Sitting on the exact spot where the Mojave and the Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the most unique desert scenery in the entire world.
Dotted by thousands of enormous Joshua trees, this striking west coast national park is a blend of different ecosystems and landscapes that, put together, create the perfect place to experience the best of California’s desert magic.
Most people head to Joshua tree on a day trip to experience the desert, be it by scenic driving, hiking, mountain biking, and more. If you get the chance, though, spending a night or two near the park is a wonderful way to experience an entirely different side to it, not the mention Joshua Tree is listed as Dark Sky Territory, which means stargazing here is an absolute treat!
From the coolest glamping spots to quirky yurt experiences, these are the best places to stay in Joshua Tree for a picture-perfect night in the desert!
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6 Amazing Joshua Tree Places To Stay
1. The Castle House Estate
Spread over an area of 12 acres in the desert, Castle House Estate is one of the coolest glamping spots not just in Joshua Tree, but in the entire world.
This incredible medieval-style location features yurt-style tents, all designed with luxury in mind. Think plush floor pillows, private fireplaces, and homemade snacks brought to your room at any hour of the day.
If you want to have a night in Joshua Tree that feels like camping but without having to sacrifice comfort at all, the Castle House is one of the best places to stay in Joshua Tree National Park for you!
2. Joshua Tree Inn
Built during the 50s, Joshua Tree is a beautiful motor inn reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda located a short drive away from the entrance to the park.
Here, you’ll get to wake up every day, leave your room, and be surrounded by Joshua trees, all while getting to enjoy the desert while still having the comfort of a cozy bed, a fireplace, a private patio, and a pool to escape the heat after a day spent exploring the park.
Joshua Tree Inn is one of the unique places to stay in Joshua Tree National Park if you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice comfort.
Tip: Room #8 at Joshua Tree Inn is a special one. This is where musician Gram Parsons passed away in 1973 and some say his spirit is still in the room!
3. Area 55 Futuro House
If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to sleep inside a spaceship, this tiny house will give you just that experience.
The house (which we’ll call the coolest Airbnb in the entire galaxy and a real Joshua Tree unique stay) can accommodate 4 people, making it a perfect place to stay near Joshua Tree if you’re traveling with friends.
Note that this place is completely off-grid, so don’t expect any wifi and prepare for phone signal to be scarce.
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4. Hi-Desert Fade
Enclosed by enormous boulders in the middle of the desert, this modern and extremely luxurious house provides the ultimate desert escape.
Even though it’s not actually in Joshua Tree but about 30 minutes away from the entrance, the scenery all around the house will make you feel as though you’re actually inside the park (you’ll find joshua trees right at your doorstep!).
When it comes to picture-perfect sunsets and starry nights, Hi-Desert Fade is also guaranteed to please. The house features plenty of outdoor amenities, including a barbecue, a jacuzzi overlooking the desert, and a plunge pool!
5. AutoCamp Joshua Tree
There’s something incredibly quintessential about sleeping inside an authentic Airstream in the middle of the desert, and this place in Joshua Tree provides just that experience.
Set inside a vintage Airstream that was renovated to provide utmost comfort, this quirky “hotel” offers a cozy bed and a twin sofa bed, accommodating up to three people. Outside, you’ll have access to a bar, fire pit and a pool that comes with spectacular desert views.
Due to the unique experience this spot provides, it gets booked out pretty quickly, so make sure you book as far in advance as possible.
6. Desierto Occidental
If an ultra Instagrammable hotel is what you’re after, a stay at Desiert Occidental is your go-to!
Giving strong Tulum and Marrakech vibes, the architecture of this hotel pops out from the desert’s earthy tones, with striking colors adorning every single wall of the property and creating a unique contrast that may very well make you forget you’re in the USA at all!
The property is surrounded by gorgeous views of the mountains, cacti, and unique desert wildlife. Strolling through the place is pure eye candy, but what takes the cake is the flower-filled outdoor pool at the very edge of a cliff, from where you can take in the scenery while soaking up after a day spent exploring the park.
Cool Places To Stay In Joshua Tree Summary
I hope this list of the best places to stay in Joshua Tree helped you find the perfect accommodation for your desert adventures! Even though these spots are not inside the national park, they’re all located pretty close and are set in the same terrain as the one you’ll find inside the park’s boundaries.
Due to the summer heat, Joshua Tree is best visited in fall or winter. Discover all the best national parks to visit in winter here.
