Campsite Tips for Indian Cove

Situated a little over two hours east of Los Angeles, Indian Cove Campground is one of many places you can camp in Joshua Tree National Park. Indian Cove Campground is surrounded by rugged granite formations and mature Mojave yucca trees, and you can explore numerous hiking and rock climbing opportunities just footsteps from your campsite. The campground is open year round for both tents and RVs.

  1. Choosing Your Site

    • Indian Cove Campground includes more than 100 campsites, and all of them are open to tents. More than half of the campsites are tents-only, and these sites are tucked around the campground's various rock formations. If you are camping with a large group, you can also choose among 13 extra-large group tent areas. A handful of sites are open to RVs. Sites can generally accommodate six people and two vehicles, but some sites at this campground are smaller, so it's wise to call ahead and inquire about a particular site.

    Amenities and Facilities

    • The accommodations at Indian Cove Campground are primitive, and you won't find electric hookups, hot showers or even running water in the campground. Each site includes a picnic table and fire grill, and the nearest running water is at the ranger station 2 miles away. Bring plenty of water or the necessary containers to transport water from the station to your campsite. Campfires are permitted only in designated fire grills, and collecting wood in the campground is not allowed. Vault toilets are provided in the campground. You can find groceries, gas and laundry facilities in the city of Twentynine Palms, which is 7 miles away.

    Planning Your Visit

    • Reservations are available from October through May by phone or online through Reserve America. The campground is strictly first-come, first-served during the remainder of the year. The maximum stay is 14 days from October through May, or 30 days during the rest of the year. Fall and spring are the busiest times, largely due to the comfortable climate, so it's best to book your site early if you plan to stay during these seasons. Summers can often be uncomfortably hot, but winters are generally dry and moderate, with daytime temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees and nighttime lows between 40 and 60.

    Camping in the Backcountry

    • Backcountry camping is also permitted in areas of Joshua Tree National Park around the Indian Cove Campground. A backcountry registration board is located at Indian Cove, and you must register before you begin hiking. Backcountry campers can pitch a tent at any suitable site near the park's many hiking trails and are responsible for carrying all necessary supplies and leaving no trace of their presence. The climate in this area can be harsh, so backcountry camping should not be approached lightly and is best left to experienced backpackers. Trail maps are essential, and you can find them on the National Park Service website.