Explore the desert from your campground. Photo by Alessandra Puig Santana, courtesy of the National Park Service

Best Family-Friendly Joshua Tree Camping

1. Jumbo Rocks Campground

One of the most interesting campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, Jumbo Rocks is a family favorite. It is centrally located and full of various rock formations, providing for hours of exploration and fun. It is also the largest campground with 124 unique campsites. Each campsite contains a fire pit and picnic table with pit toilets nearby, but campers must bring their own water and firewood. Reservations must be made well in advance for the busy season, which is September to May. Summer heat can reach scorching levels so it’s best to avoid Joshua during that time. Tip: look for a campsite with the afternoon shade possibilities that the boulders can provide. $20 cost per night. 

2. White Tank Campground

Situated amongst huge granite boulders, White Tank Campground is located in the darkest and quietest section of the park. This can be a boon for families looking for a quiet and early bedtime without the nighttime party people playing their music and staying up into all hours of the night. The campground is a perfect playground for younger kids. Beware, however, that there are only 15 campsites to be had and there are no reservations. White Tank is a first come, first served campground. Come early, preferably on a weekday, and you may snag a spot for the family. $15 cost per night.

RELATED: Last Minute Campgrounds near Los Angeles

Black Rock Campground is a family favorite. Photo by Hannah Schwalbe, courtesy of the National Park Service

3. Black Rock Campground

What families love about Black Rock Campground is its proximity to Yucca Valley, while still offering gorgeous views of the park. There may not be as many boulders to scramble on and explore, but it’s still a great campground to pitch a tent and set up the grill. There are 99 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. It is also one of the few campgrounds with potable water. Reservations must be made for August through early June. There are also accommodations for RV camping here. $25 cost per night. 

4. Ryan Campground

This campground is centrally located to all the main attractions at the park. It’s not as crowded with rock climbers as you'll find at Hidden Valley Campgrounds. You may have an easier time snagging one of the 31 campsites available in this first come, first served campground. All the campsites come with picnic tables, fire rings, with nearby toilets. However, please be advised that there is no potable water. $20 cost per night.

RELATED: Visit Pioneertown, A Hollywood-Style Western Town

 
AutoCamp Joshua Tree allows families to commune with nature, but in luxury! Photo by Josh Franer 

Best Family-Friendly Joshua Tree Airbnbs and Glamping

5. AutoCamp Joshua Tree

Check out my full review of AutoCamp Joshua Tree to discover everything my family loves about it. Meanwhile, here are the highlights: AutoCamp recently opened in Joshua Tree, just a few minutes from the park entrance. Stay in a luxury airstream for the night with a private outdoor area for the family campfire. AutoCamp thought of everything so you don’t have to, from comfortable beds to spa-like showers. If you thought camping was incompatible with getting pampered, think again. AutoCamp is upscale, hip glamping, and I can't wait to go back.

RELATED: Best Things To Do in Joshua Tree with Kids

 
No need to pack your tent for a stay at 28 Palms Yurts at Jumbo Rocks Campground. Photo by Jean Kuo Lee

6. 28 Palms Ranch Stargazing Yurts

For an amazing stargazing opportunity, book a night with your family in one of these authentic Mongolian yurts. Each yurt accommodates up to four people and includes a sink, a heated shower, toilet, picnic table, BBQ, and fire pit. You can still unplug and connect with nature—there is no WiFi available. Take advantage of the natural observatory in the yurt: each tent has a window open to the sky. Or go outside and roast some marshmallows with the kids. This property contains five yurts spread out with plenty of private space for each family. 

7. Moon Camp: An Off-Grid Joshua Tree Retreat

This dome house is perfect for a large family or extended family retreat. Accommodations for 6 guests include the main house, a guest house, and a lounge. This would be a special place for the kids to have their own guest house while glamping in the outdoors! The family can gather around a private patio with a fire pit and grill. A telescope awaits to extend the stargazing experience. The family can decompress and chill out on the hammocks and lounge chairs, or head inside for a full kitchen, TV, beds, and bathrooms. Moon Camp is convenient to Yucca Valley and is a 12-minute drive to the park entrance.
RELATED: Our Palm Springs Family Travel Guide

 
Mojave Sands has suites that are perfect for families with young kids. Photo courtesy of the Mojave Sands Motel

Best Family-Friendly Joshua Tree Hotels

8. Mojave Sands Motel

This family-friendly motel offers room for small families with young kids. For those with older kids, consider booking two classic rooms side-by-side in this tastefully appointed desert refuge. Suites have kitchens, luxury outdoor showers, and soaking tubs for upscale pampering in the desert. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the enclosed courtyard contains a BBQ and koi pond for lounging during the day or stargazing at night. This is a beautiful property for a peaceful stay in the desert. Proximity to park entrance: about 10 minutes. 

9. 29 Palms Inn

No room is alike at the charming 29 Palms Inn. Rich in history, this inn boasts an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, and free breakfast for all. Located on 70 acres, the inn hosts guests in several unique, adobe-style bungalows. Scroll through the offerings to find the perfect fit for your family’s needs, whether you prefer a kitchenette, a private courtyard, several bedrooms in a suite, or bungalows with historic character. You’ll also find prices to match various budgets here. The best part, though, is how close the inn is to the park entrance! 

10. Fairfield Inn and Suites

The Fairfield Inn and Suites is a great choice for families wanting the full amenities of a suite. Guests can enjoy a separate living area with a sofa that converts to a pull-out bed and a spacious desk. Every suite also includes a TV, microwave, and refrigerator. Complimentary breakfast in the morning and a five-minute drive to the park entrance make this a reliable option for families.