Indian Cove Campground

Towering monzogranite formations cradle Indian Cove Campground, offering rock climbers and desert enthusiasts a rugged paradise within Joshua Tree National Park. This primitive campground balances isolation with accessibility, providing a true desert camping experience just minutes from urban conveniences.

Set at 3,200 feet elevation, Indian Cove immerses visitors in the iconic Mojave Desert landscape. Sites are tucked among massive boulders, creating natural privacy screens and windbreaks. The lack of running water and limited amenities ensures a rustic feel, while vault toilets and fire rings provide basic comforts. Clear night skies and the haunting calls of coyotes epitomize the raw desert allure.

Located 13 miles east of Joshua Tree Village and 10 miles west of Twentynine Palms, Indian Cove serves as an ideal base for exploring the park's northern reaches. The campground's separate entrance allows visitors to bypass main park crowds. A short nature trail showcases desert flora and fauna, while more challenging hikes and world-class climbing routes beckon just beyond the campground boundaries.

Indian Cove caters to adventurers seeking an authentic desert experience. Weekend warriors flock here for quick climbing trips, while stargazers and photographers linger to capture the ethereal desert light. The campground's unique position outside the main park area makes it a convenient stopover for travelers exploring the broader Mojave region.