Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP

Twentynine Palms, California

Description

Cottonwood Spring does not fill up as quickly as other Joshua Tree campgrounds but still offers beautiful desert camping. Group sites are available.

The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other sites in Joshua Tree. It also has potable water and group sites unlike the other campgrounds.

There are also a few beautiful hikes than you can do out of this area. One can hike to the Mastodon Mine, Dry Falls, or the Lost Palms Oasis. The Oasis actually contains the largest fan palm stand in the entire park.

Reservations are available at recreation.gov.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Camping

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

ADA Accessible

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Mastadon Peak Loop

The trail is typically used for hiking, nature trips, and trail running. There are lots of opportunities to see desert plants and flowers. On clear days, you can see the Salton Sea. There is an old mine to explore from the outside, as the entrance has been sealed. If you plan on going to the top of the rock formation, you'll need to go to the back (east) side of the rock formation and you will...

Explore Cottonwood Spring

Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you are among towering palms, larger and wider than most. It's a worthwhile spot to stop and take in so...

Dispersed Camp at Old Dale Mining District

It can be a pain to try and camp in Joshua Tree. Most of the sites get reserved way in advance and if you are looking for privacy or a quiet area, it's not going to happen. But you can camp outside the park on BLM land and there is a great place to do this, it's called Old Dale Mining district. Here's how to get there... The easiest way is to take HWY 62 through the Yucca Valley/ Twentynine Pa...

Hike Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills

From Box Canyon Road turn on to Painted Canyon Road a dirt road that will lead you to the trailhead. From the trailhead start into the canyon. After a few hundred feet there will be rocks forming an arrow pointing you towards a ladder. Go up the ladder and follow the trail from here. There will be a few ladders on the way up. You will climb up to top of the canyon and get some great views. Foll...

Big Painted Canyon

Hike the Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon Loop

From Interstate 10, take State Highway 195 (Box Canyon Road) to Painted Canyon Road. This well-maintained, dirt road goes for about 4 miles and leads into the sandy wash which runs the length of the canyon for approximately 1.7 miles. There are a few narrow side canyons which can be explored on foot. Motor vehicles are not allowed past the wilderness boundary markers. Do not go if it is raining...