AutoCamp Joshua Tree: In an Airstream under the Desert Sky

Two nights in an Airstream, a campfire outside the door and a sky that explodes in pink, orange and violet every evening: AutoCamp Joshua Tree was one of the most special stops on our California road trip with kids, and probably one of the most special places we have ever stayed!

Not a classic hotel, not a simple campsite, but something in between. Glamping in gleaming silver trailers, right in the middle of California's Mojave Desert, just a few minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.

You'll find our complete route and the stops we recommend with kids in our travel guide California with kids: our itinerary.

Who is AutoCamp Joshua Tree suitable for?

AutoCamp is perfect for families who love the camping feeling but don't want to do without comfort. An Airstream sleeps two adults and two children. Every centimetre is put to perfect use. You'll be amazed how much space there is inside!

• Families on a California road trip looking for a special stopover
• Kids who love campfires, starry skies and adventure
• Parents who want design and their own bathroom
• Anyone who wants to explore Joshua Tree National Park at a relaxed pace

For larger families with more than two children, things get tight in an Airstream. In that case it's worth booking two units.

Sleeping in an Airstream: our highlight

The nights in the Airstream were the most special part of this stay for us. The cult trailers, around 9.5 metres long, are lovingly fitted out. Light wood, clean lines, big windows. It feels like a little designer apartment on wheels.

This is how an Airstream is laid out:

• Bedroom with a queen-size bed for the parents
• Pull-out sofa in the living area, ideal for the kids
• Private bathroom with a large shower
• Small kitchenette with fridge and microwave
• Air conditioning and heating for hot days and cold desert nights - we definitely needed the heating!
• Outside: your own seating area with a picnic table and fire pit

Campfires and the colours of the desert sky

Every Airstream has its own fire pit. And that's exactly where we spent our evenings. You can get wood and firelighters in the Clubhouse shop.

When the sun disappears behind the rocks, the real spectacle begins. The sky first turns golden yellow, then orange, pink and finally deep violet. I've rarely seen such a beautiful sky.

After that: marshmallows over the fire, telling stories and counting stars. Because there's hardly any light pollution here, the starry sky is incredibly clear. For the kids it was the best part of the day, and for us too.

Pizza night outside the Airstream

One evening we rented a pizza oven. AutoCamp works with the manufacturer Gozney and offers DIY pizza kits including a portable oven.

Roll out the dough, add your toppings, into the oven. A few minutes later the pizza is ready. The kids got to create their own pizzas and were totally into it. We ate outside at our own picnic table.

For us, it was one of those evenings you remember for a long time. Our tip: reserve the pizza oven early, especially at the weekend.

The grounds: Clubhouse, pool and space to play

The Airstreams are arranged in a large circle on a spacious desert site. There's enough distance between the trailers for every family to have its own little retreat.

• Clubhouse: with reception, lounge, a small shop and snacks
• Pool: centrally located and just the thing after a hot day in the national park
• Play area: a swing and a climbing frame for the kids
• Food: a small menu in the Clubhouse with pizza, sandwiches and breakfast to go. Granola and coffee are free for breakfast.

If you'd rather cook yourself, do your shopping beforehand. The Airstreams have no stove, just a microwave and fridge. But the campfire and the grill at your pitch more than make up for it.

All around: Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding area

AutoCamp is the ideal base for trips into Joshua Tree National Park. The entrance is just a short drive away.

• Skull Rock: the famous skull-shaped rock, a must for kids
• Hidden Valley: a short, family-friendly loop trail between giant boulders
• Cholla Cactus Garden: a sea of cacti, especially beautiful in the evening light
• Climbing and scrambling: rocks all over the park are just waiting to be explored
• Palm Springs: about an hour away, good for a day trip, e.g. to the water park

In the town of Joshua Tree and neighbouring Yucca Valley you'll find little cafés, vintage shops and a creative art scene. Important: there is hardly any shade and no water in the national park. Pack plenty of drinks and sun protection.

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best months for Joshua Tree with kids. The days are warm but not too hot, and the evenings by the campfire are pleasant. Summer can get extremely hot, which makes outings with small children difficult.

In summer it's worth scheduling hikes for early morning and spending the hot hours by the pool.

Practical tips for families

• Length of stay: two nights are ideal to explore the park and enjoy the camp
• Shopping: stock up on breakfast supplies and snacks beforehand, as there's no stove
• Pizza oven: reserve early
• Clothing: even in spring and autumn it gets cool at night, so don't forget jumpers
• Rental car: essential – the national park can only realistically be reached by car

• Route: fits in nicely between Los Angeles, Palm Springs and onward travel towards Arizona or San Diego. 

You'll find every leg of the trip in our travel guide California with kids itinerary

Our verdict

AutoCamp Joshua Tree isn't a place where you have to do a lot. The campfire, the sky in every colour, the pizza night and the nights in the Airstream made these two days a real highlight of our California road trip.

If you're travelling through California with kids and looking for something special, you should definitely plan a stop here. AutoCamp is a chain with other locations across the USA too, many of them at well-known national parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia or Zion. However, the locations are often a little outside the national parks rather than right in the middle of them.

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