What should I know about camping and trails in Joshua Tree National Park?
Posted on Mar 01, 2026 / Travel
Joshua Tree has multiple campgrounds inside the park, but many of them require reservations and often fill up fast, especially in peak season from fall through spring. Some camp sites are first-come, first-serve, but those can be tough to get on busy weekends or holidays, so planning ahead is key. Trails range from easy nature walks to tougher hikes you’ll want solid shoes and plenty of water for, and it’s smart to download a park map before you lose phone signal. Pets aren’t allowed on most trails, so it’s safest to leave them at home or keep them on a leash near roads or campgrounds where rules allow. Right now some popular trails like Fortynine Palms Trail and the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail have partial or full closures while crews make improvements or respond to weather damage. Always check the current conditions and closures page before your visit so you’re not surprised. Because it’s mostly desert, there’s no water available out on the trails, so pack a lot more water than you think you’ll need.
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