UPDATES AS OF 10/28/23 11:00 AM: 

IMPORTANT: IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE THROUGH THE PARK, HEAD TO THE NORTH ENTRANCE OF JOSHUA TREE, IT ADDS 45 MINUTES TO YOUR DRIVE. OUR CAMPGROUND ADDRESS IS AT THE SOUTH ENTRANCE NEAR THE I-10: Cottonwood Oasis Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

• Registration: https://ymcaocf.daycareworks.com/login.jsp

• $80PP

• Activities include: Hiking, Chill time with dads and sons, Exploring, Rocket launching

• Saturday night: Induction ceremony, campfire, epic glowstick dance party, poker ($20 buy in)

• Make sure your Circle Nav is aware if you will be in an RV and the size (feet), or a tent and the size (Large, Med, Small)

• Check-in Friday after 12PM. Check out Sunday before 12PM.

• Be considerate of where we are camping - pack for desert climate. This means strong sun during the day, and cold nights with the possibility for heavy winds. Theres exposure to cacti, bolders, snakes and scorpions (check your shoes!). Coyotes roam at night - so no food left out! Bring thick pants and gloves for dad and son to make the rock climbing/sliding experience less painful. Clothes will have a possibility of getting pretty wrecked. 

• Skies will be pretty incredible. If you have a telescope - bring it. Talk to your son about the stars and galaxies. 

Itinerary:

Friday 11/3

12PM - Check in

8PM - Ranger Talk (Amphitheater)

Saturday 11/4

10AM - 1:30PM - Rockets (15 min drive)

2PM - Expedition games

6:30PM - 8PM - Expedition Campfire (Amphitheater). ** Induction ceremony **

Sunday 11/5:

12PM - Check out

FAQ

Q: Is there an extra charge for RVs or trailers?

A: No

Q: Will there be any food provided?

A: No, coordinate with your circle.

Q: Are there firepits available?

A: There is one fire ring in each camp site. We have over 30 sites.

Q: Do I need to bring my own firewood?

A: We are coordinating a drop off of 2 cords of wood, that will be enough for ALL fire rings

Q: Am I allowed to stay an extra night?

A: Yes, but this needs to be coordinated with our Circle Nav by 11/1 latest

Q: Whats the limit on RV size?

A: Each site has specific size restrictions for tents and RVs. If you have not done so already - speak with your circle nav

Q: How do I ask more questions?

A: Submit them to your circle leader. 

Site assignments:

MAP LOOP A

MAP LOOP B

OVERHEAD OF CAMP

Bears: A05, A06, A07, A09

Buffalo: B10, B11, B12, B14, B16

Chupas: A01, A02, A03, A04

Free Willy: A21, A23, A24, A26

Knight Rangers: B07, B08, B18, B20, B22, B24

PIMU: B01, B02, B03, B04, B05, B06

Wolf Pack/Sea Wolves: A25, A27, A28, A30

About Cottonwood Campground  (Updated 10/18/23 4PM)

The landscape around Cottonwood is that of the Colorado Desert, which encompasses the southern edge of the park and a large portion of Southern California. Rather than being surrounded by large rock formations and uniquely-shaped Joshua trees, like campgrounds in the northern section, this facility overlooks flat, open-desert shrubland. It is also further from towns or cities that would contribute light pollution. As a result, it offers wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky that draw astronomers and amateur sky watchers alike.  Outdoor recreation includes camping, hiking, star-gazing, biking, wildlife viewing and exploring the many historic sites throughout Joshua Tree National Park. There are not any rocks/boulders to climb in this area, but there are some nice hiking trails from the campground. Cottonwood Spring Oasis is also one of the best key secrets in Joshua Tree National Park. It was a n important water stop for prospectors, mines and teasers traveling from Mecca to mines in the north. It’s also one of the best birding spots in the park!

• No RV hookups anywhere in Joshua Tree

• No electric

• No showers

• Clean bathrooms with flushing toilets and sinks are available in each camp circle (A & B) and the Visitors Center (approx 1 mile away)

• We have approx 32 of the 60+ sites available. 

• RV sites are on the tighter side. Confirm size limits with your circle navigator. Additional fee required for RV.

• Pull up to site to unload

• Hiking trailheads from camp

• 40 minutes from main Joshua Tree attractions

• Less crowded than other parts of JTree

• Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table

• Low vegetiation, with little to no natural shade

(Updates will be added as they come in)