Best Campground in Joshua Tree: Indian Cove Campground
LOCATION:
COST:
$25 a night (as of 2022)
RESERVATIONS:
AMMENITIES:
Campsites have a picnic table, firepit, and charcoal barbecue
Campground has pit toilets, trash, propane disposal
(Does not have drinking water)
OTHER INFO:
There are 101 sites, along with 13 group sites. Pets are allowed at the campground. There is a ranger station at the entrance.
So, I could be biased, but I think Indian Cove Campground is the best campground in Joshua Tree. It’s a gem, and I keep coming back to this spot over and over again.
For me, there’s more to being inside the National Park boundaries when it comes to campgrounds for me, and Indian Cove is located just 18 minutes from the Twenty-Nine Palms Entrance, which rarely has any traffic, versus the popular west entrance, which notoriously gets backed up.
But Why Indian Cove?
The biggest reason I think Indian Cove is the best campground Joshua Tree National Park is because it offers luxuries that campgrounds within national park grounds just don’t offer: Space and privacy—the goldmine features most campers are looking for.
When driving through the national park just to survey other campgrounds for future trips I was surprised to see the most popular ones with sardine-spaced campsites. I hate that.
Indian Cove allows you to bring a big group of friends to camp and still feel separate from neighboring sites.
Most campsites are right next parking spot, but during my most recent trip I stayed at site 101 and it was about a 3-5 minute walk from the parking spot. Although it was annoying to trek my gear back and forth, it had this stunning, expansive view of the valley, offering complete privacy and private sunset views.
Campsite 101
Great valley views but is not next to parking spot
I’ve stayed at Indian Cove over five times now, and every site has always had some element of privacy and usually your own boulder alcove giving the perfect Joshua Tree ambiance you’re (probably) looking for. I love nights watching the flames of the campfire dance on the rock walls. It’s the little things.
During this trip, I arrived early and ended up having majority of day one to myself as I waited for my friend, Chris, to arrive from San Diego.
This campground is about 2 hours from Orange County and a little less than 3 from San Diego.
As I waited, I set up camp and really took the time to bask in these valley views. With the setting sun and the perfect silence it had me thinking maybe I could solo camp in a safe space. I so enjoyed the spot to myself that I think I might come back for my first solo overnight. I’ve always been afraid to do things like that by myself, but getting a taste of it on this trip had me thinking I could do it. Sometimes it takes a spot that feels like home to make you feel better.
Best Time to Camp
The best time to camp is ideally spring or fall. The early spring months of March and April and late fall months of October and November tend to bring the ideal weather most are looking for.
During the late spring and summer, it can get unbearably hot during the day. However, being prepared can make all the difference because oh how I love summer nights. I highly recommend having an awning for your campsite when you know it’ll be hot (friendly reminder: always check the weather before a trip—and don’t forget to bring lots of water!). The awning really saved us when cooking in the mornings.
Most campsites don’t offer any coverage until the sun sets and the boulders give some shade from the scorching sun depending on where you’re situated.
Joshua Tree National Park
On day 2 we headed to Joshua Tree National Park for a day hike. Our goal was to beat the heat and the crowds.
I had always wanted to check out Arch Rock Trail so I was excited to explore this easy 1.4 mile out-and-back trail. It has some absolutely gorgeous rock formations!
After completing the trail, the day was heating up fast so we headed back to camp when we knew the surrounding boulders would offer some shade around 2:00pm. We ended up just relaxing, chatted, read on our kindles, and enjoyed the views.
One of the best purchases I’ve ever made might be my portable hammock stand. It’s perfect for trips like this. With the hammock stand I don’t have to worry about needing trees to hang it on and I can even cozy up next to a campfire or a pretty view without problem.
Let me know in the comments if you want a link to the hammock stands—it’s heavy, but oh so affordable for those easy camping trips.
Indian Cove Trail
Another great feature of the campground is it has it’s own trail!
Because I wanted to finish off the day strong, I went on one final hike for sunset. I was able to walk to it right from our campsite.
Indian Cove Trail is an easy .6 loop trail at the end of the campground that offers some pretty sunset views. It’s not challenging at all and it’s a great hike to use for a some boulder hang outs to rest. It’s a fairly flat trail and very family friendly.
Once the sun set I headed back to camp, making sure to had my headlamp ready for the walk back in the darkness.
I Love Dusk
Watching the bats at dusk is always such a highlight when camping in Joshua Tree. Nothing beats eating dinner by the campfire as you revel in the day as you see (and hear) bats above. Check out my video at the top of this post for some bat sightings.
Time to Say Farewell
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a bougie camping chef friend. My friend Chris loves to go all out on the cooking and I am here for it. Our avocado, egg, turkey sausage breakfast sandwiches were so good.
I Love this Campground
I love Indian Cove Campground. You get so much more space to breathe and enjoy than other campgrounds inside the national park. Indian Cove Campground, you’re a winner.
You can book a campsite here on recreation.gov for around $25 night. There are 101 sites, along with 13 group sites. And pets are allowed at the campground.
Other Fun Stuff to Do
Some fun things to note: there are a lot of rock climbing spots within the campground, and if you really wanted you can hike into the national park from the campground via the 8 mile Boy Scout Trail
Thanks for Being Here!
I appreciate you taking the time to stop by the blog. Please comment with any of your own rec’s or questions.
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