Indian Cove Group
Joshua Tree National Park
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Indian Cove Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. Because of its proximity to many rock climbing routes, it is a popular camping location for climbers. Indian Cove Group is one of three group campgrounds in the park that can be reserved year round. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger
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 a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Indian Cove is at an elevation of 3,200 feet.
This facility has 13 tent-only group sites (link to individual sites). There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however water and an emergency phone are available two miles away at the ranger station. The town of Twentynine Palms is less than 10 miles away and provides basic amenities.
The maximum number of people and vehicles per site varies. See Site Details for specifics.
Notifications and Alerts
- Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. Only gas or propane stoves are permitted.
Need to Know
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!
Reservations are required year round and can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance.
No-Shows
Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date.
No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite.
*Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
There is no overflow parking, and the number of vehicles allowed in each campsite varies. See Site Details for specific information.
There is no entrance fee at Indian Cove, but a separate $30 entrance fee is required in the main part of the park. Passes can be purchased ahead of time
There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites; nor is a dump station located nearby. Potable water is available at the Ranger Station, about 2 miles from the campground.
Pets are not allowed on trails but are welcome in the campground, on any dirt road or within 100 feet of any road. Pets must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object; leaving pets in unattended vehicles is strongly discouraged – especially on warm days.
All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator, jotr_permit_office@nps.gov.
Natural Features
Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. 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 and glow with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.
Recreation
Rock climbers flock to Indian Cove Campground for the variety of routes and warmer temperatures that can be found in the interior of the park. Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There is a short interpretive nature trail and plenty of rocks for the non-climber to explore within the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing and night photography.
Changes & Cancellations
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change your reservation. Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Within 48 hours of arrival, a $10 cancellation fee and the first night's fee are charged.
Group Site: Customers who cancel a group overnight reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
No-Shows
Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date.
No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite.
*Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms CA 92277
Physical Address
7295 Indian Cove Road Twentynine Palms CA 92277
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-367-5554
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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. If coming from the east, follow Highway 62 approximately seven miles west of the city of Twentynine Palms and turn south onto Indian Cove Road.
Available Campsites
- Site G10, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G13, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G05, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G09, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G03, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G12, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G11, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G06, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G04, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G02, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G07, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G08, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site G01, Loop Group Area, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
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