Joshua Tree 

There are so many magical ways to experience Joshua Tree National Park and there’s no better way than camping under the stars. This guide will provide you with the best campgrounds to stay at (along with HipCamps in case campgrounds are full), our favorite hikes including popular ones and secluded ones along with amazing places to grab a bite to eat in the area. 🌵

This guide includes:
- 7 campgrounds/HipCamps ⛺️
- 5 hiking trails 🥾
- 8 restaurants/cafes ☕️
- 2 local grocery stores 🛒
- 1 rock climbing tour 🧗‍♀️
- Direct links to all campgrounds, hikes, and restaurants 🔗

Happy Trailz is a camper van business based out of San Diego and we have been to Joshua Tree numerous times! Check us out on instagram! @happytrailz.us

California, USA

Joshua Tree, CA, USA

Joshua Tree National Park Guide: Camping, Hiking, & Food

Family Friendly Joshua Tree National Park Guide

All the best trails and sights to see. I also include where to stay! 

Enjoy your visit!

Twentynine Palms

California

Joshua Tree National Park 

This guide includes all the campgrounds in the park and their information. If you need more info or a custom guide, please contact me for a consultation. 

~ Campsites:
The majority of the campsites in the park are available by reservation. Reservations can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance and can be booked on recreation.gov. 
Book your site before entering the park. 
All other sites are first come first serve.  

~ Cell service:
Very unreliable and nonexistent in Joshua Tree National Park. For a reliable option use Gaia GPS's cell coverage map, it's more of an investment for this premium layer but it's well worth it. For a cheaper option with more work use the (Free cell coverage link) below.

~ Reservations:
It is highly recommended if you plan to camp on a holiday, a weekend, or any day of the week in the spring. 
The busy spring season runs from November to May. October is the slowest and best time. For first come first serve campsite. 
(Reservation Link) below.

~ Summer Status/open date: 
All reservation campgrounds are open year-round. Some sections of Indian Cove Campground, Black Rock Campground, and Cottonwood Campground close in the summer.

Joshua Tree National Park camping guide. FREE 

Southern California is an outdoor lovers' paradise. With a variety of national parks, desert landscapes, and natural beauty, there are optimal places for camping all around the state. 

After living the camper life for more than a year, I have been to my fair share of campsites. If you are heading to Southern California, here are some of the best tips and destination recommendations. 

Mojave Desert, California, USA

Death Valley, CA, USA

Camping in Southern California⛺️🔥🐞🪵

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Jumbo Rocks’ central location offers a great base camp to explore other areas of Joshua Tree National Park. 

Skull Rock trail originates in this campground, and other nearby hikes include Split Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Pine City.  Also, be sure to bring your telescope if you have one because the star gazing is insane!



We camped at Jumbo Rocks Campground and had a great time. Campsites are somewhat close together but our son was able to make friends with another boy in the campsite next to us which was great! 

Vaulted toilets and no water available in this campground. 

You will park by the campground. I used these coordinates to help guide me to the penguin rock (33.99174, -116.06404) keep looking right and start walking up. We had to explore a little to find it but we managed to get there and it was beautiful!

Jumbo Rocks is in the heart of all the best places to see in Joshua Tree. It's such a vibey campground with massive rocks in all directions! We would highly recommend looking for sites here first but don't be surprised if its fully booked. 

124 sites. $20 per night. 4,400 feet in elevation. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.  

Jumbo Rocks Campground

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