White Tank Campground – Joshua Tree National Park
White Tank Campground is a small, primitive campground in Joshua Tree National Park, featuring 15 sites nestled among dramatic boulder formations. Located off Pinto Basin Road, it is a first-come, first-served area with basic amenities, making it ideal for campers seeking a minimalist, nature-focused experience.
Campground Details
| Number of Sites | 15 |
| Site types | Tent, RV (up to 24 feet) |
| Amenities | Picnic Tables, Fire Pits, Pit Toilets |
| Water | Not available |
| Electric Hookups | None |
| Reservations | Not accepted; first-come, first-served |
| Accessibility | Not ADA accessible |
| Max Occupancy | 6 people, 3 tents, 2 vehicles |
Getting to White Tank Campground
From the town of Twentynine Palms, follow Utah Trail south to Joshua Tree National Park’s North Entrance. Continue on Pinto Basin Road for approximately 8 miles. The campground entrance will be on your right, marked by signs directing you to White Tank Campground.
Campground Overview
White Tank Campground’s unique location within a boulder field provides privacy and scenic desert views, with sites offering direct access to Joshua Tree’s iconic rock formations. White Tank is a limited-development campground with no potable water or electric hookups. RVs and trailers are permitted, but lengths are limited to 24 feet.
To claim a site, locate an empty spot, set up, and pay at the nearest entrance station within an hour. If the station is closed, payment can be completed in the morning.
Things to Do
White Tank is close to the popular Arch Trail, a short hike leading to a natural rock arch with picturesque views, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Visitors can enjoy stargazing, rock climbing, and wildlife watching within the campground and nearby areas.
First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Joshua Tree
Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park operate on a first-come, first-served basis, offering campers the chance to secure a site without reservations. To claim a spot, campers should find an available site, set up to indicate occupancy, and visit an entrance station within one hour to pay the $15 nightly fee. Payment can be deferred until morning if arrival is after hours, though it’s best not to rely solely on rangers for fee collection.
These campgrounds are especially popular on weekends, holidays, and during peak season from mid-February to mid-May, when sites often fill by Friday afternoon. To maximize chances of finding a spot, plan to arrive earlier in the week. Additional camping options are available outside the park for those unable to secure a site.
Note: White Tank and Belle Campgrounds close during the summer, but Hidden Valley remains open year-round.
