Joshua Tree

Headed to Joshua Tree next weekend with hopes to camp. Any recommendations on a certain spot or site? Also, anything one should absolutely see while they're out there?

Thanks in advance...

 

Joshua Tree is always a treat to visit. I usually camp outside the national park to avoid the camping fees and their "10 o'clock" quiet time rule. There are a lot of places to camp, hike & off road just outside the national park, but definitely pay the 15$ to enter the park and drive around, there are plenty of parking lots to stop at and explore the area. Skull Rock is fun to climb around, and the Cholla Cactus garden is beyond beautiful at sunset.

I usually just google maps the area and see where there are open spaces to camp. There will be other people out there but no direct neighbors at all.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/34°06'44.4"N+116°17'04.9"W/@34.112341,-116.2868747,897m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0


View from where I usually camp, in the google maps link!

 

Nice, was just reading about it yesterday. I've never been but, in the magazine I was reading it was ranked as one of the top 10 places to see right now.

Be sure to take & post some pics!

 

Is that considered BLM land and considered dispersed free camping?

 

No it's not BLM. But I've been out there 6+ times, and every time there are people tenting and wheeling in the area. We always went to a secluded spot and never had any problems with authority or other folks.

 

Maybe I'll try to look for some areas like that next time. I only been twice and stayed at Indian Cove once and White Tank the second time. Both really cool places. Next time out, I plan to drive in through Berdoo Canyon.

 

Berdoo looks like a fun long trek. I've never actually camped in the NP but I'd like to hike up to lost horse or Keys Ranch sometime. Pioneer town, on the other side of the 62 is an awesome little place to visit too. "Pie for the People" is a great pizza joint on the 62, & they let you drink your own beer on the patio

 

Lost Horse is nice. Its a simple hike. It would be fun if they allow you to drive that trail. hahaha. Haven't done Keys ranch yet.

 

Yes, I wish there were more trails for vehicles. I haven't done Keys yet, just heard a lot about it, seems interesting

 

Do you guys recommend camping on the North or South side of Joshua Tree? Where would I have a better chance of finding a secluded campground?

 

I was thinking about going tonight. Was looking at the Jumbo Rock campsites on the north end. If all else fails, I guess I can pick a spot on BLM land.

 

Right on brotha, thanks for expertise. Im gonna give jumbo a shot tonight. If it fails, Ill just head over to the North side BLM and see what I can find tomorrow morning.

 

where's a good Campground here to take the family? Would be heading out Sunday night or early Monday. Wife and two young kids. We're good campers but never hit Joshua tree. I hear its a good time but there are crowds

 

Every single campground was taken when I went after posting this thread. I ended up sleeping at BLM land about 20 minutes away and explored Joshue Tree the following day.

 

thanks for the tips guys! Plan to find some easy to moderate trails to spend a few hours on too. Will those be inside the park or outside?

 

Would you happen to know any good (photogenic) rock formations near the main road Id be able to take pictures of? Im planning on heading out there tomorrow night to take some pictures. Planning on staying the night at the BLM North. Thank you

 

Would you happen to know if the Arch is pretty far off the road? Id be doing night shots, so I don't think Id want to try to get anywhere too difficult

 

Ill try and check that out. Thank you. One last questions, are there any animals I should watch out for at night over there? Lol