White Tank Campground for Stargazing

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.