
114
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND
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. 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. Facilities 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. 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. Charges & Cancellations 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. Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. 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. 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. 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. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window 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. 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. 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.
- 114 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (114).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND special
Indian Cove Campground is Joshua Tree National Park at its most dramatic. Situated in a rocky canyon on the north side of the legendary Wonderland of Rocks, this 114-site campground immerses you in a landscape of massive granite boulders, twisted Joshua trees, and wide-open desert skies that put on a nightly show of stars few places in Southern California can rival. The campground occupies a sheltered position at the base of towering rock formations, making it a premier destination for rock climbers who can literally walk from their campsite to world-class routes. But you do not need to be a climber to appreciate Indian Cove. The nature trail that loops through the campground interprets the fascinating desert ecology, while short drives connect you to the park's iconic viewpoints, fan palm oases, and the Cholla Cactus Garden. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet, with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets provided. There are no hookups or water — come prepared. Indian Cove sits at a lower elevation than the park's interior campgrounds, making it warmer in winter and an excellent cool-season destination from October through April. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance, and weekends from November through March fill quickly. Located near Twentynine Palms, Indian Cove delivers an unforgettable desert camping experience framed by some of the most photogenic geology in the American West.
Campsite Inventory
114 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
BBQ
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Double Driveway
No, Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, N/A, Parallel
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Severe, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
18, 21, 25, 27
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Fire Pit
Fire Pit, Yes
Hike In Distance to Site
25, 45, 51, 54
Max guests
15, 2, 20, 25
Max vehicle length (ft)
17, 18, 20, 21
Minimum guests
Yes, 7
PICNIC AREA
Picnic Area
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
760-367-5554
cynthia_lasala@nps.gov
Getting There
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND?
INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (114).
Where is INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND located?
INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND is in California near Twentynine Palms. Coordinates: 34.1200, -116.1558.
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