Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park: 18 Great Ideas!

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If you want to know where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park, read this!

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most gorgeous national parks in the United States offering 800,000 acres of mystical beauty to explore.

If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park, you came to the right place!

Whether you’re looking for something close to Joshua’s Oasis Visitor Center or you don’t mind staying somewhere nearby, this guide has options for everyone.

From roughing it in a tent to staying in a glamorous resort, boutique hotel, or B&B, we’ve got you covered!

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Discover the best places to stay in Joshua Tree National Park from top US family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!

What is Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating and beautiful US National Park that includes both the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.

It is located in Southern California, right in between Los Angeles and San Diego (127 miles from LA and 145 miles from San Diego).

The park is known for its signature Joshua Trees, rock formations, and breathtakingly large boulders.

In addition, there is a fascinating variety of plants and animals that make their homes in this land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain.

If you love the outdoors, taking stunning photographs, or hiking in beautiful scenery, then this is the place for you!

Additional planning tip: Entrance passes to Joshua Tree National Park can be purchased at a park entrance station or visitor center, or online at recreation.gov.

Though the park is open year-round, the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is March to May and October to November when temperatures are most comfortable (with an average high of 85 degrees).

**For adequate safety and preparedness, be sure to read our ultimate hiking packing list that readers & hikers rave about!

Joshua Tree National Park rock formations

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

There is no lodging available within Joshua Tree National Park, however, there are a total of 8 campgrounds in the park (5 of which require reservations).

Along with camping within the park itself, there are three main towns just outside of Joshua Tree National Park called Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley where traditional lodging is available.

The best places to stay when visiting Joshua Tree National Park depends on your personal tastes, whether or not you’re open to camping, and how close you’d like to be to the entry of the park.

Do you like to camp under the stars?

Do you prefer modern amenities and room service?

Or perhaps a luxury resort and spa that’s only a short drive away?

No matter what you like most, there are dozens of options on where to stay in and around Joshua Tree National Park.

In this guide, I’ll share the best hotels in nearby towns, the best Joshua Tree hotels, and the most popular campgrounds in the park.

1. Pioneertown Motel

If you want a unique place to stay, then this is it!

Pioneertown Motel is located within a famous Old West movie set called Pioneertown that was founded by Roy Rogers.

Just like a regular hotel, you can choose rooms with one king, one queen, or two twin beds.

It is located a short 12-mile drive to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.

If you enjoy live music, then go next door to Pappy & Harriet’s which used to be a bike bar but was turned into a desert music venue.

2. Palm Springs

If you want the amenities of a small town around you and don’t mind a short drive, then stay in the desert city of Greater Palm Springs.

It is a 1-hour drive to the west entrance, and there are quite a few hotels in this area and lots of Airbnbs vs. VRBOs from which you can choose from.

Since this is a bit of a drive to the park, it’s a lot of fun to plan a day trip just to this town and then make the park one of your stops.

The Desert Riviera Hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in Greater Palm Springs.

It has an outdoor pool, stunning palm trees, and eclectic 1950s decor.

Another one of our personal favorite resorts in the area is La Quinta Resort & Club which is located 35 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.

La Quinta Resort & Club is a vacation destination in itself in that it has 41 climate-controlled pools and 23 tennis courts, 3 onsite restaurants with live music, 5 pristine golf courses, a Spanish hacienda-style spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Read our entire review of La Quinta Resort & Club as well as a 3-day itinerary for Greater Palm Springs here!

3. Yucca Valley

The Yucca Valley area is about 8 miles from the park entrance and visitor center.

There are a lot of boutique hotels in the area, one of the most popular being The Chateau at Lake La Quinta.

It literally sits on the shores of Lake La Quinta and offers stunning guest rooms.

Next, one of the best Airbnbs in Yucca Valley is The Nest In The Boulders.

It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate up to 6 guests.

In addition, it has an outdoor hot tub that people love to use for stargazing and relaxing.

Or stay at the Hicksville Trailer Palace.

It is a quirky place where you can stay in one of their themed trailers surrounding a swimming pool in the middle.

This place has an eclectic and fun vibe and provides an incredibly unique experience.

4. Palm Desert

The Palm Desert area is 45 minutes from the south entrance of the park.

If you prefer lots of space on vacation, check out the Westin Desert Willow Villas.

They offer large beds and a full kitchen so you can cook your own meals.

The units also have full washers and dryers.

There are some super-cute Airbnbs in the Palm Desert area too.

The Dream Home is one of the highest-rated ones in the area and is well decorated with lots of bright colors and contemporary furniture.

It’s a one-bedroom property, so it’s perfect for one person or a couple.

Joshua Tree National Park hotels with views

5. Town of Joshua Tree

The town of Joshua Tree village is one of the three small towns that is located just outside of the national park – literally, only a few minutes drive away.

Here, you’ll find hotels with modern amenities and plenty of personality.

One of the most popular ones is the Joshua Tree Inn, a Spanish Colonial hotel built-in 1949.

It has all the comforts of the modern age while still retaining its vintage charm.

6. Sacred Sands

Located four miles from the west entrance, Sacred Sands is a highly-rated guesthouse to stay at when considering where to stay near Joshua Tree.

If you want a private patio and a fully-furnished room, this is for you.

Rooms average about $400 per night and are a boho-chic dream come true.

Sacred Sands offers extreme luxury to guests with a rain shower and an outdoor soaking tub with stunning views.

7. Black Rock Campground

Black Rock Campground is located in the northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park.

It is a large campground with 99 sites for camping and RVs.

There are picnic tables set up at each site too.

It costs $25 per night, and reservations are required.

Be sure to review our family camping checklist before your visit so that you’re properly prepared.

8. Cottonwood Campground

If you’re looking for another place to camp near Joshua Tree National Park, Cottonwood Campground is located near the Cottonwood Visitor’s Center, in the southeast part of the park.

Cottonwood costs $25 per night, and reservations are required.

It is close to a family-friendly hiking trail and you have easy access to some of the best spots for stargazing.

9. Jumbo Rocks Campground

For only $20 per night (reservations required), you can camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground.

Jumbo Rock has 124 sites for camping and RVs and has fantastic views of the Joshua Tree National Park’s rock formations.

There is no potable water here, so you will have to bring your own.

10. White Tank Campground

This campground is a good option if you are trying to save money because it only costs $15 per night.

Reservations are not required, but it is first-come-first-served, so you might not snag a place in the busy season.

This is one of the cool places to stay in the park because it is situated among large granite boulders.

11. Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground is another budget-friendly campsite located within Joshua Tree National Park.

It only costs $5-20 per night, and reservations are required.

It is the perfect location for horse riders that want to see the park on horseback.

In fact, you can bring your own horse for $15 per night.

12. Belle Campground

Belle Campground is another one of the 3 campgrounds at Joshua Tree National Park that does not require reservations.

For only $15 per night, you can stay at one of the 18 sites at this small campground.

It gives you the chance to really rough it as it has pit toilets and there is no water available.

Belle is a great campground to see dark night skies.

13. Indian Cove Campground

The Indian Cove campground is located near lots of outdoor activities.

It costs $25 per night, and reservations are only required during peak season.

Its location near some steep rock formations is one of the best things for rock climbers.

14. Hidden Valley Campground

This beautiful campground is close to some of the best hikes in the national park.

It is near the Hidden Valley and the Barker Dam trails.

It only costs $15 per night and is first-come-first-served.

15. Desert Hot Springs

Another great place to stay near Joshua Tree is Desert Hot Springs, California.

Named after the naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs surrounding it, Desert Hot Springs is a community located in between Palm Springs and the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities.

Along with enjoying the naturally occurring hot springs, if you love to golf, this is a great place for you!

The 6 local golf courses here are all very popular.

Desert Hot Springs is located 30 miles from Joshua Tree National Park and has several overnight accommodation options that include boutique hotels and resort & spa options.

16. Town of Twentynine Palms

There are a lot of fantastic and unique places to stay within Twentynine Palms.

The Campbell House is one of the most talked-about locations, and for good reason.

It is located within walking distance (2 miles) of the Joshua Tree Visitor Center at the North Entrance.

This bed and breakfast is very popular with solo travelers and families.

This town also has both a Holiday Inn Express and Fairfield Inn and Suites – both hotels are near grocery stores and other popular places.

You can even stay at one of the most popular Airbnbs in Twentynine Palms – Rancho Delux.

It is a vacation rental with a fire pit, charcoal grill, a fully stocked kitchen, and a gorgeous master bedroom with a queen-sized bed.

17. Castle House Estate

If you want to stay at a brag-worthy guest house, check out the Castle House Estate.

It is the perfect place for a unique experience while still being close to the park.

In fact, it is just 6 1/2 miles from the visitor’s center.

It has gorgeous outdoor showers with views.

You can even order room service to your tiny house.

18. Mojave Sands

Mojave Sands is a vintage hotel that was originally built in the 1950s.

Each room has a private patio, outdoor shower, and even a record player and vinyl records.

The outdoor area has a stunning reflecting pool and three outdoor fireplaces.

It’s a romantic place to stay for couples.

It’s just a short 5-mile drive to Joshua Tree National Park, so it is an ideal location too.

Best Places to Stay in Joshua Tree: Conclusion

There you have it!

These are some of the best places to stay in (or near) Joshua Tree National Park.

Hopefully, our ideas on where to stay in Joshua Tree have provided you with helpful information for your upcoming California vacation.

My hope is for you to have an amazing and carefree experience!

Before you go, don’t forget to read our family packing tips.

Last, consult our top tips on flying with kids, and road-tripping with kids (depending on how you plan to get there) to keep the kids calm and happy while traveling!

Finally, if you’re looking for an additional family-friendly US National Park to visit, be sure to check out our 3-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary!