White Tank Campground
The Quick Take
White Tank is Joshua Tree's quiet rebel -- a tiny first-come, first-served campground tucked along Pinto Basin Road where the Mojave Desert starts giving way to the Colorado. With only a handful of sites, it never feels crowded the way Jumbo Rocks or Black Rock can on a February weekend. The trade-off is real: no water, no hookups, and a 25-foot vehicle limit that keeps the big rigs out. But that's exactly the point. Sites are scattered among granite boulders and Joshua trees, and the namesake natural water tanks (tinajas) in the wash behind the campground make for a short, fascinating scramble. If you want a stripped-down desert camping experience without driving to the park's far southern end at Cottonwood, White Tank is your spot. Best suited for self-sufficient tent campers and small-rig travelers who value quiet over convenience.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
15 sites, first-come first-served.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 25 feet. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
1 ADA-accessible campsites. Accessible restrooms available. Roads are not paved, nor are campgrounds. Though most campsites are relatively flat, the terrain can be 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
White Tank is first-come, first-served and fills fast on winter weekends. Arrive by Thursday afternoon for the best shot at a site -- or midweek anytime from October through April for near-guaranteed availability. Remember, you have exactly one hour after setting up to drive to an entrance station and pay, so don't get too comfortable before handling registration.
The short White Tank Loop Trail starts right from the campground and leads to natural rock basins (tinajas) that hold water after rains. After a good storm, these pools attract birds and wildlife -- bring binoculars. The trailhead to Arch Rock is also just a few minutes' drive south, making this a solid base for a geology-focused visit.
Pack every drop of water you'll need -- the nearest potable water is at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms, about eleven miles out. Plan on at least one gallon per person per day, more if you're hiking. Firewood must be brought in (no gathering in the park), and sold-out entrance stations mean you should buy bundles in town before arriving.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
White Tank is located off Pinto Basin Road in the northern end of the park. The campground is 11 miles from Twentynine Palms and 28 miles from the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
Get directions
