Review is for the hike, the payoff is an abandoned adobe homestead with the main structure still…read morestanding and old parts strewn around the base of Ryan Mountain. Joshua Tree will always have a special place in my memory. I came camping here for the first time as an elementary school kid and my friend's father taught me how to pitch a tent, spot constellations, and different types of rocks. Luckily, my kids seem to have inherited the same feelings and loved their time at Ryan's Ranch. Hike is an easy 1.1 miles out and back but you can spend much more time scrambling on the rocks which we did. There are Joshua Trees everywhere you can walk right up to. My favorite part was total freedom to explore. It's not like many hikes that have a set path and barriers to stay in, a lot for the rock scrambles are very close to the trail and there is easy visibility so you won't get lost if you don't wander too far.

When we were there it was quiet and our site, #5, was close to the bathroom. We were pretty close…read moreto site 6 and luckily it was unoccupied when we camped. It felt like we had a lot of space to ourselves. The site is pretty exposed so the sun was burnin'! There seemed to be a lot of sites on the other side of the campground that were next to big boulder rocks so there are sites with more shade. The bathrooms were pretty clean, no showers. The fire risk was high due to the high winds so we were barred from using the fire pit and bbq grill that weekend. The Joshua trees are mesmerizing and are everywhere! There are a couple more campgrounds in Joshua tree that we would like to check out but wouldn't hesitate to stay at Ryan campground again!

Spent 2 nights/ 3 days here on a weekend (Friday-Sunday) in early July with a party of 4. We were…read moresurprised to be able to book a site online less than a week before. When our party arrived at the campsite, the host gave us the option of choosing a different campsite as they said our original site (#11) wasn't great. We camped at spot #74 and it was very spacious with plenty of shade in the afternoon (the mornings were quite hot). There were two dumpster sites a short walk away, and a parking space large enough for our 2 cars (crossover/ hatchback). The potable water pump was also closely accessible across the road. There are no flush toilets at Heart Bar, only vault toilets. However, staff kept the toilet area pretty clean and stocked with toilet paper. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and bear box. The hosts sell firewood as well. This campground is also dog friendly, and our dogs had a great time. Compared to other campgrounds I've been to, Heart Bar is a lot bigger and feels more secluded and peaceful as there is plenty of space between campsites. I loved it here! Already thinking about when I can make my next trip back.

No wifi no nothing except Lions, Tigers, and bears! (actually I saw none) Many bathrooms to choose…read morefrom and no lights. No showers either, you must bring your own solar shower bag or buckets. The camp grounds have a lot of room in between parties so you do not feel so close to each other. The only drawback I found first is the entrance sign is really small and in no time you can miss it. I want to say I missed it the first time because I was hoping to see a bigger sign. Otherwise the campgrounds volunteers were very kind and helpful. Lots of pine trees with so much to explore. I fell in love with this camp site and I highly recommend to take your own trash back home. I found many of the dumpsters the next day full. I do not think it is to much to ask. It was a perfect weekend with a full-moon and it does get a bit chilly at night with thin air. It was really refreshing to get out of the city and relax under so many trees. Our experience was our neighbors were peaceful and kind. if you forget firewood they do sell some on site. extra small car parking fee per night $7.

I have never been to Big Bear. We stayed at the cabins at MCC. What a view. We had a trail right…read morebehind us. They have fire places and can by wood there or nearest store. Full kitchens, bedroom and a loft. I say they looked like Smurf homes. So cute. Don't let the pictures fool you. The places is big enough and comfy. I don bring my own Christmas decorations to lighten it up. I can't wait to go back in February.

Very cute cabins. They were clean and had fulll fridge and bathroom. Beds weee small but super…read morecute. Kids had a great time. We would love to return.

Kinda of reluctant to leave a review because I want to keep it a secret--but no gatekeeping here, I…read moreguess! Didn't take pics but looking at the other reviews, all are pretty much the same. It was my first time at this campground. Loved the email and text updates. They were very helpful! As we drove up, we were greeted by site staff and given some quick tips and shown our site. Check in and out was SUPER easy the the staff are very accommodating. The site is kept very nicely and actual ground is so level and firm. The location is ideal as it is close to the west entrance to JTNP and other shops and restaurants. Loved the dog park that is adjacent to the campgrounds. The quiet hours are not strictly upheld, however, as there was a very loud group next to us. But, it was not too bad and they were out by 1am. Overall, it was the best experience and I can't wait to get back.

Very simple, clean, close to the national park (5min). The hosts are very kind. Full bathrooms…read morewith showers. Would use again for a night or two.

Cool campground located within beautiful Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park. This are was…read moreone of my favorite places to explore while I was here in the park. There are 44 sites with pit toilets, fire pits, but no water. The sites are are first-come, first-served and require pre-payment at an entrance station. The area is surround by large boulders and Joshua Trees. Just remember that it is prohibited to tie a hammock to any of the trees here. Definitely make some time to walk the Hidden Valley nature trail while you are here. There are picnic tables near the trailhead that you can eat at.

This was probably my favorite hike of the whole trip. Hidden Valley Nature trail was so beautiful…read more Great for beginner hikers as it wasn't too long. We came during sunset time and it was breathtaking. There's an awesome amount of rocks, joshua trees, beautiful views, and you can lay to see the stars. I will definitely be back!

Jumbo Rocks Campground has 124 campsites and is one of the more popular campgrounds at Joshua Tree…read moreNational Park. Because of that, they require reservations year-round for $30 per site. Next to the campground has massive rock formations. If you're not staying at the campground there are only four parking spots but you can park on the side of the road just outside the entrance. The campground is in a central location with other campgrounds and attractions nearby. Even if you're not staying there it's nice to walk around and check out the rocks.

We camp at Jumbo Rocks every year and it never gets old. The rock formations are just stunning like…read morenature's playground. You do need to book in advance though, this place fills up quick. Restrooms? Meh. Not the best, but we bring our own setup so it's not a dealbreaker. Just a heads-up: double-check how many vehicles your campsite allows. Last year we showed up with two cars but only had one parking spot such a rookie mistake! Thankfully our neighbors were cool and let us use their extra. There are tons of trails around here, with different levels depending on how much you feel like sweating. No water on-site though, so come prepared. Especially if you're visiting in the summer please bring a pack, hydrate often, and avoid turning your hike into a heat stroke story. Also, bees! They're not aggressive, but if you're allergic, bring your EpiPen or maybe rethink the trip. And the sunset? Unreal. Watching the sun bounce off those rocks is something else. If you're not staying overnight, you can still swing by and do the Skull Rock Trail it's short, sweet, and perfect for a day trip.

A group of us (20 friends, including 9 kids ages 4-6 years) went camping here recently. I didn't…read morefind too much information on this particular campground when I was doing research on where we should go, so I thought I'd add a bit now in case others are considering this spot in the future. It's a pretty awesome spot, at the very end of a road that winds through some other campgrounds in Big Bear. The campsite can easily accommodate 7 family-size tents, and there is plenty of shade under towering pine trees, a vault toilet just far enough away that any smells don't come anywhere near the camp, and it's impeccably maintained by the campground hosts. Add in several picnic tables, a taller prep table near a ginormous double-sided grill, a large fire ring for your nightly marshmallow toasts, a water spigot and miles upon miles of open space and starry skies -- it all adds up to an excellent site for a large group. It's especially great for folks with kids, as the loop at the end of the road is paved and all our kids had fun riding their scooters and we felt safe with them doing so. There are hiking trails nearby that are tame enough for little ones, and although the sound of Highway 38 can be heard at night, for the most part, this site really makes you feel like you've escaped the zaniness and overwhelming claustrophobic pressure of the city. There are several group campsites in this area of Big Bear (about 20 miles west of Big Bear Lake), and I think this is one of the best if you are looking for solitude and privacy. The other campsites as we drove in were also very spread out, adding to the feeling of overall privacy in the area. Firewood can be purchased at a nearby market (be forewarned, it's not always open), but you are also allowed to collect small amounts you find on the forest floor (if a ban hasn't been imposed on campfires, which can depend on the time of season you go -- be sure to call and also stop by the Mill Creek Work Center or Barton Flats Visitor Center to chat with the rangers before going up to get updated on any changes in regulations). The ONLY downside would be that it is dusty -- our kids were constantly caked in a fine powder of dust (they didn't care, they were having the time of their lives) as were all our clothes, etc. So don't go expecting a grassy meadow, but just take more than the usual amount of clothing for everyone, wash basins to fill with the water provided at the site, and some washcloths, and you'll be good to go! Enjoy the beautiful outdoors!!

Hit and miss here to find a spot. No reservations. Came for spring break and it was packed. Luckily…read morewe found one open spot on a Monday. Gorgeous at this site though.

Campsites are on a first come, first serve basis. There are some that are reservations only, but we…read moreusually go for the Jumbo Rocks campsite as there are tons of spots. This time around, we decided to try out Belle Campground. The process is the same: pick a spot, fill out the form, clip it on your campsite post, and deposit the money filled envelope at the camp fee box (usually located near the info boards). It's a smaller campground with 18 spots at $15 per night. They have vault toilets and trash bins located throughout the area. The toilets are stocked with toilet paper, but it never hurts to bring some, just in case. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ grill. There is no water available, so bring enough for each person as well as cooking purposes. Overall, this was a nice campsite. It is a bit smaller than we were used to compared to Jumbo Rocks, but we enjoyed it all the same.