First-Timer's Guide To Joshua Tree National Park

Above, camping at Cottowood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Years ago, Joshua Tree National Park was known as Joshua Tree National Monument. It became a national park in 1994.

I had been there several times since I was a kid. My Boy Scout troop camped there back around 1966. I remember we camped in Jumbo Rocks Campground. We had a great time there climbing the huge rocks.

I last visited it in 2015 and camped at Cottonwood Campground.

Cleveland.com posted a first-timer's guide to Joshua Tree National Park. 

They begin it with:

JOSHUA TREE, California – The trees here get all the glory. But the rocks may be the coolest part of Joshua Tree National Park.

Don’t get me wrong – the trees are also special, with their Seuss-like branches and spiky leaves.

But you can’t climb the trees.

The rocks, on the other hand, are open for exploration.

Unlike some national parks, where visitors are discouraged from getting too close, explorers here are encouraged to hike, scramble, climb up, rappel down and otherwise fully experience the hundreds of igneous rock formations that dot the landscape.

To read more, go here. 

Cold Weather Camping Tips and Hazards

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Winter camping is something that I've rarely done. 

The first time I've camped in cold weather was ten years ago while at Joshua Tree National Park. It got very cold after sundown. I had my propane heater on overnight. Early the next morning, I still had plenty of propane, but the heater's fan drained the house battery. I ended up leaving the park early.

RV Travel has posted an article on cold weather camping tips and safety hazards to avoid. It ends with a video.

It begins with:

When temperatures drop and leaves turn, plenty of RV owners start thinking about winter camping. Some do it by choice, others because they have no better housing option. Either way, cold camping can be rough on both people and rigs if they go in unprepared.

The video guide at the end of this post from Josh the RV Nerd at Bish’s RV walks through real-world tips to stay safer, protect the RV, and avoid some very expensive and dangerous mistakes. 

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Poll: Do You Own Your RV Outright Or Make Payments?

Above, camping at Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a new poll asking the question, Do you own your RV outright or make payments? 

I would hazard a guess that most people probably make payments, although 60% of responders said they own it outright. Personally, I own my Class C Winnebago outright, having paid cash for it. 

The poll begins with:

For many RVers, buying a rig is one of the biggest purchases they’ll ever make—second only to buying a home. That’s why we’re curious: At this very moment, do you own your RV outright, or are you still making payments on it?

We all know that RV ownership comes with plenty of rewards—freedom, adventure, and the ability to bring your “home” just about anywhere. But it also comes with costs, and financing is a common part of the equation. Depending on the type of RV and the terms of the loan, monthly payments can stretch across 10, 15, or even 20 years. Some folks dive in with big down payments and aggressive payback schedules, while others are more comfortable spreading the cost out over time.

So today we want to know: Do most of you own your rigs outright, or is monthly financing the norm? If you’re someone still making payments, we’d love it if you’d share how much longer you expect to be making those payments. Your insight could help fellow RVers who are weighing their own financing options or just trying to understand what’s typical in the community.

To read or take part in the poll, go here. 

 

National Park Restrictions For RVs

Above, RV camping in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I booked my campsite in 2016 in North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park, I used the booking website's imaging of the available campsites to make sure my 23 foot motorhome would fit into the chosen site. Size does matter!

That is one of several things RVers have to bear in mind when camping in our national parks. There are other restrictions to keep in mind and it's best to be aware of them ahead of time.

TheTravel has posted an article on national park camping restrictions.

They begin it with: 

With the kickoff of the summer travel season underway—and with many popular national parks in the USA to choose from—it’s the perfect time to start planning your next national park adventure. If you’re an RVer, there are a few critical restrictions to consider before hitting the road.

One of the most important is RV length limits. These restrictions can determine whether your vehicle will fit into a national park campground—or if you’ll be forced to look for sites outside park boundaries. Whether you're renting a rig or bringing your own, knowing the dimensions of your RV—especially its length—can make or break your trip.

And while length is often the most limiting factor, it’s not the only one. Here’s what else you need to know before you book your site.

To read more, go here. 

7 RV-Friendly National Parks

Above, Yosemite National Park's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in a national park is something everyone should put in their "bucket list" of things to do.

I have camped in several national parks over the years. The first was with my parents in 1968 in Lassen Volcanic National Park in an umbrella tent. The most recent was in 2017 in Grand Canyon National Park in my motorhome. 

It is more difficult these days to secure a campsite. Many parks take campsite reservations a year in advance. I got lucky twice in recent years. I was able to get campsites in Joshua Tree National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. I didn't reserve a spot in either. I just drove to each and found a campsite. The only national parks I made reservations for was at Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. I had to make a campsite reservation months in advance for a spot in North Pines Campground at Yosemite and Trailer Village at the Grand Canyon.

The Travel has posted a list of seven national parks that they consider "RV-friendly". 

They begin with: 

As a proud American RV owner, you’re probably itching to explore the country’s breathtaking national parks from the comfort of your own mobile home. Luckily, many national parks have an abundance of facilities that cater specifically to RV enthusiasts, providing amenities and scenic routes that make navigating and appreciating nature a breeze.

These parks offer an unforgettable experience for RVers seeking to connect with nature in style, combining nature’s splendor with numerous engaging activities to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home on wheels. So, get ready to add these seven incredible national parks to your must-visit list, carefully selected to ensure an unforgettable RV adventure.

To read more, go here. 

National Parks Not Big Rig Friendly

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 23' Winnebago Minnie Winnie Class C motorhome, the criteria was to be able to park it in my apartment's double parking space along with my car. I measured the space before making the purchase. 

Another reason was to be able to camp in national park campgrounds. Since I bought it, I have camped at Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks with no problem. 

While having big RVs may give someone all the comforts of home, they may be restricted from being able to camp at a national park due to size or even being able to drive on national park roads.

That is the topic of an article in RV Life posted yesterday. It lists 6 national parks that are not RV friendly. 

They begin it with:

When it comes to RVs, a big rig is an RV over 40 feet in length. These deluxe RVs can give you almost all of the comforts of home wherever you go, but getting them into national parks can be tricky. For one thing, all national parks have size restrictions that limit the size of the RV you can bring in.

There are two reasons for this. For one thing, the roadways throughout the park might not accommodate large RVs. Many national parks were developed long before big rigs were really a thing. This means the roads in the park might be too windy or may not be wide enough to safely navigate an RV. Another reason national parks have size restrictions is that the campsites are just not big enough to accommodate big rigs. As a matter of fact, only about half of all national parks allow RVs over 35 feet long.

It’s a good idea to find out about size restrictions ahead of time when you’re planning your vacation. While you’re planning, check out the vehicle length restrictions on the national park’s website. Even though they always have a good reason for it, you might be surprised at the national parks that don’t allow big RVs.

To start with, we’ve found six popular national parks where you should definitely not take your 40+ foot RV. You can find RV parks and resorts nearby that are more suitable for your big rig with a quick search on RV LIFE Campgrounds or while planning your travels with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.

To read more, go here.

National Parks: You May Need Advance Reservations and Permits

Above, at Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The days of spontaneously going to a national park without camping reservations are pretty much a thing of the past. In some cases, spontaneously just going to a park is also becoming a thing of the past.

I have gotten lucky in getting campsites at two national parks over the past few years without making any reservations: Joshua Tree National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

But since the pandemic, our national parks are getting more crowded and in order to control crowd numbers to protect the parks, some are requiring reservations even to just enter the park.

That is the subject of a CNBC post.

They begin with:

National park tourism is booming. But an idyllic adventure into the great outdoors can be derailed by overlooking an important aspect of trip planning: advance permits and reservations.

Some of the most frequently visited parks require people to book ahead for access to popular attractions like heavily trafficked hikes, roads and campgrounds. Some require advance tickets for full park entry.

What this means: Travelers can’t necessarily bank on showing up spontaneously to a national park and getting the experience they desire. Fail to secure this paperwork, which is typically free but can carry a processing fee of as little as $2, and you might not even get in. Since reservations can be in high demand, it’s necessary to plan ahead.

To read more, go here. 

Top 5 RV-Friendly National Parks

Above, at Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my motorhome back in 2015, I have visited several national parks. 

They include Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Zion and Grand Teton. But I have camped only in some of these.

I had been able to secure a campsite at Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic and Grand Canyon. At the others, I had camped in private campgrounds nearby.

RV Travel has posted a list of the top 5 RV-friendly national parks.

They begin it with:

There are many great national parks to visit in an RV, but the best one for you will depend on your interests, the type of RV and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here are a few of the most popular options. My husband and I have visited all of the ones below and loved each one, all for different reasons.

RV size matters

While most of the national parks have campgrounds that accommodate RVs, there are various size restrictions, so before you book, make sure to read the size restrictions carefully. If your RV is over the size limit, you may be turned away or, even worse, find that you cannot make the tight turns necessary to get to the campground and have nowhere to turn around. (I had that experience once…)

Reserve early!

National parks are popular and usually have large crowds. Book campsites early. There are usually a number of campgrounds available just outside the national parks that can also accommodate RVs.

To read more, go here. 

Staying Warm In An RV Without Electricity

Above, at Red Rock Park Campground near Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Only one time I had a problem in keeping warm in my motorhome. That was during an overnight stay at Joshua Tree National Park. I was dry camping with no hookups.

The night got frigid cold and I ran my motorhome's propane heater. That was actually the first time I used it. 

I had plenty of propane, but little did I know, it drew a lot of electricity from the battery and ran it completely down by morning. 

RV Life has an article on how to stay warm in case the RV park's electrical system should suffer a power outage. 

They begin it with:

Spending the winter in your camper can be fun, but you should always be prepared to endure cold weather.

Sure, RV walls offer protection from wind and snow. But drafts and poor insulation can make your vehicle quite chilly. You can run the heater, but unexpected power outages can force you to shut it down. Winter can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.

Don’t be a victim of a winter campground power outage. This article explains:

To read more, go here. 

National Park Camping: The Good Ol' Days

Above, at Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once upon a time, people could jump into their cars or campers and head out for a summer camping vacation trip to any national park and just pull up to the gate of one of their campgrounds, pay the fee, and select a campsite and camp. No reservations were needed (the parks didn't reserve campsites in those days). No problem. No crowds.

The only time we had to face a full campground at a national park was in 1972 at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We parked outside of the park in an overflow area in our 1968 Buick Le Sabre for the night. My mom and I slept inside the car and my dad slept on the hood. We woke up early the next morning, went to the campground gate (we were one of the first in line there) and when it opened, we were able to get a campsite. We were tent camping at the time.

Nowadays, in order to get a campsite in many of our national parks, one must make reservations months in advance. This is now the rule, rather than the exception.

Only two times in recent years I had been able to pull into a national park, pay the camping fees (without prior reservations) and get a campsite. Those were in 2015 at Joshua Tree National Park (Cottonwood Campground) and 2017 at Lassen Volcanic National Park (Manzanita Lake Campground). Both parks had plenty of spaces available. This used to be the rule, rather than the exception.

The days where one can camp in a national park without reservations were the "good ol' days" and are almost gone now. 

Emily Woodbury at RV Travel has an article on a recent trip while remembering days gone by when there were no crowds and plenty of campsites available. 

Here's a snippet:

I know what the parks were once like. I remember camping with my dad, Chuck, in Bryce Canyon National Park years ago. We arrived in the afternoon and pulled into a campsite practically hanging over the hoodoo formations below. No problem. Peace, quiet, open campsites and no crowds. And it wasn’t just like this at Bryce… Death Valley, Yellowstone, Arches… it was all the same back then.

To read it, go here.                                                                                                                                                                             

How To Determine Your RV Furnace’s Propane Usage

Above, The Beast at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first real use I put my RV furnace to was while dry camping at Joshua Tree National Park in 2015. I put it on when I went to bed, but I found myself cold when I woke up and got out of bed early the next morning. I had plenty of propane, but what I didn't count on was that the furnace drained my house battery to zilch. 

Normally, I stay at RV parks with full hook-ups, thereby providing power to my space heater and RV furnace. Even though I have access to power, I use the RV furnace sparingly to conserve the propane and rely more on the space heater. And, since l learned my lesson, I don't use the furnace until I am awake as I am warm enough under the covers. I have not had any problems since.

How much propane does an RV furnace use? To answer that question, Do It Yourself RV posted an article that tells all.

They start it with:

How much propane does an RV furnace use? This is not a question you typically hear sitting around the campfire with other RVers. You are more likely to hear questions like how long will my battery last, how long will my freshwater last, or how long will my propane last. The last three questions are totally subjective, but “how much propane does an RV furnace use” has a definitive answer. 

Note: This article addresses DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) RV furnaces found in most newer RVs—not older RV furnaces that contain pilot lights.

To read more, go here. 

If The Thrill Is Gone, Now Is The Time To Sell Your RV

Above, The Beast at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right away, when I saw the title of a new article by RV Life, B. B. King's song, "The Thrill Is Gone" immediately came to mind (by the way, it features great guitar work and is one of my favorites from 1969).

The premise of the article is that if one is no longer as "into" their RV, they should sell it, especially since RVs are a hot commodity currently.

The article begins with:

The camping season is at an end for now, and your RV is likely sitting in a storage lot somewhere, longing for the warm weather to roll around. That said, you may not be feeling that same longing. We get it—hobbies come and go, and you may not be as into RV camping as you once were. The good news? Even though you may still have a payment on the RV and you might feel stuck with the purchase you made, you don’t have to be. Not only can you sell your RV, but right now is actually one of the very best times to do so. 

If the thrill of RVing is gone for you, but you still feel unsure about the decision to let go of the rig, keep reading to discover all the reasons you should let go and sell your RV. 

To read further, go here. 

Since I brought up the legendary B. B. King ("The King of the Blues") at the start of this blog post, here's a video of "The Thrill Is Gone" for your enjoyment.

Joshua Tree National Park Tips For Visitors

Above, Joshua Tree National Park's Cottonwood Spring Oasis. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Out in the Mojave Desert, sits Joshua Tree National Park. 

I first visited the park back in the 1960s when it was still a national monument. Today, due to its close proximity to Los Angeles, it is a busy park.

Before heading there, it would be wise to check out what Joshua Tree's park rangers recommend.

TravelAwaits has posted 10 key ranger tips for visiting. They begin with:

Joshua Tree National Park has a rugged landscape, which isn’t surprising since it includes parts of both the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Notably, the park is also home to most of the world’s Joshua trees, which explains its name.

The park, located just outside Palm Springs, California, is also very popular. In fact, Joshua Tree was the tenth most-visited national park in the U.S. last year — drawing 2.4 million visitors. In 2019, about 2.8 million visitors traveled to Joshua Tree to enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, photography, rock climbing, and simply enjoying the desert scenery — including its spectacular sunsets.

When planning a trip to Joshua Tree, there are two factors that must be considered. The first is those crowds. The larger consideration, however, is the park’s desert wilderness environment.

The staff at the National Park Service (NPS) understand that planning a trip to Joshua Tree can be challenging. To help make planning your trip easier, NPS has released its “Top 10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park” as part of its “Plan Like a Park Ranger” series. These tips explain how Joshua Tree’s rangers themselves would plan a trip to the park.

So, let’s get to it. Here are Joshua Tree’s park rangers’ vacation-planning tips.

To read them, go here. 

The Best National Parks for RV Camping in 2021

Above, the first national park on the list is Joshua Tree National Park in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Have an RV but can't decide on where to go this summer or even in springtime?

As luck would have it, The Manual has an article on the best national parks for RV camping in 2021 to help with the decision-making process on where to go.

They begin it with:

For many Americans, 2020 fast became The Year of the RV Road Trip. Now, in 2021, recreational vehicles are more popular than ever before. Whether you’re a first-time RV buyer or a seasoned veteran, visiting the U.S. National Parks is a quintessential part of owning your own camper. But with more than 400 “units” in the National Park Service (NPS) system, how do you choose where to go next? These are the best National Parks in Spring for RV camping.

To read more, go here. 

RV Propane Heater vs. Electric

Above, The Beast at Joshua Tree National park where the propane heater drained the house battery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2015, I spent a night at the Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Although it wasn't winter yet (it was in November), the nighttime temperatures got down into the 30s. I used the RV heater for the first time.

The following morning, I found that the house battery (there were no power hook-ups at the campground) was drained to practically zilch. The battery is needed to power the RV heater fan. Since it was about 5:00 in the morning, firing up the generator was out of the question as it is noisy and there's other campers to consider.

Instead, I started the engine and it began to charge the house battery since it is much quieter. But the charging was too slow, so I left the campground around 6:30. I didn't camp in such conditions (no electric hook-ups and cold temperatures) again.

About a year later, I was camping at a RV park in Topeka, Kansas and since there was a Walmart nearby I bought a ceramic space heater. The nighttime temperature was forecast to get into the 20s. Since I had power from the campground, that worked fine for me and I didn't have to use the RV propane heater.

RV Life has an article on what is right for a RV: Propane or electric? It discusses the pros and cons (like what I experienced) on heating a RV during winter conditions with propane and electric heaters. 

They begin with:

With winter in full swing, many campers are missing their RVs like crazy. Meanwhile, there are RVers who choose to keep on camping despite the chilly weather. The trick to enjoying winter camping trips? A heater, of course!

Most people who camp in cold weather only occasionally simply turn on the RV propane heater included with their trailer or motorhome. This is fine in some cases, but depending on your camping style and preferences, it might not be the best option for you. 

Wondering what options you have besides the traditional RV propane heater, and which heating option would work best for you? In this article, we will discuss both of these things so you can head out on your winter camping trips with confidence. 

To read more, go here. 

Joshua Tree National Park Passes Sold Online

Above, the south entrance into the park from Interstate 10. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Joshua Tree National Park is the closest national park to Los Angeles. It is situated in the Mojave Desert of California near Palm Springs and Indio.

Now, visitors to the park can now buy passes online.

According to the Desert Sun: 

People who wish to visit Joshua Tree National Park can now purchase access passes online, park officials announced Thursday.

Due to restrictions put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 the national park was initially shutdown in March. But, it was reopened in May and despite ongoing state-imposed shutdown orders in the wake of an ongoing surge of pandemic cases, it remains open. 

National parks, like Joshua Tree, are being allowed to stay open during the ongoing lockdown and activities such as hiking can still take place. Park officials, however, said overnight camping is currently not permitted.

People looking to take a trip during the day to Joshua Tree can purchase specific passes for the park at recreation.gov at no additional cost. 

Purchases may be made via computer or mobile device.

To read more, go here. 

Best Portable Space Heaters

Above, the ceramic space heater I use in The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Running a built-in RV propane heater is not the most economical way to heat the interior.

First, if dry camping, a generator has to be running to generate power for the unit, eating gasoline. They will run on a rig's battery, but that drains the battery in short order. I found that out at Joshua Tree National Park a few years ago. Plus, it eats up propane as well.

I use a ceramic space heater that will run off the campsite's power supply, thereby saving gasoline and propane. I picked it up at a Topeka, Kansas Walmart. I only dry camp twice a year at most anyway.

Travel + Leisure has an article on the best portable space heaters. The one I have isn't on the list. One of my home space heater's fan motor died recently, so I am in the market for a replacement.

They wrote:

If you're one of those people who always runs cold and can never quite seem to warm up, you're probably familiar with space heaters. They heat up quickly and are often portable and affordable, if you know where to shop, that is. If you're looking for a compact heater you can take room to room this winter, or even on a cold-weather camping or RV trip, we've rounded up six space heaters that will be sure to fit your needs. From an oscillating tower that rotates 70 degrees to a stylish, modern heater that looks more like a piece of decor than a heater, we have you covered.

To see the space heaters they recommend, go here. 

Joshua Tree National Park Reopens

Above, The Beast at the Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert of Southern California is open again. It had been closed due to the spreading coronavirus.

According to The Desert Sun:

Joshua Tree National Park is open to the public after shutting down nearly two months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hannah Schwalbe, a Joshua Tree National Park spokeswoman, confirmed roads and gates reopened Sunday morning. She referred to the park's website for additional details. 

The website indicates entrance stations are staffed, but workers aren't collecting entrance fees. Also open are parking lots, trails, family campsites and most restroom facilities. 

Visitor centers and group campsites are still closed to the public and all programs and permits for special-use activities through May 31 are canceled. Group campsites are larger than family campsites, which typically fit up to six people.

To read more, go here. 

How To Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Above, The Beast at Cottonwood Campgrouna in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago (it's hard to believe it's already that long ago), I took a trip to the General Patton Memorial Museum at Chiriaco Summit, California.

After visiting the museum, I headed to nearby Joshua Tree National Park and entered through the South Entrance off Interstate 10. I spent the night at the Cottonwood Campground. Since it was late autumn, I had no problem in getting a campsite. This was the first time I've stepped foot inside the park since it was changed to a national park. I had been there a few other times when it was a national monument.

It is the closest national park to the Los Angeles metropolitan area and it sees about 3 million visitors annually.

Travel Awaits blog has posted an article on how to visit Joshua Tree National Park.

It begins with:

The open desert skies, the abundant wildlife, and, of course, the namesake Joshua tree all inspire wonderment and admiration in those who visit Joshua Tree National Park. 

The Joshua tree, part of the Agave family, is found in a certain part of the Mojave Desert. Its unique, twisted shape makes it a distinct part of the landscape -- and makes Joshua Tree one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Almost 3 million people visit Joshua Tree National Park each year to see these unique plants, camp under the stars, and hike through massive boulders. 

Here's everything you need to know before planning a visit to this wonderful place.

To read more, go here. 

Human Bones Found Near Joshua Tree National Park

For the second time in recent weeks, human skeletal remains have been found in and near Joshua Tree National Park in California.

The Hi-Desert Star reported:

JOSHUA TREE — Homicide detectives and medical examiners are investigating human bones found near Joshua Tree National Park around 11:11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. 

A hiker reported finding a partial human skeleton in Section 6, said Cindy Bachman, a spokeswoman for the county Sheriff’s Department. 

Section 6 is roughly a square mile of undeveloped land east of Quail Springs Road, outside the western border of the park.

Investigators will be examining the remains to determine the person's identity and the cause of death.

To read more, go here.