Guide To The Desert: Joshua Tree
Camping is one of my most favorite things. You get to disconnect from the outside world and simply just be present. Joshua Tree in particular has been on my bucket list ever since I moved to So Cal, so this past weekend we packed up our gear and headed to the middle of nowhere.
Joshua tree has 9 different campsites, some take reservations but most do not. Their peak season is October – May so make sure to plan your trip on a weekday or get there first thing Friday to ensure you have a spot. Check out each campsite here to see which one is best for you!
Next comes the gear, which can make or break your trip. The best advice I have is to come out with a master list and divide up the items between you and your group. With food and alcohol it ends up being about $20 per person for a 3 day trip (a lot cheaper then a weekend at the bars). Don’t forget to ask your park ranger for a map when you drive in, they have all the trail routes on them. Try out my list below and go get lost in the desert!
On your way out stop at Crossroads Cafe for some amazing breakfast and refreshing mimosas to help you beat that hangover.
3 Day Camping Trip Menu:
- Snacks: apples, bananas, string cheese, power bars (cliff bars are my favorite for camping because they keep you full while hiking)
- Breakfast: bacon, eggs, croissants, muffins, oatmeal
- Lunch: sandwiches
- Dinner (Night 1): pasta and garlic bread
- Dinner (Night 2): burgers
Grocery List:
- instant coffee
- hot chocolate
- oatmeal
- lettuce
- tomato
- sliced cheese
- avocado
- meat
- sliced bread
- mustard
- mayo
- pasta
- pasta sauce
- parmesan cheese
- garlic bread
- string cheese
- power bars
- bananas
- apples
- bacon
- eggs
- buns
- pattys (or veggie pattys!)
- shredded cheese (for cheesy eggs in morning)
- chips
- salsa
- croissants
- muffins
Alcohol and Sweets:
- beer
- wine
- graham crackers
- marshmallows
- hershey’s chocolate bars
Gear:
- camping stove
- ***tip** get yourself a Jetboil
, it boils water in under 2 minutes and is a god sent
- fire wood
- lighters/matches
- pots/pans
- spatula
- coffee mugs
- plates/utensils
- paper towels
- toilet paper
- trash bags
- camping chairs
- easy-ups
- cards
- cooler
- speaker
- tent
- sleeping pad
- sleeping bag
- water bottle
- WATER JUGS
- lights
- grill for burgers
- sunscreen
- day pack
- running/hiking shoes
- BLANKETS
- pillow
- warm jacket (it gets super chilly at night)
, it boils water in under 2 minutes and is a god sent
