Car Sleeping at Joshua Tree

I’m currently en route to Joshua Tree - got a place to crash Sat night, but no Friday reservations.  Quick questions for the local experts/dirtbaggers:

- only campsites still available are a handful of Indian Cove walk-ups.  Should I assume that those will be taken by 3PM?  I’m coming from Yuma, and prefer to not drive to that entrance for nothing.

- I’m prepared to sleep in vehicle; can I do that at backcountry parking areas?  I think I know the answer to this...

- is it difficult to score parking in occupied campsites?  What’s the going rate in beer/bourbon?

- Any good BLM land near the south entrance to park and sleep at??

I’ve also got a camp hammock; was thinking about looking for a 1mi+ hike into the backcountry, then some rocks to sling it on.  I’m worried that that solution will eat up precious climbing time.  Help!!

cheers, and climb on,

Hamish

From the south just after one exits the freeway you will find a fair number of RV parked not far off the road before the NPS land begins. If you are coming in after dark that would be my first choice. Then drive into the park in the morning. If you are coming in earlier I would just head in and roll the dice looking to share a place at Jumbo Rocks. The going rate for me when I ask to share a site that is already occupied is to pay for it.

Indian Cove walk-ups will be full.  Ask around once you get there for the BLM info.  Do not try to sleep in your car within the park; you will be discovered and it gives climbers a bad rap.

A note about hammocks.  You cannot rig a hammock from Joshua Trees.  Doing so damages the "trees" and is illegal.  If will be near impossible to find rocks located in a way for you to rig your hammock.

The BLM land is along Odana road. IT's on the way to the park's north entrance.

The backcountry camping is doable, park at one of the boards, fill out the form and go for it. If you want a real wilderness experience its the way to go. I'm not so sure you wont be able to find boulders to sling your hammock on, but finding them will require time and daylight. Def dont string it to a joshua tree. In addition to potentially killing the tree, if it falls on you it might take you out with it. 

Theres camping near the south entrance, I havent been there personally, but the info is easy to find online.

Your best options are dry lakebed NE of the park entrance or Onaga road between the town of J-tree and the park entrance.  As for sleeping in cars, the park rangers do thorough checks in all parking areas multiple times a night, So I would advise against that unless you can go stealth.

Ive recently heard of several friends being chased out of Onaga Road by the local police/park ranger.  The "officials" are stating that the local residents are complaining about the noise and trash and general disrespect of the area where they live.

The dry lake bed is wide open and amazing, its usually warmer than the park too.

Onaga should no longer be considered an option.  The Desert View Conservation Area, or Section 6, is and has been off-limits to camping for years. The BLM camping in that area is further along the road, but people have rarely bothered to drive far enough, and instead set up in the conservation area. The area has been abused by campers of all stripes, and the tremendous increase in volume of park visitation in recent years has exacerbated the issues. In reaction local residents have been far more vocal and adamant about increased enforcement, and it seems that leo's are following through. As active users of wild places I believe that climbers have an obligation to model positive behaviors for other users, not an entitlement to ignore them for our own convenience. Please consider this as you make your choices about where to stay while visiting Joshua Tree. 

Has something changed? I've always cruised sites early in the day for sites where people are leaving, and also asked to share.

Important to me since we are arriving there tomorrow

Onaga road is not a camping area. Old information can get one into trouble. 

I was just there and the first night we did the back country camping due to a lack of formal campsites.  Just park in the correct lot and drop a form in the box.  It's free and legit.

Is The Pit still legit?

The pit shut down last year after years of talking about shutting it down. 

Jon Hartmann wrote:

The pit shut down last year after years of talking about shutting it down. 

Bummer, ya I heard the talk but it was always still open when I showed up. For the best probably.

Regarding this thread, Backcountry sites are the way to go, just walk out and bivy.

Thanks for all the pointers folks!  Ended up heading west from white tank into the backcountry, tons of things to sling a hammock on especially if you bring some cams, nuts, and slings like I did.  Definitely need to sort out hammock during daylight, that was a key tip.  Cheers!!

Sorry I saw this too late, but maybe for next time. https://www.mountainproject.com/photo/107336142

Good to know about Onago road guys.  I had no idea, but do agree that the place is getting quite trashy and turd-riden.  Thanks!