Best of Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds

February turned out to be an ideal time to go camping in Joshua Tree National Park (California). The weather was sunny, clear and about 70˚. There was only one big problem about camping in Joshua Tree...

The wind! The incessant afternoon wind scouring the desert made it very difficult to pitch a tent in most campgrounds. As I drove through Joshua Tree National Park's massive 800,000 acres from south to north, I stopped at nearly every campground (there are nine total) to find the ideal, somewhat secluded place to camp.

Stopping briefly at the southern ranger station, I picked up a map and some information. The Hidden Valley campground was full, they told me. I wanted to get more into the interior of the park, so I bypassed windy Cottonwood Spring campground (62 sites, 3 group sites, water, $15) near the ranger station and drove up the road.

Every few minutes the terrain in Joshua Tree changes. Even though this is desert territory, a variety of eco-systems are present in Joshua Tree. The Ocotillo Patch was green and in bloom - a special treat for the eyes. The Cholla Cactus Garden spread out, with a cholla every few feet for hundreds of yards. Why certain plants congregated in certain areas was a mystery to me. Driving through Joshua Tree is a feast for the eyes.

The vistas in Joshua Tree National Park put me right back into the pioneer days when wagon trains rolled across this country. For miles and miles I could see absolutely no sign of civilization. For me, this was heaven. Driving along, I heaved a sigh of relief and began to relax. I also recalled how for 5,000 years this area was occupied by desert-dwelling tribes. Somehow they eked out a living in this arid land and because of Joshua Tree's remoteness, these tribes were not bothered by the white man for many years.

Someone told me the White Tank campground in Joshua Tree was small (15 sites, $10) and secluded. I drove through there and found them to be right - but again, the wind was blowing hard, and I didn't feel like chasing my tent around the campground while I tried to put it up. So if you're looking for a non-windy campground, continue down the road.

You'll soon come to an intersection in Joshua Tree that heads straight into Twentynine Palms, where you can find supplies. Forget that for now and take a very sharp left (west) toward Jumbo Rocks campground (124 sites, $10). Unlike a lot of the campgrounds mentioned above, this campground does have some protection from the wind among the huge boulders. At 4400 ft., however, it can get chilly at night here.

Drive past a couple of smaller campgrounds, and you will come to Hidden Valley campground (45 sites, $10). I can see why this campground was full. Of all of the campgrounds I had seen so far, this campground was the most protected from the wind. The campground was a little gusty at times, but calm enough to pitch a tent. Lots of climbers stay in this campground because of the easily accessible boulders to climb.

Past Hidden Valley campground, you leave Joshua Tree National Park and head into the town of Joshua Tree. On the left as you approach town, there is a Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center. Definitely take a moment to stop here. Besides a small museum, they show Joshua Tree National Park movies and sell various Joshua Tree souvenirs. There's a great café next door.

There are two Joshua Tree campgrounds left. Going west along 29 Palms Hwy. toward the town of Yucca Valley (where there is a Big 5 for camping supplies), you will see a turnoff to Black Rock campground (watch for the sign). Black Rock campground (4000') has 100 sites, water, and flush toilets for $15 a night. The wind here was minimal due to the windbreak of mountains on this side of Joshua Tree National Park. I thought I might camp at Black Rock campground, but it seemed way too close to town for my tastes. I could see houses from some of the lower sites in the campground.

So I headed back to 29 Palms Hwy. and took a right, going east toward another entrance to Joshua Tree. Indian Cove campground (101 sites, 13 group sites, 3200', water, $15), the last campground in Joshua Tree National Park, was my last chance at securing a campsite for the night. I crossed my fingers as I drove back toward the Joshua Tree entrance for 30 minutes to a turnoff on the right (really watch for this sign).

As I approached Joshua Tree's Indian Cove campground, the mountains changed into huge piles of jumbo boulders the size of cars and even houses. The landscape was incredible, and I felt that maybe I had found a campground in Joshua Tree at last. Not many people were camped there, so I got a campsite off by myself and pitched my tent. Some Gambel's quail welcomed me. In my very protected campsite, there was hardly any wind at all, just a nice cool afternoon breeze.

If you decide to go to a Joshua Tree National Park campground, remember a few things. Only Black Rock, Indian Cove, and Cottonwood Springs campgrounds accept reservations. All others are first-come, first-served. Water is available at only at Indian Cove, Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds. Even in winter when it was relatively cool I had an enormous thirst because of the dry air, so don't skimp on water if you bring it.

There is also backcountry camping in Joshua Tree - an excellent idea for backpackers. You just have to be a mile from any road to camp out in the Joshua Tree National Park backcountry.

When I return to Joshua Tree National Park some day, I will stay at either Hidden Valley campground or more probably, Indian Cove campground. For a great desert camping experience, Joshua Tree can't be beat. Go during early spring or late fall for the best temperatures.

For more information on camping in Joshua Tree National Park, click here.

______________________

To read more articles from this author, click here.