Hidden Valley Campground

Hidden Valley Campground is the closest campground to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and the West Entrance Station, and together with nearby Ryan Campground it gets the plenty of traffic from visitors looking to set up a base camp for a few days to explore the rest of Joshua Tree National Park. Yet there are plenty of advantages to this spot aside from its proximity to the West Entrance. The campground consists of a large loop and a spur road, and sites are generally tucked into the rock formations that are great for both scrambling/climbing and for shade. A few sites are also shaded by large pinyon pines, which produce the edible pinyon nuts that were a staple food for Native Americans in this area. If you're exploring a little farther afield, Hidden Valley Campground is just across the road from the highly recommended Hidden Valley Nature Trail, or the Boy Scout Trailhead is nearby if you'd like a longer hike. Barker Dam, Keys Ranch, and Wall Street Mill are also nearby fascinating stops, and the Keys View provides an excellent perspective on the park's situation in the valley.

Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park are fairly straightforward affairs, and Hidden Valley Campground is no exception. There is no water here, so campers will definitely need to bring their own (plan on two gallons per person, per day, minimum). Water is available at the West Entrance and Indian Cove Ranger Station (no RV water access at either spot), Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds, and the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms.

None of the campgrounds in the park have RV hookups, though Black Rock and Cottonwood have dump stations. The maximum trailer length at Hidden Valley is 25 feet. Generators may be used from 7 to 9 a.m., 12 to 2 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m.

All 44 sites here are first-come, first-served. There are plenty of sites that are very small and tucked into tiny clearings in the rocks or just off the road; you'll also find a smaller number of roomy sites that can easily accommodate a larger party. Tent campers will have the most flexibility. Sites come with picnic tables and fire rings, and vault toilets are centrally located throughout the campground. Leashed pets are allowed in the campground, but not on park trails, and this is no place to leave a pet unattended.