The Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park
This post is for anyone who’s visiting the desert paradise of Joshua Tree National Park. There’s plenty of hiking trails, climbing spots, and wonderful vistas to experience in Joshua Tree. Wondering where to stay in Joshua Tree? Here are some of the best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park – I cover everything from campgrounds inside the parks, to cool and quirky airbnbs, and even unique hotels surrounding Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree National Park, named after its namesake the yucca palm (or scientifically, the Yucca brevifolia) is where two Deserts – the Colorado and Mojave – meet, resulting in a gorgeous landscape that’s ecologically diverse. Having myself grown up in the desert, I never thought I’d see the day when I would call a desert gorgeous…but it seriously is!
From unique rock formations (rock climbers love it), abandoned mines, unique fauna and flora, to the incredible daily sunsets at Joshua Tree, this desert seems to have it all. Even when it comes to choices of the best places to stay near Joshua Tree.
Table of Contents
Where is Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree is located in the Southern California region and if you’re coming from LA, it will take you about 2.5 hours depending on traffic. There are three Joshua Tree National Park entrances; when I visited, I entered the park through the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and left through the Oasis Visitor Center located in the city of Twentynine Palms. There’s also the South Entrance which is off Highway 10, East of Palm Springs/Indio, CA.
The Joshua Tree visitor center at 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA is open daily from 8:00am-5:00pm.
The Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree
There are some amazing lodgings in Joshua Tree, consider staying at the following places in Joshua Tree.
Some of the hotels and motels in Joshua Tree are listed on HotelsCombined, others on Airbnb, and the Joshua Tree camping on Hipcamp. Here’s $18 off your first trip using Airbnb, and get $20 credit when you sign up with HipCamp.
Camping in Joshua Tree
There are 9 Joshua Tree campgrounds inside the park. Most of the campgrounds are first-come, first-serve like Hidden Valley Campground. Reservations are available for Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Jumbo Rock which I highly recommend making in advance especially if you plan to visit Joshua Tree during the high season (runs from October-May). Certain campgrounds allow RV camping; click here to view the Joshua Tree National Park maps – there are links to maps for the various Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds like Hidden Valley Campground and the Cottonwood Campground.
If the campground in Joshua Tree you want is fully reserved, which is likely possible during the popular months, then check out HipCamp for camping near Joshua Tree.
Motion Recalibration Station
This campsite, located outside of Joshua Tree National Park, offers a number of unique camp sites in a secluded and quiet area. It’s perfect for anyone who has their own camping equipment, RV or motorhome. There’s a communal couch infront of an open fireplace, kitchen area with grill, and bathrooms.
Get $20 credit with Hipcamp by using the link to sign up.
Avocado Camping Deck
Avocado Camping Deck is located in Pink Cloud Ranch and perfect for those choosing to camp in a tent. The property uses camping platforms so your tent isn’t pitched on the ground. There’s lots of things to do at the ranch – trampolines, swimming pool, and even horses should you fancy going horse riding. The desert gets cold at night, and so each area has its own fire pit, and if you want to make your own food, there are three grills, two picnic tables, an outdoor sink, and bathrooms.
Don’ forget to use this $20 credit with Hipcamp by using the link to sign up.
Unique Vacation Rentals in Joshua Tree
Monument Manor Casita Joshua Tree
A cute studio with the option to camp outside on the property to fully experience everything that Joshua Tree has to offer. While the artsy and well-decorated studio offers free wifi, there are plenty of reasons to stay off like exploring Joshua Tree National Park which is one mile away, hammocks to lay out, and telescopes to see Joshua Tree at night.
Get $20 credit with Hipcamp by using the link to sign up.
Thunderbird Lodge Retreat
The ranch property is located on 5 acres and offers six different types of accommodation and is surrounded by Joshua Tree National Park on three sides. There’s a cool bus-turned-motorhome called The Cabus which is a retired tour bus fashioned into a caboose – enjoy it for lounging or as an additional sleeping area.
Make a reservation – don’t forget to use the $20 credit with HipCamp if it’s your first time booking.
Spin & Margie’s Desert Hideaway
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNU3XR1DFhW/?taken-at=14434261
This Joshua Tree accommodation is a great place to stay while visiting the park. It’s very close to the 49 palms hike, and northern entrance which is helpful during the popular park months. There are 4 suites to rent, and 1 cabin – the Cactus Wren which is a private 375 sq ft standalone studio.
Check the latest hotel prices and read reviews on: HotelsCombined
Joshua Desert Retreats
With multiple rentals all within a close proximity to Joshua Tree, the Joshua Desert Retreats provides visitors with a comfortable place to come home to after a day spent hiking and exploring in the park. Some are larger than others, like Godwin Ranch, which is an equestrian ranch-style compound perfect for outdoor living. The 5-acre property features a gorgeous outdoor stone fireplace, a BBQ and picnic table, and unique swing that’s designed for star gazing.
Check the latest availability in rental prices and read reviews on: HotelsCombined
There are plenty of other houses for rent in Joshua Tree. Click here to check the Joshua Tree vacation rentals out.
Budget Hotels in Joshua Tree
Pioneertown Motel
This charming, newly renovated 20 room motel is the perfect place to stay while exploring Joshua Tree. Originally built for the movie stars in the 1940s by Roy Rogers & named after the Sons of the Pioneers, the Pioneertown Motel has a unique Hollywood-history in the hi-desert.
Check the latest hotel prices and read reviews on: HotelsCombined
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Twentynine Palms
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXCW_OmgB7C/?taken-at=408002172
[expand title =”+ Hotel Facts”]Wi-Fi: Yes
Room Type: King Suite, Queen Suite
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The hotel is great for people that want to explore the park without really roughing all aspects of their trip, like accommodation. The suites are spacious and each booking comes with a complimentary breakfast to get your day started on the right note. The hotel is within walking distance of a grocery store, which is great for getting food & supplies for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Check the latest hotel prices and read reviews on: HotelsCombined
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Twentynine Palms
[expand title =”+ Hotel Facts”]Wi-Fi: Yes
Room Type: Standard Room, King Room, Executive King Room, Executive Queen Room
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The biggest advantage of staying at the Holiday Inn in Twentynine Palms is its close proximity to the Twentynine Palm entrance to Joshua Tree National Park – which comes in handy during peak park season, and if you want to experience Joshua Tree at night.
Check the latest hotel prices and read reviews on: HotelsCombined
Luxury Rentals in Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree House
I first stumbled upon the Joshua Tree House thanks to Instagram. Their feed is stunning, and it’s no surprise because it’s curated by two designers, both of whom are responsible for the design of their three properties: a 1949 two-bedroom two-bathroom house, a 1958 two-bedroom, one-bathroom casita, and a 1958 two-bedroom one bathroom hacienda.
You can rent either of the three properties of The Joshua Tree House via Airbnb. If you aren’t a member, sign up through this link for Airbnb to get $18 off your first booking.
Joshua Tree Oasis
[expand title =”+ Hotel Facts”]Wi-Fi: Yes
Room Type: 2 bedrooms in main house, 2 bedrooms in additional property
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Located in the neighboring town of Twentynine Palms, this Joshua Tree house is a 2-bedroom 2-bathroom property, with an additional 2-bedroom 1-bathroom lodging to accommodate a larger party. The property includes a wood fireplace, fully-equipped kitchen, dining room for 8 people, outdoor hot tub & jacuzzi, and outdoor pool. Getting out into the desert means less light pollution, so Joshua Tree at night is a great place for stargazers and looking at the Milky Way.
Check the latest hotel prices and read reviews on: HotelsCombined
Moon Camp: A Joshua Tree Retreat
[expand title =”+ Hotel Facts”]Wi-Fi: Yes
Room Type: King bed and four twin beds (daybed and loft in the main house and two in the studio guest house)
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Sustainability in Joshua Tree? You get that at this stunning Airbnb rental, a truly one-of-a-kind, fully off-grid property. The home is powered entirely by solar panels and the water is stored in safer concrete tanks. The property is located just minutes away from Joshua Tree, and guests can hike or drive directly into the Covington Flats area of the national park, which is just 5 miles from the property down the road.
Find out the availability via Airbnb. If you aren’t a member, sign up through this link for Airbnb to get $18 off your first booking.
DesertOM – 4 Bedroom Rental
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYBhRnlDNu1/?taken-by=desert_om
[expand title =”+ Hotel Facts”]Wi-Fi: Yes
Room Type: 4 bedrooms, 5 beds and 2 baths
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Minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park, Luxury DesertOM is a temple oasis. The owners decorated the property to bring a sense of calm and space for meditation to those that chose to stay. There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher and an oven, and there’s even a hot tub to soak in and rest the tired muscles after a day of hiking and exploring the park.
Check the latest hotel prices and read reviews on: HotelsCombined
FOLLY | Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcD2_dbARnT/?taken-by=folly.folly
Design lovers will rejoice when they book a stay at the Joshua Tree Folly. Designed and built by Malek Alqadi, the space reflects a custom off-the-grid experience in the heart of one of California’s impressive outdoor landscapes. The cabin houses 2-6 people and even has a stargazer suite with a queen size bed.
If you aren’t a member, sign up through this link for Airbnb to get $18 off your first booking.
Recommended Reading for planning your trip to Joshua Tree National Park California
- Planning a visit to Joshua Tree NP? Check out my Joshua Tree in One Day Itinerary for visiting Joshua Tree ; directions on how to get from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree, best time to visit Joshua Tree, things to do in Joshua Tree, and what to do in Joshua Tree in one day like the best hikes in Joshua Tree.
- Find out Joshua Tree National Park hours during your visit from the official U.S. Park National Service website
- Wondering about the Joshua Tree? It is a great post on what is a Joshua Tree!
- Here are a couple of guide book recommendations for Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide: Joshua Tree National Park by James Kaiser, Moon Handbook for Palm Springs & Joshua Tree, and the Best Easy Day Hikes in Joshua Tree NP.
The Joshua Tree desert is a meeting of two significant deserts – the Colorado, and the Mojave – resulting in wonderful, hiking trails, and unique rock formations. Don’t wait to visit Joshua Tree, head there now!
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