Camping at Joshua Tree National Park – November 19-21, 2011

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Joshua Tree National Park is located 140 miles east of Los Angeles, and borders Nevada, Arizona and Mexico… The National Park Service (NPS) is responsible for regulating visitor park resources, including centers, permitting, facilities, activities and campgrounds (Modified Map from NPS above).

The park is well known for it’s large rock features and recreational climbing, mountain biking trails, campgrounds, unique desert ecology, and rich history / culture.

Joshua Tree is named so because of all the Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Tree) which are found there. The trees appear cactus-like and right out of a Dr. Seuss book, but is actually a member of the Agave family. The name of the tree originated from traveling Mormon immigrants who believed the outstretched branches of the tree were symbolic of the limbs of Joshua (biblical figure), guiding them westward. The number of branches / bifurcations on the trees are loosely indicative of historical environmental conditions… as cold winters are thought to damage the ends of branches, which in-turn stimulates blooming and subsequent branching.

There are nine campgrounds available, of which most reservations are not necessary. At the entrance of each campground are instructions for fees and campsite permitting. There may be over 100 campsites per campground, but during peak camping seasons (Halloween and Thanksgiving weekend, etc) these campsites may be full. Since Luke and I decided to make the drive out from LA this past November (week of Thanksgiving), the highly desired campgrounds (e.g. Hidden Valley and Indian Cove) were already full… less preferred campgrounds (Jumbo Rock Campgrounds) were nearly full as well. Arriving in the early AM was helpful, as the sites were filling up throughout the day. Parking will approximately be located next to your campsite.

Composting bathrooms and trash receptacles are provided, and are generally near each campsite.

There is no wood available for campfires at Joshua tree, so you will have to bring your own. However, there are several stores just outside of the park which sell wood. NOTE: It is illegal to burn any plantlife, dead or alive.

Without a campfire, you probably won’t be able to stay outside very long once the sun goes down so make sure to pick up a couple of boxes/bundles so that you can enjoy the scenery.

Looking up is highly recommended. So is hot chocolate… For an inexpensive supermarket brand, I STRONGLY suggest, “Land O’ Lakes Hot Cocoa.” So tasty.

I know I said nights are frigid, but the mornings can be worse… at least til the sun warms up the ground. You’ll find out that the condensation on your tent will turn to ice. Water you left outside at your campsite may be solid.

If the weather is agreeable, I highly recommend taking off your rain-fly in the morning to dry out. Once the sun is higher in the sky, the weather will be warm enough to go adventuring… whether it being hiking, climbing, biking or just site-seeing from your car.

Camping at Joshua Tree can be a great experience, but it is important that you plan camping trip ahead of time so that you can utilize your time there wisely… and see all the things that you want to see. In addition to researching ahead of time, I suggest going to Visitor Center prior to entering the park. Walking around their exhibits and talking to the rangers / workers there can be invaluable. While using the campgrounds, you’ll never really be “roughing it.” Facilities are fairly well kept and campsites are plentiful when not in season (i.e. holiday weekends / spring break, etc.). There is a maximum of two cars (parking is generally next to site) and 3 tents per campsite. Arrive at the campgrounds in the morning, and early or midweek to best secure a preferable campsite. If camping in the fall / winter, make sure to have warm clothing and winter gear. Grabber hand-warmers are always useful. Firewood is not available in the park, so make sure to acquire some before entering. Water is only available at only a few areas, so it is best if you bring your own or fill up your receptacles before you enter the park. You will want to fill up your gas tank as well, as there are no nearby gas stations within the park. It is likely that you will be doing quite a bit of driving once you’re into the park, as most of the places you will want to go are not within walking distance of your campsite.

Keep in mind this is a 3-part series, which includes, camping, hiking, and bouldering while at Joshua Tree (see links at top of page). To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more mainland and off-island adventures, Click Here!!!. Thanks for stopping by!!!