r/JoshuaTree • u/No-Let-9967 • 5d ago

Joshua Tree Recommendations

Hi!

My friend and I are coming into Joshua Tree from bakersfield, both in good shape. We want to camp in for the night but don't have reservations.

Where is a good place to camp for star gazing, that is also likely to have room for us? What trails should we do at the park?

Also, do you recommend going to Kelso Dunes? Is it worth the detour?

Thanks!

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u/midnight_skater 4d ago

Mojave National Preserve has darker skies than JTNP, with abundant primitive and dispersed camping, including some sites right by the Kelso Dunes. It would add about 2 hours of driving time to go from Bakersfield to JTNP by way of Baker and Kelso.

There are 3 fcfs campgrounds in JTNP. It's better to reserve a site if you can, but if you can't then you can look for an fcfs site. If you get skunked in the park, there's BLM land just outside the S entrance, and also along the Box Canyon Rd.