National park · Mojave Desert

Joshua Tree
starts here.

A surreal desert where your first campsite feels like a movie set. Go for short trails, boulders, and the darkest possible sky.

Plan the day ↓

At a glance

LandscapeHigh desert
SignatureJoshua trees
Good to knowBring all your water
Camping8 campgrounds

Best first hikes

Big payoff.
Good pace.

Choose one trail, bring water, and give yourself time to turn around whenever the day feels full.

01

Hidden Valley

1 mi loopEasy

The classic intro to desert plants and boulders.

02

Barker Dam

1.3 mi loopEasy

A gentle walk with rocks, history, and occasional water.

03

Cholla Cactus Garden

0.25 miEasy

A short boardwalk at golden hour.

Around camp

The useful
little things.

✦Vault toilets

✦Picnic tables & fire rings

✦Visitor centers

✦No reliable cell service

Summer camp packing list

Pack smart.
Stay out longer.

Built for a first warm-weather car-camping weekend. Start here, then check your park’s rules for food storage, fires, and water.

10 essentials · 1 easy weekend
01

Shelter

2-person tent · footprint · stakes

Set it up once at home—future you will be grateful.

02

Sleep well

Sleeping bag · pad · pillow

Summer nights still cool off. A pad is comfort, not optional.

03

Water

Bottle · camp jug · filter

Bring more than you expect and fill up when you arrive.

04

Camp kitchen

Stove · fuel · pot · spork

One burner and one pot make dinner easy.

05

Food + cooler

Easy meals · snacks · cooler

Pack an extra day of no-cook snacks for the trail.

06

Sun + bugs

Hat · SPF · sunglasses · repellent

Sun protection and bug spray belong in your daypack.

07

After-sun layers

Fleece · shell · dry socks

Keep one warm, dry outfit separate for camp.

08

Night kit

Headlamp · batteries · lantern

A headlamp keeps both hands free after dark.

09

Safety

First aid · whistle · emergency bivy

Add personal medication and know how to use it.

010

Know your way

Map · compass · tool · tape

Download maps before you lose service; bring paper too.

01Start with your reservation

Confirm your site’s water, bear-storage, shower, and fire rules before packing the car.

02Keep it cool

Summer hiking is a morning or evening activity. Drink regularly and turn around before you feel cooked.

03Leave it better

Pack a trash bag, keep food secured, and leave every campsite cleaner than you found it.

Keep exploring

Next stop ↗