Indian Cove Group

Joshua Tree National Park

Indian Cove Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. Because of its proximity to many rock climbing routes, it is a popular camping location for climbers. Indian Cove Group is one of three group campgrounds in the park that can be reserved year round. Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Indian Cove is at an elevation of 3,200 feet.

This facility has 13 tent-only group sites (link to individual sites). There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however water and an emergency phone are available two miles away at the ranger station. The town of Twentynine Palms is less than 10 miles away and provides basic amenities.

The maximum number of people and vehicles per site varies. See Site Details for specifics.

Notifications and Alerts

Due to County and State Recommendations, group sizes are limited to 25 people.

Need to Know

There is no overflow parking, and the number of vehicles allowed in each campsite varies. See Site Details for specific information.
There is no access into the main portion of the park from the campground except by hiking trails; $30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to the camping fee. Passes can be purchased ahead of time online at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74286
There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites; nor is a dump station located nearby. Potable water is available at the Ranger Station, about 2 miles from the campground.
Pets are not allowed on trails but are welcome in the campground, on any dirt road or within 100 feet of any road. Pets must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object; leaving pets in unattended vehicles is strongly discouraged – especially on warm days.
All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator, jeannie_wilson@nps.gov.
Due to County and State recommendations, group attendance is limited to 25 people.

Natural Features

Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight and glow with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.

Recreation

Rock climbers flock to Indian Cove Campground for the variety of routes and warmer temperatures that can be found in the interior of the park. Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There is a short interpretive nature trail and plenty of rocks for the non-climber to explore within the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing and night photography.

Changes & Cancellations

Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change your reservation. Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Within 48 hours of arrival, a $10 cancellation fee and the first night's fee are charged.

Group Site: Customers who cancel a group overnight reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms CA 92277

Physical Address

7295 Indian Cove Road Twentynine Palms CA 92277

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 760-367-5554

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Go past the West Entrance at Park Boulevard and continue east another 9.3 miles. Turn south on Indian Cove Road. Follow the road into the campground. If coming from the east, follow Highway 62 approximately seven miles west of the city of Twentynine Palms and turn south onto Indian Cove Road.

Available Campsites

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