How much does camping cost at Ryan Campground?

Camping fees at Ryan Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ryan Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ryan Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ryan Campground before I book?

Yes! Ryan Campground has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Ryan Campground?

Ryan Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ryan Campground?

Ryan Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ryan Campground have?

Ryan Campground has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ryan Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ryan Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ryan Campground?

Ryan Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ryan Campground?

Popular activities at Ryan Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ryan Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ryan Campground?

Fire policies at Ryan Campground: STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.44

1.1K reviews

Ryan Campground, Park Boulevard, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Top 10% in CAWinter

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

B-Report Card

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Ryan Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $30.00; Tent Only Nonelectric: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554jotr_info@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Ryan Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Ryan Campground, Park Boulevard, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground, Park Boulevard, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Nearby places

Joshua Tree (17 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Twentynine Palms (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes), and Palm Springs (50 miles, approximately 60 minutes).

Driving directionsTake Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Ryan is approximately 11 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twentynine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Ryan is approximately 13 miles from the entrance.

Weather at Ryan Campground

Current alerts(10)

$30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to camping fee. Passes can be purchased ahead of time here.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!
FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills. NO Fires! Only gas or propane stoves are permitted. Starting June 15, ending October 1st of every year.

Best Time to Camp at Ryan Campground

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Winter is popular for mild temps and clear skies; many positive seasonal reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground sits in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Twentynine Palms. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites among striking desert rock formations at mid-elevation, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use it as a base for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing throughout the park's iconic landscape.

Ryan Campground caters to tent camping, small RVs, and primitive camping. It is one of the smaller campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, offering a quieter and more intimate experience.

Elevation4400 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryMassive volcanic boulders weathered into fantastical shapes create a natural sculpture garden around the campsites. The rock formations shift color from amber to rose as light changes throughout the day, while Joshua Trees stand scattered across the flat, sandy expanses. Desert wildlife includes sunbathing lizards, bobcats, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. The elevation and surrounding rock piles offer some of the park's most accessible climbing and boulder-hopping terrain right from your site.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging options are available at Ryan Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit during October-May. 30-night annual camping limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityRyan Campground has unpaved roads and no ADA-specific campsites.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size and can accommodate up to six people and two vehicles, though some sites may be smaller and only fit fewer cars or tents.

PrivacySites are relatively close together with limited natural barriers for privacy. Several user reviews noted that 'some campsites are a little too intimate and close together.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose inner-loop sites for wind protection. Sites near vault toilets may have odors during wind shifts.

Best CampsitesSites backing up to large rocks, like Site 9, offer the most privacy and scenic views. Sites 17 and 30 provide flat spaces and quick access to trailheads. Reviewers warn that squatters sometimes occupy reserved sites, so arrive early to claim your spot.

Need help booking Ryan Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree National Park offers basic amenities set amidst stunning natural rock formations. This small campground features 31 individual and limited RV campsites. There are no water hookups, potable water, or shower facilities on-site. However, vault toilets are available year-round, and there is a nearby town, Twentynine Palms, 17 miles away for essential supplies. "Bring your own firewood," according to park regulations, as no firewood is available for sale at the campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and star-gazing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding rock formations provide opportunities for climbing and exploration.

Hiking4.0/5

Climbing4.0/5Top 5% in California

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Photogenic boulders, color-shifting rock faces and dark skies make it a photo hotspot.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are provided at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicySTOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins, including propane recycling, are placed throughout the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Ryan Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.4

1.1K reviews

Recommended

Ryan Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Ryan Campground is well-regarded for its scenic location, clean facilities, and proximity to popular trails. However, some users expressed concerns about privacy, campsite management, and noise levels during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 1087 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1087 reviews.

Site 9Loved
Site 9 is noted for its privacy and shade.
Site 4Loved
Site 4 is described as 'lucky,' while Site 17 is appreciated for its central location and proximity to trails.

What Campers Love

Users often praise the beautiful rock formations, clean vault toilets, and central location in Joshua Tree National Park. Many appreciate the smaller size of the campground, which offers a quieter...

Based on 1087 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include lack of camp hosts, occasional overcrowding, noise from neighboring campsites, and ongoing challenges with bees. Some users noted that campers sometimes occupied reserved sites,...

Based on 1087 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water as the campground lacks potable water. Reserve well ahead of time to secure a spot, especially in peak months. Arrive early to avoid potential site mix-ups.

Based on 1087 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and spring are the most popular times due to mild temperatures and clear skies for stargazing. Summer is less crowded but extremely hot, and the campground is closed from June to September.

Based on 1087 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Ryan Campground is perfect! It is one of the smaller campgrounds, no crowds!!!' 2. 'The vault toilets were clean and lots of trash and recycling facilities.' 3. 'Coyotes howling at night is...

Based on 1087 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground lacks ADA-specific sites, but vault toilets are available. Some users found the unpaved roads challenging for mobility.

Based on 1087 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must remain on a leash. They are not allowed on trails but can be within 100 feet of roads.

Based on 1087 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

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Ryan Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $30.00; Tent Only Nonelectric: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554jotr_info@nps.gov

Go if

You want a trail-adjacent base camp with well-kept amenities and can snag a favorable site like 9, 4, or 17.

Skip if

You need guaranteed privacy and quiet, especially during busy weekends when site management gets loose.

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Campgrounds

Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Campground

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 58% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 853 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Getting there
Grade B.Scenery
Grade B.Campsites

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Booking
Grade C.Safety
Grade C.Value

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

About Joshua Tree National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Ryan Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself.

Directions

From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove. Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.

Explore related camping guides

Ryan Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Ryan Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Ryan Campground

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Ryan Campground

Planning Tips

About Ryan Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ryan Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Ryan Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Black Rock Campground

Belle Campground

Black Rock Equestrian Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Ryan Campground

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Ryan Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ryan Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Ryan Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Black Rock Campground

Belle Campground

Black Rock Equestrian Campground