Much of the dispersed camping near Joshua Tree National Park lies in a few sites on BLM land to the north and south of park boundaries, with plenty of space for several large RVs. There is also backcountry camping inside the park, but is not practical for RVs or vehicles.
Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree National Park
Campsites depicted in the map above shows where all of the popular dispersed camping can be found near Joshua Tree NP. Below is a description of each site…
North of the Park
- Joshua Tree North BLM – (34.1734, -116.2267) – A wide, flat section of land suitable for any sized RV, capable of accommodating a hundred or more campers. Very windy here.
- Gold Park Road – (34.0883, -116.0132) – A small plot of BLM land located off of Gold Park Road, very close to the Park’s North Entrance Station. 4WD required.
South of the Park
- Joshua Tree South BLM West (YouTube video) – (33.6745, -115.8047) – Located on BLM land, this is a highly popular camping area with dozens of sites large enough for any sized RV. 4WD recommended, but not required.
- Joshua Tree South BLM East – (33.6756, -115.7904) – Also located on BLM land, this is located east of Cottonwood Springs Road, with dozens of large sites. 4WD recommended, but not required.
- Hayfield Rocks BLM – (33.7209, -115.5000) – This is small cubby hole surrounded by a rocky hill, located off of Hayfield Road. 4WD recommended, but not required.
- Chiriaco Summit Campground – (33.6634, -115.7231) – This is a developed campground offered for free to visitors of Chiriaco Summit fuel station and the Patton War Museum.
Dispersed Camping Inside Joshua Tree National Park
The only dispersed camping inside Joshua Tree National Park is “backcountry camping” by foot and with tents. This is available only to hikers who purchase a backcountry camping permit (currently $6.00) which are available at any park visitor center.
Otherwise, all other camping with vehicle is restricted to developed campgrounds.
Backcountry Camping Requirements
- Your camp must be located at least one mile away from a road,
- Your camp must be located at least 500 feet away from a hiking trail,
- Your camp must be located outside of a day-use area (picnic area, view point, visitor center, etc.)
- You are limited to just three nights in any one particular zone. After three nights, you may continue camping only in a different zone (see Zone Map at Joshua Tree NP official website)
- Backcountry Camping Permits are limited to 14 nights total.
Vehicle Parking for Backcountry Campers
Backcountry campers must leave their car at a trailhead parking lot, or at one of the dispersed camping areas depicted in the map above. You are not allowed to drive your vehicle off-road inside Joshua Tree NP. You are not allowed to sleep in your vehicle when parked at a trailhead parking lot.
For more information, see Page 7 of, “Joshua Tree National Park Guide, 2014“
please post a map that shows boundaries of day use only regions in JTNP. That would be very easy, clear and helpful in legal compliance. For example, it would be very helpful in identifying the precise boundary around the Queen Mtn and Wonderland Of Rocks day use only region. The maps on the back country registration boards show that clearly, but it would be nice to view that online from home. Thanks!