Overview

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!

Ryan Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. In close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Ryan Campground is one of four campgrounds in the park that requires reservations year-round. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger 

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. Ryan is at an elevation around 4,400 feet.

Facilities

This small facility has 31 individual tent and limited RV campsites. There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however the town of Twentynine Palms is 17 miles away and provides basic amenities. The park allows six people and two vehicles per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See site details for specifics.

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 low 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

Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There are plenty of rocks and Ryan Mountain to explore outside the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing.

Nearby Attractions

Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Hidden Valley

Important Notices

• Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!

• Reservations are required year round and can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance.

• No-Shows

  Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. 

  No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite. 

  *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows. 

• Please call 760-367-5554 for information.

• The park allows six people, two vehicles and three tents per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See Site Details for specifics. There is no overflow parking. Trailers count as a vehicle.

• $30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to camping fee. Passes can be purchased ahead of time here. 

• Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.

• Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation.

  Late Cancellation Fees: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

• 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.

• STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center.

• FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills. NO Fires! Only gas or propane stoves are permitted. Starting June 15, ending October 1st of every year.

Notifications and Alerts

• Due to ongoing construction at the new West Entrance Station in the town of Joshua Tree, the West Entrance will be closed from December 3 through December 5.

  During this time, please use one of the following alternative entrances:

  • North Entrance in the City of Twentynine Palms

  • Cottonwood Entrance off the I-10 Freeway

  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve park facilities.

  Thank you.

• Please be advised that from December 3 through December 19, the restrooms and water fill station at the West Entrance will be temporarily closed due to ongoing maintenance.

  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve visitor services.

  Thank you for your continued support.

Available Activities

• Camping - Camping
• Hiking - Hiking
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Rock Climbing - Rock Climbing
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p>Driving Directions</p> <p>Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Ryan is approximately 11 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twentynine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Ryan is approximately 13 miles from the entrance.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>Reservation Cancellations & Changes </strong></p> <p>Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). </p> <p><strong>Changing an Existing Reservation: </strong></p> <p>When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: </p> <p>If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. </p> <p>There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. </p> <p>There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. </p> <p>If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. </p> <p><strong>Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window </strong></p> <p>Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. </p> <p>Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff). </p> <p><strong>No-Shows </strong></p> <p>Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. </p> <p>No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite. </p> <p>*Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows. </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 760-367-5554

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip