Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

Whether it’s a historic hotel or a serene campground, the best places to stay in Joshua Tree each offers a unique way to connect with the desert’s rugged beauty.

Named for the region’s twisted, spindly yucca trees, Joshua Tree National Park is rugged, stark, and an outdoor lover’s paradise. Home to a myriad of mountain biking and hiking trails, natural springs, and more than 4,500 established rock-climbing routes, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect place to escape from the world.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park, there are three main areas to base yourself: inside the national park, north of the park in the villages of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms, or south of the park in the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area.

In collaboration with Hotels.com, I’m sharing some of my favorite accommodations and best places to stay in and around Joshua Tree National Park.

What to Know About Your Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

There are no hotels or lodges in Joshua Tree National Park, but the small towns around the park, like the town of Joshua Tree, offer a wide range of lodging options, including boutique hotels, bed-and-breakfast lodgings, and guesthouses.

Some of the best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park are in the small town of Joshua Tree, which has a thriving creative community and some great restaurants. Other towns like Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree also have a handful of comfortable places to stay and plenty of restaurants and fast food joints.

Hotels Near Joshua Tree National Park

There are a wide choice of great hotels near Joshua Tree National Park for all budgets and needs and you shouldn’t have a problem finding a comfortable place to stay in Joshua Tree or any of the other towns within driving distance from the park.

FIND HOTELS IN JOSHUA TREE

1

The Joshua Tree Inn, Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree Inn
Joshua Tree Inn. Photo: Tripadvisor

The Joshua Tree Inn is a charming, rustic hotel near Joshua Tree National Park with lovely lodgings and a swimming pool – a luxury in the desert heat. The hacienda-style inn has 11 air-conditioned guest rooms with private patios, one of which is famous for being the spot where legendary folk singer Gram Parsons’ spent his final hours.

The hotel has beautifully landscaped gardens, a fire pit, and barbeque facilities for alfresco evenings under the stars. The swimming pool’s sun deck is surrounded by spectacular landscapes and is ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring Joshua Tree National Park. The Joshua Tree Inn is within walking distance from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.

2

Sacred Sands, Joshua Tree

Sacred Sands Joshua Tree
Sacred Sands. Photo: Booking.com

If you are looking for a luxurious retreat, then Sacred Sands is one of the best Joshua Tree hotels for this. Located just outside the west entrance to the Joshua Tree National Park, Sacred Sands is an exquisite private guesthouse with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

The retreat has just one studio and one suite, both of which have airy indoor and outdoor living spaces, en-suite bathrooms with river rock-floor showers, and kitchenettes with fridges stocked with gourmet goodies. Private patios have outdoor showers, mineral hot tubs, hanging beds, and fire pits with barbecues and the guesthouse can host events for up to 130 people. Sacred Sands is arguably one the best Joshua Tree hotels in the area.

3

The Desert Lily, Joshua Tree

Desert Lily Joshua Tree
Photo: The Desert Lily

The Desert Lily is a charming bed-and-breakfast just a few minutes’ drive from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Set on five acres of beautiful desert landscapes, the chic lodging has three individually decorated guest rooms and comfortable self-catering cabins with fully equipped kitchens.

A delicious gourmet breakfast is served on the patio every morning and you can relax in the shaded bohemian lounge with a cocktail from the bar. Unwind around the campfire in the evenings beneath vast starry skies after your adventures in Joshua Tree.

4

Mojave Sands Motel, Joshua Tree

Mojave Sands Motel
Photo: Mojave Sands Joshua Tree

Mojave Sands Motel is an intimate inn near Joshua Tree National Park and one of the best hotels to stay in if you want a bit of pampering. Built in the 1950s, the hotel has just five guestrooms that are stylishly decorated in a blend of Moroccan and eco-minimalist décor.

Each room has an en-suite bathroom, a private patio with a fountain, and a record player with an assortment of vinyl records. Two of the rooms have kitchenettes for self-catering and all the rooms look onto the common area which has three outdoor fireplaces and a tranquil reflecting pool.

The Mojave Sands is a short walk from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center which will provide you with all the information you need about visiting Joshua Tree National Park. This Joshua Tree hotel is a great choice if you want a quiet, private desert retreat.

5

Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway, Joshua Tree

Spin and Margie's Desert Hideaway
Photo: Desert Hideaway

Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway epitomizes quirky desert chic. The small boutique hotel is part- Mexican hacienda, part-motor lodge, and has beautiful outdoor spaces, lovely gardens, and a pool. Ideally located just five minutes from the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, the hotel has four comfortable suites with two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and private patios with gorgeous desert views.

There is also a cozy cottage away from the main hotel if you are looking for something a bit more private and secluded. A large outdoor area has a great vibe with local artworks, cacti gardens, desert-style Adirondack loungers, a bocce court, and the pool.

Places to Stay in Twentynine Palms

This town is situated just north of Joshua Tree National Park’s Oasis Visitor Center and is a good place to base yourself for easy access to Joshua Tree National Park. The town has a nice vibe and a few comfortable, inexpensive hotels.

1

Campbell House

Campbell House Joshua Tree
Photo: Visit Campbell House

Set on 25 secluded acres of lush gardens and towering palms, Campbell House is a historic desert inn with old-world charm that promises a peaceful retreat. Formerly the Roughley Manor, Campbell House is located minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and offers 12 elegant guest suites and cottages with deluxe amenities.

Guests can enjoy pampering massages, soaking in the hot tub, taking a dip in the pool or having a game of bocce. Relax in the one of the many beautifully maintained gardens or take a guided walking tour of the Oasis of Mara with a local with desert naturalist.

2

29 Palms Inn

29 Palms Inn Joshua Tree
Photo: 29 Palms Inn

Surrounded by 70 acres of Mojave Desert landscapes with the lush Oasis of Mara at the heart, the 29 Palms Inn is a lovely hotel within a short drive from the Oasis Visitor Center and the Joshua Tree National Park. Owned by the same family for five generations, 29 Palms Inn has a comfortable set of cabins, a bohemian-style restaurant and bar, and pool.

The relaxed retreat also has an enclosed gazebo with a hot tub, hammocks, and a houseboat floating on the palm shaded pond, which is the last remaining pond of the Oasis. A houseboat floats on the palm shaded pond, which attracts a myriad of bird species and you can enjoy guided walks with a local naturalist on weekend mornings. Ideal for weekend getaways near Joshua Tree.

3

Harmony Motel

Harmony Motel Joshua Tree
Photo: Harmony Motel

Famed for being the motel where U2 stayed while working on their Joshua Tree album, the Harmony Hotel is a charming hilltop refuge in Twentynine Palms and just minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park. The motel has comfortable, no-frills guest rooms with air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, and private patios with views of the Mojave wilderness.

If you are traveling with family, the Jack Kerouac Cabin is a separate cabin that can sleep three guests and has a full kitchenette for self-catering. Grab a coffee in the morning from the common room before heading into the park and relax in the small pool or hot tub in the evenings. This is a lovely family-friendly spotto stay near Joshua Tree.

Places to Stay in Yucca Valley

Just west of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley is not as busy as the other towns around the park, but offers some good, budget-friendly lodging options.

1

Pioneertown Motel

Pioneertown Motel Joshua Tree
Pioneertown Motel. Photo: Booking.com

Originally built as a backdrop for old Western movies in the 1940s, the Pioneertown Motel is a comfortable, laid-back retreat with rustic décor, spacious air-conditioned lodging, and a communal lounge with books, board games, and coffee on the go. It’s become something of a Joshua Tree icon.

Next door to the Pioneertown Motel is the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s, a former biker bar-turned-cool desert music venue that is renowned for its barbeque, beer, and live music. The Red Dog Saloon is also close by and serves great Mexican food.

The Pioneertown Motel is a good choice if you are looking for a budge-friendly place to stay near Joshua Tree.

2

Kate's Lazy Desert Airstream Camp

Kates Lazy Desert Airstream Camp
Photo: Tripadvisor

Kate’s Lazy Desert Airstream Camp is one the best places to stay if you want to experience the magic of the Mojave Desert. The award-winning lodging is just a short drive from Joshua Tree National Park and has six vintage airstreams that have been beautifully restored by local artists and designers.

Airstream trailers have air-conditioning and heating, comfy double beds, bathrooms with showers, and cooktops with coffeemakers and basic cooking utensils. Picnic tables and barbecue grills outside the trailers are available for alfresco dining under the stars. A perfect getaway near Joshua Tree to enjoy some peace and quiet in the heart of California.

3

Hicksville Trailer Palace

Hicksville Trailer Palace Joshua Tree
Photo: Hicksville Palace

Hicksville Trailer Palace is a fantastic spot to stay if you like quirky and whimsical. The secret hideaway has a collection of eclectically-themed trailers surrounding a swimming pool in the middle of the desert. Trailers are fully decked out with air-conditioning and heating and comfy beds and shared bathrooms have indoor and outdoor showers.

There are loads of amenities to enjoy like a saltwater pool, rooftop hot tubs, table tennis, mini-golf, an archery and BB gun range, and pinball. Outdoor cooking areas have firepits and grills, and there are several communal areas for kicking back and relaxing. It’s dog-friendly too, so can you take your furry friends on weekend getaways.

Places to Stay in Palm Springs / Coachella Valley

The Palm Springs area, known as the Coachella Valley, offers a wide range of accommodation options and this is where you’ll find some high-end hotels if you are looking for a bit of luxury.

1

Desert Riviera Hotel

Desert Riviera Joshua Tree
Photo: Hotels.com

Desert Riviera is one of the best places to stay in Southern California’s Coachella Valley. The Palm Springs hotel has exquisitely landscaped gardens with towering palm trees, an outdoor heated pool, and whirlpool Jacuzzi. Air-conditioned rooms have 1950s décor, private bathrooms, and mini-fridges, and guests can use complimentary bicycles and golf clubs.

Although this hotel isn’t as near Joshua Tree as others further north, it is easily reached from Los Angeles and San Bernadino and is ideally located for a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park and exploring the Colorado Desert.

2

The Chateau At Lake La Quinta

The Chateau at Lake La Quinta Joshua Tree
Photo: Hotels.com

The Chateau At Lake La Quinta is another great hotel in which to stay near Joshua Tree National Park. A few hour’s drive from Los Angeles, the desert oasis is set on the shores of Lake La Quinta in the Palm Springs area and offers topnotch accommodations and a wealth of amenities.

Encircled by the Sonoran Desert of southern California, the luxurious resort has lush gardens, a beautiful outdoor pool, a golf course, and an acclaimed restaurant with lake views. Grab a spot next to a fire pit on the lakeside entertainment patio and enjoy a cocktail from the lakeside bar.

The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails and the Joshua Tree National Park is a short drive away.

Best Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

When deciding on where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park, bear in mind that there are only campgrounds within the park and no other types of accommodation. Most of the campgrounds cater for tents and RVs and have basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and toilets. Very few campgrounds in Joshua Tree have drinking water, so be sure to plan accordingly and take plenty with you.

1

Black Rock Campground

Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree

Black Rock Campground is a large campground set amongst one of the thickest Joshua tree forests in Joshua Tree National Park. Located in the northwest corner of the park, the campground has 99 sites with picnic tables and fire rings and there are restrooms and potable water nearby.

Black Rock Campground can accommodate both tents and RVs and it’s a popular rest stop for hikers, RV campers, and horseback riders. If you are traveling with your horse, there is a separate area for camping.

Some fantastic hiking trails around Black Rock boast breathtaking views of the low desert and high peaks around Palm Springs and a number of great rock climbing sites within a half-hour drive from the campground.

2

Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground Joshua Tree

The Cottonwood Campground is a reservations-only campsite in the southeast part of the park and one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for wildflower viewing and stargazing. The campground has 62 basic sites with picnic tables and fire rings. There are no electrical hookups and restrooms with flushing toilets and potable water are nearby.

Several trails leave from the campground, which are well worth exploring, and the starry night skies are ideal for star-gazing. The campground doesn’t have much shade though and can get very hot in the summer.

3

Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground Joshua Tree

Located off of Highway 62, thirteen miles east of Joshua Tree Village, Indian Cove Campground is nestled among the huge rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known and is a popular spot for climbers to stay.

The campground has 101 individual campsites on flat, sandy surfaces and 13 tent-only group sites. There are no electrical hookups or drinking water in the campground, however, you can get potable water at the ranger station two miles away. Twentynine Palms is less than 10 miles away for stocking up on essentials so you won’t have to travel too far

4

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Jumbo Rocks Campground Joshua Tree

Jumbo Rocks Campground is another popular campsite for climbers due to its proximity to many great climbing routes. Tucked among huge boulders, the campground has 124 individual and family sites for tents and RVs, however, there are no electrical hookups or drinking water. If you need some camping essentials, you can travel into the town of Twentynine Palms, which is 12 miles away.

If you are a rock scrambler, this is a great spot to stay as there are a large variety of incredible geological formations. Several trails also leave from the campground and there is a short interpretive nature trail around the campsite which is great for kids. The clear desert skies here are perfect for star-gazing.

5

Ryan Campground

Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Campground is a small, reservations-only campsite next to the California Riding and Hiking Trail in the center of Joshua Tree National Park. The campground has 31 individual tents, limited RV campsites, and four designated equestrian sites, however, there no hookups or drinking water in the campground. Twentynine Palms is 17 miles away if you need to stock up on essentials, and several hiking trails leave from the campsite.

6

Belle Campground

Belle Campground Joshua Tree

Surrounded by massive boulders and twisty Joshua trees, Belle Campground is a picturesque area to camp in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. This is one of the closest campgrounds to the north entrance to the park and is within a short drive from the California Hiking and Riding Trail.

The campground has just 18 tent sites and basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. There is no running water here, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.  There are plenty of interesting rock formations, including Arch Rock and Skull Rock to explore, and a number of great trails. There are also some excellent bouldering and climbing routes nearby.

7

Hidden Valley Campground

Hidden Valley Campground Joshua Tree

If you are looking to sleep under vast starry skies in the middle of the Joshua Tree National Park, then this is a great campground. Located just off Park Boulevard, the Hidden Valley Campground is a pretty site surrounded by large boulders and spindly Joshua Trees. It has nine campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets, however, there is no running water though, so be sure to bring plenty of your own.

This is a first-come, first-served campsite and is popular among hikers and climbers due to being so close to great walking trails and climbing routes.

8

White Tank Campground

White Tank Campground Joshua Tree

Tucked among massive granite boulders in the northern end of the park, White Tank Campground located near the darkest section of the park and is the best place for night sky viewing and sleeping under the stars.

Located off Pinto Basin Road, the small campground 15 campsites, each available on a first-come, first-served basis with basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. White Tank Campground does not have potable water, so bring plenty of your own. This is a great spot for scrambling around striking rock formations, hiking amongst immersive boulders, and stargazing among some of the darkest evening skies in Southern California.

As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.

If you do decide to travel at this time, here are our recommendations:

  • Wear a face mask.
  • Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.
  • Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures and status of local businesses.
  • Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.”

READ MORE:

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree FAQs

How many days is enough for Joshua Tree?

3 days is a good amount of time to fully enjoy Joshua Tree National Park.

What is the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree?

Spring and Fall are the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park.

What major city is closest to Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree is closest to San Bernardino and Los Angeles.

Do you need a reservation to visit Joshua Tree National Park?

No, you don’t need a reservation to visit Joshua Tree. However, you may need a campsite reservation if you want to camp in the park.

How much money does it cost to go to Joshua Tree National Park?

The entrance fee to Joshua Tree National Park is $30.

About the Author

Mia Russell

Mia is a freelance travel writer with a passion for adventure, wildlife, and water (not necessarily in that order.) She has traveled the globe to follow her dreams, fight for the environment, and swim in some of the world’s most beautiful places.
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