If you’re planning an overnight trip to Joshua Tree National Park and wondering where to camp, then you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of amazing campgrounds in Joshua Tree but, like most destinations, they’re not one size fits all.

Located in south central California, just a few hours from both Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Joshua Tree National Park is famed for its unique “trees” of the same name, incredible hiking trails, dark sky areas, and interesting rock formations.

People tend to come here to spend time in nature as a refuge from the city, but it’s truly a paradise whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or simply someone craving a break in the Mojave Desert.

This must-read guide to camping in Joshua tree includes how to get there, when to go, the best campsites, and more!

Camping In Joshua Tree (When To Go & The Best Campgrounds)

How to Get To Joshua Tree

To get to Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll first have to get to a nearby major city. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest airport at about 50 miles away, while Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 143 miles and Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) is 182 miles.

Then, once you land in one of these cities, you’ll have to rent a car. While there is some public transportation in the area, it’s quite limited and the park itself doesn’t have a shuttle service. I recommend renting a car right at the airport and then traveling to Joshua Tree via Interstate 10 or California Highway 62.

Read more: The Ultimate Packing List for Campers (Must-Have Essentials!)

How Many Days Do I Need in Joshua Tree?

While you can probably see Joshua Tree National Park’s highlights in a day, if you want to go hiking or explore more of the off-road sites, then I’d recommend at least 2-3 days.

Of course, if you’re coming here for a mental vacation in the desert, then there’s no time limit to how long you should stay in Joshua Tree.

Read more: The Best Places to Camp in California

When to Camp in Joshua Tree

The best time to camp in Joshua Tree is during the shoulder seasons — March through May and September through November. Summers are super hot and, unless you have electricity and bring a heater, winter can be a tad chilly.

That said, November through May is the busiest time of year at Joshua Tree, so definitely book your campsite ahead if you want to secure a spot.

Can You Camp in Joshua Tree Without a Reservation?

Most of Joshua Tree National Park’s 500 campsites are available to book by reservation, which you can do online up to 6 months ahead of time at recreation.gov. Campsites in some areas tend to sell out though, so I do recommend booking ahead of time. Plus, much of the park does not have cell service, so don’t plan to book on the fly.

Campgrounds at Joshua Tree that don’t require a reservation are Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank. These are first-come, first-served, and you can pay upon entry. Just keep in mind that these sites tend to be jam-packed during the busy season, especially during weekends, so plan to get there as early in the week as possible.

For more information, visit nps.gov.

Which Campground is Best in Joshua Tree?

Though there are hotels and other accommodations in the surrounding areas, if you want to stay overnight in the park itself, then you’ll have to book a campsite. Thankfully, there are 9 awesome campgrounds in the park to choose from — my favorites are Hidden Valley, Indian Cove, and Jumbo Rocks (although they do tend to book up fast).

Of course, which campground you choose depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s what to expect from each of them.

Read more: 20 Genius Camping Hacks Every Camper Should Know

Best Joshua Tree Campgrounds

Jumbo Rocks Campground

With 124 campsites, Jumbo Rocks Campground is the largest camping area at Joshua Tree. The scenery here is excellent, with large boulders that you can climb, and the famous Skull Rock is just a short hike away. While there are picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, and trash and recycling pickup at this location, there is no electricity or potable water.

Hidden Valley Campground

A first-come, first-served location, Hidden Valley Campground is open year-round and features 44 sites with pit toilets but no potable water. There are some RV slots here, provided your vehicle doesn’t exceed 25 feet, and fees must be paid at the entrance station upon arrival.

This is an extremely popular campground, given that it’s centrally located and in easy reach of most sites, so if you travel during the busy season, then you’ll have to come at the right time to get a site.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide To Vegan Camping

White Tank Campground

One of the smallest campgrounds in Joshua Tree, White Tank is home to just 15 sites. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful escape without too many people around, and it’s located directly next to Arch Rock Nature Trail. Sites here are first-come-first-served and don’t provide electrical hookups or water.

Sheep Pass Campground

Home to six group campsites, Sheep Pass Campground should be on your radar if you’re accommodating a group of between 10 and 60 people. Though the campground has vault toilets and trash pickup, it does not have electricity or potable water.

Read more: Travel Trailer Packing List For Beginners (Detailed Guide)

Belle Campground

Featuring 18 campsites, Belle Campground is open from October through May and is the place to be if you’re looking for another quiet retreat. It’s fairly close to both Pinto Basin and the Sonoran Desert area of the park and provides pit toilets, campfire rings, and picnic tables. It doesn’t have potable water or electricity.

Ryan Campground

With 31 campsites close to the California Riding & Hiking Trail, Ryan Campground tends to fill up fast. Booking here requires a reservation in advance but features fire pits, vault toilets, and picnic tables. The sites here are non electric and don’t have potable water.

Indian Cove Campground

Close to some great rock formations, Indian Cove Campground is located away from many of the park’s main sites but is the place to be if you’re a rock climber or are just interested in being away from crowds. The campground features 101 campsites and vault toilets, but no potable water.

Cottonwood Campground

Home to 62 campsites in the Sonoran Desert, Cottonwood Campground may be away from the Joshua Trees but is home to flush toilets and potable water. The campground is also great for easy access to Mastodon Peak, Los Palms Oasis, and Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Black Rock Canyon Campground

Located on the western side of the park, Black Rock Canyon Campground is away from the park’s main sites but features 99 sites, flushing toilets, and easy access to plenty of hikes. The campground also has cell phone reception and WiFi.

Read more: Camping Tips and Tricks for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

Best Campgrounds Near Joshua Tree National Park

If you get to Joshua Tree and find that all the sites are full, then don’t sweat it — there are some more options nearby!

BLM Camping

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping is free-range camping on designated pieces of land. Though these sites don’t have any amenities or rangers, they’re great if you are self-sufficient and want to go off-grid. You can find BLM Camping at BLM.gov, and remember to pack all your trash out!

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

Located at 2601 Sunfair Road in the Joshua Tree municipality, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground is great whether you’re in an RV or tent. Just 30 minutes from the park, the campground features potable water, firepits, and showers.

Twentynine Palms RV Resort

A campground that also has cottages, Twentynine Palms RV Resort is a higher-end location with electrical hookups, a gym, pool, game room, bathrooms, and showers.

Read more: Best Small Travel Trailers (Under 2,000 Pounds)

Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Cap Rock

Located near Twentynine Palms, The Cap Rock Nature Trail is a 0.6 mile loop that will take you through woodlands and wildflowers and over to towering rock formations. For those familiar with the story, this is also where you’ll find Gram Parsons’ memorial. With just 20 feet elevation gain, this trail is rated as easy.

Black Rock Canyon and Panorama Loop

A 6.5-mile heavily-trafficked trail, the Black Rock Canyon and Panorama Loop will give you one of the best views in the park. The hike begins at the the Black Rock Canyon Campground visitors center, is ranked as moderate, and is great for wildflower viewing. Hot Tip: Do this hike clockwise for an easier trek back to the trailhead.

Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail

One of the most popular trails in the park, the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail that has 700 feet of elevation and is rated as moderate. The trail features one of the most unique landscapes in the park given that it leads you right towards a gorgeous palm fan oasis.

Cholla Cactus Trail

Though the park is known for its Joshua Trees, chances are you’ve seen photos of the Cholla Cactuses that also call it home. These fuzzy cacti are best found on the Cholla Cactus Trail, a 0.25-mile trail rated as easy. Though the trail will only take you a few minutes to traverse, this area is super popular for photography – just don’t touch the cacti, they’re very prickly.

Barker Dam

A trail known for its water source (a rarity in the desert), Barker Dam is a 1-mile loop that is famed for its sunsets and bighorn sheep spotting. With just 50-feet of elevation, this trail is rated as easy and will take you about an hour to finish.

Read more: 15 Best Weekend Getaways in California (& Where to Stay!)

What to Pack for Camping in Joshua Tree

Camping Supplies: Camping in Joshua Tree means loading up with quality camping gear. In particular, every trip requires a durable tent, camp chair, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, lightweight backpack, and hammock (only hang hammocks in designated areas, and not on Joshua Trees). I also recommend bringing headlamps and lanterns for walking around at night.

Clothing: Winters in Joshua Tree tend to range from moderately warm to chilly, so you’ll want to pack appropriately for the season. However, regardless of month, the best way to pack is to bring light layers that you can stack them depending on the temperature. You’ll want some moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, and hiking pants.

Shoes: Grippy closed-toe hiking shoes are a must in Joshua Tree to easily traverse the trail and avoid any creepy crawlies.

Toiletries: Sunscreen, bug spray, after bite, deodorant, wet wipes, dry shampoo, and hand sanitizer are essentials for Joshua Tree camping.

Cooking Gear:  A camp stove and cooking set are musts for making your own food in Joshua Tree.

Water: Because potable water isn’t found at every campsite in Joshua Tree, you’re going to want to bring enough to last you throughout your camping trip. I recommend bringing a refillable jug, hydration bladder, and water bottle.

Electronics: California camping trips require a portable power bank, a kindle, and a GoPro.

The post Camping In Joshua Tree (When To Go & The Best Campgrounds 2022) appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Daisy Payne has revealed a simple slug repelling tip, and it’s definitely one to try if you’re planning to spruce up your garden for spring. Her method doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals and it’s budget-friendly.

So with Daisy Payne’s easy garden idea we can ward off gardener enemy number one with a clear conscience. Daisy is a gardener and TV personality who regularly shares her gardening advice on ITV’s This Morning.

Image credit: Getty images / Despite Straight Lines (Paul Williams)

Daisy Payne’s slug tip

‘My top tip for getting rid of slugs, or at least keeping them away from your lovely young plants is simple,’ Daisy tells us. ‘Surround your plants with a ring of wool pellets or grit.

‘Put a thick layer all around the base of your plants and the slugs will steer clear! It’s that simple. No need for anything nasty!’

You can pick up wool pellets designed to deter slugs at Amazon or just look out for them in your local garden centre. These pellets are made from recycled wool and they form a mulch as well as creating a slug barrier.

Image credit: Daisy Payne

A mulch will help your soil from becoming too dry and can even reduce weed growth. As Daisy mentions, you could try using any horticultural grit you might have hanging around instead.

Grit will go some way in keeping slugs at bay, as will broken up eggshells. If you’re growing plants from seed, it’s definitely worth trying some preventative measures to avoid slugs eating them for dinner.

When we plant up beautiful flowers in our gardens, the last thing we’re thinking of is how one day we might find it’s been eaten up by slugs. But there’s always a balance to strike between aesthetics and wildlife garden ideas that support the insects, birds and other creatures in our gardens.

Image credit: Getty images / Simon Posnjak

Daisy’s tip is kind to the slugs and given that you can pick up wool pellets for no more than £5, it’s a winner. Will you be trying Daisy’s slug repelling tip this spring?

The post Daisy Payne reveals budget-friendly trick for getting rid of slugs in your garden appeared first on Ideal Home.

Now that we’re getting a taste of the warmer weather to come, with spring sunshine and brighter skies, our attention turns to the garden once again. Clever use of deck lighting ideas mean you’ll be enjoying your space for as long as you desire.

From a design perspective, you should give just as much dedication to the lighting of decking ideas as you would do the lighting inside of your home. If you have a decking area, treat this space just like another room and use it for entertaining, dining and relaxing.

Depending on your choice of garden ideas, your deck could be positioned against the back of the house, halfway up the lawn or down the end in its own enclosed area. Wherever it’s situated, there’s a perfect way to light it just right.

Deck lighting ideas

If you don’t yet have any decking in your garden and are planning to install one from scratch then now’s the best time to get creative about your deck lighting ideas. Before you embark on the big build, think about where you want to have some illumination and what activities you will be using certain areas for. Perhaps your new decking will incorporate steps that would benefit from some soft spotlights. Or maybe you’re going to have a dedicated barbecuing area where a built-in pillar lamp would be handy.

If you already have a decked area then there’s much you can do to refresh its lighting. For some inspiration, we’ve compiled our pick of the best ways you can bring a glow to your decked space. These range from decorative lanterns and hanging festoon lights to professionally installed spotlights.

1. Hang festoon lights overhead

Image credit: Future PLC/Astrid Rossington

One of the simplest deck lighting ideas to bring to your outdoor space is to hang some festoon lights. Drape them from two anchor points, such as between fence panels in a corner, or from the boughs of a tree. If you have an outdoor power socket then utilise that, but there are plenty of solar-powered or battery-operated versions available.

If your decked area is at the bottom of the garden and in need of further illumination, then you can introduce it by way of portable lanterns, candles and solar-powered decorative lights.

This is a wonderful way to disguise or brighten up deck rail ideas, too. Always a plus!

2. Carry a lantern to where you need it

Image credit: Feuerhand

You’ll be surprised by how much of a glow a handled hanging lantern will cast. Genuine gas versions aren’t common these days, but you can pick up solar-powered ones or candle versions fairly readily. Group them in trios and place in the corners of the decking for a stylish look or pop atop a dining table if you’re dining al fresco.

And don’t forget you can hang these, too. They’ll look great in a mix of colours and positioned from an overhead pergola at varying heights.

3. Light up the underside of a garden brolly

Image credit: Koopower

If you’re standing on your decked area wondering where you’re going to hang lights – there’s no nearby tree, fence or other highpoint – then stop right there. With a bit of clever thinking there’s no need to worry. We’ll have you casting a glow from above in no time.

Every outdoor space can have a parasol, and you can use yours to bring in those extra garden lighting ideas. Wrap exterior fairy lights around its shaft and entwine them through the ribs and stretchers of its canopy. Solar powered or battery-operated, these are inexpensive and a great way to introduce some lighting wherever you need it.

4. Install permanent downlighters on a wall

Image credit: Future PLC/Logan Irvine-MacDougal

If your garden benefits from an exterior brick wall – either the back of the house or as a boundary wall – then use it to mount permanent downlighters. A professional electrician will be able to install them and provide you with a switch inside your home to operate them with. They work well above sofa seating, lighting the area for reading and relaxing as the night draws in.

You can also buy directional spotlights that can be installed in the same way and then moved to cast light wherever you need it. Perhaps you have special outdoor wall decor ideas that you want to enlighten in the evening.

Team fixed wall lights with other options that you can move around the decking. Hurricane lanterns with candles or portable solar powered designs are perfect.

5. Go for strip lighting along the deck edge

Image credit: Composite Prime

Whether you are installing a new decked area or have one already in place, adding striplighting or inserting permanent mains-supplied lights can create a focus point in certain spaces. ‘Deck lighting is the perfect way to finish a decked space and gives the opportunity to showcase garden paths and frame zones created in your outdoor space,’ says Charles Taylor, Director at Composite Prime. Why not install lighting at floor level on your composite decking ideas around a seating area to create an ambient space to sit and entertain guests.

‘The installation of deck lighting is simple, but requires precise planning to position the lights,’ continues Charles. ‘They can be inset into the tops of boards, or set into fascia boards to give an impactful finish. And strip lighting can be placed under an overhanging edge; these lights work best when illuminating steps and edges.’

6. Spark up a firepit for a warming glow

Image credit: Lights4Fun

Fire pits are another of many fantastic deck lighting ideas that make a lovely feature for the garden. Ensure you follow the appropriate instructions for lighting a fire pit on decking. It’ll not only give you extra warmth allowing you to spend more time outside, well into nightfall, but it’ll also cast a lovely flickering glow.

Some options can be used for cooking as well, so if you want to double up then make sure you find the best BBQ for your space.

Perhaps not the brightest light source, so it’s advisable to use additional lighting such as festoon lights, candles in lanterns and even a floor-standing lamp. A tall light will make a fabulous feature to any outdoor zone, creating a living room feel. You may need a mains outlet for most designs, but you can find some that are solar-powered.

7. Push lights into flower pots

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

When on the hunt for deck lighting ideas, you can also trust a solar-powered option. Stake-lights are a quick win in any outdoor space: balcony, garden, courtyard and, of course, patio ideas. Simply push them into plant pots or garden borders and leave them to light the way.

You can find them in all sorts of shapes and sizes but we particularly love this design that emulates streetlights. They’ll work perfectly alongside a path or near to some decking steps.

8. Zone areas with different light sources

Image credit: Industville

If you have several different areas in your garden, especially if it’s a small space, then you can use lighting as a way to create some delineation.

If you can, it’s a good idea to have separate switches installed to operate the lights independently from one another, this gives you the opportunity to shut off certain areas into darkness and better control the ambience at night. Always ensure you use a reputable professional for any electrical work and seek advice for what’s possible in your outdoor space.

9. Navigate steps easily with perfectly placed spots

Image credit: Trex

If your garden incorporates a large expanse of decking, especially if it extends from the rear of your home like shown here, then you’ll find you need several lighting options. Think about which areas on the decking that you’re going to use for seating, dining and planting, then bring in the deck lighting ideas that are relevant. ‘By adding lighting to your decking terrace, you naturally soften the space, make it more inviting and look super stylish,”’says Karl Harrison, Pro Landscaper and Decking Expert from Trex.

‘Step or stair riser lighting is very important so you can see the steps in the evening; it’s vital to show people the way.’ Small spotlights recessed into the step risers will cast an elegant glow, illuminating the deck whilst serving a practical use.

‘Another way to illuminate a decked garden is to add lighting into the planting areas,’ suggests Karl. ‘A garden with lighting will feel cosier during the evenings and add a romantic touch.’

10. Hang solar-powered bulbs from nearby trees

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

You don’t need to spend a fortune to illuminate your garden beautifully. There are plenty of affordable solar-powered or battery-operated lights available – you’ll find variations to choose from in your local garden centre. These hanging solar-powered light bulbs are a fantastic example of an inexpensive deck lighting idea.

Whether in a string of multiple lights or in single bulbs, hang them from the boughs of trees, along fence panels or from the struts of a garden pergola. How pretty would these look, dotted in a cherry blossom tree in bloom in the springtime.

What is the best way to light a deck?

If you don’t yet have a deck and are building one from scratch then the best way to light it is with some smart planning. You can have lights incorporated into the build of the deck, though this isn’t essential. There is plenty you can do to retrofit lights into the decking, or even use portable options or lights that could be used with either patio, decking, lawn or flower beds.

What’s most important is you think about what you’re going to be using the decking for, and where in particular. ‘Lighting is such an important element of your exterior, so plan the position of lighting with forethought,’ says Sanel Konyar, Interior Designer and Founder of Interior Kollection. ‘Aim your light carefully. If you wish to create feature lighting, you don’t want the lights directed at eye level. You want to create a welcoming, soft ambience, not make your guests feel as though they are under a spotlight beam.’

‘Low-level lighting is also great to create ambience and can be used to guide guests along paths and steps. There are a vast array of solar lights that are perfect for this, and can be moved around to suit your needs and layout with ease,’ Sanel continues.

How bright should deck lights be?

The beauty with decking lighting is that you have the freedom to achieve a look that suits the needs of your decking. Mains electrical supplied bulbs will provide a brighter source that is longer lasting than a solar-operated counterpart that will dull as its energy depletes throughout the evening; they’re also less reliable during the shoulder seasons when there’s less daylight than you’d expect during the height of summer.

The more bulbs you have, the brighter the illumination will be so think about where you want the light to be positioned – festoon lights will spread light in smaller pockets of glow whereas a spotlight or downlight will direct its glow with more precision.

For subtle, intimate lighting why not try candles (faux are a great alternative to real flames), lanterns or even a small fire or chiminea. ‘Sources of heat, such as fire pits, heaters and tabletop fires allow you to enjoy your garden comfortably when the temperature outside is less than appealing,’ says Patrick Bridge, Chief Operations Officer at Harbour Lifestyle. ‘Plus, these impressive flame displays provide lighting for those dark evenings.’

Our top tip is that if you choose to have a variety of light sources, just think about which ones you have switched on or in use, and when. You don’t want everything illuminated at the same time – else you risk your decking looking like Blackpool Illuminations!

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