Joshua Tree Campgrounds to Close June 1
The desert's getting hotter, and demand for campsites in Joshua Tree slackens when it gets hot. As a result, the National Park Service will be closing a number of campsites in Joshua Tree National Park on Friday, June 1. Belle, Ryan and White Tank campgrounds will be closed entirely, as will portions of Black Rock, Cottonwood, and Indian Cove campgrounds. At White Tank, Arch Rock Nature Trail and the restroom will remain open for hikers' use. Campgrounds will remain closed until October, or until park visitor numbers pick up again after the hottest months of summer.
If you're determined to do some summer camping in the Joshua Tree area despite the closures, there are plenty of higher-altitude campgrounds in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges -- though check before you leave for fire season closures or other restrictions. Die-hard, heat-seeking desert campers can still take advantage of nearby BLM campsites like Corn Springs. And there's always the Mojave National Preserve and Death Valley for those of you who need to get your National Park on.
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