Ryan Campground

Overview 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. 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.

Driving Directions

Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 62. Turn south on Park Blvd. Continue 5 miles to the West Entrance; Ryan is approximately 11 miles from the entrance. If coming from the east, taking Interstate10, take the Desert Center exit north onto State Highway 177. Continue on State Highway 177 turning west onto State Highway 62 to Twentynine Palms. Turn south on Utah Trail. Continue 3.5 miles to the North Entrance. Ryan is approximately 13 miles from the entrance.