Joshua Tree National Park

"California is the top U.S. camping destination, known for its expansive natural parks, favorable weather, and rich biodiversity. It offers a range of outdoor activities from rugged hiking to lakeside swimming." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare

"National parks often provide wide-open spaces with minimal light pollution, perfect for meteor shower viewing."

"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

"A delightful three-bedroom property on the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park, perfect for musicians and creatives looking to draw inspiration from the tranquil, unique landscapes. The main house features desert-view bedrooms with wide windows, while a smaller casita offers privacy. The highlight is a vast backyard with soaking tubs, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen, and a 108-inch screen for movie nights under the stars."

"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