How you pay for camping at Joshua Tree National Park has changed/NPS file

Heading to Joshua Tree National Park but forgot to make an advance campground reservation? No worries, as you now can make a same-day reservation, but you need to do it via recreation.gov.

Previously, campers could book an open campsite day-of and in-person at reservation campgrounds, but now all reservations must be made through recreation.gov. Reservations can still be made up to six months in advance. Park staff recommend that you reserve your campsite before entering the park, as cell service is limited or non-existent at campgrounds.

First-come, first-served campgrounds have a new payment method. A ranger will be at campgrounds throughout the day to collect campsite fees with a portable register. Campers can pay using a debit or credit card and will not need to track down the ranger but can set up at an open campsite, and fees will be collected when possible. There will no longer be self-registering, pre-payment systems, also known as “iron rangers,” for first-come, first-served campsites.

Open campsites in the park can be extremely difficult to find during the busy season. Visitors may also want to explore camping opportunities outside the park, which include private campgrounds in a nearby community. Come prepared with a plan and a backup plan for your visit to Joshua Tree National Park. For more information about camping at Joshua Tree National Park, visit the park's campground webpage.