Campsite suggestions: Joshua Tree / Death Valley

[dmulk]

I'm looking to test my gear out over president's day weekend.

I'm thinking of spending one night in Joshua Tree and one in Death Valley.

Can anyone make any recommendations on campsites? (Prefer toilets and water - and no dirt roads to get to them).


Think I'll hit traffic over the holiday?

Any snow concern?

Thanks,

<D>

[E the B]

The Joshua Tree NP campground at Jumbo Rocks is a great location.

Also, Joshua Tree gives you some great wilderness camping opportunities if you can stand a 10 minute or-so backpacking hike from your car. Here's a shot near mytent at JTNP, about a mile from the car. A great location . . .

[snowmoer]

Dan,

I can help with Joshua Tree as I work there!

The only campground we have with toilets and water is Black Rock CG just above Yucca Valley. The fee is $15.00 per night.

All other campgrounds have pit toilets and no water in the campground. Indian Cove just off Hwy 62 between the town of Joshua Tree and 29 Palms has water at the Ranger station, but pit toilets.

Indian Cove and Black Rock take Reservations. All others are first come first serve. Go to nps.gov/jotr/ to get the web site for reservations.

Black Rock will be easy to get into, Indan Cove may fill up. If the weather is warm, the first come first serve will fill up.

Sorry, can't help on Death Valley.

[snowmoer]

The Joshua Tree NP campground at Jumbo Rocks is a great location.

Also, Joshua Tree gives you some great wilderness camping opportunities if you can stand a 10 minute or-so backpacking hike from your car. Here's a shot near mytent at JTNP, about a quarter mile from the car. A great location . . .


NOOOO, I did not see that!! You need to be one mile away from a overnight trail head to wilderness camp. You were lucky not to see :policeST: (ranger) with pen in hand.

[dmulk]

Thanks for the info Dan! ( What is an "Overnight trail head"?)

[snowmoer]

Thanks for the info Dan! ( What is an "Overnight trail head"?)


We have parking lots with registration boards. You fill out a permit (free) and hike in a mile or more and set up camp. You have to cook by stove, no ground fire. All other parking lots other than your site in a campground, close at 10:00 pm.

[dmulk]

Thanks for the explanation, Dan!!

<D>
PS: Good name!

[snowmoer]

No Problem. I have to work that weekend, so I will keep an eye out for an ST in the Campgrounds.

Yes, Good name also:D

[dmulk]

Thanks Dan.

Hoping my brother on his VFR can also join.

If you see us, please stop in and say hi! :) (Promise we'll be keeping the speed down....:)...)

<D>

[BigTom]

Quote by Dmulk
(Promise we'll be keeping the speed down.......)

Never been to Joshua Tree, have you? Those roads just invite speeding. The best I can do is look out for the Gendamarie and take my ticket like a man when it happens.:) Not if, unless I quit going there....:)

[dmulk]

Never been to Joshua Tree, have you? Those roads just invite speeding. The best I can do is look out for the Gendamarie and take my ticket like a man when it happens.:) Not if, unless I quit going there....:)


Well...I *have* been to JT, but it's been 10-15 years....I don't remember much of it.

Looking forward to testing my gear mainly. The bike is setup pretty well for cold whether, but I want t to make sure my sleeping gear is....

<D>

[E the B]

NOOOO, I did not see that!! You need to be one mile away from a overnight trail head to wilderness camp. You were lucky not to see :policeST: (ranger) with pen in hand.

You're right, I must have meant a mile . . .

[woodybelle]

Furnace Creek in Death Valley is a good campground. It has water, toilets, nearby store and restaurants and great views. It also has an overflow area for busy holiday times.

[dmulk]

Thanks Woody!