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.
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 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 sleep at Joshua Tree?
No, when visiting Joshua Tree, it's best that you do not plan on sleeping in your car.
Sleeping in your vehicle overnight within the National Park is not allowed
. If found, you could be subject to a citation, so it's best to avoid the situation altogether.
Can you pitch a tent 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 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.
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.
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).
Do you have to pay to camp in Joshua Tree?
The cost of camping 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.
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)
What do I need to camp at Joshua Tree?
- Water—at least one gallon per person per day.
- Food—more than you think you'll need.
- Ice and ice chest.
- Sun hat and sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Sturdy footwear.
- Daypack.
- First aid kit.
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.
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!
How do you keep bugs out of car when camping?
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
.
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 car at Walmart?
Generally,
yes, Walmart does allow people to sleep in their cars overnight in Walmart car parks
. Walmart has no official policy on overnight parking with cars, so it is up to the discretion of the store manager or after-hours security guard to permit you to stay.
Are California state parks closed for camping?
Since the lifting of the Regional Stay at Home Order in January 2021,
State Parks has reopened almost all campground sites
, day-use public outdoor areas, and indoor facilities such as visitor centers and museums. A few units and group campsites remain closed due to COVID-19, wildfire impacts or other issues.
Where can I sleep in my car legally near me?
- Designated ‘Safe Parking Program' lots – sleep in a car legally.
- BLM Land and National Forests – sleep in a car and enjoy the outdoors.
- Walmart parking lots – available nationwide.
- Conclusion: Don't be afraid to ask if sleep in a car is legal.
