Hidden Valley Campground

Joshua Tree National Park


Cradled by big boulders, this is the most central and popular campground despite having no water, no shade and only pit toilets. Rock climbers especially are drawn here, but there's also easy access to various trails. It has 44 sites on a first-come, first-served basis and sits about 10 miles from the west entrance station.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Joshua Tree National Park attractions

1. Keys Ranch

1.95 MILES

Old West history buffs will delight in the 90-minute ranger-led tour of this ranch named after its builder, William Keys. He and his family built a…

2. Joshua Tree National Park

2.28 MILES

As if from a page out of a Dr Seuss book, the whimsical-looking Joshua trees welcome visitors to this 794,000-acre park at the convergence of the Colorado…

3. Wonderland of Rocks

3.21 MILES

This striking rock labyrinth extends roughly from Indian Cove in the north to Park Blvd in the south and is predictably a popular rock climbers' haunt…

4. Indian Cove

5.2 MILES

Rock hounds love the hulking caramel-colored formations in this northern corner of the park, while birders are drawn by feathered friends hiding out among…

5. Keys View

6.23 MILES

High atop the Little San Bernardino Mountains, Keys View offers panoramic views of the whole Coachella Valley spread out like a picnic blanket. On clear…

6. Oasis of Mara

10.45 MILES

Behind the park HQ and Oasis Visitor Center, this natural oasis encompasses the original 29 palm trees that gave Twentynine Palms its name. They were…

7. World-Famous Crochet Museum

11.96 MILES

An old lime-green photo booth is the home of Bunny, Buddy and hundreds of their crocheted friends collected by Shari Elf. The artist, singer, fashion…

8. Beauty Bubble Salon & Museum

11.97 MILES

Jeff Hafler loves hair and everything to do with it, which is why his Steel Magnolias–type home salon brims with related vintage beauty paraphernalia he's…