A Campervan Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
Featured camper van: Rincon from altCamp’s Signature Collection.
Joshua Tree National Park was one of those places that I dreamed of going to years before I actually went. And when I did? Well, it didn’t disappoint. This desert national park is an environment unlike almost any other place I’ve ever been. Think: tan boulders rising hundreds of feet overhead, wacky-looking Joshua Trees dotting the landscape, incredible sunrises and sunsets, and unbelievable starry nights.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for your fix or would rather peacefully watch the sunset over an other-worldly place, Joshua Tree has you covered.
Why campervans are great for exploring Joshua Tree
There’s something about the freedom of campervan travel that you just don’t get from a regular rental car and AirBnb or campsite. It’s waking up with the comforts of home and a national park at your front door. Traveling with your home in the backseat means you can be more spontaneous—reserve campsites if you’d like, or find some free BLM land a short ways outside the park at the end of the day.
Planning your trip (plus van rental tips)
I know I said you can be more spontaneous with a campervan, but a little planning will help you get the most out of your trip.
When to visit Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is a desert, which means the summers are hot, dry, and kind of intolerable for a large portion of the day. With this in mind, it’s best to visit in the fall, winter, or spring. The fall and spring bring cooler temperatures, with warm enough days for comfortable hiking and climbing. In the winter, you might get a chance to see the occasional snow dusting, which is quite a sight.
Especially helpful van equipment for exploring Joshua Tree
I won’t say these things are essential, but if you’re looking at renting a van to explore Joshua Tree, these features will definitely come in handy:
Solar panels - the sun is out most days in Joshua Tree and with that, comes solar power. Thanks to that desert sun and very few trees, solar does extremely well and with the right setup, can likely keep you charged throughout your trip.
Water tank - there is no water in the park, so it’s essential to bring your own. Whether that means a water tank set up built into your van or several gallon jugs filled with water, be sure to fill up and bring more than you think you’ll need.
Fan or air conditioning - have I mentioned the heat yet? It is a desert, so even in spring and fall it can get pretty hot. Having at least some sort of ventilation system in the van will help keep it from being sweltering.
Starlink - you won’t find much cell service inside the park, so either plan for disconnecting for a few days or get a Starlink.
Example 3-day itinerary
Your trip is your trip and I encourage you to make it your own. However, if I were to choose a single three-day itinerary to get a real taste of JTree, this is what I would do.
Day 1: Ideally, arrive early and head into the park for Joshua Tree viewing and a hike. Watch the sunset in the evening, then have an early night.
Day 2: Head into the park and try rock climbing! (Or take another hike.) Always be safe, so if you’ve never been climbing before, definitely hire a local guide. Spend the evening star gazing.
Day 3: Town day! If it’s a Saturday, head to the farmer’s market and if not, go peruse the different eclectic shops in town including the Shops at Zanny’s. Bid a tearful farewell to JTree.
Where to camp in and around Joshua Tree National Park
In the park
The national park has a handful of great campgrounds with stunning views. You can see all the options on the National Park website. There are five campgrounds where you can reserve a site and three that are first come, first served. Getting a site is extremely competitive, so reserve well in advance or have a backup plan. Some of these sites have water and a dump station, but are fairly primitive.
Free dispersed camping and boondocking
North of the park, there is BLM land that allows free dispersed camping. The BLM area is often called the dry lakebed. There are no amenities here, so be respectful and follow Leave No Trace Principles. Check out iOverlander or Freecampsites.net for more details.
Paid sites outside of the park
If you’re looking for a little more charm and all the park campsites are taken, the surrounding area is a hub for gorgeous private camp properties. Van Life Campgrounds Joshua Tree offers an affordable option with nice amenities and community. There are also many alternative camping options on sites like HipCamp.
What to do while in Joshua Tree
For a little town, you’ll find a surprisingly large amount of things to do, especially for the outdoors-lover. This isn’t an exhaustive list though—these are some ideas, but don’t be afraid to lean into something different and explore.
Hiking
Joshua Tree National Park has a huge array of different hiking trails, from easy nature walks through a cholla cactus garden to strenuous hikes up mountains. Check out this list of hikes from NPS to get an idea of what to choose from or head to the visitor center for a park ranger recommendation. Personally, I’ve enjoyed Ryan Mountain, Willow Hole, Hidden Valley, and Warren Peak.
Rock climbing
Joshua Tree is a world-class mecca for rock climbing. It has thousands of climbs. That being said, climbing in JTree is no joke. If you’re unsure of your climbing ability, new to the area, or haven’t climbed outside before, I highly recommend going with a local guide such as those from Vertical Adventures or Mohave Guides.
Joshua Tree farmer’s market
It’s not all about the national park—the town of Joshua Tree has its own charm as well. A mix of old western, small town, and hippie art, this is a fun place to walk around and explore. Plus, every Saturday morning there’s a farmer’s market with fresh produce, organic baked goods, and unique crafts.
Stargazing
Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park with phenomenal stargazing opportunities. There are several parking lots in the park that specifically allow late night parking for stargazing.
Wellness, spiritual, and yoga retreats
For those on the more spiritual and wellness train, Joshua Tree is also known as a hub for wellness opportunities including massages, facials, sound baths, and restorative yoga. Get some self care time at one of the various retreat centers such as Joshua Tree Retreat Center or Camp Vortex Retreat Center.
