Joshua Tree has four visitor centers, and nine campgrounds all with picnic tables, fire rings, public pit toilets & trash receptacles. Only two camp areas have dump sites and potable water, Cottonwood, and Black Rock (Black Rock also has cell phone reception). RV sites have room for a 35 foot max RV including vehicle. Adequate parking is available at each camping area.
A very large very beautiful park we thoroughly enjoyed. The park offers hiking trails, picnic sites, camping, rock climbing, and more! We tent camped at the Cottonwood site and enjoyed hikes during the day and, star gazing and listening to coyotes howling at night. You can bring a gas grill or cook over the fire pit, we did both. The desert is hot during the day but very cool at night so dress accordingly in the winter (recommend sleeping bag good to 30 degrees for comfort). So much to do it could take a month but even if you are just dropping by for the day bring plenty of water. The diversity of scenery is amazing and beautiful so bring a camera. Maybe bring a telescope for night time star gazing as well. This park has an incredible feel to it, peaceful and calming. I will return again in the future!
We hiked, climbed boulders, had a picnic, tent camped, and had a cook out for dinner. The children loved climbing the boulders the most, the adults enjoyed the quiet and stars at night. As an adult I have to say the boulder climbing was a lot of fun for me! If the camp sites in the park are full there is BLM land outside the South entrance of the park utilized by numerous visitors, boon docking only of course but it is free!
Things to know:
- Entry Fee OR National Park Pass
- Pets allowed on a leash in camp areas
- No pets on hiking trails
- No restaurants near by
- Picnic sites available
- Camping $15-20 a night
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center: 6554 Park Blvd. Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Directions: From CA Hwy 62 (the Twenty nine Palms Highway) in downtown Joshua Tree, turn south onto Park Blvd. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center will be on your right. (760) 366-1855
Cottonwood Visit Center: Pinto Basin Rd, Twenty nine Palms, CA 92277
Directions: From I-10, take exit 168 for the Cottonwood Springs Rd. Enter Joshua Tree National Park at the South Entrance. Continue Cottonwood Springs Rd. for about 6 miles. Cottonwood Visitor Center will be on your right. (760) 367-5500