Free camping and a gorgeous easy hike in Joshua Tree National Park is a great way to spend a few days!
Welcome, I’m Allie. I’ve been living full time on the road since 2020. These are my memories as I travel.
Leaving Arizona for Joshua Tree National Park – FINALLY!
February 2024
For the last 4 months I had been staying in Lake Havasu BLM with my ex-boyfriend, John, in our truck and trailer. We were both working out how to live together again after a really nasty breakup in 2023.
Things had been going well so we decided to venture out of Arizona into California where we would stay for free on public lands, hike and visit his relatives.
I was super excited to be on the move again. Life had been quite the struggle in the last year and I felt we both needed a fresh start by getting back on the road, something we both love to do.
Enduring the Drive from Arizona to Joshua Tree National Park
The drive from Lake Havasu, Arizona to the southern entrance of Joshua Tree National Park in California is less than exciting. It’s a long, dusty, hot road that can get a little monotonous at times. Luckily, I joined Audible recently, listening to an interesting book while driving made the almost 4 hour trek more bearable.
Using my favorite app for RV camping, Campendium, to find free camping near the south entrance of Joshua Tree NP we found a flat but slightly sandy site to park the trucks and rig for a few days.
Watch : How I Use Campendium
The last time I had camped here I was less than impressed. The other campers seemed a little sketchy but maybe that was my solo female brain on high alert like it always is. Yet this time John and I drove about a mile in to find a relaxing site with views of the distant mountains.
We set up camp, which after 4 years on the road doesn’t take much time, and relaxed the rest of the day away because tomorrow we were going hiking!
Hiking an Easy Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
I’ll admit, this hike is a great hike but I had been to JTNP before during a super bloom in 2019. I was looking forward to seeing flowers again but I was a little disappointed.
Watch our Joshua Tree hiking adventure below. Be sure to comment letting me know if you’d hike the Mastodon Trail too.
Thank You for Stopping By!
I’m Allie. At 48 I set out solo to live in my RV. That journey is on hold but my passions for hiking and living well in my 50s still live on! Join me below for more inspiration and adventures. We’re older but even stronger!
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