Camping beta in J Tree

Looking to camp three nights in February over the weekend. All reservable sites are taken. What’s the chances of getting a first come site in Hidden Valley arriving Friday afternoon? If that’s a no go, any other good options. It’ll be just one tent/2 people.

Thanks for any help!

Virtually zero.  You are unlikely to find any first come sites in JT on a Friday afternoon anywhere in the park.  If you do, buy a lottery ticket immediately.  While it is remotely possible, plan to either camp outside the park on BLM land or book a room in a hotel or try an AirBnB/VRBO.

You might also be able to find someone that would let you join their site, but that could take quite a lot of time.

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/camping-outside-of-the-park.htm

Found this thread on the taco.  If Todd is still running his airbnb, jump on it.  Google "Todd Gordon Joshua Tree".    You will understand.  He and Andrea are the best.  His place is 5 miles outside the west entrance.

http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/3033723/Cant-get-a-campsite-in-Joshua-Tree-National-Park

I agree that your chances of finding a walk up campsite are slim and you should look into options outside the park. However, keep checking the website for last minute cancellations. Jumbo Rock has a lot of sites, and you might get lucky, especially if the forecast cools a bit. Don't give up!   

If you're set up for backpacking its pretty easy to hike in and camp from the boy scout trailhead, which is in the vicinity of  Lost Horse and Hemingway. No fires but great ambiance.  We've used it a couple times when all else failed.

Drederek wrote: If you're set up for backpacking its pretty easy to hike in and camp from the boy scout trailhead, which is in the vicinity of  Lost Horse and Hemingway. No fires but great ambiance.  We've used it a couple times when all else failed.

Damn it. Stop giving away the local secrets!

Camp between sites and be really loud into the wee hours of the night. When they get fed up and leave in the am because you ruined their "alpine start" you take their site.

The new camping beta for Jtree is to wake up at 5am and drive from LA

Take your chances and throw caution to the wind.  Get there at 8am on Saturday for climbers coffee. Ask around and snag a spot.  If that doesn’t work...BLM

Go climbing and camping in Apple Valley.
Lots of climbing and BLM land to camp on right near a majority of the climbing in Apple Valley.
AND, no CROWDS!

Josh C wrote: Bring beer, firewood, a friendly attitude, look for climbers and hikers and ask to share their site.

Solid advice!! This has worked for me multiple times! You'd be surprised how many people will share their campsites if you bring some gifts, like booze, and *promise* to keep quiet.