California / San Bernardino County / Joshua Tree National Park

Indian Cove Group

Open — Open year-round with reservations required. Reservations can be made same-day or up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions prohibit charcoal and wood fires June 15 through October 1 annually; only gas or propane stoves permitted during this period.

About

Indian Cove Group Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. This facility features 13 tent-only group sites nestled on flat, sandy surfaces between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight. Because of its proximity to many rock climbing routes, Indian Cove is a popular camping location for climbers seeking the variety of routes and warmer temperatures found in this part of the park. Several hiking trails also leave from the campground, including a short interpretive nature trail. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing and night photography. Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to 40-60 degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to uncomfortably high desert heat. The campground is located at an elevation of 3,200 feet, and the town of Twentynine Palms is less than 10 miles away for basic amenities.

Directions

Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Go past the West Entrance at Park Boulevard and continue east another 9.3 miles. Turn south on Indian Cove Road. Follow the road into the campground. From the east, follow Highway 62 approximately seven miles west of Twentynine Palms and turn south onto Indian Cove Road.

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