Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Auto Camp - Joshua Tree

    3.9 (64 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Auto Camp - Joshua Tree Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Auto Camp - Joshua Tree

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pool
    Vera L.

    i had such a great experience in Joshua Tree staying at this airstream. There's not too much around Joshua Tree so an airstream, glamping in the desert, enjoying the outdoors near the national park is perfect. The staff was friendly and provided all the suggestions on what to do during our stay. There's a gate to enter this auto camp so its safe from non-guests. -Dog friendly so feel free to bring your pet! - Airstreams were somewhat close together, the one next door had trouble with their woodfire and we helped them set up and gave them some of our coals we bought to cook. - I showed up to morning yoga during the weekend and somehow no one was there, even though it was on the calendar. - There was breakfast in the morning from 7-9AM that includes some oatmeal/granola and coffee/tea- something small to start the mornings. - They have most things available to purchase in the office - Free bike rentals- we were able to borrow and ride to the nearby Saloon for some drinks! - Microwave, fridge, toiletries, extra linens, cutlery is available inside the airstream - AC was working extremely well in 100 deg heat, but it was loud. I was cold at night! Overall, it was a great spot to stay during summer nearby downtown, easily walkable or bikeable!

    Menu
    Roselia G.

    Very cool spot to stay at while in Joshua Tree. They have everything you need in their parked airstreams. It's like you're ruffing it, but not really. There's a pool, fire pit, gift shop, kitchen, and a lot of space. Their direct website will have some nights priced in the $200 range going up to triple that for the premium stays. You can also find some road runners skittering around. It's a completely gated area with its own parking lot too. It's really the best place to stay at if you want to feel like you're camping.

    Outside
    Leslie F.

    AutoCamp Joshua Tree... Let me tell you, I came here expecting a cute little "glamping" moment and ended up living my best main-character life. From the moment I arrived, the staff treated me like I was the long-lost Kardashian cousin finally returning from hiding. They were so nice I started to wonder if my insurance covered this level of emotional support. The Airstream? Spotless. Gorgeous. Modern. I walked in and immediately felt like I needed to start a lifestyle blog, adopt a desert tortoise, and wear linen outfits I definitely don't own. The whole place screams: "Yes, you're outdoors, but calm down we still have hot water and Wi-Fi." The vibes? Immaculate. The aesthetic? Pinterest worthy. The fire pit? Had me believing I was on some kind of spiritual journey when really I was just burning marshmallows like a rookie. And can we talk about how peaceful it was? I swear the desert air reset my nervous system and erased at least three generations of trauma. Not sure if it was the stars, the silence, or the overpriced snacks, but listen... healing happened. Would I come back? Absolutely. I'm basically a desert person now. If I go missing, check AutoCamp Joshua Tree, I probably moved into an Airstream permanently.

    Pool
    Amy M.

    AutoCamp Joshua Tree a hidden gem! The Airstream was way more spacious and comfortable than expected (the AC was a lifesaver in that high desert heat). Loved that the bathroom came fully stocked--even with feminine products, which is such a thoughtful touch. The private fire pit is perfect for a night under the stars (remember to BYO wood/charcoal). Pool is cute but definitely on the smaller side for the resort--only 44 max total, so it can feel limited. With that massive island, I kept wishing for a bartender to whip up something desert-inspired! The on-site store is a must go-- beautiful local art that you might miss if you don't peek inside, and the usual snacks, drinks, souvenirs. Check in was a bit of a hassle, waited nearly 2 hours because the trailer wasn't ready on time! Overall, this was such a refreshing and dreamy escape. Nothing beats sitting under a blanket of stars, chilling in style, and still being just minutes from all the local Joshua Tree goodness. 10/10 for the vibe alone.

    Annie A.

    We booked 2 nights and it was the most relaxing time. Easy check in and fun experience. Staff were friendly and helpful. Our airstream was nice and in decent shape. The outside furniture was super dirty and seemed like it was not cleaned for days. Our lantern wasn't working so we called and they were out and instead gave us free firewood. The pool was small but during our stay there were lots of kids who made the water murky and we didn't want to get in the water so we completely avoided the pool area. Food items ordered from the cafeteria were less than perfect. We ordered the margarita pizza which came cold that was not properly heated. The street corn was good. On the day of our check out they were completely out of wagons since apparently a big group of guests took them all but one of the workers was nice enough to give us a ride to our car with her gold cart. Overall, great experience and I'll be definitely going back.

    Vicki F.

    Well well well. Who knew you could put 75 Airstreams in the desert and call it home? We loved our stay here on a recent trip to Joshua Tree. The trailers are clean, well-kept and quiet. The auto camp is a vibe, with families, scenesters, Tesla drivers and all else. But beyond the superficial there is simply the beauty of all those silver capsules dotting the landscape. You want it, you got it.

    Poolside outdoor area
    Eliseo A.

    Had an amazing time at JT, First of all the customer service here is fantastic the employees are very friendly and knowledgeable. I called ahead and they were even able to accommodate an early check in around noon! We got the standard room but it was perfect for our two night stay. Definitely worth it, the bar has happy hour from 4-6 50% of their drinks definitely recommend. Overall a great experience would come back here again!

    Michelle T.

    Autocamp is a unique "glamping" experience in Joshua Tree. It's like a luxury boutique room in the middle of the desert and comes with privacy, air conditioning, and a cute fire pit with outdoor seating. It's a perfect couples or friends getaway, for those looking to be IN nature but not "too into" nature ;) My family and I rented two cabins which are more expensive than the airstream option, but we booked pretty last minute so there were no longer two airstreams available. Honestly, the airstream and the cabins do not differ too much. They both have kitchens, air conditioning, convertible sofa, and private bathrooms with showers. On the website, it seems the cabins have a nicer view, but I found this to be untrue for the Joshua Tree campsite. It was just an empty lot of sand and desert around us, and we could see houses in the distance. The cabin wasn't worth the extra money for me. Because Autocamp charges luxury prices, I will be a bit more picky with the amenities as well. The TV in one of our cabins was not working (neither Roku chromecast nor accessing streaming directly on the Roku). One of our blinds was not working as well (it would not raise via remote and we could not manually raise it). We had two cabins so we noticed inconsistency with how each of the cabins were stocked. One cabin was missing cooking tongs and large bowls. The other was missing a lantern. The conditioner was also empty - I'm surprised it wasn't filled prior to our check-in. Some other items that I didn't know when I was initially booking: -- The special events, such as yoga, are only offered on weekends. No events during weekdays. -- The outdoor fire pits do not come with fire starter or wood, you'll have to bring those yourself or buy them from the onsite Autocamp store -- You can only use a special eco-friendly wood or charcoal -- Autocamp is not actually in the middle of the national park, it's on a lot of land in a neighborhood in the town of Joshua Tree. So there's plenty of grocery stores around. The drive to Barker Dam, one of the most popular Joshua Tree hikes, is about 30min. Pickiness aside, I did enjoy my experience. Being able to cook my lunch and dinner on the outdoor firepit was great and Joshua Tree is wonderful to stargaze in (the park is open 24 hours!) The staff at Autocamp Joshua Tree is what made my stay fantastic. They were all incredibly friendly and accommodating, going as far as to help clean out our fire pit after our lunch.

    Rick J.

    AutoCamp - A great desert experience, location, facility, and staff. Wonderful manager Amanda, who was so passionate about the property as well as our stay, what a professional asset to the company. YELP Short Answer: YES for a number of reasons first is the location to Joshua Tree National Park then it is the AutoCamp Experience. IF exploring Joshua Tree for the 1st or 10th time you need at a minimum 2-3 days there. LOCATION: Very nice about 5 miles from the ranger station, having turned a bunch of desert into a luxury short-term stay oasis using cleverly converted Airstreams and similar Cabins. This is luxury glamping at its finest. ROOMS: Airstreams are large 30' I believe but they have been converted with highly upgraded bathrooms and living spaces. There were converted at a very high expense so if you've never enjoyed an Airstream experience you should give it a try. CABINS: We've owned an Airstream and have stayed in on at AutoCamp previously so we gave a Cabin a try this trip and I think I preferred it. All Rooms have outdoor fire pits, table, chairs and a pergola to keep out of the sun and yes there is sun. FACILITIES: Top notch everything, from check-in to the shop they have about everything you cold ask for. Pool area is awesome and there are many outdoor community type spaces to just hang out. STAFF: Everyone just seemed like family. This does not just happen, a great ownership group allowing a very cool manager (GM?) Amanda the ability to create her own family team to welcome guest in and out. A shout out to Zach who made our evening very special and made us feel very much at home. Having been in this luxury resort business, I can say they have their stuff together. Guest management software is incredible as is the the seamless check-in and guest connection to their room and wifi. It is all very impressive even though you will probably not notice it, it just works. FOOD & BEVERAGE: Yes, they have food, breakfast, coffee and dinner items and libations during Happy Hour or you can buy a fancy pre assembled fresh meal and go cook it outside at your AirStream. Everything was reasonably priced and very good. Somehow an order of Tater Tots got delivered to my table, maybe a moment of weakness due to Happy Hour, but none the less they were so good and so not on my diet. OVERALL VALUE: Very good, yet a little on the expensive side as you will find out online. That being said this is a first class facility with experienced staffed with excellent amenities. To me it is priced where it should be for the experience and on our visit they were sold out and there are a lot of rooms. TIP: Consider the time of year and your comfort level with a little noise from the heaters (Yes it gets very cold here) or the AC units as the Airstream HVAC Units are on the roof. The Cabins have splitters with the condensers away from the bedroom so super quiet and efficient. Enjoy!

    Great place to reset over the weekend from LA stress. Definitely a place for my fellow airstream enthusiasts iykyk :)

    Inside couch seating/ folds down to full size bed
    Yvette S.

    What an experience-something for everyone! Don't hesitate book your JT Autocamp trip now. This is a super cute airstream park with great amenities; pool, bon , relaxation, music, happy hour, riding & ‍ ! Inside our tiny house was clean, comfy and very cozy. Tiny house was equipped with stand shower/ wheelchair accessible, ramp up to entrance, personal patio area and bonfire seats right outside too! Customer service was great! All the sweet gals there were really nice. Check in was easy, it's gated for Autocamp visitors only-sweet! Make this your next vaca, family getaway or girls trip...or your next sister Bday trip ;) Close to JT National Park entrances and local eateries if you chose.

    will spend the christmas time here  yay
    Samuel L.

    This was my second time to stay in autocamp , last time was autocamp yosemite where i like it a lot . However , the autocamp in Joshua tree was little bit disappointed . This autocamp was like next to residential area , just like a upscale RV parking place. Unlike the one in yosemite which had a lake , but here was totally nothing. As we tried the airstream before, therefore this time we choose suite style . The suite was definitely more roomy , and it even had a induction cooktop available. As usual , the staff here was so friendly and helpful , and this autocamp even provided free EV charging ( around 6 available ) This autocamp was so close to the Joshua tree national park ( 20mins drive ), which was one of my reason to stay here . Otherwise , autocamp in Yosemite IMO would be the best one for vacation.

    Front lobby area
    Emily S.

    Our stay was wonderful, we appreciate the text ahead welcoming us and sending us the gate code. The cabin was beautiful and appreciated the large windows with a view. The fire pit and patio were a homely touch to the stay. The lobby and guest areas were a 5 star stay. We tiredly arrived later that evening and Zach warmly welcomed us. He was friendly, professional and attentive. We requested a later checkout for 11am and he was able to accommodate us and really appreciated that. Since Zach has accommodated our late check out The next day, we were still in the suite at 10:26 & I didn't notice the text or phone call from Brianna because we were getting ready to leave by 11am. She came knocking loudly at our door and said I just want to know when you guys will be out. We definitely felt unwelcome and explained we had a later check out until 11am. We went to the front desk before 11am and told the guy at the front desk what happened and he said that the lady that normally checks out will check us out. At this point it did not feel welcoming or service like the advertising advertises. Other than that the stay was great, but there are many other places to stay and just for an extra hour of rest for check out, we wish that it could have been handled better the next morning by the morning staff. In summary, The "evening staff" Zach gave us luxury service the morning staff service was not. Really wanted to rate them a 5 star and until the morning it would have been. Would we stay here again? Yes, we are willing to give them another try.

    Swimming pool

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim G.
    0
    43
    5

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 93
    Thanks 25
    Love this 92
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Leslie F.
    185
    114
    78

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Rick J.
    244
    385
    1708

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    I Highly recommend. Beautiful site, well kept, and great vibes. Employee Destiny is a rockstar.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dillon P.
    26
    24
    26

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steve
    0
    18
    29

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anna A.
    0
    69
    52

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David G.
    226
    1043
    6701

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Louis C.
    40
    52
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Borin and Rob make Auto Camp into a 5* Resort. Their hospitality is top notch. Thank you for everything you do - hope to see you again soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah N.
    222
    1106
    3676

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe P.
    376
    16
    5

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anna P.
    209
    17
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jennie L.
    117
    38
    340

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G T.
    0
    26
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Auto Camp - Joshua Tree

    Is the jacuzzi up and running now? What about cable? Thanks!

    As Of 12/18/22, the cable in each Airstream is NOT up and running. Not sure about the jacuzzi though...

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Auto Camp - Joshua Tree

    . There were converted at a very high expense so if you've never enjoyed an Airstream experience you should give it a try

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Indian Cove Campground

    Indian Cove Campground

    4.4(81 reviews)
    8.7 mi

    Indian Cove Campground is hands down one of the most unique and peaceful places to stay in Joshua…read moreTree National Park. Surrounded by massive rock formations, it feels secluded, quiet, and incredibly raw -- like you're camping inside a natural stone cathedral. The campsites are well spaced, giving you privacy and that true desert solitude. No RV hookups, no noise, no distractions -- just rocks, sky, wind, and silence. This is real camping, not a parking lot with tents. Sunsets here are unreal, and at night the stars are absolutely breathtaking. If you're into hiking, climbing, photography, or just disconnecting from everything, this place is perfect. You can step out of your tent and immediately feel like you're deep in the wilderness. Facilities are basic but clean and well maintained, which is exactly what you want in a place like this. Indian Cove isn't for everyone -- and that's why it's special. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an authentic Joshua Tree experience

    Group camp spots are the best as long as you have over the required 7 people. Other spots that hold…read moreone or two tents look very small but the campground is gorgeous. Firepits, benches, hiking, climbing, restrooms. Everything you need for a 2-3 day stay. Coyotes roam around the campground. Be careful of your small dogs. One came up to our tent at night looking for my chihuahua mix it smelled inside our tent. We scared it away.

    Photos
    Indian Cove Campground
    Indian Cove Campground
    Indian Cove Campground

    See all

    Black Rock Canyon - Site 12

    Black Rock Canyon

    4.1(76 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    TLDR: site 29 is the best in my opinion. there's cool wildlife if you look for it. flush toilets…read moreand running water. potable water free and many faucets around campground. hiking trails within walking distance. black rock campground was a great in-between for glamping and regular camping. I think the most defining features of this campsite are the flush toilets and running water in the bathrooms. however there are no showers. there is potable water faucets scattered about the campground. there are many sites to choose from but after walking around the campground, the best ones are furthest from the entrance (like where we stayed at site 29) highly recommending site 29!!!! very secluded and not crowded next to your neigboring sites. close to the bathroom with no smell. the campground has a nature center open 8am-4pm on the weekends and has a Ranger present as well as other staff. there are hiking trails about 0.75 miles from the campground at High View Trailhead (walkable or can drive there since there's a parking lot at trailhead)

    + Decentely remote venue to go camping with folks. + Nice…read morethat there's a visitor center in the center of the campground for our convenience. . The camp sites are close together, so you can see and hear your neighbors. Not so secluded. If you want more privacy, maybe you'll prefer a different campground. Deserts, man. So dry and often warm.

    Photos
    Black Rock Canyon - Signs (2/23)

    Signs (2/23)

    Black Rock Canyon - Nature Center

    Nature Center

    Black Rock Canyon - Site 29

    See all

    Site 29

    Ryan Campground - Beginning of the hike, the Joshua Trees make the landscape so alien

    Ryan Campground

    4.5(8 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Review is for the hike, the payoff is an abandoned adobe homestead with the main structure still…read morestanding and old parts strewn around the base of Ryan Mountain. Joshua Tree will always have a special place in my memory. I came camping here for the first time as an elementary school kid and my friend's father taught me how to pitch a tent, spot constellations, and different types of rocks. Luckily, my kids seem to have inherited the same feelings and loved their time at Ryan's Ranch. Hike is an easy 1.1 miles out and back but you can spend much more time scrambling on the rocks which we did. There are Joshua Trees everywhere you can walk right up to. My favorite part was total freedom to explore. It's not like many hikes that have a set path and barriers to stay in, a lot for the rock scrambles are very close to the trail and there is easy visibility so you won't get lost if you don't wander too far.

    We truly enjoyed this campground, depending on what side you stay on you will either have sunrise…read moreor sunset view. Our site was #2 which had a sunset view. Lots of big boulders to explore and climb on. Smaller campground with 33 sites, sites are pretty close to one another so this being a smaller campground offers little more peace and quiet than some others. Best part was being able to walk and explore the remains of Ryan ranch, a quick walk from the campground. Beautiful sunset views from there. Be prepared for a lot of wind, the ground can be very hard and difficult to steak down a tent or easy up. And the vault toilets stink even though they are maintained, on a busy weekend if your campsite is near the restroom and you are downwind it can be unpleasant. All the restrooms at all the campgrounds and trailheads are vault toilets so just be prepared. We would stay here again.

    Photos
    Ryan Campground
    Ryan Campground
    Ryan Campground - Kids loved climbing through the old ranch

    See all

    Kids loved climbing through the old ranch

    Dirtbag Campground - Yurt inside - after our use, yours will be better organized.

    Dirtbag Campground

    4.8(5 reviews)
    10.3 mi

    Spent the night here in a Dirtbag Y site. Tad, the host, is very easy to work with and very…read morehelpful. He promptly met us and reviewed everything we needed to know and all the things provided in the yurt setup. All we brought was food and drink, everything else provided. Definitely recommend. Check reviews on hipcamp.com - 4.6 star rating from 1,344 reviews

    Stayed here a couple of days ago cause everything was booked up in Joshua Tree. We reserved a spot…read morea couple of days before, but when we got there, there weren't any spots available. I texted the owner, and in about 1 minute, Tad came out and guided us to a spot we could camp for the night. It was right next to the other spots but had not fire ring. So what does Tad do? Goes and brings us a portable fire pit! Awesome service! Anyways, the place is really just a part of the owners property right by there house. But it is nice, for a few nights of camping when you can't get a spot in the park. I would totally stay here again. They'll even cook you breakfast if you order it the night before. It is an extra charge though, I think $12. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the bathroom situation. It was just a bucket behind a wall, no door even! But Tad told us they were getting a port-a-potty very soon. I definitely recommend Dirtbag Campground!

    Photos
    Dirtbag Campground - Our "improvised" site

    Our "improvised" site

    Dirtbag Campground - Low Key Camping for Joshua Tree National Park. Campground Full? Camp with Us! Last Minute and Late Arrivals Welcome!

    Low Key Camping for Joshua Tree National Park. Campground Full? Camp with Us! Last Minute and Late Arrivals Welcome!

    Dirtbag Campground

    See all

    Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua tree

    Joshua Tree National Park

    4.8(115 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    As an avid National Park experiencer - there is a lot to experience here…read more I always love a good tree and the Joshua tree looks so cool. Especially with the sun behind it. The rock formations feel like great secrets. The staff here are extra helpful. Tell em what you want and they can point you in the right direction. Get your national Park passport and get to more parks and take me with you. Try to eat more pizza if you want to be like me.

    We arrived at Joshua Tree National Park on a Friday around 12 PM. There was a line of about 20 cars…read moreat the entrance, but it moved quickly. We waited less than five minutes. They offer discounts for military members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. You can also purchase an annual pass. If you're driving in, it's $30 per vehicle and the pass is valid for seven days. First stop, Hidden Valley Nature Trail: about a 10-minute drive from the entrance, and one of the most popular spots in the park. The loop is about one mile and takes you through incredible rock formations. There's a bit of climbing involved so definitely wear proper shoes. It took us around 30 minutes, but some people took closer to an hour, likely stopping for photos and to soak it all in. You'll also see rock climbers, which is fun to watch. * Cap Rock: an easy stop right off the road. You can drive by or pull over briefly to see this unique rock formation that looks like a hat perched on top of a boulder. * Skull Rock: another must-see right along the main road with no hiking required. It's exactly what it sounds like and a popular photo spot. * Keys View: a stunning panoramic viewpoint. From here you can see the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea, and on a clear day, even parts of Mexico. It's especially beautiful around sunset. You can either exit the park the way you came or continue through to one of the other exits depending on your next stop.

    Photos
    Joshua Tree National Park - The views

    The views

    Joshua Tree National Park - A Phainopepla in Cottonwood Springs! (October 2024)

    A Phainopepla in Cottonwood Springs! (October 2024)

    Joshua Tree National Park - A Black-throated Sparrow at the base of Ryan Mountain

    See all

    A Black-throated Sparrow at the base of Ryan Mountain

    Barker Dam Trail

    Barker Dam Trail

    4.5(39 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    Hiked Barker Dam Trail in January 2026 and it ended up being one of my favorite spots in Joshua…read moreTree National Park. The dam was filled with water (which apparently isn't always the case), and I had most of the trail completely to myself. Peaceful, scenic, and classic Joshua Tree views the entire way. Easy hike, big payoff, and felt like discovering a hidden gem. Loved it.

    Fun hike in Joshua Tree, the payoff is water in a desert. The dam was first built as a water…read morereservoir in 1900 and still works. When we went the lake toward the center of the hike was much more impressive than the dam itself. Along the path there are little signs that explain some of the sights you see on the way. It's an easy 1.1 mile hike out and back and you see many highlights of the Mojave desert including plant life, boulders, and lush greenery and birds near the water. It starts off flat but soon you'll be climbing through rocks and curving through exciting changes in the landscape. Some unique stops along the way are: -the lake/oasis, beautiful reflections in the water if you come at the right time. -theres a stone spiral at the dam that's not explained on the sign, if anyone knows what it is let me know, you can scramble to the left of the mountain here and make your way all the way to the spiral. -there is ancient cave art and petroglyphs that are much easier to see than some others ive been to, unfortunately someone in the past tried to make them easier to see by tracing paint on some of them.

    Photos
    Barker Dam Trail
    Barker Dam Trail - Such beauty and magnificence

    Such beauty and magnificence

    Barker Dam Trail

    See all

    Auto Camp - Joshua Tree - campgrounds - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...