Joshua Tree National Park

"Joshua Tree National Park will soon cost more when the popular California spot raises reservation fees. Starting Dec. 1, the park will increase fees for all reservations on recreation.gov, including for campgrounds and tours. Then on Jan. 1, 2025, the National Park Service will increase the amenity fee as well as raise the fee for first-come, first-serve campgrounds, according to the National Park Service. The general admission amenity fee will increase from $10 to $20. However, it will now be free for children 11 years old and younger. Campground fees vary depending on the location, but will go up as high as $55 for the Cottonwood Group campground. Reservations for the location, which features 62 sites and three group campsites, potable water, and flush toilets, was previously $35 to $45. Reservations will now also cost $55 for the Indian Cove Group campground, which has 101 campsites, including 13 group campsites. Previously, it was $35 to $55 to reserve. Prices will also increase for other locations like the Black Rock campground, which will rise to $35 from the previous price of $25, and the smaller White Tank campground, which will increase from $15 to $25 to reserve. First-come, first-serve campgrounds will increase from $15 to $25 per night. In addition, prices will also increase for the Keys Ranch Tour, which will now cost $10 to $20 to join." - Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slope

"This delightful three-bedroom property on the outskirts of the Joshua Tree National Park accommodates up to six people. It features a main house with two desert-view bedrooms and a smaller casita with a kitchenette, a bathroom, and privacy. The backyard includes an outdoor kitchen, a patio with dining table, gas firepits, a bar area, and multiple soaking features like clawfoot tubs, a cowboy tub, and a standard hot tub. The home’s interior is decorated with midcentury modern and Georgia O’Keefe touches, including Woodstock festival posters and a selection of vinyl records. Amenities include shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body wash from Public Goods, a well-equipped kitchen, barn doors, a king bed, and both fans and air-conditioning. The owner provides prompt responses and self-check-in is easy with a unique code. Guests don’t need to do the dishes, as housekeeping takes care of it after departure. Laundry facilities are also available."

"Think of this Santa Fe retreat as your own little compound. There is space for 14 across the home's five bedrooms, one of which exists in a separate courtyard suite, with its own full kitchen and a twin daybed. Outside, you've got a 50-foot pool to play in, a Swedish cedar sauna, a large dining table, and plenty of lounge chairs. It's a great place for holidays, too, with a well-equipped kitchen, including a Viking range. To note, there is a seven-day stay minimum in the high season, which is June through August and between Christmas and New Year's." - Jamie Spain, Madison Flager

"A scenic drive through Joshua Tree National Park could span 50-plus miles if you drive straight through. Plan on spending at least four hours traversing the park, as you’ll want to take detours to enjoy panoramic views, climb massive rock formations, stroll through the cactus garden, marvel at an oasis, and find the perfect Joshua Tree landscape for your souvenir photos." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"There are nine campgrounds located throughout the park, including Jumbo Rocks, known for its big boulder rocks that shelter sites from the wind. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy season. Certain sections of the Cottonwood, Black Rock, and Indian Cove campgrounds may be closed during the summer. Ryan and Jumbo Rocks require reservations year-round." - Travel + Leisure Editors