Indian Cove

Color photo of a campsite at dark with a fire lit and headlamps leaving light trails.
Indian Cove

101 sites. $20 per night. 3,200 feet in elevation. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.

a hiker standing high on a rock outcrop looks over a desert valley
Hiking

Joshua Tree has about 300 miles of hiking trails for you to explore. Which one is calling to you?

close-up of desert tortoise with his head pulled into his shell
Discover the Desert Tortoise

Spending 95% of its time underground, this unhurried creature comes out of its burrow in spring to eat and mate. Let us know if you see one.

a hiker wearing a large backpack looks towards the horizon at a colorful sunset
Backpacking

Backpacking can be a great way to get out into the park for those who are prepared.

 

Indian Cove is located 13 miles east of Joshua Tree Village and 10 miles west of Twentynine Palms on the north side of the Wonderland of Rocks. Indian Cove Road dead-ends at this secluded area.

A sprawling campground is enclosed by towering rock formations making the area popular with rock climbers. Many campsites are tucked around the rocks, providing naturalistic tent camping. Other sites offer space for RVs. There is a separate camping area for groups.

Campers register at the ranger station located at the entrance to the Indian Cove area. Water is also available there.

On the west side of the campground, the half-mile Indian Cove nature trail features the plants, animals, and seasonal Indian occupation of the area. A picnic area is located on the far eastern side of the campground.

Indian Cove is noted for the large number of mature Mojave yuccas and shrubs that grow there. Colorful spring blooms are especially striking against the sand-colored granite rocks.

Desert tortoise sightings are not unusual during spring and early fall, when they venture from their burrows. The area is also popular with birders, especially those wanting to see the elusive LeConte’s thrasher.

For backcountry camping, visit recreation.gov and apply for a permit.

Last updated: July 2, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597

Phone:

760 367-5500

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