Roughly 12 miles from the park entrance, Ryan Campground sits among granite boulder clusters in the central section of Joshua Tree National Park, where the landscape opens to wide sightlines toward the west and rock formations rise directly out of the campsites. The terrain here is the defining feature. Some sites back up against boulders large enough to block wind and provide partial shade through much of the day, while others sit more exposed in the open desert flats.
The 31 sites vary considerably in spacing and character, and choosing carefully makes a real difference. Reviewers consistently note that some sites are close together, which can make the campground feel crowded when full, especially on weekends and during spring break. Arriving early matters. Noise carries across the rocks, and there are reports of site poaching at reserved spots, so checking in before dark is worth the effort. Kit foxes, coyotes, squirrels, and rattlesnakes have all been spotted here, so keeping food secured and watching where you step are standard precautions.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are vault toilets distributed through the campground. No water is available on site. As Jeremiah F. puts it, "No water available, so bring in plenty." Rock scrambling happens right from camp, and a trail behind the campground leads to an old ranch and historic structures. Ryan Mountain trailhead is close by, and the campground also connects to routes toward Keys View and the Boy Scout Trail.
The campground runs from September through June and is closed in summer. RVs up to 32 feet are accommodated. Reservations are available and worth making during peak season. September visits tend to draw lighter crowds, with cooler nights and manageable daytime temperatures. Campers with dogs will find pet-friendly camping spots near Joshua Tree National Park across multiple campgrounds in the area. Hidden Valley Campground and Sheep Pass Group Campground are both within a few miles for those looking at alternatives or planning a multi-night itinerary across the park.
Ryan works best for campers who want direct access to bouldering, nearby trails, and dark skies, and who come fully stocked with water and prepared for variable wind.
Description
Overview
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park trail maps and more! Ryan Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. In close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Ryan Campground is one of four campgrounds in the park that requires reservations year-round. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Ryan is at an elevation around 4,400 feet.
Recreation
Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There are plenty of rocks and Ryan Mountain to explore outside the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing.
Facilities
This small facility has 31 individual tent and limited RV campsites. There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however the town of Twentynine Palms is 17 miles away and provides basic amenities. The park allows six people and two vehicles per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See site details for specifics.
Natural Features
Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight and low with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.
Nearby Attractions
Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Hidden Valley
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff). No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
Fee Info
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. Only gas or propane stoves are permitted.
High Bee Activity Advisory Due to elevated temperatures and reduced water availability during the summer months, visitors may experience increased bee activity in campground areas. We encourage all visitors to exercise caution while in these locations. Individuals with known bee sensitivities are advised to avoid the campgrounds and ensure they have appropriate medication readily available during their visit.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRyan Campground is located in California near Twentynine Palms
Directions
Driving Directions Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Ryan is approximately 11 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twentynine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Ryan is approximately 13 miles from the entrance.
Address
N/A
CA
Coordinates
33.98314 N
116.15451 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 31 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 46 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 3 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
