Desert
Best Hotels Near Joshua Tree for Stargazing and Design
The best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park, from the 29 Palms Inn and Pioneertown Motel to AutoCamp, design rentals and park campgrounds.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Where to stay near Joshua Tree National Park, town by town along Highway 62, plus glamping, rentals and park camping. For an itinerary, see my 2 days in Joshua Tree.
In This Guide
- Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree: Town by Town
- Hotels in the Town of Joshua Tree
- Hotels in Twentynine Palms
- Pioneertown Motel and Pappy & Harriet’s
- Glamping and Design Rentals Near Joshua Tree
- Camping Inside Joshua Tree National Park
- Staying in Palm Springs Instead
- How to Choose a Joshua Tree Stay
- When to Book a Hotel Near Joshua Tree
- FAQ
Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree: Town by Town
The towns sit along Highway 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) on the park’s north side. Joshua Tree is closest to the West Entrance, Hidden Valley and Keys View; Twentynine Palms is near the North Entrance and the Oasis Visitor Center.
Yucca Valley has the most services. All are within 30 minutes of the park.
Hotels in the Town of Joshua Tree
About 10 minutes from the West Entrance, near Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and Ryan Mountain. Rooms sell out on spring weekends.
- Joshua Tree Inn: Historic motel around a courtyard pool. Good value.
- Mojave Sands Motel: Small design motel.
- Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway: Colorful suites toward Twentynine Palms.
- The Bungalows by Homestead Modern at The Joshua Tree Retreat Center: Restored midcentury bungalows on a campus with Lloyd Wright buildings.
Hotels in Twentynine Palms
Darker skies and fewer crowds, near the North Entrance and the Cholla Cactus Garden. Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center runs stargazing nights, and chain hotels make last-minute rooms easy.
- 29 Palms Inn: Adobe bungalows at the Oasis of Mara, with a pool and restaurant.
- Harmony Motel: Simple motel with desert views.
Pioneertown Motel and Pappy & Harriet’s
Pioneertown, a 1940s Western movie set 20 minutes from Joshua Tree, is home to Pappy & Harriet’s restaurant and music venue. Pioneertown Motel is next door.
Glamping and Design Rentals Near Joshua Tree
AutoCamp Joshua Tree, which I featured in a paid post, has Airstreams and cabins with private bathrooms, a seasonal pool and a Quonset hut clubhouse.
Private rentals in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Pioneertown and Landers include homestead cabins and homes with pools. Check reviews for dirt road access.
- Stone & Sky: 13 acres with a pool and spa among the boulders
- Sphere In The Rocks: About 2 minutes from the park entrance
- Bijou: Hot tub in the boulders
Camping Inside Joshua Tree National Park
Campgrounds include Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, Ryan, Black Rock and Cottonwood, most booked on Recreation.gov. Only Black Rock and Cottonwood have water.
My California stargazing guide lists more dark sky spots.
Staying in Palm Springs Instead
Palm Springs is an hour from the West Entrance. See my Palm Springs boutique hotels guide.
How to Choose a Joshua Tree Stay
Winter nights can drop into the 30s.
- Stargazing: 29 Palms Inn or camping inside the park
- Design: Mojave Sands or a private rental
- Budget: Joshua Tree Inn or Harmony Motel
- Live music: Pioneertown Motel
When to Book a Hotel Near Joshua Tree
Book spring 2 to 4 months ahead. Summer is extremely hot and cheapest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay near Joshua Tree National Park?
The town of Joshua Tree, 10 minutes from the West Entrance. Twentynine Palms is darker and quieter.
Is Joshua Tree good for stargazing?
Yes. It’s an International Dark Sky Park. Visit near a new moon.
Can you stay inside Joshua Tree National Park?
Only in campgrounds, such as Jumbo Rocks and Indian Cove, booked on Recreation.gov.
Is it better to stay in Joshua Tree or Palm Springs?
Joshua Tree for the park and dark skies. Palm Springs for resorts and nightlife.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
October through April. Spring is busiest; summer is very hot but cheaper.
Destination guide
My Joshua Tree hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
