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I was wondering if any of you who've stayed in Joshua Tree could recommend where to camp, things to do, etc. Also would be interested in the best routes to get there from the north. I've been back from AZ for 3 weeks and am itching to hit the road again. Would appreciate any information anyone has to offer. I saw Linda's been there and hope she can chime in too. Thanks all.
Sandi

You might want to pm Linda. She's from there and knows it all lol. When I went through, the campground I liked best, wastewater the southern entrance was full. The large one near the southern entrance was almost empty. I guess I'm not the only one who liked the interior cg's best.

been there driving and visiting not staying so don't know anything about the area camp wise but it sure is a pretty area
you will enjoy it
sheila

I have stayed in both internal campgrounds that have dump stations: Blackrock and Cottonwood Springs. Note that neither has any hookups. One thing to know is that the park has a 45 MPH speed limit and the north and south visitor centers are about 1.5 hours apart. Also, there is absolutely nothing other than a freeway at the south entrance--no stores, etc. Nearest town from south entrance is Indio about 20 miles away. The north entrance is in the small town of Twenty-Nine palms, so there are a few fast food restaurants, gas stations, and shops.

A big warning is that if you head east from Twenty-Nine Palms, you need to have a full gas tank as there is not much out that way.

Two questions: 1) where are you coming from, and 2) what do you require in a campground? That would help with answers.

I need to add that this is a beautiful place, and it is a very pleasant drive from one end to the other. Don't skip the cholla garden!

JudyJB wrote:I have stayed in both internal campgrounds that have dump stations: Blackrock and Cottonwood Springs. Note that neither has any hookups. One thing to know is that the park has a 45 MPH speed limit and the north and south visitor centers are about 1.5 hours apart. Also, there is absolutely nothing other than a freeway at the south entrance--no stores, etc. Nearest town from south entrance is Indio about 20 miles away. The north entrance is in the small town of Twenty-Nine palms, so there are a few fast food restaurants, gas stations, and shops.

A big warning is that if you head east from Twenty-Nine Palms, you need to have a full gas tank as there is not much out that way.

Two questions: 1) where are you coming from, and 2) what do you require in a campground? That would help with answers.

I need to add that this is a beautiful place, and it is a very pleasant drive from one end to the other. Don't skip the cholla garden!

I'm coming from the north, San Francisco area, and I don't need hookups.
Sandi

I've taken both I-5 (west side of the valley) and CA 99 (east side of the valley), and I prefer I-5 because the pavement is pretty rough on 99.

If you have some extra time, you might want to go over to Anzo Borrego State park or just park on public land east of Borrego Springs--tons of people stay in the desert around the Salton Sea. I like Anzo Borrego State Park because of the Palm Canyon trail--there is a stream that appears about halfway up and a real oasis with huge palm trees.

JudyJB wrote:I've taken both I-5 (west side of the valley) and CA 99 (east side of the valley), and I prefer I-5 because the pavement is pretty rough on 99.

If you have some extra time, you might want to go over to Anzo Borrego State park or just park on public land east of Borrego Springs--tons of people stay in the desert around the Salton Sea. I like Anzo Borrego State Park because of the Palm Canyon trail--there is a stream that appears about halfway up and a real oasis with huge palm trees.

Thanks Judy. I think I'll also try Anzo-Borrego. Did you stay in a campground there? If so, which one?
Sandi

Sandi - Just chiming in to say a lot will depend on when you plan to stay at these spots. It gets very hot in both places and without hookups you would need your generator for A/C. Right now it gets pretty chilly a night, but quite warm during the day. Twentynine Palms is a marine base town that has a lot of murals painted on the sides of buildings which are interesting to check out. The main drag through town (Rt. 62) goes through some other towns (like Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley) and you can get just about any supplies you need. There's even a Walmart. This highway leads directly to/from I-10 and Palm Springs.

Good point about the weather. Note that the Joshua Tree National Monument web site has the elevations listed for all campsites, so if you do not want to use AC, you might choose a higher campground.

All of the campgrounds that are developed at Anzo Borrego are in the same area. I stayed at the Borrego Palm Canyon campground. Nice view, and they even let me wash my RV! Or at least when I asked, the camp host told me there was no specific rule against it. With water shortages, it might be different now, however. There was a very nice paved sidewalk path from this campground to the visitor center through the desert where they had signs identifying plants and such.

FYI, while there are no large stores in Borrego Springs, there is a small, but nice, grocery store in town.

This is the area, by the way, that has all the sculptures in the desert. They are spread out all over, but you can park along the main road and walk to them. http://www.desertusa.com/borrego/bs-art.html

And then of course if it's hot there is always my driveway with 30/50A electric, grey water dump, fenced in yard for the pups and your own private tour guide with a jeep. Just sayin.....

Yes, PM Linda (Bikerchic). She lived in 29 Palms for many years and is actually there right now visiting friends. She knows that area very well and can give you lots of info.