Hidden Valley Campground

4.68

262 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park#1 Desert Camping Spring Camping

Quick Facts

4,216 ft

Price

$12.5 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,216 ft

Price

$12.5 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Hidden Valley Campground

$12.50 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $25 per night for regular visitors and $12.50 per night for those with Interagency Senior or Access Passes. Fees must be paid within...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-3001jotr_info@nps.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 262 reviews

364 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"Hidden Valley Campground is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, rock climbing opportunities, and starry night skies. However, the lack of water, proximity of some sites, and occasional overcrowding are noted drawbacks. User sentiment is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.4375 specific to campgrounds."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Hidden Valley Campground

34.0172, -116.1627

Driving directionsHidden Valley Campground is off Park Boulevard, approximately 14 miles from the town of Joshua Tree. Entering from the West Entrance, continue for about 10 miles; the campground will be on your left. From the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms, proceed for about 16 miles on Park Boulevard; the campground will be on your right. Nearby landmarks include Barker Dam and the Hidden Valley Nature Trail.

Roads to the campground are paved but can be uneven. Seasonal weather conditions can affect driving ease, as summer heat may lead to engine strain and winter weather may bring occasional snow at higher elevations.

Nearby places

Joshua Tree (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Twentynine Palms (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies can be found in the town of Joshua Tree (14 miles away). Options include groceries, fuel stations, and general camping gear stores. Twentynine Palms also has similar amenities approximately 16 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Hidden Valley Campground

The desert's moods shift dramatically with the seasons, creating distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Spring paints the landscape with wildflower blooms from March through May, while autumn's gentle touch brings perfect camping weather from October to November. Summer transforms the valley into a sun-drenched furnace where temperatures regularly soar past 100°F, challenging only the most heat-hardy adventurers. Winter nights bring a crystalline clarity to the star-filled sky, though temperatures can plummet below freezing. Desert winds can rise without warning, and temperature swings of 40 degrees between day and night remind visitors of nature's capricious character.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Extreme summer heat makes camping uncomfortable; caution advised.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall (Oct-Nov) is a recommended peak season with milder temps and good conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms and mild temps (Mar–May) make it a top season and peak visitation time.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter nights can be freezing but camping is feasible and skies are clear.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season generally falls in Spring (March-May) and Fall (October-November) due to milder weather conditions. Summer heat and colder winters often reduce occupancy.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Usage may vary with high temperatures during summer and colder nights in winter.

About Hidden Valley Campground

Tucked away in a natural fortress of towering boulders and ancient Joshua Trees, Hidden Valley Campground beckons adventurers into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. This primitive camping haven has become a mecca for rock climbers from around the world, drawn by the legendary climbing routes that wind through the surrounding granite monoliths. As dawn breaks over the desert, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that feels both otherworldly and intimately connected to the raw beauty of the Mojave.

Hidden Valley Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground catering to both tent and RV campers. It is particularly popular among rock climbers and stargazers.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert's moods shift dramatically with the seasons, creating distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Spring paints the landscape with wildflower blooms from March through May, while autumn's gentle touch brings perfect camping weather from October to November. Summer transforms the valley into a sun-drenched furnace where temperatures regularly soar past 100°F, challenging only the most heat-hardy adventurers. Winter nights bring a crystalline clarity to the star-filled sky, though temperatures can plummet below freezing. Desert winds can rise without warning, and temperature swings of 40 degrees between day and night remind visitors of nature's capricious character.

ElevationPerched within Joshua Tree's varied topography, the campground rests in the sweet spot of the park's elevation range, which spans from approximately 2,700 to 5,800 feet. This positioning creates a unique microclimate where desert and high-desert ecosystems converge, offering cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands while still maintaining the dramatic desert character.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a sunrise that sets ancient Joshua Trees ablaze with golden light, their twisted arms reaching skyward like nature's own sculptures. The campground's dramatic setting places you at the epicenter of the Mojave's most stunning features—massive granite boulders worn smooth by millennia of wind and weather create natural amphitheaters and hidden alcoves. Desert wildlife thrives here, from the comic dash of roadrunners across sandy washes to the prehistoric grace of chuckwallas basking on sun-warmed rocks. Each evening, the setting sun transforms the boulder piles into a canvas of shifting shadows and warm hues.

Geological RegionHidden Valley sits at the crossroads of geological wonder, where the Mojave Desert's ancient forces have sculpted a playground of monzogranite boulders and dramatic rock piles. The campground offers front-row seats to the famous Wonderland of Rocks, a maze of house-sized boulders that tell the story of volcanic activity and erosion spanning millions of years. This unique ecosystem supports the park's namesake Joshua Trees alongside a surprising diversity of desert plants and animals, all adapted to thrive in this seemingly harsh but remarkably beautiful environment.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Stay limit of 30 nights per year, with a maximum of 14 nights from October to May.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 6 guests per site, along with 3 tents and 2 cars if space allows.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a loop format with sites positioned between boulders. Each site varies in size and level of privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservation is not required; all sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 44 sites are first-come, first-served. Arrive early during peak seasons for a better chance at securing a spot.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees and policies do not apply as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityThere are no ADA-accessible campsites within the Hidden Valley Campground. Roads are paved but uneven, and most paths are unpaved with uneven terrain. RVs and trailers cannot exceed a combined maximum length of 24 feet.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles, although some sites only have parking for one vehicle.

PrivacySites vary in privacy due to the campground's layout among boulders. Some sites offer better seclusion, while others are closer together. For example, Camp #37 offers privacy from the northern Hidden Valley Camp Road.

Total Campsites44 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose campsites surrounded by boulders. Campers suggest arriving early to secure desirable spots, especially during peak seasons. Sites farther from roads offer less noise.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hidden Valley Campground offers a variety of activities, including rock climbing, hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. It is a popular area for both beginner and advanced rock climbers due to its proximity to notable climbing routes and bouldering circuits.

HikingMultiple trails, such as the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Barker Dam Trail, are nearby. Reviews frequently mentioned the beauty and accessibility of these trails. One user noted, "Hidden Valley is located around 20 minutes south of the Joshua Tree park entrance. The trail is about a mile long; it takes about 30 minutes to complete."

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Wildlife viewingWildlife species commonly seen include roadrunners and various bird species. "Saw a Road Runner on rocks when most people left on Sunday," shared one camper.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high summer temperatures, slippery rock surfaces, and encounters with wildlife such as snakes or scorpions. Gusty winds may pose challenges for tent setups.

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.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills. Gathering park vegetation for firewood is prohibited; visitors must bring their own firewood and extra water for dousing fires.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency phone available near parking lot toilets. Closest hospital: Hi-Desert Medical Center (located in Joshua Tree, CA). Closest police station: Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station (Joshua Tree, CA). Closest ranger station: Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center (Joshua Tree, CA).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided but not at every campsite. Campers should plan to walk to the nearest bins to dispose of waste.

Water FeaturesNo natural water bodies nearby. Bring sufficient water (at least 1 gallon per person per day).

Weather at Hidden Valley Campground

Reviews

4.7

262 reviews

Top-Rated

Hidden Valley Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Hidden Valley Campground is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, rock climbing opportunities, and starry night skies. However, the lack of water, proximity of some sites, and occasional overcrowding are noted drawbacks. User sentiment is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.4375 specific to campgrounds.

Review Summaries

Based on 262 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning boulder landscapes, excellent rock climbing routes, and breathtaking night skies are frequently highlighted as standout features. Many users appreciated the cleanliness of the vault toilets...

Based on 262 reviews

Common Concerns

Overcrowding, difficulty securing a site during peak seasons, lack of running water, and some campers ignoring quiet hours were common complaints.

Based on 262 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, especially during peak seasons. Bring plenty of water and prepare for extreme weather conditions. Carry sanitary wipes, sunscreen, and warm clothing for cold nights....

Based on 262 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most recommended seasons due to moderate temperatures and comfortable camping conditions. Summer sees extreme heat, while winter nights can be freezing. Stargazing is optimal...

Based on 262 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Best place to stargaze. Went here to see the Perseid meteor shower." "A hidden gem! The sites are much larger than others in the park." "We saw the moon in the sky and tons of stars, with the rock...

Based on 262 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Camp #37 is praised for its privacy and views of the Wonderland of Rocks. Camp #18 is noted for its great weather during Labor Day. Camp #36 provides isolation with beautiful morning views.

Based on 262 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility features or accommodations were mentioned in user reviews. Terrain is uneven, making it less suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 262 reviews