Overview

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

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 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. Indian Cove is at an elevation of 3,200 feet.

Facilities

This large facility has 101 individual campsites, as well as 13 tent-only group 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 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

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.

Important Notices

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

• Please call 760-362-4367 for Indian Cove information.

• 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. 

• The park allows six people, two vehicles and three vehicles 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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 - Day Use Area
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Hiking - Hiking
• Camping - Camping
• Backpacking - Backpacking
• Evening Programs - Evening Programs
• Rock Climbing - Rock Climbing
• Ranger Station - Ranger Station

Directions

<p>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.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>Cancelling a Reservation: </strong></p> <p>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. </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>Group Campsites: 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