Hidden Valley Campground
The Quick Take
Hidden Valley is Joshua Tree's marquee campground, and for good reason — it sits smack in the middle of the park's most iconic rock formations, surrounded by the jumbled granite monoliths that put this desert on the map. The trade-off is real, though. This is a first-come, first-served operation with no water, no reservations, and a registration process that feels like a scavenger hunt (claim your site, then race to an entrance station to pay). The campground is relatively small, which keeps it from feeling like a parking lot, but also means sites vanish early during peak season weekends. If you want Joshua Tree's greatest hits — Barker Dam, the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, and world-class bouldering — right outside your tent flap, this is the one. Best for confident desert campers who travel light and arrive early.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
44 sites, first-come first-served.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 24 feet. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
1 ADA-accessible campsites. Accessible restrooms available. Roads are paved but can be uneven. Most paths are unpaved. Terrain is uneven. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the picnic table or fire grate.
- Bear Safety:Food must be stored securely where wildlife cannot get to it.
- Checkout:Check in and check out are at noon.
Pro Tips
During October through May peak season, arrive by Thursday morning for a weekend stay — Friday arrivals will almost certainly find every site taken. Midweek visits from November through February are your best shot at a stress-free spot, since the weather is cool and the weekend warriors stay home.
The Hidden Valley Nature Trail starts steps from camp and is one of the best short hikes in the park — a one-mile loop through a boulder-enclosed valley that early ranchers allegedly used to hide stolen cattle. Hit it at sunrise before the tour buses arrive from Palm Springs.
There is zero water here, and the nearest reliable supply is back in the town of Joshua Tree, a solid twenty-minute drive. Bring at least two gallons per person per day — more if you plan to cook. A collapsible five-gallon jug is worth its weight in gold at this campground.
Photos
NPS/Brad Sutton
NPS/Hannah Schwalbe
NPS/Brad SuttonGetting There
Directions
Hidden Valley Campground is off of Park Boulevard approximately 14 miles from the town of Joshua Tree. The campground is located near Barker Dam and the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. If entering from the West Entrance in Joshua Tree, continue for about 10 miles. The campground will be on your left. If entering from the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms, proceed for about 16 miles on Park Boulevard and the campground will be on your right.
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