Joshua Tree is a haven for stargazing lovers and those who love the desert wilderness. Just a few hours’ drive from lively – but extremely congested – Los Angeles sits a remote otherworldly desert oasis.
Luckily, Joshua Tree quite possibly has the greatest number of unique and beautiful Airbnbs per square foot. We reviewed dozens of homes, and it was incredibly hard to pare the list down. In the end, we were able to narrow it down to the best 12 Airbnbs in Joshua Tree for a diverse range of budgets and home types.
Feel free to check out our expanded list of Airbnb Joshua Tree Rentals — our top 30. While they didn’t make the Top 12 cut, they’re nonetheless exceptionally beautiful.
Best Airbnb Joshua Tree Cabin Rentals at a Glance
- Best Airbnb Joshua Tree Cabin Rentals for couples: Architect’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin
- Best Luxury Airbnb Joshua Tree Cabin Rentals: Whisper Rock Ranch
- Best Value Airbnb Joshua Tree Cabin Rentals: Merchant on the Road Airstream
Planning a California road trip? Don’t miss our other roundups of amazing Airbnbs in the Golden State.
Table of Contents
Airbnb Joshua Tree Cabin Rentals – Best of
Best for Couples: Architect’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin
6 guests·2 bedrooms·2 beds·1 bath
For stargazing lovers, this Airbnb ticks all the boxes. This minimalist designed tiny house features a one of a kind open-sky bedroom, giving unparalleled views of the Joshua Tree night sky from the comfort of your own bed. Designed carefully by architect Malek Alqadi, the cabin is perfectly complemented with the surrounding beauty of Joshua Tree.
Best Luxury Joshua Tree Airbnb: Whisper Rock Ranch
4 guests·2 bedrooms·2 beds·2 baths
Get ready for stunning views of the high desert. Whisper Rock Ranch, is a home that makes some of the best use of the outdoors. The deck wraps completely around the home, offering guests 360 views of the desert. Powered, completely by solar energy, this home is the ultimate in luxury and off-the-grid living. Some highlights of the space are its pool overlooking the desert, jacuzzi, sauna, and outdoor deck.
Best Value: Merchant on the Road Airstream
2 guests·1 bedroom·1 bed·2 shared baths
There is something so whimsical about an Airstream, especially in the remote wonderland that is Joshua Tree. The Merchant on the Road Airstream is the creation of the mother-daughter duo who started Merchant Modern. They’ve incorporated their love of Moroccan and modern design, giving it the perfect romantic ambiance for a relaxing starlit getaway for two.
More Stunning Airbnb Joshua Tree Cabin Rentals
Dome House
4 guests·2 bedrooms·2 beds·1 bath
Another one-of-a-kind spot boasting insane desert views is the Dome House. This cozy dome is one of the most loved nooks in Joshua tree, having been featured in Condé Nast, Esquire, Goop, Refinery 29, and Apartment Therapy. With good AC and a wood-burning stove and space heaters, this home is great to visit any time of year.
Read next: 7 Spectacular Joshua Tree Dome Houses
Zebra Shadow
4 guests·2 bedrooms·2 beds·2 baths
Aptly named Zebra Shadow, this striking Airbnb plays off of the sun’s light and geometric figures to create various shapes with the changing positions of the sun. Located just a 5 minute drive from the Joshua Tree National Park Entrance, this home is the perfect place to base your adventures. The space includes an outdoor shower, hot tub, outdoor grill, and fire pit.
Rock Reach House
4 guests·2 bedrooms·2 beds·1 bath
If expansive desert views are what you’re after, Rock Reach House will likely make the top of your Joshua Tree Airbnb bucket list. This modernly designed home is perched on elevated rocks and surrounded by those soft large boulders reminiscent of the area. The glass-cased living room offers panoramic views of the desert. Outdoor amenities include a fireplace, hot tub, and a cowboy tub for cooling off during warm days.
Mojave Rosa
6 guests·2 bedrooms·2 beds·1 bath
Despite being a relatively new listing on Airbnb, it’s quickly risen in popularity thanks to its drop-dead gorgeous design. Built-in 2019, this luxurious desert getaway has everything you need to fully experience the stunning Joshua Tree landscape. Features include a hot tub, cowboy tub / pool, swing set, lounging deck, outdoor shower, outdoor TV, and an outdoor BBQ grill.
Read next: 12 Stunning Joshua Tree Rentals with Pools
The Little Dipper
3 guests·2 beds·1 bath
The Little Dipper is another relatively new listing that has taken off quickly in popularity. It’s one of the most unique Airbnbs in Joshua Tree, so it’s not hard to see why. You’ll marvel at the creative ways the cozy tiny home makes use of small spaces. The home has everything from a bathroom, living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
The Little Dipper is no longer available. Check out this similar property: Private Luxury Glamping w/Celestial Views
Cielito Lindo Retreat
10 guests·4 bedrooms·4 beds·2 baths
This former homesteader cabin is the perfect getaway for a group of friends or family to spend some time together and enjoy the serenity of Joshua Tree. This 2-acre property is located within walking distance from Joshua Tree Downtown and 5 minutes away from the national park. The sitting rooms, indoor and outdoor dining areas, as well as the hot tub and outdoor deck lounging space make this an ideal space to make long lasting memories with loved ones.
Sueno Sagrado Earth House
4 guests·1 bedroom·2 beds·1 bath
The Sueño Sagrado is not only beautiful, it has been designed with green design principles. It’s completely off-grid and solar-powered. About 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles, the air is clear and the stars shine bright. Note that the home does not have AC, so you should avoid peak summer months.
Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Covering almost 800,000 square acres of stark, rocky desert, Joshua Tree National Park is a breathtaking place. Here are six tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
Getting to Joshua Tree National Park
This huge National Park spreads across southern California and is the closest National Park if you’re living in Los Angeles or San Diego.
For visitors from the rest of the US or international travelers, you’ll likely be flying. The closest airport to the park is Palm Springs International, which is an hour’s drive away from the Southern entrance.
Joshua Tree National Park can also be reached from Los Angeles Airport, although it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Your closest entrance will likely be the main entry point at the characterful town of Joshua Tree near the park’s Western entrance.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree
Around 2.8 million people enjoy the park every year, and the peak season runs from October through until May. During this time, the temperature is warm but tolerable and ranges between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The low season spans May to September, so you’ll encounter fewer crowds. However, this is also the warmest time in the park. Temperatures will regularly crack 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can either camp in the park or stay in Airbnbs or hotels in the surrounding towns and cities like Palm Springs or Twentynine Palms. There are around 300 available campsites within the park, but some are only available through reservations in peak times. The best time to try and book is midweek.
Book Your Pass Online
If you want to sit in stifling lines, by all means purchase your entry pass in person at one of the park entrances. But booking online can save you a huge amount of time and allow you to bypass the masses. Peak season runs from October to May.
To purchase your pass, head to the recreation.gov website. It’s worth plumping for the annual pass rather than an individual day ticket. The $55 annual pass allows you 12 months of entry to Joshua Tree National Park.
If you do want to rock up and buy a pass on the day, you’ll need to either pay at one of the entrances or a visitor’s center. The West entrance at the town of Joshua Tree or the North entrance near Twentynine Palms are the most common options.
You may also be able to take advantage of several free open days throughout the year. These usually fall on national holidays or dates such as the birthday for the National Park Service in August. It’s best to check the Joshua Tree National Park website for more information.
What’s the best Joshua Tree Entrance?
Because Joshua Tree National Park is so vast, there can be large distances between landmarks or campsites. When planning your visit, decide which attractions you want to visit and where you will be staying. Then choose the closest entrance to those places.
Some entrances are much busier than others. The park’s main entrance at Joshua Tree will be crammed with cars and RVs, particularly visitors coming from Los Angeles. To beat the crowds if you’re coming from LA, use the North entrance close to Twentynine Palms. You can reach this via Highway 62.
If you are visiting from Palm Springs, the Southern entrance is your best bet. You can reach it by using Interstate 10. If you arrive at the park when the staff are not present at the entrances, you can still enter. However, you will need to pay at a visitor’s center as soon as you can or pay upon exiting the park.
Be Prepared For Remote Desert Conditions
Because the park covers a huge area of desert, it’s advised to anticipate these kinds of conditions. The park is divided into two halves. The Western side, encompassing parts of the Mojave Desert, is generally more developed and more comfortable. The Eastern park covers areas of the arid Colorado Desert and is a lot more remote.
There are very few amenities in the park, like water, electricity, and gas. If you’re planning on staying for longer periods, you’ll have to bring everything you need with you. It is recommended to bring one gallon of water per person for every day you spend in the park. If you’re doing strenuous activity such as hiking, you should up that to two gallons.
If you are hiking, you can either use a map or use the GPS function of your phone through an app like AllTrails, which works even if you cannot access your mobile data. It’s also advised to keep up to date with local weather conditions, as things can change very quickly in the desert.
Temperatures will change drastically, especially at night. If you are camping, make sure to provide adequate warmth through sleeping bags and tents. Firewood is scarce, so you’ll have to find another source of heat.
Sun protection is also extremely important while in the park. Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses, a hat, and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Layers are your friend in desert conditions, and covering your legs will also help reduce any nasty incidents with cacti.
Be Aware Of Desert Wildlife
While visiting the park there are several animals inhabiting the desert that you’ll need to bear in mind. Snakes and scorpions can be dangerous, so always look where you are stepping. You should also make sure your campsite is clear.
Many plants such as cacti and the famous Joshua Trees are covered in sharp spines. Coyotes also roam the desert, and if you encounter any make sure not to feed them. Remember, these are wild animals.
When driving through the park, keep a lookout for the rare and protected Mojave Desert Tortoises. These lumbering, wonderful reptiles are critically endangered. If one is blocking your path, wait patiently for it to pass.
