Oasis Entrance ~ Joshua Tree National Park

There are several ways to get into Joshua Tree National Park and the Oasis Entrance is one of the most popular. This access point can be found in the city of Twentynine Palms, so stocking up for a long outdoor excursion in this National Park is easy to do. Modern accommodations can be found in this town and there are some unique eateries too. The low budget motel choices can be a bit iffy in this area, because a large Marine Corps Base is right next door and these places turn into party spots on the weekends. Camping is by far the best option when touring Joshua Tree National Park and the Oasis Visitor Center offers all the information needed for making the venture happen.

The Oasis is a visitor center, education center, museum and gift shop all wrapped up in one package. The adobe style architectural design fits in with the natural theme and this building is a marvel to see. Information about points of interest within this vast National Park can be found here and this is where campsite reservations can be made. During the spring and summer seasons, the campgrounds do fill up quick and making reservations well ahead of time is recommended. During the autumn and winter seasons, the visitor numbers dramatically decrease, so open campsites are easier to find. There are options for the budget minded traveler too and the National Park Rangers will point to where the neighboring BLM Dispersed Camping Areas are located on a map. 

The free brochure that is offered at National Parks is good for getting a general idea about what lies in store, but many details are not covered. In recent years, the National Parks started offering a booklet that describes everything within the park in great detail, which is a real plus. Topics include everything from safety regulations to detailed hiking trail maps, along with listings for every point of interest. These thrifty priced guide books are worth their weight in gold, especially when doing an intensive tour. For this reason, be sure to pick up a Joshua Tree National Park guide booklet while browsing the Oasis Visitor Center!    

The scenic drive going into Joshua Tree National Park from the Oasis is as picturesque as can be. Many scenic overlooks with information placards can be found along this road and they are well worth checking out when passing through. This road eventually intersects with Pinto Basin Road and this is where a few large campgrounds can be found. The Oasis entrance will bring a visitor into the heart of the high elevation Joshua Tree forests, which are the prime attraction in this vast wilderness area. The Oasis Entrance is a nice way to start a Joshua Tree National Park adventure, so be sure to keep the Oasis Visitor center in mind when planning the tour!