Hidden Valley Campground has 44 campsites, each with a picnic table, campfire ring and access to centrally located vault toilets. Camping is open to tents as well as RVs, but electricity and hookups of any kind are not provided. Likewise, drinking water is not available at Hidden Valley, but you can get water within Joshua Tree National Park at the Cove Ranger Station, Oasis Visitor Station, West Entrance and two of the park's other campgrounds. Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings, and visitors are required to bring bear-proof food storage containers.
The maximum RV length at Hidden Valley is 25 feet, including the length of the tow vehicle, so this is definitely not the place to bring your massive trailer or mobile home. Visitors with tents and small pop-up campers have plenty of room. The campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends during the peak summer season, so it's wise to plan a visit during the week and arrive as early as you can. Reservations are not available, and campsites may be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis only. The campground is located on Park Boulevard, about 14 miles south of the town of Joshua Tree.
Hidden Valley Campground provides quick access to some of the frequently used rock climbing routes in Joshua Tree, ranging from easy beginner slopes to very challenging climbs. Options in the immediate area include Overhang Bypass, Double Cross and North Overhang. Numerous hiking trails also meander through the area, including a fairly easy 1-mile loop hike that begins at Barker Dam and leads past a small mountain lake and a rugged formation known as the Wonderland of Rocks. Horseback riding, mountain biking, nature photography and bird watching opportunities are also available throughout the park.
Joshua Tree National Park offers nine campgrounds with more than 500 campsites in total. The Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds are the only ones that offer potable water, and large group campsites are available at Cottonwood, Indian Cove and Sheep Pass. The Black Rock and Indian Cove campgrounds offer reservations up to six months in advance, and group sites can be reserved a full year ahead of your visit, but all other campsites throughout the park are first-come, first-served. Additional campground details and park maps are available through the National Park Service website.
