Can You Camp In Joshua National Parks?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cottonwood and Sheep Pass Group Campgrounds are for tents only

. Indian Cove Group Campground can accommodate small RVs or trailers, with a maximum combined length of 25 feet.

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.

Can you camp anywhere in Joshua Tree National Park?


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 camp in Joshua Tree without a reservation?


No advance reservations are needed to enter Joshua Tree National Park

. Reservations are required for ranger-led tours of Keys Ranch. Reservations can be made on recreation.gov. Some campgrounds are first come, first served, whereas others require reservations during the peak season.

Can you have fires at Joshua Tree?


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.

Can I smoke in Joshua Tree?


Outdoor smoking, except as specifically exempted within an enclosed vehicle

. Fireworks, explosives, and any incendiary devices are always prohibited on public lands.

Do you have to pay to camp in Joshua Tree?

The cost of at Joshua Tree varies, depending on where you stay.

Every group entering the park, including campers with reservations, pays an entry fee: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass

. For $55, you can get unlimited visits with an Annual Pass to Joshua Tree.

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 sleep in your car when 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 sleep in your car in California state parks?

The answer is the same for each park:

Yes, you can sleep in your car – IF you have signed into a campground

. You cannot just pull over somewhere and sleep – although obviously, in parks like Death Valley you are more likely to get away with it.

What do I need to camp at Joshua Tree?

  1. Water—at least one gallon per person per day.
  2. Food—more than you think you'll need.
  3. Ice and ice chest.
  4. Sun hat and sunscreen.
  5. Sunglasses.
  6. Sturdy footwear.
  7. Daypack.
  8. First aid kit.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Joshua Tree?

Dispersed Camping


There are some camping options nearby the park on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

. These lands have their own rules and regulations for dispersed camping. There are no developed facilities in dispersed camping areas: no restrooms, no water, no trash collection.

Is alcohol allowed in Joshua Tree?

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages in government buildings has been amended to conform to the policy of the Secretary of the Interior which

prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages unless by written exemption from the Secretary

.

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!

Is Joshua Tree still closed?

Joshua Tree National Park is

open 24 hours a day

and may be visited at any time of the year.

Is Joshua Tree open Covid?


Entrance stations and roads are open

. To see a full list of current closures, check out the park's Current Conditions page.

Are RVS allowed in Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree is the sort of place you'll want to spend at least a few nights. And the park makes RV camping just as easy (if not easier) as putting up a tent.

There are RV available throughout and many allow you to select and book a spot that fits your rig well in advance

.

How much is a night at Joshua Tree?

The average price of a 7-day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is $2,972 for a solo traveler, $5,338 for a couple, and $10,007 for a family of 4. Joshua Tree National Park hotels range from

$122 to $558 per night with an average of $216

, while most vacation rentals will cost $360 to $870 per night for the entire home.

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

.

Is May too hot in Joshua?

The best and most popular months to visit Joshua Tree National Park are March-May and October/November. This is because

the park can get hot

(and I mean hot). In the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100° F with an extremely dry, desert heat and very little shade to escape to.

Is Joshua Tree Nice in January?

With average summer highs of 99 degrees fahrenheit, Joshua Tree is just too hot to enjoy for much of the year. However, a great time to take an Escape Campervan to Joshua Tree National Park is in the winter.

In January, February, and much of March, Joshua Tree will treat you to mild temperatures and relative quiet

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.