White Tank Campground for Stargazing

Stargazing and Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park, far from the lights and haze of the Coachella Valley.

In winter, be prepared for colder conditions, and a cold night (check ahead for weather and temperatures so you can plan accordingly.)

In summer, it can be very hot during the day (and with summer temps exceedingly hot nowadays, be very mindful on what you do in the desert; it's unsafe and dangerous to be active in a desert heatwave; don't do it). But when the desert sun slinks behind the San Bernardino Mountains, the temperature can drop quickly (again, please check ahead, as during heatwaves things may not cool down much), and the stars come out to play.

White Tank has 15 first-come, first-served campsites (bring plenty of drinking water) and a stunning geological bonus. As the sun begins to set, take the quick and easy quarter-mile stroll along the Arch Rock Nature Trail to a natural stone arch that even Utah would envy. On the way back, scamper along the many other massive, awe-inspiring rock formations.

As the sky darkens, you can drive 7.6 miles north to Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center, just outside the park’s North Entrance. On certain nights they offering free viewing through their 14-inch telescope, and often there are informal gatherings of fellow stargazers armed with telescopes. See the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter, or gaze up at the Milky Way stretching across the sky as meteors streak through the heavens.

Back at White Tank, you’ll surely want to leave the rain fly off your tent and keep an eye out for shooting stars!

To reach White Tank Campground, take SR-62 to Twentynine Palms and head south on Utah Trail for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Pinto Basin Rd. and continue another 2.7 miles. Campsites are first come, first served. You'll need a pass for the park.

Night sky photos courtesy National Park Service, Joshua Tree National Park.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall Coastal Hikes Guide

    Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View