- A maximum of six people, three tents, and two licensed vehicles may occupy an individual campsite, if there is space. Some sites only have enough parking for one vehicle. A vehicle towing a trailer, popup, tent trailer, or fifth wheel—or a motorhome towing a vehicle—is considered two vehicles.
- Attaching lines to vegetation, including Joshua trees and junipers, is prohibited. Hammocks, slacklines, and other horizontal ropes must be tied to rocks and climbing bolts, and are not permitted in campgrounds.
- Camping fees must be paid within one hour of selecting a campsite.
- Check out is at noon.
- Check in time for first-come, first-serve is as soon as there is an available site. Check in time for reservation campgrounds is after noon.
- There is a 30-day camping limit each year. Only 14 of these nights may take place from October-May.
- All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the picnic table or fire grate.
- Food must be stored securely where wildlife cannot get to it. Any scented or odorous items, including sunscreen and toiletries, must be secured as if they were food.
- Campsites left vacant for 24 hours will be treated as vacant. Holding or reserving campsites for persons not present is not allowed.
- Pets must remain on leash at all times and may not be left unattended.
- No slacklines in campgrounds.
- At Hidden Valley and White Tank Campgrounds, RVs and trailers may not exceed a combined maximum length of 25 feet. Other campgrounds have length restrictions not to exceed 35 feet, unless otherwise noted.
Pets
Pets must remain on leash at all times and may not be left unattended. Learn more about bringing a pet to Joshua Tree.
Quiet Hours and Generator Use
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
- Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.
Fires and Firewood
Because of the park’s very dry climate, fire danger in Joshua Tree is almost always very high. Be cautious.
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills that are found in park campgrounds or picnic areas.
- Keep fires small.
- Bring your own firewood. You may not gather park vegetation, whether living or dead, to fuel your campfire. Do not burn combustible objects other than firewood.
- Firewood transported from far away has the potential to introduce pests and pathogens into the park. Please make every effort to bring firewood that has been acquired locally.
- If you plan to have a campfire, bring extra water to douse it thoroughly.
