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    Ryan Campground

    4.5 (8 reviews)

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    #34
    Sylvia Y.

    Unfortunately we got into Joshua Tree just after sunset on Wednesday. It was a race against time to find a campsite before it was completely pitch black. We circled frantically around Hidden Valley twice before giving up and driving over to Ryan Campground with our breaths held. Thank the desert gods for the only open campsite, #34!! It was $15/night, first-come-first-serve. We slipped our money into the iron box and clipped up our orange slip. Setting up camp with just headlamps and the glow of our neighbors' fires was slightly annoying, but nothing compared to the feeling of relief of actually having a place to set up our tent for the night. #34 is tucked between two other campsites but feels very private as you're in a protected semi-circle of boulders. Depending on where you set up your tent, you won't see your parked car. You even have your own personal Joshua Tree. The site itself was very clean, as was the rest of the grounds. The vault toilets were sucked out daily so there weren't any nasty smells. Don't forget to bring your own hand sanitizer and wet wipes. It's totally understandable there isn't any running water in the entire park (it's a desert after all), but I wish they provided hand sanitizer in all the restrooms to prevent widespread outbreak of e-coli. Location-wise, this campground is excellent as it is close to the most popular vista points and hikes. If you aren't able to stay in Hidden Valley, I would definitely recommend checking out Ryan Campground. Enjoy your stay!

    Site 26 foreground left. Site 3 foreground right.  Site 25 background.
    Craig M.

    Cozy and fun, around 30 campsites. Great location in Joshua Tree, clean bathrooms. Requisite hike nearby and amazing rock formations in camp. Well located refuse and recycle bins. Wonderful.

    A desert cottontail visited our campsite regularly.
    Roy H.

    The desert holds a genuine and undeniable beauty that simply cannot be expressed by mere words. I usually plan about 2 camping trips (5 to 6 days) each year. Much planning and preparation go into these 2 trips, including - but not limited to - hikes, meals and visits to certain points of interest. In between my bi-annual planned trips, I take many 2 to 4 day spur-of-the-moment trips with very little planning; sometimes as many as once a month. My trip to Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree National Park was one of the planned variety. Sunday through Thursday, directly following one of the busiest weekends of the year for JTNP. As Neil Young once said, "the devil fools with the best laid plan." To make a long story short, once my Jetta Sport Wagon was fully loaded on Sunday morning, I noticed a flat tire... or nearly flat. Instead of taking hours trying to remedy the problem, I took the gas-guzzling Ford Taurus. But of course I had to unload the Jetta and load the Taurus; cut just over an hour out of my day. Adapt and overcome. How to get there: When using the west entrance into the park, remain on Park Blvd. for approximately 18 miles. The campground will be on your right just past Keys Road and Cap Rock. With just 31 sites to choose from, Ryan Campground is the third smallest campground in JTNP, not including Sheep Pass Campground, which is a group only campground. Fees are minimal, just $10.00 per night. Like most campgrounds in JTNP, Ryan is based on first-come, first-served... no reservations. There is no running water here at Ryan, though if your timing is right you may see some patches of snow, so be sure to bring your own (water). Showers can be had for $4.00 approximately 18 miles away in the town of Joshua Tree at a quaint little souvenir/gift store called "Coyote Corner". It's just across the street from the Visitor Center. The only restrooms at Ryan are of the vault variety, but they're kept clean (and I came after one of the busiest weekends of the year!). There are the usual campsite amenities: fire pit, barbecue grill and picnic table. No cell service. I always turn off all of my electronics upon entering a campground; helps to reset my biological clock (http://directorsblog.nih.gov/2013/08/29/reset-your-body-clock-with-a-camping-trip/). Ryan Campground consists of a single loop with most of the sites on the inside of the loop; only about four on the outside, they were all taken. I always prefer camping on the outside of a loop... for reasons I won't get into now, but no biggie, I can deal with that. Of the sites located on the inside of the loop, only a handful were available, and each one of them abutted a neighboring site... which is okay... I've never met anyone I didn't like when camping. Still, a little privacy never hurts. There are a few hikes I would recommend from Ryan Campground: Ryan Ranch (about 1.4 miles out and back); Ryan Mountain (2.8 miles out and back); and the California Riding and Hiking Trail (35 miles). If you choose the CA Riding and Hiking Trail, you have a choice of two directions: southwest or southeast. Neil Young's devil would visit me again on the morning of my final day, but there's no need to elaborate on that. Overall, Ryan is an okay campground, but not the best at JTNP; not even the second best, but it's still JTNP, and there's so much to do and see there. Its location alone warrants it a 4-star review. I was lucky enough to visit when there was still a remnant of the recent snowfall... "Earth is a flower and it's pollinating" - Neil Young

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    Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua tree

    Joshua Tree National Park

    4.8(115 reviews)
    0.0 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

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    A Black-throated Sparrow at the base of Ryan Mountain

    Barker Dam Trail

    Barker Dam Trail

    4.5(39 reviews)
    6.7 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

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    Black Rock Canyon - Site 12

    Black Rock Canyon

    4.1(76 reviews)
    6.0 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

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    Site 29

    Wall Street Stamp Mill

    Wall Street Stamp Mill

    4.5(4 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    This was one of those last minute / random / wasn't planned kind of hikes. Which ended up being…read moredefinitely worth it. Very minimal gain and elevation, however wear sturdy shoes due to the soft uneven sand. Very interesting history I won't spoil it for everyone but it's not just about a mine.. You can get up close and personal with the mine, please be respectful and do not enter the mine although it is very clear you can see that some people have disregarded the signage entering the mine and damaging pieces of it as well. As with any mine, it is unsafe to enter. Parking is of course on all BLM land free. When I went it was during the week and it was not overly crowded at all I think I may have seen a total of four people. Very peaceful and even during the summer it wasn't outrageously hot as SoCal can be. Definitely worth the Segway from heading to death valley.

    Relatively flat, wide path to and from the parking area. This is not one of those challenging…read morehikes. However, you are rewarded with some beautiful groves of Joshua Trees, very slight diversions to check out Wonderland (Ohlson) Ranch ruins and an vintage abandoned vehicle near the beginning of your walk. Later on, of course, is the Wall Street Stamp Mill, which is an abandoned gold stamp mill. While this has been fenced off, it's very interesting. And of course, there's more abandoned stuff nearby, including a couple of cars. Bring lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen. You're in the desert. Even if it's not hot, you're in the desert.

    Photos
    Wall Street Stamp Mill
    Wall Street Stamp Mill
    Wall Street Stamp Mill - Did a photo shoot along this trail with my friends and it was GORGEOUS! Highly recommend it!

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    Did a photo shoot along this trail with my friends and it was GORGEOUS! Highly recommend it!

    Lost Horse Mine

    Lost Horse Mine

    4.6(15 reviews)
    15.0 mi

    The Lost Horse Mine Trail is a hike in Joshua Tree National Park where the end destination is the…read moresite of an old gold mine. It was named after a man who was trying to find his lost horse. There's a long dirt road to the trailhead and there's not much parking. If you want to only go to the gold mine and back it's about 4 miles total. If you want to do the whole loop it's 6.2 miles. It's a long trail with no shade so bring plenty of water and take breaks as needed. Unfortunately the gold mine is fenced off for safety but you still get to read about the history of it. Out of all the hikes and trails we did this was my favorite. It's the most like a traditional hike and has a pretty unique end destination.

    What a fun and well-marked hike in Joshua Tree national park! From the parking lot it's 2.2miles…read moreto the mine ruins (4.4 there and back) or 6 miles to do the entire loop. I would say this is a beginner hike, but there are certainly a few hills that will get the heart rate going! The trial itself is super scenic- full of rolling hills, rock formations, Joshua trees and depending on the season there lots of wildflowers. What's keeping it from a perfect review is the super small parking lot, with maybe 15 spots, which fills quickly. Due to its tight nature, turning around in the lot is near impossible (though we saw a few cars try). Pro tip: you can park at a turn out just short of the lot and walk in via dirt road or side trail. It gets you there all the same!

    Photos
    Lost Horse Mine - We drove thru in a Ford f 150. I saw smaller cars driving, it gave us a thrill.

    We drove thru in a Ford f 150. I saw smaller cars driving, it gave us a thrill.

    Lost Horse Mine - Trailhead

    Trailhead

    Lost Horse Mine

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    Ryan Campground - hiking - Updated May 2026

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