Where to Stay in Joshua Tree: Best Digs in the Desert

Nestled among the boulders and Joshua Trees in California’s Mojave Desert is the small town of Joshua Tree. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, look no further.

Whether you’re a fan of camping, rock climbing, or just taking nature walks, there’s something for everyone in Joshua Tree. And when it comes time to rest your head at night, there are plenty of places to stay in Joshua Tree.

Here are some of our favorites!

Where to Stay inside Joshua Tree National Park

If you plan to visit Joshua Tree to explore Joshua Tree National Park, you may want to stay inside the park. Staying inside Joshua Tree National Park is a great option because you can be close to the attractions that you are wanting to explore in the park.

Another benefit of staying inside Joshua Tree National Park is to experience the incredible night sky. There is a saying at Joshua Tree National Park “Half the park is after dark” and Ive never heard anything more true!

Joshua Tree National Park is a certified dark sky park. It is so far from light pollution that the night skies are incredible. You can see a million stars and even the Milkyway. Staying in the park gives you a front-row seat to this beautiful scene.

Unlike some National Parks, there is no lodge at Joshua Tree. If you want to stay inside the park, you’ll need to camp. There are over 500 campsites at Joshua Tree, most being reservation only.

Campsites are available for tent camping or RVing, but none of the sites have RV hookups.

Campsites that require reservations at Joshua Tree National Park

The following campsites require reservations. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance and fill up quickly. You can make campsite reservations at Recreation.gov. In order to camp in Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll need a National Park pass too.

You can purchase one at the national park entrance. You can also order ahead of time. I recommend getting an America the Beautiful Pass, as it saves you money throughout the year.

Black Rock Campground and Cottonwood Campground– Both of these campgrounds are $25 per night. They both have water, flush toilets, tables, fire grates, and a dump station. Black Rock and Cottonwood Campgrounds both are acceptable for tent camping and RV camping.

Indian Cove Campground – This campground is $25 per night. The campsites have pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. There is no water. Indian Cove Campground can accommodate tent camping or RV camping.

Jumbo Rocks and Ryan Campground– These campgrounds are $20 per night. The campsites have pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. There is no water.

Campsites that are first come first served in Joshua Tree National Park

These campsites are not available for reservation and are filled first come first served. These campsites are all $15 per night. These campsites have pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.

The campsites that are first come first served are Belle Campground, Hidden Valley Campground, and White Tank Campground. All of these campsites are available for RV and tent camping.

White Tank is the darkest campground in the park, and is your best bet for stargazing! White Tank Campground and Belle Campground temporarily close during the summer.

✅ Click here to Rent an RV to Camp in Joshua Tree!

Where to Camp near Joshua Tree

Do you want to camp but can’t get a spot inside the park? No worries! There are plenty of sites around the area where you can camp.

There are hundreds of campsites in the Joshua Tree area. They range from private campgrounds to free dispersed campsites. You’ll find opportunities for glamping and very primitive sites. No matter what your camping style you’ll find something in the outdoor haven of Joshua Tree.

Here is my best advice for finding THE BEST campsites in Joshua Tree (or basically, anywhere). You absolutely NEED to head on over to The Dyrt. On this website, you can make a free account and get instant access to over 40,000 campsites with photos, reviews, and tips.

You can upgrade to The Dyrt Pro and have additional access to free and dispersed camping, BLM, and USFS land. You’ll also have access to maps even while offline, and receive discounts on booking private campsites.

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Where to stay in Joshua Tree: Hotels

Camping isn’t for everyone, I get it.

Joshua Tree is a quirky fun town in the Mojave desert. While exploring Joshua Tree National Park your options for unique stays are endless. With so many weird and wonderful things to see and do, it can be hard to decide where to stay in Joshua Tree.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best hotels in Joshua Tree, whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or something a little out of the ordinary.

Pioneer Town Motel

Pioneer Town, California

Pioneer town is a little outside of Joshua Tree, but it’s a destination you’ll want to visit anyway. This little “town” was built by old Hollywood elites as an elaborate set for western movies such as Riders in the Sky, Annie Oakley, and the Cisco Kid.

Today you can walk through the dirt streets, see the shops, the jail, and of course, visit the Saloon. If you only remember one tip from me, it’s this one, eat at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown. This historical gem has welcomed musical performances ranging from Bob Dylan to Lizzo. It’s a great atmosphere and incredibly good BBQ.

You can also stay at the Pioneer Motel. There is an outdoor bar where you can get drinks under the stars in this old “town”.

Rates at the Pioneer Motel start at $290 per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

High Desert Motel

Images from Booking.com

This budget-friendly motel is located about 3 blocks from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. There is nothing fancy here, but there are clean rooms and a pool to cool down in. Parking is free and each room has a microwave and refrigerator so you can heat up your Pappy and Harriet’s leftovers!

You can see rates starting at just $70 nightly, and to book the High Desert Motel on Booking.com.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Twentynine Palms

Photos from Booking.com

Located in Twentynine Palms, this hotel is about 4 miles from Joshua Tree National Park. The heated pool is open year-round, and guests can use the gym, laundry facilities, and hot tub. There is a buffet breakfast daily.

Nightly rates start around $130, you can see more about Fairfield Inn and Suites on Booking.com.

Vacation Rentals in Joshua Tree

These rentals range from bohemian to modern and even include a few Airstreams. If you want to be close to the action, there are several Joshua Tree vacation rentals that are centrally located near all the action.

However, if you’re looking for a more secluded stay, there are also several rentals located on large pieces of property with stunning desert views. No matter what type of rental you choose, you’re sure to have a unique and memorable experience.

Castle House

Photos from Booking.com

The Castle House Estate is a popular choice for those looking for a unique desert experience. Located just minutes from the national park, this bohemian retreat offers guests the perfect base for exploring Joshua Tree.

The Castle House is the perfect place to relax and recharge after a long day of hiking. You can stay in a tent, a shipping container, or the guard towers. You’ll be 7 minutes from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.

Rates start around $215 per night. You can find out more information and how to book the Castle House on Booking.com.

The Stargaze in Joshua Tree

Photos from Booking.com

Located in Joshua Tree, 1.3 miles from Joshua Tree Visitor Center. The Stargaze in Joshua Tree Hot Tub, Deep Views provides accommodations with free WiFi, air conditioning, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a shared lounge.

A spacious, self-catered villa with a private pool, a garden, and free private parking. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, bed linens, towels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen with city views from the patio as well as a hot tub.

Rates start at around $300 per night. You can find out more information and how to book the Stargaze in Joshua Tree on Booking.com

Bungalow in the Boulders

We actually stayed at this property a few years ago and had so much fun! The location is very close to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park but off the road a bit, so you have privacy.

The owner has collected Neon Signs (that work), old cars, and other memorabilia throughout the property, and it is so much fun to walk around and discover all the hidden treasures. The highlight of this Joshua Tree vacation rental is the bottle house, which the owner built by hand.

There is one bed in the bungalow, and the cute retro kitchen has everything you need. You can also try out the “cowboy bathtub” in the backyard for views and a chance to watch the jackrabbits and quails that hang out here.

Bungalow in the Boulders starts at $169 per night, and you can book through TripAdvisor. See more about Bungalow in the Boulders.

Invisible House

Photos from Trivago.com

This might be the most unique rental Ive ever seen! This invisible house has been featured in publications worldwide. The house sits on 90 acres has a 100-foot indoor pool, is 5500 square feet, and has a carbon footprint of almost ZERO! The beds are made of pure marble or solid glass, and there are so many features, I can’t begin to list them all!

The price is a stunner, but if you get a group of 8 (which the property can sleep) it may be a super fun splurge.

Check out the Invisible House on Booking.com

Joshua Tree Glamping Yurt

Photos from Trivago.com

Glamping in this yurt is a great way to go camping in Joshua Tree without having to pack all of your camping supplies. Included in your site is a 15-foot diameter yurt bell tent, table, chairs, propane fire-pit & grill, cooking gear, 20 lb propane tank, USB charging station, and a shared porta-potty and a sink – cleaned daily. You can also get a mister and fan in the summer or a heater in the winter.

Prices for the Glamping Yurt start at $94 nightly. You can read more about this Joshua Tree Stay on Trivago.

Auto Camp Joshua Tree

Photos from Trivago

AutoCamp is a unique way to spend your time in Joshua Tree. You can choose from 3 experiences while you stay. AirStream, Premium AirStream, or Vista X Suite.

All stays at AutoCamp come with bicycle rentals, patios, and fire pits. You won’t be sacrificing luxury at this experience, as luxury towels, robes, and linens are included. The kitchens are well stocked, you’ll just need to bring clothes, toiletries, and food!

Prices start at about $219 per night. You can check prices and availability for Auto Camp on Trivago.com.

Where will you Stay in Joshua Tree?

Where will you stay in Joshua Tree? Let me know your favorites. With so many different types of places to stay, there’s something for everyone when it comes to lodging in this unique and quirky area.

Whether you want to experience luxury under the stars or rough it primitive camping style, I hope this list gives you some ideas of where to start planning your trip. And don’t forget, if you need any help while you’re there, just let me know – I’m always happy to share my favorite spots with friends!