Campsite #23 at Ryan Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

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$30

Campsite #23

30 reviews
Drive-In 4 people
24 ft Back-In
2 weak
23
2/11
4/29
Campsite #23 Features: Drive-In access, Back-In parking, 24-foot driveway, Fire ring w/ Grill, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (25)

5.0 out of 5

5 star
76%
4 star
4%
3 star
16%
2 star
0%
1 star
4%

@EmilieCAE465DC · Camped on Dec 22, 2025 at Campsite #23
Fabulous site if you want to be near both the Joshua Trees and the boulders.
T-Mobile
No Service
@BobA6894347 · Camped on Nov 11, 2025 at Campsite #23
Fantastic campground. Well kept campground with lots of privacy. Great hiking and climbing within walking distance.
@ShannonF661836 · Camped on Oct 10, 2025 at Campsite #23
The park was clean, the toilets were well stocked, the fire rings and BBQs were nice.
Verizon
No Service
@JanetF1272231 · Camped on Oct 5, 2025 at Campsite #23
I give 5 stars for the campground, only 2 stars for our original campsite (#23). First, the campground is great - small in size, plenty of bathrooms, and most are moderately level with a good space for tents. Also, most of the sites are neatly snuggled in and around the jumbo rocks lurking in the campground, which provides for a cool, desert vibe. The night sky was spectacular. Our campsite: not so good. When we booked our rezzie a month earlier, site #23 was the last one, so we took it. When we arrived, we soon learned this site is too close to its neighbors next door (#19, #20) and the ones across the road (#21, #22). Unfortunately, our next door neighbors were being loud, drinking a bit, playing music, and dropping f-bombs far too many within earshot. Their kids were more quiet and respectful than the adults. This wasnt gonna fly - we didnt come to Joshua Tree to relive Spring Break. So we checked around and verified the camp host would not be there, so we picked up and moved to the other side of the campground where the camp host would normally be. Much, much better. Our next door neighbor at the new site also commented on the noisy bunch from sites #19 and #20 - seems they could be heard from a distance. People, try doing better in the National Parks.
@AmieC1E1A68625 · Camped on Mar 19, 2025 at Campsite #23
We had a beautiful view of the large rock formations. Took a nice hike fromThe campground through the Joshua trees.
AT&T
No Service
@JenniferG44963 · Camped on Jan 18, 2025 at Campsite #23
I stayed in site 23 with a friend. The site was spacious and we only had neighbors on one side, and no one behind us. We both camped in our vehicles, and the parking spot was flat and wide enough to fit my minivan and her large truck camper. Vault toilets were clean and had no odor, possibly due to the freezing temperatures. I brought my dog, so we were only able to hike around the campground, but we were still able to see amazing views and sunsets. Highly recommend this nice small campground.
T-Mobile
No Service
@LiYFCC6EDCA03D · Camped on Dec 27, 2024 at Campsite #23
You can always trust campgrounds in national park system!
@BruceC8051679 · Camped on Apr 30, 2024 at Campsite #23
Had a great site. Loved the view and the campground is small
Verizon
No Service
@StephenC406899 · Camped on Mar 10, 2024 at Campsite #23
Beautiful surroundings. I would enter the park early. Traffic after 9 am cam delay u
T-Mobile
No Service
@AllenD6393567 · Camped on Mar 9, 2024 at Campsite #23
Ryan Campground was very pretty. It was set back from the main park road and totally surrounded by open land with Joshua trees and giant rock outcrops. I liked that the campground was not very big, so there weren't a ton of people, total. It was overall pleasant. However, I didn't like how close together some of the sites were, and that some sites had shared parking areas, so I was constantly getting close to others, which felt awkward. There was not much privacy at most sites. But I definitely thought it was better than Black Rock Canyon campground!
Verizon
No Service
@BarbaraE171764 · Camped on Feb 27, 2024 at Campsite #23
We had a great time and enjoyed some nice hikes at Ryan campground.
T-Mobile
No Service
@MichaelH990269 · Camped on Jan 25, 2024 at Campsite #23
Awesome!
@stevenb5011158 · Camped on Jan 23, 2024 at Campsite #23
We stayed midweek in January - it was very quiet and several sites were empty. Sites are well spaced and beautiful. Toilets were very clean and plenty of TP. Its a gorgeous small campground. Highly reccommend.
T-Mobile
No Service
@PascalS9F6DB70 · Camped on Dec 22, 2023 at Campsite #23
Ryan is a nice campground and Ferdinand the Host was the most engaged and responsible host Ive seen. Unfortunately both nights neighboring campers arrived and left at 330 in the morning and slammed their car doors about 20 times. Whats wrong with people ? Totally inconsiderate and clueless. The NPS just doesnt put any energy into establishing better rules and then NEVER patrols campgrounds with Law Enforcement rangers. They dont care what happens in campgrounds.
@ElyseHCA2A5B7B · Camped on Nov 28, 2023 at Campsite #23
Lovely campsite in the center of the park, close to a lot of must-see areas of Joshua Tree! This is a great spot for stargazing or for having close access to many of Joshua Tree's highlights.When picking your campsite, know that there is a large pile of boulders in the center of the loop. Depending on where you are, in relation to the sun's path, you could experience some earlier shadows than your neighbors.
AT&T
No Service
@DominicO49D5D7 · Camped on Nov 5, 2023 at Campsite #23
very nice location. fun to be in a campground full of people after a long stretch camping alone!
Verizon
No Service
@JohnR2194126 · Camped on Oct 9, 2023 at Campsite #23
Smaller campground with fewer neighbors. Inside the ring, youre next to this cool rock formation, outside the ring, youve got miles of desert. Go hike up Ryan Mountain nearby for an incredible sunset hike!
Verizon
No Service
@KaciC84A98E280 · Camped on Jul 16, 2023 at Campsite #23
Didnt get to stay in the site due to extreme weather. It was 116 degrees. Hopefully will get to stay soon!
Verizon
No Service
@RishaM342008A8 · Camped on Jun 27, 2023 at Campsite #23
We got site 23 - good site, (but only because no one was in the the 3 sites next to it. They are extremely close to each other with no separation).
Really good views of mountains and nice Joshua trees. Campsite is a little small - only really space for one tent. Could cram more if needed. A little afternoon shade from small bush, but not much.
T-Mobile
No Service
@PatriciaH36547 · Camped on Apr 7, 2023 at Campsite #23
Enjoyed our stay. Friendly ranger.
AT&T
No Service
@JohnD1553494 · Camped on Mar 5, 2023 at Campsite #23
If you don't have a Senior Lifetime Pass, get one. It saved a lot of time. The campground host/volunteer was pleasant, helpful, and hard working. She gave worthwhile advice. I watched her picking up all the little bits of trash that get away from the campers throughout the campground . The rangers, who drove through everyday, were friendly and informed. The pit toilets were picked up and well stocked with TP. The cement tables were in good condition. They were much better than the wood tables in many campgrounds. No running water, so bring your own. The scenery was spectacular. The old Ryan Ranch was a short walk away and a fun visit. The five mile drive to Keyes View was time well spent. Many rock climbers enjoyed the rocks close to the campground. We went in March. It was windy in the day until the sun went down, and then it froze every night. If you like car camping this is a fun, comfortable place to visit.
T-Mobile
No Service
@DanielM5313297 · Camped on May 13, 2022 at Campsite #23
Like all Joshua Tree campgrounds the views are stunning, particularly of Headstone Rock. There are some good bouldering areas. It's also not too far inside the park, so it pretty easy to get to other parts.Some of the campsites do not have much between them and therefore not much privacy. It is a relatively small campground.The facilities are very well maintained. I saw the utility vehicle drive through several times a day to replenish.Not my favorite campground in Josh, but I would definitely stay there again.
AT&T
No Service
@ANDREWL5237889 · Camped on Jan 9, 2022 at Campsite #23
Very attractive campground! Well kept, beautiful views, and very accessible. Each campsite has its own firepit with a flip-up metal 1/2 grill, picnic table, and parking spots are nice features.
Verizon
Some Coverage
@DannyGF5F34DDF · Camped on Dec 4, 2021 at Campsite #23
nce location central in the park. Someone was squatting on our spot as the rangers dont list the names or if it is reserved on the sites post. Nor was there any rangers we could find to get them to move. Put reservations name and such on each site. but nice location near the ryan mtn trail and nice fire pit for nightht time
No Service
T-Mobile
No Service
@JAMESS8693241 · Camped on Nov 28, 2021 at Campsite #23
Park is rugged wilderness. Was attracted by the boast of best place to watch stars at night. Unfortunately the campground seems less used by those enjoying the outdoors and more by folks bringing the city lights. The light pollution and cramped campsites were less than expected. Set an alarm for midnight which saved the experience. Still recommended just be mindful of others
Verizon
No Service

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