Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · New campers
Vibe · Moderate and fun
Reservations · Buy a $30 vehicle pass and reserve a site at Black Rock Campground
Drive · 3 hours from LA
Ideal dates · February - April (for wildflowers!)
Pets · Welcome at campgrounds, but not on hiking trails
Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) is the second largest national park in California (the first is Death Valley National Park); it features more than 795,000 acres, which makes it slightly larger than Rhode Island. Inside you'll find native Yucca brevifolias, aka Joshua Trees, desert tortoises, and one of the darkest skies in Southern California. The options for exploring are endless, with easy hikes for kids, rocks to scramble on, and animals to see. Outside of the park, you’ll find fun and kid-friendly designations, like western-themed saloons and the park’s museum. Get a taste of desert cool at JTNP.
Official National Park Website
Main image credit: Alex Kramarevsky
Each campsite comes with a:
Black Rock Campground lies among one of the thickest Joshua tree forests in Joshua Tree National Park. Campers staying at Black Rock may have the chance to view the elusive desert tortoise, found only in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Campers may also want to keep their eyes out for cool desert features like lizards and kid-friendly rock boulders that can be explored. This campground is known for being more family-friendly, as it has running water and a nature center that can be explored. The campground has running water, meaning that there are flushing toilets and drinking water available.
Check-in: Noon · Check-out: Noon
Nightly Rate: $25
Image credit: Michael Mayernick
JTNP is home to 57 mammal species! If that’s not impressive enough, the part also has 46 reptile species, 250 bird species, and 75 types of butterflies. Learn more about the animals you can find in the part here.
For thousands of years, the Chemehuevi, Serrano, and Cahuilla tribes regularly lived in the high desert, canyons, and caves. These were some of the first humans that lived in the park, over four to eight thousand years ago!
Joshua trees are technically stemless succulents, not trees! The tallest Joshua Tree in the park is about 43 feet high in Queen Valley forest and is estimated to be around 960 years old.
This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!
Shelters
Bezzi's Picks
Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.
Essential Items
Sleep
A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old
Essential Items
Sleep
A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
Bring your own or splurge on this pillow that's designed for outdoor fun.
Essential Items
Sleep
Picnic tables don't always cut it for cooking outside. This one is easy to use and has plenty of counter space.
Kitchen
Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.
Essential Items
Sleep
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.