Overview

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

Cottonwood Group Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing. The group campground is part of the main Cottonwood Campground and has three sites that are by reservation only. It is one of three group campgrounds in the park and the only campground that lies in the southern section. 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 reach between 70 to 90-degrees during the day and drop to 40 to 60-degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably high desert heat. Cottonwood Group Campground is at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and has little shade from vegetation; however, there are picnic shelters that provide shade at each site.

Facilities

Natural Features

Recreation

Nearby Attractions

Important Notices

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

• For Indian Cove Group Campground information call 760-362-4367. For additional park information visit our website. 24-Hour Emergency Phone located at the Visitor Center.

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

• This campground is limited to tent camping only; recreational vehicles and habitable trailers are prohibited.

• 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. 

• There is no overflow parking. You are responsible for reading the details for the campsite you reserve. The number of vehicles allowed in group sites varies depending on the space available.

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

• Flush toilets and potable water are available in 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.

• Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.

• All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator, jotr_permit_office@nps.gov.

• 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

• DAY USE AREA - Amphitheater
• PICNICKING - Picnic Tables
• HIKING - Hiking
• INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS - Educational Programs
• CAMPING - Camping

Directions

The address below is not the physical address of the campground. To get to the campground, take Interstate 10 to the Mecca/Twentynine Palms exit and follow signs to Joshua Tree National Park. The exit is 25 miles east of Indio, California.

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: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window:</strong></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>Group Facility : Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.</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.<strong> </strong></p>

Contact Information

Phone: 760-367-5554

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip