hotel Archives - Dawn Outdoors https://dawnoutdoors.com/tag/hotel/ Sharing advice, info and inspiration about my happy place: the Great Outdoors. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:42:15 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://happiestoutdoors.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-favicon@3x-32x32.png hotel Archives - Dawn Outdoors https://dawnoutdoors.com/tag/hotel/ 32 32 10 Best Hotels in Squamish in 2025 https://dawnoutdoors.com/best-hotels-in-squamish/ https://dawnoutdoors.com/best-hotels-in-squamish/#respond Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:37:30 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=19729 Whether you are road-tripping the Sea to Sky Highway or looking to spend a few days exploring, you might be wondering where to stay in Squamish. As a local, I’ve got the insider’s scoop on the best hotels in Squamish. Want to skip right to the point? My top pick is the Executive Suites Hotel …

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Whether you are road-tripping the Sea to Sky Highway or looking to spend a few days exploring, you might be wondering where to stay in Squamish. As a local, I’ve got the insider’s scoop on the best hotels in Squamish.

Want to skip right to the point? My top pick is the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort since it gets the best reviews and has the nicest setting.

I’ve lived in Squamish for three years. Before I moved here, I visited a few times a year for decades (I’ve lived in the Vancouver area my whole life.) Squamish is such a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, and incredible scenery that I just couldn’t get enough so I moved here! (Read my huge list of things to do in Squamish.)

In this article, you’ll find my picks for the best hotels in Squamish. I’ve got options for families, those on a budget, people who want some serious woodsy vibes, and lots more. I also recommend a few Airbnbs and places to camp.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

My Top 3 Picks for the Best Hotels in Squamish

View of the Executive Suites Hotel from the pond

#1 Executive Suites Hotel and Resort: kitchens in every room, great location close to trails

Sunwolf Riverside Resort - one of the best hotels in Squamish

#2 Sunwolf Riverside Resort: gorgeous cabins in a woodsy setting, best brunch in town

The indoor pool at the Sandman - one of the best hotels in Squamish

#3 Sandman Hotel and Suites: indoor pool with huge waterslide, free breakfast

10 Best Hotels in Squamish

1. Executive Suites Hotel and Resort

View of the Executive Suites Hotel from the pond
A winter view of the Executive Suites from the pond behind it. There are always lots of birds back here!

Rating: 8.4/10 stars

Location: Garibaldi Estates

Great place to unwind. The room was fantastic. Had everything you’d need. Hotel is in a fantastic location. Beautiful setting. Nice to have a pub on-site. We’d definitely stay there again.

– Carla (Read more reviews)

If you asked me where to stay in Squamish, my first pick would be the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort. With an on-site restaurant, access to trails, a pool, and kitchens in every room, it has tons of amenities.

This hotel sits on a former golf course, so it feels like it’s out in nature despite being just a few minutes from the Highway and the Garibaldi Village shopping area. All rooms have balconies and you can choose from mountain view rooms or rooms that face the pond behind the hotel.

The Executive Suites is also in the best location for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. You can ride right from the hotel into the Garibaldi Highlands/Alice Lake zone, which is one of the best places to mountain bike in Squamish. The hotel is also right next to lots of great hiking trails, many of which are used in the famous Squamish 50 trail running race.

All of the rooms at the Executive Suites are suites. (I guess the name kind of gives that away!) So every room has a kitchen and sitting area, which makes them feel a bit less like a hotel and more like a vacation rental. They have studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, which are great for families or groups.

The hotel has an on-site restaurant called Free Bird. Their sunny patio is one of my favourite outdoor dining spots in Squamish. They also have incredible happy hour specials including “Buck-a-shuck” oysters. They also have a beautiful outdoor heated pool and hot tub area.

The Executive Suites Hotel is in the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood at the north end of Squamish about 10 minutes from downtown. I think it has the best amenities of any hotel in Squamish. And the kitchens are ideal if you are staying for more than one night since you can prep your own food.

2. Sunwolf Riverside Resort

A woman walks past a wood pile at Sunwolf Riverside Cabins in Squamish
Enjoy the woodsy vibes at at Sunwolf Riverside Resort. Photo: Destination BC/Hubert Kang

Rating: 9.1/10 stars

Location: Brackendale

The perfect spot for a quiet getaway! Oh my gosh, this is the perfect spot for a quiet, peaceful getaway! The cabins are absolutely adorable!! So cozy with the fireplace!! Very clean! Beds were comfy! My friend and I wished we could’ve stayed longer!

– Dorn (Read more reviews)

Lots of people come to Squamish for the woodsy vibes. If that’s you, you have to stay at Sunwolf Riverside Resorts. It’s a cluster of cabins on the banks of the Cheekeye and Cheakamus Rivers. It feels like it’s in the middle of the forest, but it’s only a 15-minute drive from downtown Squamish!

The setting is really magical with towering evergreen trees, a rushing river, and lots of moss everywhere. Each cabin has its own outdoor picnic area and there is a communal fire pit. Sunwolf is a great place to unplug because the cabins don’t have TVs or wifi! It’s just you and nature. (There is mobile phone service though.)

You can go for a wander along the riverbank at the resort, or book a white water rafting trip that takes you down the rapids of the Cheakamus River – the same river that runs past the cabins! Sunwolf is also at the entrance to the Squamish and Paradise Valleys, both of which have great hiking. (In Paradise Valley I recommend Brohm Lake via the Thompson Trail. In the Squamish Valley I recommend Crooked Falls or High Falls Creek.)

The cabins were originally part of a rustic fishing lodge, but they have been renovated and spruced up over the last decade, so they are super cute. Each one has exposed wood beams, full kitchens, a fireplace, and a comfy queen bed. Some also have adorable loft bedrooms.

The other major reason to stay at Sunwolf is to enjoy the best brunch in Squamish at Fergie’s Cafe, the on-site restaurant. This place is super-popular, so can beat the line-up by sleeping next door. Their mouth-watering menu includes lots of eggs Benny options and breakfast bowls, all made with locally-sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking for a cabin getaway, Sunwolf Riverside Resort is the best hotel in Squamish. My stay here about 10 years ago was what got me thinking about moving here!

3. Sandman Hotel and Suites

The indoor pool at the Sandman - one of the best hotels in Squamish
Kids love the indoor pool and waterslide at the Sandman Hotel and Suites. Photo: Emily Black

Rating: 8.2/10 stars

Location: Industrial Park

Staff were super friendly! My kids loved the pool. Breakfast had a great array of options.

– Marisa (Read more reviews)

The Sandman Hotel and Suites is the best hotel in Squamish for families. It has a huge heated indoor pool with a waterslide, which kids will love. It’s also one of the newest hotels in town, so it has gorgeous rooms. There is also a free Continental breakfast.

This hotel has several room types to choose from, but all have mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers and wifi. If you’re staying as a family, their rooms with two queen beds and a sofa bed are a great deal.

The Sandman Hotel is also pet-friendly if you travel with your fur babies. They have designated pet-friendly rooms and a reasonable pet fee.

The stand-out feature is the huge indoor pool. It can get rainy in Squamish, so having an on-site indoor pool means you always have a backup activity. There is also a spiral waterslide that goes outside, and then back inside, and a hot tub. When my friend stayed here with her kids, they couldn’t get enough of the pool!

While the Sandman is located in Squamish’s Industrial Park, it’s actually a pretty good location. It’s within walking distance of Backcountry Brewing and Geo Cider, both of which have family-friendly restaurants in their tasting rooms. (My tip: Get the wood-fired pizza at Backcountry and the huge burritos at Geo Cider.) It’s also two blocks from Walmart if you need groceries.

The location is also very central. It’s a 5-minute drive south to downtown Squamish or north to Alice Lake Park for swimming and hiking. The Sandman is a classic chain hotel, but it’s well-executed and worth a stay.

4. Squamish Adventure Inn

Squamish Adventure Inn with the Stawamus Chief in the background. The best budget hotel in Squamish
The Squamish Adventure Inn has a pretty spectacular location! Photo: Squamish Adventure Inn.

Rating: 8.3/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

The place was cozy, friendly, and clean. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. The common areas were well designed and one would just want to sit there with a book in the evening after a long adventure. The organization of the kitchen was very well thought out.

– Linda (Read more reviews)

If you’re on a budget, the Squamish Adventure Inn is the best place to stay in Squamish. It functions both as a hostel and a value-priced hotel. This hotel has hostel-style dorm rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. But it also has hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms.

One of the stand-out features of this Squamish hotel is the huge communal kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. There are also shared lounge spaces for relaxing and a big outdoor patio with a BBQ.

The Squamish Adventure Inn is really set up for adventure. They have secure gear storage for your bikes and skis. And in the summer they rent bikes, kayaks, and SUPs. They also have discount deals with local businesses for white water rafting, ziplining, breweries, restaurants, and more.

If you don’t have a car, the Squamish Adventure Inn is my top recommendation for hotels in Squamish. It has a great location just outside downtown Squamish. It is an easy 5-minute walk to the grocery store or the Adventure Centre to catch the bus to Vancouver or Whistler.

The Inn sits on the shores of Mamquam Blind Channel, so you can paddle right out the back door. It’s also a 5-minute walk from the Smoke Bluffs, one of the best rock climbing areas in Squamish.

5. Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company

Rating: 7.6/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

The location was great, easy to find and really nice town. Good sized rooms and well equipped, comfortable bed. Good food and ambience in the bar.

– Oliver (Read more reviews)

If you want to stay in downtown Squamish, book a room at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company. This small hotel has rooms upstairs from Howe Sound Brewing Company, which is one of the oldest craft breweries in BC!

If you can, book one of their view rooms. That way you can look out at the Stawamus Chief right when you wake up! If you are travelling with your dog, they also have pet-friendly rooms.

The Howe Sound Inn is located at the southern end of downtown Squamish, so it’s an easy walk to lots of shops and restaurants on Cleveland Avenue (Squamish’s main drag). It’s also right next to the entrance to the Squamish Estuary walking trails.

Having the Brewery downstairs is also great. They have great craft beer made on-site and a pub-style menu. They also make wood-fired pizzas. And don’t worry about noise from the brewery! None of the rooms are over the pub and they close at 10 or 11 pm each night. Downtown Squamish is pretty quiet!

6. August Jack Motor Inn

Rating: 8/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

Great comfortable stay and excellent staff. Large room and very comfortable bed. Great view of the mountains.

– Kathleen (Read more reviews)

The August Jack Motor Inn recently got a glow-up with renovated rooms and repainted exterior. They’ve also upped their hospitality game, with lots of reviews praising the helpful staff. This Squamish hotel has a great location downtown and budget-oriented prices but still has all the amenities.

This hotel has standard queen and king bedrooms, but they also have suites with full kitchens. The suites have great views of the Stawamus Chief Mountain.

If you want to do laundry, they have coin-op machines. The recently renovated lobby also has a Nespresso machine for guest use. If you’re looking to work, I’ve heard that their Wifi is really fast!

They also have built a dedicated food truck zone next to the hotel. It hasn’t opened yet (as of February 2024), but it looks really cute with twinkly lights and picnic tables.

The August Jack has a great location right in the middle of downtown Squamish. Junction Park is across the street and Stan Clarke Park is behind the hotel, so it’s quiet. It’s also half a block away from Fox and Oak, my favourite doughnut shop!

And if you’re wondering about the name, August Jack Khatsahlano was a Squamish Nation chief and the hotel was named to honour him.

7. Crash Hotel Squamish

Ski themed room at the Crash Hotel in Squamish
The ski themed room at the Crash Hotel. Photo: Crash Hotel/Paula Owen

Rating: 7.6/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

Friendly, helpful staff. Big, clean rooms with amazing view of the mountain. Couldn’t be more central!

– Eleanor (Read more reviews)

If you like nightlife and funky rooms, Crash Hotel Squamish is the hotel for you. This boutique hotel in downtown Squamish has themed rooms. It located above The Cleveland Tavern, Squamish’s busiest bar, and Trickster’s Hideout, an eclectic coffee shop/cocktail bar that has live music most nights.

Crash Hotel Squamish has several different room types, including some with bunk beds if you are travelling with a group. Some of the rooms also have great views of the Stawamus Chief.

But the best part is that each room has its own unique themed decor and a signature mural behind the bed. The ski-themed room even has an old chair lift that doubles as a bench!

The hotel also has lots of great amenities like a rooftop patio, a bike storage room, and pet-friendly rooms. They also use a high-tech virtual reception and digital check-in/check-out system where your phone functions as your room key.

Staying at Crash Hotel puts you right in the heart of downtown Squamish, so it’s a short walk to lots of restaurants (including Taka Ramen, my favourite sushi place, which is just down the block).

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the place to stay if you want quiet! But Crash Hotel is really upfront about that: Some of their rooms are labeled “noise impacted” and they warn that all of the rooms experience some bar noise, especially on weekends. But if you plan to be up late partying, it’s the perfect place to stay since all the action is right downstairs.

8. Sea to Sky Hotel

The exterior of the Sea to Sky Hotel
The Sea to Sky Hotel has a bike shop/coffee shop and a liquor store.

Rating: 7.3/10 stars

Location: Garibaldi Estates

Great service with coffee shop/bike shop linked to hotel. Very helpful staff with hotel. Would stay there again in the future.

– Donald (Read more reviews)

The Sea to Sky Hotel has a great location in the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood of Squamish. It’s a good spot to base yourself if you are a mountain biker since there is a bike shop with rentals in the lobby.

All of their rooms have balconies and the ones on the west side of the building have an incredible view of the Tantalus Mountains. And all of the rooms have air conditioning. This is a great Squamish hotel for groups because each room sleeps 4 to 6 people.

If you are travelling with skis or bikes, they have a designated gear storage area. The hotel also has a hot tub and sauna to relax after your adventures. There is a liquor store on the ground level. The on-site restaurant recently changed hands and hasn’t reopened yet, but I’ll update this post when it does.

This is a great hotel for mountain bikers. Ride Hub Cafe in the lobby can make you a latte in the morning, tune-up your bike, and give you tips on where to ride for the day. They also have bike rentals.

The Sea to Sky Hotel is located in the Garibaldi Village Shopping Centre, so there is a grocery store next door, a liquor store downstairs, and lots of restaurants nearby. I recommend Sushi Sen and Lil Chef Bistro, both of which are on Tantalus Road behind the hotel.

9. Mountain Retreat Hotel and Suites

The indoor pool at the Mountain Retreat Hotel in Squamish.
The pool and waterslide are the highlight of the Mountain Retreat Hotel and Suites. Photo: Mountain Retreat Hotel and Suites

Rating: 7.2/10 stars

Location: Industrial Park

Just the basics, quiet and comfortable. Great value, perfect for families, and pet-friendly too. Our kids loved the water slide! It’s FAST.

– R (Read more reviews)

The Mountain Retreat Hotel is another good Squamish hotel option for families thanks to its large rooms, family suites, and indoor pool with a waterslide.

All of the rooms have air conditioning, mini-fridges, and coffee machines. They also have family suites with a separate bedroom and a kitchenette. And they offer pet-friendly rooms.

The hotel has a heated indoor pool with a waterslide as well as a hot tub. They also have a fitness centre. The Timberwolf Restaurant on the ground floor is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Mountain Retreat Hotel is located in the Squamish Industrial Park next to Highway 99. (Tip: Ask for a room on the quieter west side of the hotel.)

The location is not close to much besides Tim Horton’s. But, it’s down the block from Raincity Distillery, which makes great cocktails made with their house-made gin and vodka and also serves up great Chinese dumplings. And since Squamish isn’t big, it’s a 5-minute drive to downtown Squamish.

10. Hotel Squamish

Rating: 6.5/10 stars

Location: Downtown

Good stay, would go back, price very good for area and located in the town centre. Room was small but well equipped.

– Stanley (Read more reviews)

Hotel Squamish is a great option if you’re on a budget. The 100-year-old building is one of the oldest in Squamish, but the rooms are renovated. It’s also upstairs from the nicest restaurant in Squamish, The Salted Vine.

All of the rooms have standard amenities like mini-fridges and coffee makers. There are several room types including a suite with a separate living area. They also have co-op laundry.

Hotel Squamish is located in downtown Squamish on Second Avenue, which is one block away from Cleveland Avenue, Squamish’s main drag. There is a liquor store downstairs along with The Salted Vine, my favourite restaurant in Squamish.

The location is very central – it’s a short walk to lots of restaurants and shops. Be sure to stop at Peak Provisions, a great deli with a lunch counter. I also recommend browsing at Gather Bookshop next to Peak Provisions.

AirBnbs and Vacation Rentals in Squamish

Squamish has a housing shortage, so the laws for Airbnbs are very strict. That means that there aren’t very many vacation rentals. Check the listing when you book to make sure they include a business licence number – that’s how you know it’s a legal rental.

However, you can still find a few gems on Airbnb and VRBO.

Beautiful Squamish Pet-Friendly Home: If you’re travelling with a group that includes dogs, this vacation rental in Brackendale gets great reviews. It also has a hot tub! Check rates and availability.

Cozy Home in Central Squamish: This cozy 3-bedroom house in the Northyards neighbourhood is dog-friendly and an easy walk to Backcountry Brewing. Check rates and availability.

Comfortable Townhouse in the Heart of Downtown Squamish: Enjoy the comforts of a home for less than the price of a hotel room. This 1-bedroom townhouse even has its own backyard. Check rates and availability.

Camping in Squamish

Since it is close to both Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a popular place to camp. I’ve got details on 22 campgrounds around Squamish in my guide to camping in Squamish.

My top pick for camping in Squamish is Alice Lake Provincial Park just north of town. It has 96 sites near the shores of Alice Lake, which is a great temperature for swimming in the summer and has two beaches.

South beach at Alice Lake Provincial Park - my favourite place to camp near Vancouver
South Beach at Alice Lake on a calm day

Squamish is a small town, but we still have lots of great lodging options. You can choose from the best hotels in Squamish, cabins, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.

I hope this list helped you find a place to stay in Squamish that works for your trip. If you need more advice, hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

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Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree https://dawnoutdoors.com/best-places-to-stay-near-joshua-tree/ https://dawnoutdoors.com/best-places-to-stay-near-joshua-tree/#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:00:00 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=5136 .Joshua Tree, California is a pretty unique place. Located in the desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, it’s famous for gorgeous scenery, hiking, camping, and an eclectic arts scene. So it should be no surprise that you can find places to stay near Joshua Tree that incorporate each of those things (and sometimes a …

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.Joshua Tree, California is a pretty unique place. Located in the desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, it’s famous for gorgeous scenery, hiking, camping, and an eclectic arts scene. So it should be no surprise that you can find places to stay near Joshua Tree that incorporate each of those things (and sometimes a combo of all of them!)

Although it isn’t near a big city, there are still lots of great places to stay near Joshua Tree, from boutique hotels to Airbnb cabins to rustic campsites. I’m sure there will be something on this list for everyone.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Which Area To Stay In?

Most visitors to Joshua Tree National Park stay in or near the towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms along Highway 62 on the northern border of Joshua Tree National Park. The town of Joshua Tree is close to the West Entrance Station and the town of Twentynine Palms is close to the North Entrance Station.

Some visitors also enter the park from the south entrance about an hour from Palm Springs. However, it’s a long drive from that area, so in this post, I’ll focus on where to stay near Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms.

Best Hotels Near Joshua Tree

If you’re looking for the convenience of a hotel or motel, you’ll find lots in the Joshua Tree area. Most are clustered along Highway 62 in Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. Here are my picks for the best hotels near Joshua Tree.

Best Themed Hotel Near Joshua Tree

The Pioneertown Motel was originally built in the 1940s to house movie stars shooting western films. Today it’s been updated to have all the modern conveniences, but still looks every bit like a vintage western movie set. Yeehaw! It’s one of the most popular places to stay near Joshua Tree

Check availability

A cute cowboy-style cabin at the Pioneertown Motel in Joshua Tree, California
Stay in an adorable cowboy-style cabin. Photo via Pioneertown Motel

Best Budget Hotel Near Joshua Tree

The El Rancho Dolores Motel in Twentynine Palms is a retro Spanish-style motel located near the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Its budget-friendly rooms have fridges, microwaves, A/C, wifi, and tile floors that stay cool in the heat. Reviews say they are very clean. There’s also a great pool to cool off in.

Check availability

Best Joshua Tree Hotel for Families

The suite-style rooms at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twentynine Palms are a great choice for families. Each one sleeps four to six people on a combo of beds and sofa beds. There’s a separate seating area too. Kids will love the outdoor pool and parents will enjoy the ease of the included breakfast buffet.

Check availability

The outdoor pool and deck at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twentynine Palms, California - one of the best places to stay near Joshua Tree
The outdoor pool at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twentynine Palms. Photo via Marriott

Best Vacation Rentals near Joshua Tree

The Joshua Tree area is known for an eclectic collection of vacation rental homes, cabins, yurts, domes, glamping tents, and more. Most are on quiet desert roads a short drive from the highway. Here are my picks for the best vacation rentals near Joshua Tree.

Stargazing Bubble Tent Near Joshua Tree

Talk about a bucket list experience! Sleep in the unique Marbella Lane bubble tent and watch the stars light up the desert from the comfort of your heated bed. It has a hot tub and barbecue too. It’s a short drive to the town of Joshua Tree and the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.

Check availability

Sleep in a unique bubble tent near Joshua Tree National Park
Unique bubble tent. Photo via Marbella Lane

Coolest Private Villa with a Pool near Joshua Tree

Known as The Invisible House, this is one of the coolest places to stay in Joshua Tree. It’s been described as a 22-story skyscraper laid on its side. It has a fully mirrored exterior that makes it disappear into the desert. With three bedrooms, a 100-foot indoor swimming pool, and 90 acres of land, there’s plenty of space to spread out and chill out.

Check availability

Instagrammable Dome House Near Joshua Tree

The airy Serenity Dome House is a great boho-style getaway. Chill out in hammocks by the pool, soak in the hot tub, get cozy at the fire pit, or pose for photos in front of the murals on the property. At night, stargaze through the skylights.

Check availability

The kitchen of the Serenity Dome House - one of the best places to stay in Joshua Tree
The kitchen of the Serenity Dome House with skylight and doors out to the pool. Photo via VRBO

Best Cottage Right Next to the Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park

The cute Clever Rabbit cottage is less than 1/4 mile from the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park – you hike directly into the park from your front door. It’s a cozy and rustic little house with a fully equipped kitchen, a fire pit, and an awesome hammock hang-out zone. The Clever Rabbit is definitely one of the most convenient places to stay near Joshua Tree.

Check availability

Hammocks on the porch at the Clever Rabbit cottage near Joshua Tree National Park
Hammocks on the porch at the Clever Rabbit. Photo via VRBO

Best Family-Friendly Rental Home Near Joshua Tree

If you’re heading to Joshua Tree with kids, book the Comfy Boho Cottage. It sleeps six and has a fully equipped kitchen. There’s even an adorable single-serving pancake maker. Kids will love exploring the backyard yurt and roasting marshmallows on the firepit.

Check availability

Front porch at the Comfy Boho Cottage, a family-friendly rental house near Joshua Tree National Park
The front porch at the Comfy Boho Cottage. Photo via VRBO

Best Pet-Friendly Rental Home Near Joshua Tree

Located in the desert a few minutes’ drive from the town of Twentynine Palms, the Flying Point Homestead is a great Joshua Tree rental home option if you’re travelling with your dog. Pets are welcome at no extra charge and the yard is fully fenced.

Check availability

Exterior of the Flying Point Homestead, a great pet-friendly rental home near Joshua Tree National Park
The exterior of the Flying Point Homestead. Photo via VRBO

Best Places to Camp Near Joshua Tree

If you love nature and don’t mind a bit of roughing it, I would recommend camping inside Joshua Tree National Park. That way you can experience the desert landscape 24 hours a day and go for hikes right from your tent door. Most of the campgrounds are less than a 30-minute drive to the village of Joshua Tree, so it’s easy to go get groceries or go to a restaurant.

Best Reservable Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

Five of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park accept reservations. Since getting a first-come, first-served campsite in the park can be tough, making a reservation is a great idea. You can make reservations online up to six months in advance through recreation.gov.

Ryan Campground is small and rustic, with just 31 campsites. It has a great central location that is popular with rock climbers. There’s no water here so you’ll have to bring your own.

Jumbo Rocks Campground is also centrally located and with 124 sites, it’s the largest campground in Joshua Tree National Park. However, it doesn’t feel too crowded because huge boulders between most of the sites provide privacy. Bring your own water.

Indian Cove is located on the northern border of the park close to Twentynine Palms, which is convenient. However, there is no direct access to park roads so you’ll have to drive into town, then around into the park. This campground has 101 sites and no water.

Black Rock Campground: Located near Yucca Valley on the western side of the park, this campground is a bit of a drive to get to the park’s main roads. But it has running water and you can hike right from your campsite.

Cottonwood Campground: This campground is in the far southern part of the park near the Coachella Valley. It’s at a lower elevation, making it warmer in winter (good) but also warmer in summer (bad). It’s a long drive to the rest of the park from here, but that makes the campground a bit quieter.

Tents at the Ryan Campground - one of the best reservable campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park
Tents at the Ryan Campground. Photo: NPS/Brad Sutton

Best First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

If you can’t get a reservation, Joshua Tree National Park has three first-come, first-served campgrounds. However, it is very difficult to get a site. They are fully by Friday night for most weekends between September and May and are full all week during the spring.

Check-out is at noon but many people leave before that so it’s a good idea to start checking early in the morning. You may also be able to talk to people who are packing up and ask if you can move into their campsite once they leave.

On my March trip, we stayed outside the park on our first night, then drove to the park early in the morning on a Wednesday. We managed to get one of the last sites available at Hidden Valley Campground – we actually had to wait for the previous campers to leave.

Hidden Valley Campground is the most popular campground in the park. It has a central location near lots of climbing crags. You can also hike right from the campground. The campground has a gorgeous setting near lots of cool rock formations. It has 44 sites and no water.

White Tank Campground is small with only 15 sites. It’s close to the north entrance, but also really central. You can hike from your campsite to Arch Rock, one of the park’s most popular locations. No water.

Belle Campground is another small campground near the north entrance. It has 18 sites and tends to be a bit quieter. It also has no water.

Camping at Hidden Valley Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Just one of our recommendations for the best places to stay near Joshua Tree.
Our campsite at Hidden Valley campground.

Best Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds for RVs

None of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park have RV hookups. However, a few of the campgrounds do have RV-friendly features.

Black Rock Campground near the town of Yucca Valley has RV-accessible potable water and a dump station. The maximum length for RVs is 35 feet. Make reservations up to six months in advance for one of the 99 sites.

Cottonwood Campground in the southern part of the Joshua Tree National Park has a dump station and RV-accessible potable water. Most sites will fit RVs up to 35 feet. All 62 sites can be reserved up to six months in advance.

A 5th wheel RV at a campsite in Black Rock Campground - the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for RVs
An RV site at Black Rock Campground. Photo: NPS/Hannah Schwalbe

Best Free Dispersed Camping Near Joshua Tree

If you want to get away from the crowds and camp for free, try dispersed camping near Joshua Tree. There are tons of places to camp on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the National Park. There are no formal campsites, so that means no toilets, picnic tables, or other amenities. Come prepared with your Leave No Trace skills!

If you’re looking for even more options for places to stay near Joshua Tree, have a look on Booking.com or VRBO as there is so much out there, with new and adorable places popping up regularly. Have you stayed somewhere amazing that you’d recommend? Tell me in the comments.

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