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18 Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

Barkers Dam Trailhead in Joshua Tree National Park
Published on: December 19, 2023
Last updated: January 17, 2024

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Douglas Weissman

Written by Douglas Weissman

Douglas Weissman is an acclaimed travel writer, known for his gripping storytelling and uncanny ability to transport readers to the places he explores. Hailing from Simi Valley, CA, Douglas has journeyed through continents and cultures, from the lush landscapes of South Africa to the bustling streets of India. He offers readers an intimate view of the world, built upon his extensive experience in luxury travel, adventure tours, family vacations, and more.

It’s not humanly possible to explore all of the Joshua Tree National Park within a day. I’ve tried it. Didn’t work. Thus, I’ve many recommendations for tourists looking for the best places to stay near Joshua Tree. Below are some of the best accommodations where you and your families can rest comfortably after your tour.

Whether looking for the best hotels in Joshua Tree near the west entrance or looking for an experience at the Castle House Estate, there are lots of hosts offering transient homes, hotels, and eclectic lodging options for tourists.

You have various choices—from rooms, cabins, and entire homes to glass houses and glamping vans. Mid-range rentals offer amenities like a spa and jacuzzi, pool, camping grounds, fully furnished spaces, and other modern conveniences. 

When looking for a spot to stay, you can find the plain and ordinary Joshua Tree hotels, but you can also find note-worthy choices where you can enjoy nature, quiet, or the views of the National Park paired with the exceptional night sky.

TL;DR

Hotel Price Range TripAdvisor Rating Distance from Joshua Tree (miles)
Sacred Sands $$$ 4.5 2.5
Joshua Tree Inn $$ 4.2 0.5
Pioneertown Motel $$ 4.0 12.0
Jumbo Rocks Campground $ 4.8 20.0
Hicksville Trailer Palace $$$ 4.9 22.0

Hotels and Resorts Near Joshua Tree

1. Hicksville Trailer Palace

Hicksville Trailer Palace Pool Amenity
Management / TripAdvisor

Address: 2517 Foxy Flats Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Hicksville Trailer Palace is the first trailer motel in California and the second in the United States of America that was established in 2010. It is generally known to be built for artists to get away and collaborate in a more quiet place. 

The hotel has eight trailers, each with a different style. In a way, each trailer stands out on its own, unique yet complementary to others. Hicksville Trailer Palace is one of the funky and fun places that embody the artistic and bohemian life that draws artists from around the world. 

2. 9 Palms Inn 

9 Palms Inn room interior
9 Palms Inn / Booking.com

Address: 73193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Being on a limited budget shouldn’t stop you from staying in a chic hotel. 9 Palms Inn is a budget hotel in Twentynine Palms, which is only eight minutes away from the Joshua Tree National Park

Though inexpensive, this hotel features great amenities, like private bathrooms, air-conditioned rooms, and well-furnished kitchens. The hotel is also a two-minute ride from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. 

3. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa room interior
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa / Booking.com

Address: 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Nothing screams luxury like the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Located near Joshua Tree, it’s a great place to stay to make a day trip to the national park or if you prefer to relax in an outdoor heated pool. 

This hotel has five pools, two golf courses, furnished rooms, world-class cuisines, and more! This top-rated resort is especially ideal for couples and families traveling together and looking for great things to do in the Mojave Desert

See Related: Best Resorts in the USA For Families

4. Pioneertown Motel

Pioneertown Motel room interior
Pioneertown Motel / Booking.com

Address: 5240 Curtis Rd, Pioneertown, CA 92268

If you’re seeking a small boutique hotel experience, Pioneertown Motel is a great place for you! This stylish and cozy motel has a rich Hollywood history and musical timeline that guarantees comfort during your stay, whether for one night or many.

It’s rumored Gene Autry played poker in room #9, and Roy Rogers stayed when looking for true Old West ambiance. It offers a picturesque view and a variety of useful amenities to make your stay more pleasant. Amenities include picnic tables, gift shops, an outdoor fire pit, and a charming garden. 

5. Harmony Motel

Harmony Motel Exterior
Harmony Motel / Booking.com

Address: 71161 Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Looking for a place to stay during your trip to the area just for one night or a quick rest? Consider Harmony Hotel on your list. This hotel was built in 1958 and has a background in music history. 

Other than comfortable rooms, they have a variety of amenities you can choose from, like a pool area and hot tub. It’s also where U2 stayed during a road trip through the California desert in 1987. Most hotels in the area can claim many things, but not U2! 

6. Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms

Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms

Address: 6333 Encelia Avenue, Twentynine Palms, CA

Fairfield Inn & Suites is one of the best Joshua Tree hotels you can get in the area. This place is located fewer than four miles from Joshua Tree National Park. 

It offers a wide range of amenities—from an outdoor pool, barbecue area, 24/7 fitness center, and more—for mid-range rates. It’s also only a 15-minute drive to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. The hotel is a blend of comfort and convenience, with an outdoor swimming pool and breakfast included. 

Vacation Rentals Near Joshua Tree

7. The Cactus Cabin

Mesa Vista Hilltop Cabin Room interior
Mesa Vista Hilltop Cabin / Airbnb

Location: San Bernardino County, California

The Mesa Vista Hilltop Cabin is a cozy accommodation located deep within the Mojave Desert in the Yucca Valley and close to Joshua Tree. This one-bedroom cabin features breathtaking views of the desert from the inside. 

When visiting Joshua Tree, The Mesa Vista Hilltop Cabin is close to the National Park and the Joshua Tree Music Festival, so it’s an excellent choice for families looking for an affordable place to stay while vacationing. It also provides great hot tub living, stunning desert sunsets, and incredible night skies. 

8. Joshua Sunset Vacation House

Sunset House Joshua Tree
Sunset House Joshua Tree | Infinity Pool Spa Views / Airbnb

Location: Joshua Tree, California

Enjoy a trip to Joshua Tree at the Joshua Sunset vacation house. This place is located just three miles from downtown Joshua Tree.

Here, you can bask in the large pool, utilize the fully-equipped rooms, and have fun lounging around the fire pit or basking in the mountain views. It’s also a cozy environment to enjoy the night sky or visit the vibe of the boutique shops in downtown Joshua Tree. 

9. Glass House

Glass House, Joshua Tree in California
Glass House / VRBO

Location: Joshua Tree, California

The Glass House is in Desert Springs but is a perfect escape when looking for day trips to Joshua Tree National Park. The architectural gem was the first round glass house built in the area and sits close to over 20 spas. It’s within walking distance of hiking trails, a short drive to a fitness center, and offers easy access to mountain and garden views. 

10. Sunny Vista

Sunny Vista exterior and fire pit
Sunny Vista / VRBO

Location: Joshua Tree, California

Sunny Vista is a 3000-square-foot luxury vacation home in the heart of Joshua Tree. Sitting at the outdoor fire pit or relaxing in the outdoor swimming pool makes it easy to understand why Joshua Tree is one of the most beautiful places to vacation in the US

The house has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a game room, two kitchens, and majestic outdoor views! This is a place that you and your family will never want to leave.

See Related: Best Vacation Rentals in California

11. Sacred Sands

Sacred Sands in California
Sacred Sands / Booking.com

Address: 63155 Quail Springs Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Prepare to be mesmerized by the sunsets and the starry night sky, which is so black you can see the Milky Way’s shooting stars dancing across it. This is the perfect destination and getaway for parents, couples, adults, newlyweds, and families looking to unwind. 

Since Sacred Sands is one of the region’s most popular hotels, so be prepared for possible challenges in making reservations. Book as early as you can to secure your spot!

12. Ultimate Desert Getaway

Ultimate Desert Getaway in Joshua Tree
Ultimate Desert Getaway / VRBO

Location: Joshua Tree, California

Hot tub? Check. Free wifi? Check. Pet friendly? Another check.

The Ultimate Desert Getaway is a great space to relax after a day trip into Joshua Tree National Park or after time exploring the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail. Family-friendly and relatively close to the park entrances, you can use the house to visit Palm Springs for the day to further explore the corners of the national park on your own time. 

Camping, Glamping and RV Sites

13. Jumbo Rocks Campground

Camping tent in Jumbo Rocks Campground
Jumbo Rocks Campground / NPS

Address: Jumbo Rocks Campground, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Do you look for the best time to visit national parks because you like camping? Then, the accommodation at the Jumbo Rocks Campground would interest you. Get ready to be in awe of giant rock formations and find comfort under the stars at this humongous campsite. 

With 124 campsites, Jumbo Rocks is the national park’s biggest campground and your best bet to stay in Joshua Tree rather than at a Joshua Tree hotel outside of the park’s boundaries. Instead of focusing on an outdoor pool or a hot tub, you can enjoy the roar of an outdoor fire pit and the star-studded night sky.

See Related: How to Pack For a Camping Trip [Step-by-Step Checklist]

14. Luxury Limo Glamping

Luxury Limo Glamping Vehicle
Luxury Limo Glamping / VRBO

Location: Joshua Tree, California

Want a unique and luxurious night in the Joshua Tree desert? The Luxury Limo Adventure is about the entire experience within Joshua Tree or the nearby Yucca Valley. 

Conveniently located and with the option of breakfast included, you can park at a campsite with a view of the great outdoors or drive around the national park with a large group. It’s a unique place to visit and a special way to experience Joshua Tree National Park. 

15. Castle House Estate

Castle House Estate in  California
Management / TripAdvisor

Address: 64278 E Broadway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Part artistic oasis, part exclusive clamping experience, Castle House Estate offers more than views over the 12 picturesque acres in the heart of Joshua Tree and the national park. The tranquil setting offers amenities like an outdoor heated pool, central heating, and an architectural gem that turns the outdoors into a luxury lifestyle.

As a bonus, the grounds are less than a 10-minute drive to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. You’ll have easy access to the park and nearby communities.

16. Black Rock Campground

Camping in Black Rock Campground
Joshua Tree National Park/ Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Address: 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Black Rock is a perfect spot for both camping and birdwatching. You can reserve a spot at the Black Rock Campground beforehand, so you won’t have to worry about competing with other walk-in campers. This remote campground is in the park’s southern region and offers 30 different campsites with picnic tables, horseshoe pits, fire rings, and superb night skies.

17. Belle Campground 

Belle Campground  in  California
Joshua Tree National Park / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Address: 500 Belle Campground Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

This campground is recommended for people seeking peace and quiet. Belle Campground is one of the most serene spots in the area – and that’s saying a lot, considering we’re in the middle of the desert.

The spots on the property are first-come, first-serve but are worth the gamble when you see the towering rock formations and Joshua trees surrounding Belle Campground. It’s an immersive experience in which you unplug from the world and reconnect with nature.

18. White Tank Campground

White Tank Campground in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Address: 2 White Tank Campground Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

As one of the darkest spots in Joshua Tree, White Tank Campground is ideal for stargazing. The unrestricted views of the desert sky are perfect for looking for meteors, shooting stars, or just enjoying the quiet night.

The 15 campsites are nestled among the towering boulders for ample space to spread out and enjoy the desert’s tranquility. They allow RVs less than 25 feet to park here. The grounds are first-come, first-served.

FAQs

What kind of accommodations can I expect near Joshua Tree?

You can find a variety of accommodations in the Joshua Tree area to suit any preferences. Options include cozy desert cabins, trendy boutique hotels, and campgrounds if you’re looking for a closer connection with nature. Your options include budget-friendly, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. 

Popular hotels can include unique desert-inspired designs for a distinctive ambiance complementing the natural beauty of the surroundings. You can find the right accommodation for this 2 Days in Joshua Tree Itinerary.

How can I find luxury accommodations near Joshua Tree?

If you seek luxury hotels in Joshua Tree or higher-end accommodations near Joshua Tree, several upscale options immerse you in the desert’s charm. Travel platforms such as AirbnbBooking.com, and VRBO often showcase exclusive properties for a lavish experience in and around the scenic beauty of Joshua Tree and Joshua Tree National Park. Premium options often require advanced booking, especially during peak season and the Joshua Tree Music Festival.

What are some family-friendly accommodations near Joshua Tree?

Families can choose from a variety of family-friendly accommodations that give you accessibility, mobility, and great reviews. Stay near Joshua Tree to ensure a memorable desert experience at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, and Sacred Sands

Find cozy vacation rentals with ample space, kid-friendly amenities, and even a backyard for stargazing. Campgrounds like Black Rock offer reservations, so you can pre-book your space.

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