Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Like most campsites in Joshua Tree National Park, the sites at White Tank Campground are first-come, first-served and offer no potable water. Though unlike most, this one fills rather slowly. If you’re having trouble finding an opening, try White Tank.

The closest amenities are 15 miles away in Twentynine Palms, so plan accordingly. Additionally, this site doesn’t accommodate large vehicles very well. It’s advisable to choose another campground like nearby Belle or Jumbo Rocks if you’re traveling in a camper or an RV.

With immediate access to Arch Rock, one of the park’s most famous formations, and a number of easy hiking trails, this site is great for little ones. The short, maintained loop trail up to Arch Rock is dotted with educational placards and shares insight on how these behemoth monzogranite boulders formed.

In addition to the impressive boulders strewn about the area, there are giant boulders littering the campsite which provide both shade and a playground for kids. Though the quality of the rock varies too greatly to attract many climbers, some intrepid high-ballers will flock to The Saturn Boulder 0.5 miles to the north from the campground about equidistant between White Tank Campground and Belle Campground. This massive and obvious stand-alone boulder is dominated by a dike that slices through its mass. It is bolted, though many choose to boulder it. The route following the dike is rated at 5.12+.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Direct access to Arch Rock. Doesn't fill up as quickly as other campgrounds.

Cons

Difficult to get a campsite. No potable water.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Managed by

National Parks Service

Features

Vault toilet

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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