Indian Cove Campground
The Quick Take
Indian Cove sits in its own little world, tucked behind the Wonderland of Rocks on Joshua Tree's north side and accessed from Highway 62 rather than through the main park entrance. That geographic quirk gives it a different feel from the busy central campgrounds -- you're surrounded by massive boulder formations that make every site feel like a private rock garden, but you're also cut off from the park's main road system. There's no water at the sites, the nearest fill station is a two-mile drive to the ranger station, and you won't find flush toilets or showers. What you will find is some of the best bouldering access in the park, dramatic sunset light on granite walls, and a campground that often has availability when Black Rock and Jumbo Rocks are packed. Choose Indian Cove if you want Joshua Tree's signature landscape without fighting for a spot in the heart of the park.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 101 sites are reservable.
Book at Joshua Tree LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
1 ADA-accessible campsites. Accessible restrooms available. Most roads and paths are unpaved and uneven. Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
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
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day only about a third of the sites are reservable -- the rest are first-come, first-served. In the cooler months the whole campground goes FCFS, so arrive by Thursday morning for a weekend stay and have a backup plan if you strike out.
The Indian Cove Nature Trail is a short loop right from camp that threads through the boulders and is perfect for a morning walk, but the real draw is proximity to Rattlesnake Canyon and the Wonderland of Rocks backcountry. Bring a good topo map -- the scrambling routes here are world-class and far less trafficked than the Hall of Horrors area.
Pack at least two gallons of water per person per day and bring every drop you'll need for cooking and cleaning. The filling station at the ranger station two miles north only handles bottles and jugs -- no hose hookups. Stock up on groceries and ice in Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree Village before you arrive, because once you're in camp there is nothing nearby.
Photos
NPS photo
NPS photo
NPS/Lian Law
