dispersed camping spots near Twentynine Palms, CA.
What parks are near Twentynine Palms, CA?
What parks are near Twentynine Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Twentynine Palms, CA that allow camping, notably Joshua Tree National Park and San Bernardino National Forest.
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