Ryan Campground

Star4.36
1.0K reviews
Ryan Campground, Park Boulevard, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Stargazing

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Ryan Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsites are $30 per night, horse sites are $30, bicycle sites are $5. Discounts available for Senior/Access Pass holders: $15 for...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-367-5554jotr_info@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 1.0K reviews

156 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlocation

"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."

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Campground Map

Ryan Campground, Park Boulevard, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground, Park Boulevard, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

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.
Road access is paved and easily manageable year-round. No seasonal closures are mentioned. Accessibility conditions for large RVs or trailers might be challenging due to limited space at some campsites.
Nearby places
Joshua Tree (17 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Twentynine Palms (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes), and Palm Springs (50 miles, approximately 60 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Twentynine Palms, which is 18 miles away. There is no camp store on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Ryan Campground

The desert reveals its gentler side from October through May, when daytime temperatures hover between a perfect 70-90°F and nights cool down to a crisp 40-60°F – ideal for campfire conversations under star-filled skies. Summer transforms the landscape into a fierce furnace, making camping a challenge for all but the most heat-tolerant adventurers. Winter occasionally dusts the higher elevations with snow, creating a surreal contrast against the desert's golden palette.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Campground closed June 1–September 1.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 25% in US

Peak season Oct–May; mild days (70–90°F) ideal for hiking and stargazing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in US

Spring offers mild weather and clear skies; a very popular season.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in US

Winter is popular for mild temps, clear skies and excellent stargazing.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: October through May.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Ryan Campground operates year-round but is closed during summer (June 1 to September 1).
  • Current Alerts: Fire bans for wood and charcoal fires from June 15 to October 1.

About Ryan Campground

Tucked into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, Ryan Campground serves as your gateway to an authentic desert adventure. This intimate campground places you within touching distance of the park's legendary rock formations, where generations of climbers have tested their skills and hikers have discovered hidden vistas. While you'll need to bring your own water and won't find hookups here, the trade-off is an unspoiled camping experience that connects you directly with the raw beauty of the Mojave. Families particularly love the accessible trails and the chance to explore massive boulder gardens right from their campsite.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit during October-May. 30-night annual camping limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingSeveral trails, including the Ryan Ranch and Ryan Mountain trails, are accessible directly from the campground. "We hiked to the top of Ryan Mountain before sunrise!" exclaimed one user.
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.
BikingThe campground has biking access to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Electric bikes may navigate the terrain, though it may be challenging in places.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently encounter wildlife such as lizards, squirrels, and sometimes coyotes. 'Coyotes howling at night is amazing,' noted one visitor.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPresence of bees during warmer months, rattlesnakes, and scorpions. Windy conditions and unshaded campsites may also pose challenges.
Active AlertsFire bans for wood and charcoal fires from June 15 to October 1.
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.

Weather at Ryan Campground

Reviews

4.4
1.0K reviews
Recommended
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 1036 reviews

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...
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Based on 1036 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,...
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Based on 1036 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 1036 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 1036 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...
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Based on 1036 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 9 is noted for its privacy and shade. Site 4 is described as 'lucky,' while Site 17 is appreciated for its central location and proximity to trails.
Based on 1036 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 1036 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 1036 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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