Looking for a campsite that’s scenic, central, and surprisingly peaceful? Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree is a solid pick, especially if you can catch it before summer temps hit triple digits.

We camped at Ryan in late May, just before the desert heat became unbearable. After grabbing a quick lunch in Yucca Valley, we rolled into the campground in the late afternoon, just as the sun was starting to dip. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

Ryan Campground is relatively small and centrally located within Joshua Tree National Park, making it a great basecamp for nearby hikes like Ryan Mountain, Cap Rock, and Hall of Horrors. The campsites are fairly close together, laid out on flat, open desert terrain, but they’re semi-private thanks to a mix of boulders and scattered Joshua trees.

Amenities are basic but totally manageable:
• Vault toilets
• No potable water, make sure to bring your own
• Fire rings and picnic tables at each site
• Book a reservation on Recreation.gov

Despite the close proximity of the sites, we lucked out, no one was camped on either side of us, which made the space feel calm, quiet, and more secluded than expected. And the views? Unreal. Surrounded by classic Joshua Tree forests, we had front-row seats to one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen, pinks, purples, golds melting over the desert horizon. It was peaceful, dreamy, and everything I love about this park.

Dog-Friendly Notes – What You Need to Know

Joshua Tree National Park does allow dogs—but with important restrictions to protect both pets and the environment:

Dogs must remain on leash (max 6 ft) at all times and may never be left unattended, not even in a vehicle
Pets are only permitted in:
- Campgrounds and picnic areas
- Within 100 feet of any paved or unpaved road
- The two paved park trails: Oasis of Mara and Keys View
Dogs are not allowed:
- On hiking trails, in backcountry areas, or in park buildings
The policy excludes service animals (as defined under the ADA), which are permitted beyond these restrictions

Why It’s Great for Camping with Dogs

Ryan Campground ticks the key boxes for bringing your pup:

Your dog can walk easily around the campground and nearby roads.
You're surrounded by desert forest views, so they feel part of the experience.
Even with the other sites nearby, you can still feel fairly secluded—and your dog will too.

Quick Tips for Camping at Ryan with Your Pup

Bring plenty of water and a travel bowl—desert heat is real, even in May.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times, and don’t leave them alone in the car—temperatures inside vehicles rise fast
Avoid hiking trails, but stroll the nearby unpaved roads (like Park Blvd pullouts or Queen Valley Road) as long as you stay within 100 feet of the road.
Watch out for hot pavement and cactus spine hazards, especially on bare feet or paws
The park’s vacay rules are clear: break camp for more than 24 hours and your site is fair game. Don’t tie or block off sites for friends not present