Joshua Tree National Park

"NEED TO KNOW: -Joshua Tree has two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. This leads to very hot, dry and windy days with cold nights. Bring layers for nighttime, a good windbreaker jacket and ChapStick. - The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You are welcome to drive in and out at any time. Entrance fee varies, but sometimes the fee booth is closed. Check out the (Entrance Passes) link below if you plan to visit more than two national or state parks. These passes can save you a lot of money. - There are no services, water, or amenities besides small trash cans anywhere in the park. Please bring all your own food, water, and supplies. Pack in, pack out. Leave no trace. -All pets must stay on leash at all times, can't be more than 100 feet from a road, and are not allowed on any trails. -Peak busy seasons are holidays, weekends from Oct-May, and during spring break season (mid-Feb-April). We recommend going during the off seasons mid-week. "

"~ 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. ~ 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. If you plan of visiting multiple public lands, we highly recommend getting or looking into an Interagency Park pass. (Link below) "

"One of the best places for stargazing in the park is the Keys View, which is a scenic overlook that provides an unobstructed view of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. You can also head to the Hidden Valley, which is a popular camping spot that's far away from city lights, making it ideal for observing the Milky Way and other celestial wonders. If you want to learn more about the stars and constellations, the park rangers often lead guided star tours, which are a fun and educational way to explore the night sky. They use telescopes and other tools to point out interesting features and help you identify different stars and planets. But even if you just want to lay back and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the night, it's an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss. Just make sure to bring warm clothes, as it can get chilly at night in the desert."