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Ryan Campground

Joshua Tree, California · National Park Service

RVTentHookupsNo pets
Ryan Campground — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Ryan Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. In close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Ryan Campground is one of four campgrounds in the park that requires reservations 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. Ryan is at an elevation around 4,400 feet. Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There are plenty of rocks and Ryan Mountain to explore outside the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing. This small facility has 31 individual tent and limited RV campsites. There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however the town of Twentynine Palms is 17 miles away and provides basic amenities. The park allows six people and two vehicles per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See site details for specifics. 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 low 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. Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Hidden Valley

Directions

Driving Directions Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Ryan is approximately 11 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twentynine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Ryan is approximately 13 miles from the entrance.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
California
City / area
Joshua Tree
Agency
National Park Service
Parent area
Joshua Tree National Park
Campsites
30
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$30 / night
Rating
4.52 / 5 (852 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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