While camping in Joshua Tree and inside Joshua Tree National Park itself is
not entirely free
, there are still a few ways to do it on the cheap. There's no avoiding the entrance fee: every group entering Joshua will need to purchase admission at $30 per vehicle for a 7-day period.
Do you need a permit to camp at Joshua Tree?
Great news:
You do not need to reserve a permit in advance to backcountry camp at Joshua Tree National Park or in the area around Joshua Tree
.
Can you stay overnight at Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes, you can enter Joshua Tree at night
. If you're visiting Joshua Tree National Park to feast on the stars, we have good news for you — the park gates are open 24/7, and anyone can drive in or out of the park regardless of where they're staying.
How do you get into Joshua Tree for free?
The Oasis Visitor Center, at 74485 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms, and the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, at 6554 Park Boulevard in the community of Joshua Tree, are free
and are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information, publications, exhibits, and park permits and passes are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. …
How much does it cost to camp at Joshua Tree?
How much will camping cost me? The
per-vehicle entrance fee to the park is $20
, which is good for a seven-day stay. If you happen to be arriving on foot, motorcycle or bike, the fee is $10. On top of that, you'll pay $15 per site per night, or $20 per night per site at the three campgrounds with potable water.
Can I camp anywhere in Joshua Tree?
You are permitted to back country camp anywhere inside Joshua Tree National Park so long as
… Your camp is located at least one mile away from a road, Your camp is located at least 500 feet away from a hiking trail, Your camp is located outside of a day-use area (picnic area, view point, visitor center, etc.)
Can you sleep in your car while camping?
Sleeping in a car will keep you up off the ground and dry, if there's any rain
. It's also much more insulated than a typical tent. As long as you don't leave the lights on for too long without running the engine for some time, you've got a light source built-in.
Can you camp in Joshua Tree in December?
Plan to bring a high quality sleeping bag. December:
As winter begins creeping in, the Joshua Tree area sees average high temperatures of 60°F and lows of 40°F
(and keep in mind that many nights will dip below freezing).
Can you have a campfire at Joshua Tree?
Fires and Firewood
Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills that are found in park campgrounds or picnic areas
. Keep fires small. Bring your own firewood. You may not gather park vegetation, whether living or dead, to fuel your campfire.
What do I need to camp in Joshua Tree?
- Backpacking Pack (70+L) and raincover.
- Small daypack (optional)
- Tent with guylines and repair sleeve.
- Tent footprint (optional)
- Sleeping bag (look at warmer bags for fall through spring hikes)
- Waterproof stuff sack for your sleeping bag.
- Sleeping pad.
- Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
Can you just drive through Joshua Tree?
Driving Park Boulevard can be a great way to see a lot of Joshua Tree National Park in a couple of hours
. This drive can be combined with shorts side stops and hikes along the way for longer trips. Park Boulevard will take you by many highlights, rock formations, and Joshua tree groves.
Is Joshua Tree cash only?
North Entrance Station (near the city of Twentynine Palms) – debit or credit cards only. West Entrance Station (near the town of Joshua Tree) – debit or credit cards only.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center – cash or card
.
Is Joshua Tree Worth?
Yes! Joshua Tree is definitely worth the trip
. From unique teddy bear cholla cactus to Joshua trees and boulders, Joshua Tree national park is incredibly diverse. This park has something that everyone will enjoy.
Where is the safest place to sleep in your car?
- Walmart.
- Casino's.
- Rest Stops.
- Welcome Information Centers.
- Bureau of Land Management's Land.
- Shopping Malls' and Grocery Stores' Parking Lots.
- City Street Parking.
Is it warmer to sleep in car or tent?
Tents are smaller in volume which means they can get warmer faster plus they have double the insulation. They also happen to be made of specific fabrics that keep it from getting as cold as the aluminum your car is made from. In short,
it's warmer to sleep in a tent
.
Can you sleep in your SUV?
You can certainly lean back the front seat and sleep in the driver's seat by the steering wheel, but the most common form of car camping we've seen is in larger crossovers/SUVs/vans where
you can lay the backseat of seats flat and sleep there
.
Are Joshua Tree campgrounds open?
Summer Status:
All reservation campgrounds are open year-round
. Some sections of Indian Cove Campground, Black Rock Campground, and Cottonwood Campground close in the summer.
Does it snow in Joshua Tree?
Snowfall is rare in Joshua Tree, but it does happen
. If you're lucky enough to visit during a snowstorm, enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Does it snow in Joshua Tree in January?
The winter months bring more solitude to a usually very popular park. If you don't mind the near-freezing low temperatures, camping during this time of year is also a treat. Despite the fact that Joshua Tree is a desert park,
light snowfall is not out of the ordinary during the winter months
.
