Ryan Campground – Joshua Tree National Park, California

Ryan Campground is a centrally located, high-desert campground in Joshua Tree National Park, surrounded by classic monzogranite boulders, Joshua trees, and big open skies. Smaller and quieter than some of the park’s larger campgrounds, Ryan offers a more intimate, backcountry feel while still keeping you close to major trails, climbing areas, and scenic drives along Park Boulevard.

Location & Setting

The campground sits off Park Boulevard near the junction with Keys View Road, roughly midway between the West Entrance and the Cottonwood/South Entrance areas. Set at over 4,000 feet in elevation, the area is characterized by dense Joshua tree woodland, scattered rock piles, and wide views toward surrounding ridges. From camp, it’s a short drive to popular spots like Ryan Mountain, Cap Rock, Hall of Horrors, and the Lost Horse area, making this one of the best-positioned campgrounds for exploring the heart of Joshua Tree.

Campground Overview

Ryan Campground is a small, rustic campground with a limited number of sites, which helps maintain a calm and uncrowded atmosphere. Sites are arranged in a single loop and a spur road, tucked among boulders and desert vegetation with varying levels of privacy and exposure. Most campsites can accommodate tents, vans, and small to mid-sized RVs, but tight turns and limited space make it less suitable for very large rigs. Because of its size and central location, Ryan often fills quickly during peak seasons and is popular with climbers and hikers seeking quick access to nearby routes and trailheads.

Amenities

Amenities at Ryan Campground are intentionally minimal to preserve a more natural experience. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, and the campground has vault toilets. There is no potable water, no dump station, and no electrical hookups, so campers must arrive fully prepared with all the water and supplies they need. The simplicity of the facilities keeps the focus on the desert landscape rather than on campground infrastructure, appealing to visitors who appreciate a more traditional, low-frills camping style.

Activities & Nearby Trails

Ryan Campground is ideally located for hiking, climbing, and photography. The Ryan Mountain Trailhead is just down the road, offering one of the park’s best summit hikes with sweeping 360-degree views of the high desert. The nearby Cap Rock and Hall of Horrors areas are popular for both short walks and rock climbing. Scenic drives along Park Boulevard and Keys View Road are easy to access from camp, providing excellent viewpoints, sunset spots, and pullouts for exploring boulder gardens and Joshua tree woodlands. At night, the dark skies around Ryan make for impressive stargazing and night-sky photography.

Summary

Ryan Campground offers a classic Joshua Tree experience in a compact, quiet setting surrounded by iconic boulders and Joshua trees. With its central location, simple amenities, and close proximity to top hikes and climbing areas, it’s a standout choice for visitors who value easy park access and a more natural, low-key campground vibe. For hikers, climbers, and desert lovers looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Joshua Tree, Ryan is an excellent place to call home for a few nights.