Ryan Campground campground

Ryan Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
37 campsites
Open in maps

37

Total Campsites

Campground

30

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Ryan Campground

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. 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. Facilities 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. 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. Nearby Attractions Cape Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Hidden Valley Charges & Cancellations Reservation Cancellations & Changes 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). 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. 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). 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.

  • 37 total campsites listed.
  • 30 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (20).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Ryan Campground photo 2
Ryan Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Ryan Campground special

Ryan Campground offers 37 sites in the rocky interior of Joshua Tree National Park, positioned closer to the park's southern highlights than most other campgrounds. Its proximity to Keys View — where you can see from the Salton Sea to Mount San Jacinto — makes it a strategic basecamp for exploring the park's most iconic vistas. Giant boulder piles surround the sites, creating natural privacy screens and endless scrambling opportunities for kids and climbers alike. The mix of standard and tent-only sites keeps things flexible, though there are no hookups or water, so come fully self-sufficient. October through April is the window you want, with cool nights perfect for campfires and daytime temps ideal for hiking the nearby trails to Lost Horse Mine and beyond. Arrive by Thursday to secure a weekend site during peak spring season when wildflowers can carpet the desert floor. Ryan is best for tent campers, photographers chasing desert light, rock climbers, and explorers wanting central access to Joshua Tree's highlights.

Campsite Inventory

37 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

20total sites

20

Reservable

0

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

10total sites

10

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

7total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Check-in time

12:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back In, Back-in, Parallel

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway length (ft)

16, 18, 19, 20

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Fire Pit

GRILLS

Grills

Grills/Fire Ring

Grills

Hike In Distance to Site

25, 35, 40, 45

Max guests

2, 4, 6

Max vehicle length (ft)

16, 18, 19, 20

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Picnic Table

Site Access

Bike, Drive In, Drive-Up, Hike In

Site length (ft)

20, 30, 31, 33

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

760-367-5554

Email

jotr_info@nps.gov

Getting There

Driving Directions 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.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Ryan Campground.

How do reservations work for Ryan Campground?

Reservation availability for Ryan Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Ryan Campground?

Ryan Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (20), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (10), MANAGEMENT (7).

Where is Ryan Campground located?

See this page for location details and directions.

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Ryan Campground – 21 Amenities, 37 Campsites, Photos, Map | TheCampVerse