Hidden Valley Campground

Hidden Valley Campground is a 44-site desert campground among large granite outcrops near the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Barker Dam. Tent and RV sites sit along small loops between Joshua trees, shrubs and boulders. Choose it for rock scenery and climbing close to camp; it is a rougher fit if you need quiet spacing or services.

The campground is open year-round and first-come, first-served. There is no reservation to fall back on, and visitors sometimes have trouble finding a vacancy as the loops fill. Some sites sit behind rock formations, while others are closer together, so privacy depends on the spot. After choosing an empty site, campers have an hour to register and pay at an entrance station.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and vault toilets are open year-round. There is no potable water, shower, camp store, firewood sale or RV hookup, so arrive with water and supplies. Fires belong only in designated rings or grills; bring extra water to put them out. Dogs must stay leashed and cannot be left unattended.

Climbing and bouldering routes run beside some campsites, and the campground is near the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Barker Dam. The boulder scenery and night sky are part of the appeal. Most cell providers have no service; an emergency-only phone is beside the toilets in the parking area. The campground lists no ADA-accessible campsites, its paved roads can be uneven, and most paths are unpaved. Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable seasons; summer days can exceed 100°F and winter nights can freeze.