Starry-Eyed Camp Surprise

Indian Cove Campground Joshua Tree

11.10.2015

No trip to Joshua Tree National Park is complete without a stargazing party and the comfort of a campfire. The night sky illuminates spectacularly in the desert (especially during a new moon) and is best observed with good company. Indian Cove Campground, nestled 13 miles east of the park entrance and 9 miles west of downtown Twentynine Palms, is arguably the most solitary site for the ultimate desert camping experience. The secluded, sprawling campground (91 individual campsites and 13 group-only options) is completely surrounded by colossal rock formations that lend privacy to tent sites. Campers can scramble up nearby rocks to enjoy sunsets and stargazing, and there's also a half-mile interpretive trail on the west side of the grounds, featuring large quantities of yuccas, barrel cacti, and desert shrub. Keep an eye out for the elusive desert tortoise, known to roam the area in the fall, as well as chuckwallas and roadrunners, possibly with a coyote in tow.

BONUS OASIS: For a nearby hike that isn't subject to the park's entrance fees, travel east on Highway 62 for about a mile, turn right on Canyon Road and follow it to the trailhead of Fortynine Palms Oasis. This 3-mile out-and-back trek ascends 300 feet up a mountain and descends 300 feet down to a lush fan palm oasis with peaceful pools of water and plenty of boulders to set up a picnic on.

From Los Angeles, take I-10 east to CA-62. Turn right at Indian Cove Rd. and continue south on the road until you see signs for the designated space. Reserve ahead of time online at ReserveAmerica (it's first-come, first-served during summer months). Sites are $20/night; $20 minimum entry fee into the Joshua Tree National Park (good for 7 days) or $30 annual pass. The campground is dog-friendly. No dogs on the trails.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View