Top 10 Campgrounds Near Joshua Tree National Park, California

Tent-only campgrounds

1. Cottonwood Campground

Near Cottonwood Visitor Center, Cottonwood Campground offers 62 campsites perfect for small groups. An individual campsite has a maximum capacity of two vehicles, three tents, and six people. The campground has a 30-day limit per calendar year per guest, and only a maximum of 14 nights is permitted between October and May. During peak season between late August and early June, reservations are required. Small campfires are allowed here but only in designated fire rings and grills, and you need to bring your own firewood. Potable water, trash collection, and toilets are available year round. Moreover, the site has an amphitheater you can access throughout the year.

Cottonwood Campground

Website: Cottonwood Campground

Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/CHS9APFbsVQnpPDF8)

2. Sheep Pass Group Campground

Sheep Pass Group Campground boasts a central location in Joshua Tree National Park, providing convenient access to many hiking trails and rock climbing routes. It features six group campsites, which are only available by reservation. Ideal for large groups, its campsites can accommodate between 10 to 60 people each. Vault toilets and garbage collection are available throughout the year. The scenic surroundings filled with Joshua trees create a relaxing atmosphere that allows you to reconnect with nature.

Sheep Pass Group Campground

Website: Sheep Pass Group Campground

Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/tZ7YgixEHhzM9H4UA)

3. Black Mountain Group Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Perfect for large groups, Black Mountain Group Campground features a huge tent-only group campsite suitable for up to 100 guests. It features several campfire circles with grills and tables, ensuring that you get to enjoy quality time with your family and friends. Vault toilets are provided too. However, potable water is not available on site. You can get drinking water at Cinco Posa Spring’s tap, which is roughly 3.22 km (2 mi) away. Since the campground operates on a 12-month rolling basis, you need to make a reservation in advance.

Black Mountain Group Campground

Website: Black Mountain Group Campground

Address: Black Mountain Truck Trail, Whitewater, CA 92282, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/MQ9RcwFsC2ATFw1f7)

4. Council Group Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Council Group Campground in Angelus Oaks is ideal for large groups of up to 50 people, with its huge campsite beautifully surrounded by pine trees. Guaranteeing you a worry-free camping experience, it has picnic tables, toilets, and potable water. Campfires are allowed here in accordance with local regulations. During your stay here, you can genuinely enjoy the great outdoors. Many recreational activities await you in the area, including biking, boating, climbing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and observing wildlife. During winter, you can also try activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Council Group Campground

Address: CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/Ce6qTt5SkWicDZf48)

5. Tanglewood Group Camp

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Home to a huge group campsite for both RVs and tents, Tanglewood Group Camp accommodates a maximum of 40 people and 8 vehicles. You can have a hassle-free stay here, with its campfire circle with grills, tables, and vault toilets. The nearest store and restaurants are located roughly 12.87 km (8 mi) away in Fawnskin. The nearest shower areas are situated at Serrano Campground. The site is available by reservation on a 12-month rolling basis, so you need to book your stay in advance.

Tanglewood Group Camp

Website: Tanglewood Group Camp

Address: 35540 Holcomb Valley Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/VsphnaKMPntyYUgz8)

RV campgrounds & RV sites

6. Jumbo Rocks Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Jumbo Rocks Campground features 124 individual campsites for small groups, operating by reservation only during peak season between September and May. Conveniently, it is located along Park Boulevard, only about 19.3 km (12 mi) away from Twentynine Palms and 33.8 km (21 mi) away from Joshua Tree. Year-round amenities include trash collection and vault toilets. An amphitheater is available too. While RVs are permitted here, note that the site has no hookups and water. You can book your stay up to six months in advance.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Website: Jumbo Rocks Campground

Address: Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/qakjJPFy7FXLS2xUA)

7. Ryan Campground

Featuring 31 regular campsites, 4 designated horse sites, and 3 bicycle sites for outdoor enthusiasts, Ryan Campground is open by reservation only between September and May. It is conveniently situated next to California Riding and Hiking Trail, only 27.36 km (17 mi) away from Joshua Tree. Throughout the year, it offers vault toilets and trash collection. All campsites are open 24 hours a day, subject to closure at any time. During your stay here, you are expected to observe quiet hours between 10pm and 6am every day.

Ryan Campground

Website: Ryan Campground

Address: Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/ZzqUDVG2AHW3Zpsh7)

8. White Tank Campground

White Tank Campground is set among breathtaking granite boulders, appealing to those seeking solitude. It is only 17.7 km (11 mi) away from Twentynine Palms, but it is remote enough for you to enjoy some tranquility. Operating on a first-come-first-served basis 24/7, it offers 15 campsites. RVs and trailers are welcome, provided that each does not exceed a length of 7.6 m (25 ft). Basic amenities include vault toilets and garbage collection. From 10pm to 6am every day, you need to observe quiet hours.

White Tank Campground

Website: White Tank Campground

Address: 2 White Tank Campground Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/7kU26ZVkkV4NQmBY9)

9. Black Rock Campground

With 99 campsites, Black Rock Campground is one of the biggest campgrounds in the area. These campsites come in different sizes and are available for both RV and tent campers. Reservations are required during peak season, between September and May. Ensuring you a worry-free stay, each of its campsites is equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table. Other on-site amenities include drinking water, a dump station, trash collection, and toilets. Conveniently, the site is only 8.05 km (5 mi) away from Yucca Valley.

Black Rock Campground

Website: Black Rock Campground

Address: California, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/X7zE8JoUTUvRt8Zv5)

10. Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground takes pride in its secluded location. It is16.09 km (10 mi) away from Twentynine Palms and 20.9 km (13 mi) away from Joshua Tree. It features 101 campsites for all kinds of campers, including 13 group campsites. While it offers no potable water on-site, you can get drinking water from a small ranger station about 3.2 km (2 mi) away. Reservations are required during peak season, between late August and early June. Outside this period, only 39 campsites can be reserved. Group campsites are only available by reservation throughout the year.

Indian Cove Campground

Website: Indian Cove Campground

Address: Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://goo.gl/maps/qiNFLeQFVmkh4tRR8)

Satisfy your adventurous soul in Joshua Tree National Park

Millions of tourists visit Joshua Tree National Park yearly, hoping to get a taste of everything it has to offer— from breathtaking natural beauty to adventurous outdoor activities. Planning your trip a few months prior is necessary, especially if you wish to visit during peak season. Check out these best campgrounds near Joshua Tree National Park, California, for a worry-free trip!