Chiriaco Summit-Patton Museum Dry Camp Area

Park your rig in the middle of where over a million American soldiers trained for desert fighting in WW2. The free dry camping is behind the General Patton museum. He came up with the plan to train soldiers in the weather they would fight in...in North Africa.

The camping is free but the museum and the history it holds is priceless...OK it's six bucks to get in but this place is a labor of love. Very interesting story about how Chiriaco Summit came into being as well.

The sites are back-in packed sand/gravel. We backed our rig in and did not have to unhitch our tow vehicle.

It's easy to pass this place in the middle of nowhere...but you'd be missing out, even if didn't spend the night.

This place is free dry camping! Not to many people know about camping here. The sites are back behind the General Patton museum. The museum is awesome, $6 or free for active military. It is packed with history. This place is right off the freeway. Joshua Tree is an exit away, about 10 minutes all the way to the Joshua Tree entrance/visitor's center. You can also take the dirt road behind the campsites to Joshua Tree (4x4 needed). The cafe in Chiriaco summit cafe/ coffee shop has great food! The gas station has propane, water, ice, and almost anything else you may need during camping. We were one of two trailer camping there during President's day weekend. Joshua Tree is beautiful, but make sure you pack snacks and water as there are no services inside the park besides restrooms. Great cell phone service in Chiriaco summit, no cell service in Joshua tree. People camping inside Joshua Tree where paying $20 a night and the sites are really close to each other.

We pulled in here late at night, and chose this site over JT BLM because we didn't want to navigate that late. So glad we did! The spot was great, easy to back in for our 38 ft Class A, and easy to get to JT from here (a 10 minute drive). The site hosts were lovely and welcoming. When I inquired about running our generator the next day, they said it wasn't a problem, but to please shut it off by 9 pm. We were far enough from I 10 that noise was not an issue. The star gazing and mountains were lovely. We wouldn't hesitate to return.

While there are about 20 long, semi level spots, the whole time we were there, not more than 5 of them were in use.

We were very pleased with finding this location. So much history on this land. The spots were nice and level. Coyotes nightly right up to the tent and ate the dogs food. So watch your pets. The host was great. The cafe has AMAZING food and free wifi!!!

I just stayed here in a tent for two nights with a few kids. The site is conviniently located only 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. There is a gas station right next to the site and they sell basically everything there (prices good be better, but..).

The host was friendly and welcoming. I would definitely stay here again!

This campground is free and clean. It has clearly marked campsites with fire pits. The sites are large enough to pull in or back in fairly easily for most rigs. We arrived in the dark and found the first sign easily. The second sign which is at the entrance of the campground is on the left just after the tanks. Convenient location for Joshua Tree. We often travel between Phoenix and LA area. We will stay here again. This campground has no bathroom, shower or trash. However, it is a great value at free, safe, clean and leasy location.

Paul the manager is very kind and friendly he introduced himself in the morning. He keeps this place very clean. This is a dry camp but there is a restaurant and gas station just down the dirt road.

Nice private dry camping area. Dirt pads needed some leveling. Beautiful sunset/sunrise. Nice camp manager.

We stayed here on our way to Sedona and on our way back. The sites are easily accesible and reasonably flat. Close to the highway but far enough for calm at night. Nice scenery

Perfect location for one night or several days. Talk with the manager of the campground about stays of more than one night.