Ryan Campground

About

Ryan Campground is centrally located in Joshua Tree National Park along Park Boulevard, roughly 11 miles from the West Entrance and 13 miles from the North Entrance. Its 31 sites are nestled on flat, sandy ground between the towering quartz monzonite boulders that the park is famous for, making it a favorite for climbers, hikers, and families. The campground sits at about 4,300 feet of elevation, with comfortable temperatures from October through May (highs in the 70s-80s, nights in the 40s-60s) and intense heat in summer. Facilities are deliberately primitive: vault toilets year-round, trash and recycling collection, fire grates, and picnic tables at each site. There is no potable water at Ryan, so campers must bring all the water they need. There are no hookups, showers, or dump station, and no ADA-accessible sites at this campground (Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Black Rock have ADA sites). RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are accommodated, but parking pads are varied and many sites only fit a single vehicle. Reservations are required year-round through Recreation.gov and can be made up to six months in advance. Individual sites are $30/night, equestrian sites are $30/night (4 dedicated horse sites), and three bicycle-only sites (32A/B/C) are first-come, first-served at $5/night. The California Riding and Hiking Trail passes directly through the campground, and the Ryan Mountain summit trailhead is a short drive away. Stargazing is exceptional thanks to the park's dark skies.

Directions

From the west, take I-10 to State Highway 62, turn south on Park Boulevard, and continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Ryan is approximately 11 miles past the entrance. From the east, take I-10 to the Desert Center exit and head north on State Highway 177, then west on Highway 62 to Twentynine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail and continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance; Ryan is about 13 miles past the entrance along Park Boulevard.