Hi y'all,
I'm considering a trip down to Joshua Tree next February, maybe close to week. I've never been there. Can anyone recommend good camping areas, either dispersed car camping, or in established campgrounds? I might be interested in doing some simple overnight backpack, but to be honest, carrying all my water seems like a pain. I don't really want to be around loud partying campers (climbers?), and I want to have a lot of good hiking options. I guess any other good outdoors options in the area would be of interest, too. Thanks!

I was there many years ago in early April. If I remember correctly, Jumbo Rocks was an exceptionally beautiful campground. There are climbers, but things were quiet (and hot) when I was there. In February it will get cold at night. Stargazing is great. I went for day hikes. I doubt if there's any dispersed camping along the paved road, possibly there is along the 4WD road if you have 4WD (check the park's website), or you can backpack.

Sometimes it can be very windy and cold up in the park. In that case, there is a lower campground called Indian Cove. It is just out of the little town of Joshua Tree. I second Jumbo Rocks as a good campground for up in the park.

It is pretty easy to get lost in J-Tree. There is a maze of use-trails that climbers use. So be careful. A good friend of mine is on the search and rescue - she hunts for lots of lost hikers.

I spent many trips climbing at J-Tree. I beg to differ about "partying climbers: - not all of us are loud and obnoxious. Avoid the one main climber's campground (sorry cannot recall the name right now).

I would day-hike versus backpack. Nights are still pretty long in February and I too do not like the idea of carrying water. Late Feb the wildflowers may be good - depends on winter rains. It is really spectacular when cactus bloom. No water in the park - you have to bring all in from town.

Hiking is on lots of sand - I like to use short gaiters to keep the sand out of my shoes.

sorry to have cast aspersions upon climbers. Actually some of best friends are climbers Actually I just booked Black Rock Campground last night, partly because it is one of the only two with water(granted, I could bring my own), partly because it looks like it has a network of trails leading out of it, so I don't have to drive much. I could change my reservation, though. I would like to see one of those palm oasis, which I gather are in different parts of the Park. Gaiters are a good idea, I didn't think of that. Hopefully this big bout of rain will pay off with an early spring! I'm not going to bother backpacking. I've backpacked in deserts before, but always in places where I knew I would end up at water sources.