Where to Stay in Joshua Tree | 8 Stunning Places to Stay

Joshua Tree in Southern California is one of those national parks that offer a little bit of everything for every kind of adventurer. Do you love hiking through towering terrain to get to breathtaking vistas? Perhaps you prefer setting up camp and staring at the starry night sky. In either case, Joshua Tree is the place to be. 

However, this begs the question of where to stay in Joshua Tree. Now, you might be thinking that you would rather stay in a nice hotel nearby and take to the off-road trials in a hulking 4X4. Well, this national park is home to some of the best off-road trails in the continental US.

As you can see, there are many fantastic things to do in Joshua Tree. However, the real conundrum is where to kick up your feet in between these activities. Do you stay in the park? Perhaps it is better to stay nearby and travel in? Let’s dive in and explore the options.

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Best Places to Stay in Joshua Tree: Hotels, Motels, and Camping

The first thing to decide is whether or not you want to stay in the park itself. As there are no hotels in the park, you’ll be limited to camping. 

On the other hand, you can stay in one of the many quaint towns that are only a short drive away from the park. Choosing this option also opens up a ton of possibilities, such as shopping sprees, luxurious hotels, as well as some fantastic glamping options. 

Joshua Tree National Park has three park entrances, namely the North, South, and West entrance. The North entrance is roughly three miles south of the Utah Trail. The South entrance is around seven miles North of Cottonwood Spring. In contrast, the West entrance is five miles south of Joshua Tree Village.

Camping: 3 Best Places to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

It can be a real pain to research the plethora of camping grounds that are littered all over Joshua National Park. To the more inexperienced camper, all campsites may seem alike. However, as you use more campsites, you quickly realize there can be a massive difference.

Ideally, you want your campsite to have easy access to fresh drinking water and is nearby some of the best hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park. With that in mind, here are five of the best campsites inside Joshua Tree National Park to help you avoid a campsite nightmare.

Hidden Valley Campground

Starting off the list is the no-mess, no-fuss entry of Hidden Valley Campgrounds. The grounds house 44 sites for you to set up in, whether it’s in your overlander or tent. There are some pit toilets to use, a couple of picnic tables, and trash is collected year-round, so you have no need to worry about what to do with your rubbish. 

The campsite is first come, first serve, so it is best to claim your spot, set up camp, and then go pay your fees. If you arrive after the entrance stations are closed, you can come back and pay in the morning. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

Ryan Campground

This 31-site campground is by far the most central of the ones on this list. Located right beside the California Riding and Hiking Trail, it is the perfect place to stay if you want to get hiking as soon as possible.

The Ryan Campgrounds offer a few extra options to the previous entry as it has four equestrian sites and three bicycle sites available. There is no power or water available here, though, so make sure to bring lots of extra water and a power bank or two to charge your devices. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

Black Rock Campground

Black Rock Campground is the best place to stay in Joshua Tree for first-time campers as well as for adventurers that are not as sprightly as they used to be. While staying here, you’ll have access to cell service, Wi-Fi, an outdoor fire pit, and flushing toilets.

During peak season, the park has a handful of staff onsite to help you out. If you’re wondering which are the largest campgrounds within the park, then you have found your answer. Black Rock has a whopping 99 sites to choose from, and 20 of them are reserved for horses so that you can bring your long-faced friend with you. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

5 Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

Staying in one of the nearby towns can really open up your options for the kind of holiday you can have while exploring Joshua Tree. You could stay in a lavish hotel filled with stunning decor, endless room service, and even a hot tub or massage center.

Perhaps you would prefer to try out some of the best spots for glamping in Joshua Tree, or maybe you just want to be able to go shopping in between hikes. Nevertheless, staying in one of the delightful towns around the park will let you fulfill all of these desires and so much more.

Budget | Yucca Valley

Yucca Valley is adjacent to Joshua Tree town and could serve as the perfect place for you to get your rest during your Joshua Tree desert escape. The town offers many hotels, motels, and guest houses to stay in, as well as some superb hiking trails outside of the park.

A wonderful example of one of these hotels near Joshua Tree is the Tortoise Oasis. The resort itself offers an outdoor hot tub, shuffleboard, and even a garden to explore. However, what makes it one of the best Joshua Tree hotels is its centrally located in Yucca Valley. Everything from the town center to the national park (11.2 miles) is just a short car ride away. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

Mid-Range | Twentynine Palms

Twentynine Palms is as close to the Joshua Tree National Park as you can get without actually entering any of the gates. In fact, it is home to the North entrance of the park. So if you’re looking for the best Joshua Tree resorts outside of the park, then Twentynine Palms is exactly what you are looking for.

One such resort is the Holiday Inn Express Hotel is one of the best hotels near Joshua Tree. As it’s practically an arms-length away from the park, it allows you to rest your eyes between hikes and rock climbing sessions in style and comfort. You’ll have access to a private bathroom, outdoor pool, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping. So, you can tackle that next hike knowing you are well-rested and fresh. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

Mid-Range | Palm Desert

Palm Desert is home to many attractions, the most famous of which is the world-renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which takes place a mere 10 miles away. However, if you are in town outside of festival dates, Palm Desert still offers a ton of fun things to do.

As for lodging, a stay at the enchanting Hotel Paseo is a golden opportunity. It’s more or less two miles away from the Living Desert Zoo and gardens, where you can meet all of the local wildlife. You’re also nearby all the outstanding art galleries, bars, and restaurants in the city. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

Luxury | Joshua Tree Town

Joshua Tree Town is small, but it has a lot to offer, from mouth-watering dining experiences to charming little stores you can peruse. However, one of the best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park is the AutoCamp Joshua Tree. The hotel is only 5.7 miles away from the park, making it super convenient to stay in during the evenings and explore the park during the day.

Each trailer is immaculately decorated. The resort also offers an outdoor shower, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and a complimentary breakfast. It provides outstanding glamping accommodation. They offer you the best of the best amenities while keeping the stripped-down nature of being in such a rustic location as Joshua Tree. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

Luxury | Palm Springs

You arrive at your hotel on Friday night. You soak the stress of your long car ride out in the hot tub. The next morning you wake up early and go for a refreshing hike in Joshua Tree National Park. On your way back to the hotel, you do some retail therapy in downtown Palm Springs.

Doesn’t that just sound like the perfect Palm Springs weekend? Now you just need the perfect place to stay to go along with it. Introducing the La Serena Villas Hotel, the epitome of luxury and elegance while staying in Palm Springs. The resort offers a wide variety of relaxing amenities, which include a spa and wellness clinic as well as an outdoor pool. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

Other Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

If none of these magical destinations tickle your fancy, there are a few more lodgings worth a mention.

• Fairfield Inn and Suites — Located in Twentynine Palms, it’s a very affordable mid-range alternative. >>> Check Pricing and Availability
• Desert Hot Springs Inn — For a budget stay by the memorable hot springs near Joshua Tree, this is a fantastic option. >>> Check Pricing and Availability
• The Castle House Estate — If it’s a unique Joshua Tree hotel experience you seek, take your pick from this estate’s variety of accommodations. >>> Check Pricing and Availability

What Is There to Do at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center?

The Joshua Tree visitor center should absolutely be your first stop before entering the park. You’ll find everything from detailed hiking maps to lovely little trinkets and other souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

There are even a handful of exhibits about the park for history lovers to delve into. It’s also a great idea to pay for your pass here instead of at the national park entrance. This will help alleviate any congestion at the national park entrance and give you a quicker and smoother entry experience.

Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

It’s always a good idea to keep a few practical tips at hand.

• Remember to download a handy-dandy hiking app before you enter the park, as reception is scarce, if not completely non-existent. You can find out which are the best hiking apps to use by clicking here.
• Stop and fill your car with gas before entering Joshua Tree National Park. The park is massive, and you do not want to be stranded without your car in the middle of the park.
• When you visit Joshua Tree, it’s bound to be a physical experience. Make sure to eat a proper meal before going on any excursions, and always take snacks and lots of water with you.
• Deserts are very hot and dry during the day, but they can get extremely cold once the sun has set. In other words, you will need to pack for both extremely hot and relatively cold weather.
• Joshua Tree is an exceptionally beautiful place, especially at night, so bring a camera with you so that you can look back on these magical memories for years to come.
• Before ending your epic Joshua Tree experience, enjoy the soothing mineral-rich waters of Desert Hot Springs. You can even consider splurging and spending the night at Onsen Hotel and Spa. >>>Check Pricing and Availability 

Frequently Asked Questions While Visiting Joshua Tree

It’s natural to have a few questions before visiting somewhere new. So, here are some answers to the most asked questions.

What Should I Be Careful of in Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree’s official website’s health and safety section warns against interacting with wild animals as they can become aggressive and may carry diseases. Other note-worthy dangers are flash floods, so if it is or has recently rained, avoid all flooded areas.

What Part of Joshua Tree Is Best?

This is largely going to depend on your personal preference. However, the four main surrounding towns of Joshua Tree City, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, and Palm Springs are all splendid areas to stay in. Inside the park, however, the West entrance is by far the most popular section of the park. It is worth noting that the West entrance can be exceptionally busy.

Is it Better to Enter Joshua Tree From the North Entrance or South Entrance?

If you are planning to travel in a loop, it is best to use the North entrance. Using the North Park entrance will give your trek through the park a nice flowing journey that does not require much backtracking.

Wrapping Up Where to Stay at Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is an enchanting place to visit, whether you are hiking up the San Jacinto mountains or enjoying the picturesque viewpoints from  Ryan Mountain. You will love exploring and staying in Joshua Tree.

The cities that surround the park also offer a wide variety of fun and exciting activities after you have scoured every inch of the park. Not to mention that if you love hiking but don’t enjoy camping, you can relax at one of the many fabulous hotels.

Next Read: Check out this perfect 2-day Joshua Tree Itinerary.

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