National Park Service · Joshua Tree National Park · CA

Ryan Campground

Ryan Campground at Joshua Tree National ParkPhoto · NPS
OpenStatus
ReservableAccess
37Sites
32 ftMax rig

The place

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Ryan Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. In close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Ryan Campground is one of four campgrounds in the park that requires reservations year-round. Keep reading

To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Ryan is at an elevation around 4,400 feet. Recreation Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There are plenty of rocks and Ryan Mountain to explore outside the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing. Facilities This small facility has 31 individual tent and limited RV campsites. There are no hookups or drinking water in the campground, however the town of Twentynine Palms is 17 miles away and provides basic amenities. The park allows six people and two vehicles per site, however, some sites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. See site details for specifics. Natural Features Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight and low with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans. Nearby Attractions Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Hidden Valley Charges & Cancellations Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff). No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.

The sites · 37

LoopSiteTypeMax rigElectricADA
A01standard nonelectric32 ft
A02standard nonelectric16 ft
A03standard nonelectric18 ft
A04tent only nonelectric19 ft
A05standard nonelectric32 ft
A06standard nonelectric20 ft
A07standard nonelectric16 ft
A08standard nonelectric23 ft
A09standard nonelectric20 ft
A10standard nonelectric20 ft
A11standard nonelectric22 ft
A12standard nonelectric
A13standard nonelectric22 ft
A14tent only nonelectric24 ft
A15tent only nonelectric18 ft
A16standard nonelectric20 ft
A17standard nonelectric24 ft
A18standard nonelectric26 ft
A19tent only nonelectric22 ft
A20standard nonelectric24 ft
A21tent only nonelectric18 ft
A22tent only nonelectric20 ft
A23standard nonelectric24 ft
A24tent only nonelectric20 ft
A25standard nonelectric
A26tent only nonelectric20 ft
A27tent only nonelectric26 ft
A28standard nonelectric26 ft
A29tent only nonelectric18 ft
A30standard nonelectric20 ft
A31management
A32Amanagement
A32Bmanagement
A32Cmanagement
A33management
A34management
A35management

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

Your representative

This campground sits in CA-25. This member’s public-lands record →

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