Springtime in the desert is the perfect time to visit. Our camp is located at the south end of Joshua Tree National Park at an elevation of 3,000 feet. Unparalleled views of the Colorado Desert with wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky. A variety of nearby hiking and touring activities and cooler temperatures at the higher elevation. The southern section of the park is often overlooked and less visited. It provides a more remote experience and offers a variety of sites to explore.
The weather is warming up in April so join us for a campout at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP! Come explore Joshua Tree! There will be hikes, 4x4 excursions, potluck dinner and other fun stuff! Join us!
Tents will set up in three large group sites. RVs will park a short distance just up the hill in individual sites in Loop A. RV owners will need to enter their vehicle dimension information when registering so we can better assign the RV sites. There are water spigots in the campgrounds, flush toilets, but no power or showers. There is a fee to enter Joshua Tree National Park, so if you have a senior or veteran pass, bring it with you!
Payments: This event is limited to GO members. When you register, you'll need to have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.) ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins. If you are not a member yet, you can first join as a member online (click here) and then return here to register.
Prices: Prices listed are per person. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Contact Trip Leaders: John Niedzwiedz email or Pat Miyamoto email and Scott Connelly email
Nearby attractions and hikes:
- Pinto Basin Sand Dunes and the 'Car Wash'
- Sylvia Wash hike
- Sunset hike from site A13 to the boulders on the ridge
- Morton’s Mill
- Mastodon Peak hike
- Ruby Lee mill site and well, Porcupine wash hike
- Lost Palms Oasis hike
- Travel into the main part of the park to Hidden Valley, Keys View, Skull Rock, Twin Tanks, Split Rock, Live Oak, Cholla Cactus Garden
- Tour WWII desert training camp and General Patton Museum
- Dine at the historic Eagle Café Chiriaco Summit
- 4WD: Pinto Basin Rd, Corn Springs, Red Canyon, Meccacopia Trail
- Mecca hills slot canyon hikes
- Did we mention to bring some firewood :)
Schedule of Events
Check the whiteboard for updates and details*
Tue, April 9
- Noon - Check-in - Tents - Select your spot in any of Group sites 1, 2, or 3
- The group gathering / campfire will be at group site 3
- RV sites are in Loop A. Go directly to your assigned site.
- 4:00 pm - Sunset hike nearby location*
- 6:30 pm - Tea Time meet and greet BYOB - bring snacks to share. Dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm - Group campfire (bring firewood)
Wed, April 10
- 7:00 am - Continental breakfast/coffee
- 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted*
- 1:00 pm - Hike or other activity posted*
- 6:30 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
- 6:45 pm - Free Raffle - you will get a free ticket for the drawings for prizes
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire (bring firewood)
Thur, April 11
- 7:00 am - Continental breakfast/coffee
- 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted*
- 1:00 pm - 4x4 activity posted*
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire (bring firewood)
Fri, April 12
- 7:00 am - Continental breakfast/coffee
- 9:00 am Hike posted*
- 12:00 pm Check out
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets (no showers); shade canopies, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking. No cell service or WiFi.
Tent sites: Tent campers will select their campsite in three group sites among desert vegetation and on sandy soils. There are drinking water spigots, shade canopies with picnic tables and a group fire rings, and restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Campers will carry their gear a short distance from their car to their campsite.
RV sites: RV campers need to enter their vehicle dimensions so we can assign campsites. Include total vehicle length (RV plus tow, trailer plus vehicle). Odd-numbered campsites may not accommodate driver side slideouts. Fresh water is available at the nearby dump station, no hookups. RV sites are a short walk to our group tent site. Extra parking space for tow vehicles may be available near the two restrooms. Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.
What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, one bundle of firewood and the Ten Essentials. Park entrance fee $30 or bring your National Park entry pass.
Directions: I-10 east to Cottonwood Spring - exit 168. Go north 8 miles to Visitor Center/Entrance; turn right to go to the campground. GPS coordinates: 33° 44.650' -115° 48.848'. Google Map Directions - Click Here
Climate: Day: 70s-80s & mild at night: 60s-50s; Avg. high 77, Avg. low 47. View weather forecast - click here
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund for a tent or RV site must be received by April 01; a $10 cancellation fee will apply. All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader.
Pets: Are welcomed. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet. Be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location. Pets are not permitted on park trails or in the backcountry.
Photos: To see some photos from prior trips: 2018, Album-1, Album-2, Album-3, Album-4
Campground Map and NPS website - Click Here
RV Camping: Campground Map. Generator use is permitted only from 7-9 am, noon-2 pm, and 5-7 pm.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
