🏕 Campground
Cottonwood Campground (Joshua Tree NP)
About This Permit
Cottonwood sits at Joshua Tree's quiet south entrance — lower Sonoran Desert environment with palo verde, ocotillo, and cholla rather than Joshua trees. The closest campground to Cottonwood Spring oasis (a birding hotspot) and Cholla Cactus Garden. Reservations required October–May; summer walk-up due to extreme heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cottonwood different from northern Joshua Tree campgrounds?
Cottonwood is in the lower Colorado Desert (Sonoran), hotter and lower elevation than the Mojave north end where most campgrounds and Joshua trees are found. It sees significantly less traffic than Jumbo Rocks or Ryan Campground.
What hikes start from Cottonwood Campground?
Cottonwood Spring Trail (1 mile) leads to the oasis. Lost Palms Oasis (7.2 miles round trip) is the park's most impressive desert oasis hike. Mastodon Peak loop (3 miles) offers views of the Salton Sea.
Is it safe to camp at Joshua Tree in summer?
Possible but dangerous for the unprepared — temperatures regularly exceed 110°F during the day. If you camp in summer, arrive late evening, stay through the night, and leave before 9 AM before heat builds.
Key Facts
- State
- CA
- Season
- Year-round; summer heat extreme (regularly exceeds 105°F; June–September)
- Sites
- 62 sites (tent and RV)
- Access
- South Entrance of Joshua Tree NP via I-10, Chiriaco Road exit
- Reservation Window
- Reservations on recreation.gov (October – May); first-come June – September
- Difficulty to reserve
- 3/5(Competitive)
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