Joshua Tree National Park ⛺️ How to Choose a Campsite?

Just got back from Joshua Tree—this was my 4th time visiting the national park! Here’s my tried-and-true camping guide based on real experience: 1. How to book a campsite? Friday, Saturday, and holiday weekends sell out almost instantly 🏜️. This time, I got lucky with a last-minute cancellation—I snagged site No. 67 at Indian Cove Campground 🎉. Pro tip: Check 1–3 days before your planned trip. Most cancellations happen the day before. If you can take 1–2 weekdays off, you’ll have the best pick of sites. On weekdays, 60%–80% of sites are usually empty! 2. Weekend visits + recommended arrival time: Enter around 8 AM ⏰. I left DTLA at 6 AM, entered through the South Entrance at 8:30 AM—zero traffic, only 1–2 cars at the gate. I exited through the West Gate, going against typical visitor flow. Result? Major sights were peaceful and perfect for photos 📸. 3. Midday heat alert: From 1–4 PM, the sun is intense ☀️. Both the campground and park feel scorching. Unless you bring a sunshade, note: there are almost no shade trees. Even rock shadows are minimal. I drove 15 mins to Burger King 🍦, had ice cream, watched a movie, and sorted my morning photos (taken between 8:30 AM–1 PM). I returned after 5 PM to start grilling dinner 🍖. 4. Campsite selection is key: Choose a site north or east of large boulders 🪨—they provide crucial shade. Avoid west-facing sites at all costs 🥵. 5. Evening campfire tips: Low humidity + strong winds = natural bellows 🔥! Grilling at night is ideal. Bring your own firewood/charcoal—collecting wood in the park is prohibited (Joshua trees are protected). 6. Nighttime temps: The evening was mild, around 60°F 😴. I didn’t need a sleeping bag until near sunrise—then I used it as a blanket. Always check the forecast; 50–60°F generally feels “not cold,” but personal tolerance varies. #JoshuaTree #JoshuaTreeVacation #JoshuaTreeGuide #USNationalParks #USCamping #LACamping #CaliforniaCamping #AmericanArchitect #LALife #LAADU #DesertCamping #CampingTips #OutdoorAdventure