Rancho Mama

93%

39 reviews

· Joshua Tree, San Bernardino, California · 2 acres

Hosted by Paul And Priscilla D.

RV/tent site

· 8 guests max

Near Joshua Tree National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.

Rancho Mama is owned by Paul and Pris and is a beautiful 2 acre property conveniently located near downtown Joshua Tree. Our property is a short drive to the West Entrance of the park. We have multiple campsites that are generously spaced to provide privacy and social distancing. We take pride in our well manicured property and want it to be a relaxing experience for you. Rancho Mama has breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountain range and the surrounding desert. This is a great option for camping in a quiet and private area away from the crowded public camp grounds. Only natural desert and star filled night sky to see in every direction. – Upgrades coming soon: A 1964 vintage trailer will be listed shortly. Private dinner events hosted by Mucho Mucho Taco under the stars. – Food delivery onsite by Mucho! Mucho! Taco. Contact us for details. Learn more about this land: *During this pandemic, in order to practice safe social distancing for our guests, Rancho Mama has limited their services to 1 campsite. Please understand that we are doing everything we can to ensure our guests have a clean and comfortable environment. We encourage you to do the same. If this is your first time camping or you're an inexperienced camper, this is not the campsite for you. We have a beautiful property, please feel free to read below on how we're going to keep it that way. Rancho Mama, is a beautiful natural landscaped property with cactus, brush and wildlife nestled in Joshua Tree. We are not an "Off-the-Grid" campground, we are conveniently located near downtown Joshua Tree and a short drive to the West Entrance of the park. We have 2 campsites that are generously spaced to provide privacy and social distancing. We have nearby trails and dirt roads to explore for casual walks. We take pride in our well manicured property and want it to be a relaxing experience for everyone. Rancho Mama has breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountain range and the surrounding desert. This is a great option for experienced campers that understand how to plan their camping experience in a quiet and private desert environment away from the crowded public campgrounds. This is the open desert...so for the desert NEWBIES it gets Hot, Cold, Windy, Dry and Unpredictable at times. That's why we LOVE it! Please check the local weather forecast. – Out of an abundance of caution and safety for you and your fellow campers we only allow “Rancho Mama Approved” Clean, Green and Lo-Ember logs. They are available to purchase before your check in for only $12. Our fire bundle includes 2 fire logs that will burn for approximately 4-6 hours. Fires are ONLY allowed inside our chimineas due to the sensitive landscape. Fire logs should be purchased before arrival (it isn't available on site). To protect the vegetation, it's not okay to use fallen branches. *Please pay attention to our fire restrictions. Our desert is very sensitive and we're always considering your safety and the safety of our desert landscape. Consider your skill level when maintaining a campfire. Let us know if you have any questions before you book your trip with us. Leave only footprints and pack out what you packed in. Sorry, no parties allowed. It's simply a matter of impact, noise, treading lightly, respect for other campers, etc... This is private property and you are on it by permission. We want to keep your desert camping experience authentic and peaceful. – Local Happenings: JT village for shopping, JT Saloon for cowboys and cowgirls, Saturday Farmer's Market for fresh stuff, Natural Sisters Cafe (great for vegans), Art Queen for visual splendor, Joshua Tree Coffee Company (amazing cup of java), Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace in Yucca Valley (Saturday and Sundays) and Pioneertown isn't too far away. – While dogs are allowed, please keep them on a leash and refrain from unnecessary barking. We love your furry friends too, but consider others quiet time and they may not like wandering pooches. Note that the property is not fenced and the main highway is close by. You wouldn't want your dog running off. Please pick up after your dog. *************************************** We apologize for the false advertising...Rancho Mama does not actually provide a Mother to make your campfire, pitch your tent, provide shade, pick up your dog poop, help you unlock a bathroom door, organize your recyclables, properly reverse out of a parking space or sing you a lullaby. Happy camping! Thank you! *************************************** Pris "Mama" and Paul "Rancho Mama"*During this pandemic, in order to practice safe social distancing for our guests, Rancho Mama has limited their services to 1 campsite. Please understand that we are doing everything we can to ensure our guests have a clean and comfortable environment. We encourage you to do the same. If this is your first time camping or you're an inexperienced camper, this is not the campsite for you. We have a beautiful property, please feel free to read below on how we're going to keep it that way. Rancho Mama, is a beautiful natural landscaped property with cactus, brush and wildlife nestled in Joshua Tree. We are not an "Off-the-Grid" campground, we are conveniently located near downtown Joshua Tree and a short drive to the West Entrance of the park. We have 2 campsites that are generously spaced to provide privacy and social distancing. We have nearby trails and dirt roads to explore for casual walks. We take pride in our well manicured property and want it to be a relaxing experience for everyone. Rancho Mama has breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountain range and the surrounding desert. This is a great option for experienced campers that understand how to plan their camping experience in a quiet and private desert environment away from the crowded public campgrounds. This is the open desert...so for the desert NEWBIES it gets Hot, Cold, Windy, Dry and Unpredictable at times. That's why we LOVE it! Please check the local weather forecast. – Out of an abundance of caution and safety for you and your fellow campers we only allow “Rancho Mama Approved” Clean, Green and Lo-Ember logs. They are available to purchase before your check in for only $12. Our fire bundle includes 2 fire logs that will burn for approximately 4-6 hours. Fires are ONLY allowed inside our chimineas due to the sensitive landscape. Fire logs should be purchased before arrival (it isn't available on site). To protect the vegetation, it's not okay to use fallen branches. *Please pay attention to our fire restrictions. Our desert is very sensitive and we're always considering your safety and the safety of our desert landscape. Consider your skill level when maintaining a campfire. Let us know if you have any questions before you book your trip with us. Leave only footprints and pack out what you packed in. Sorry, no parties allowed. It's simply a matter of impact, noise, treading lightly, respect for other campers, etc... This is private property and you are on it by permission. We want to keep your desert camping experience authentic and peaceful. – Local Happenings: JT village for shopping, JT Saloon for cowboys and cowgirls, Saturday Farmer's Market for fresh stuff, Natural Sisters Cafe (great for vegans), Art Queen for visual splendor, Joshua Tree Coffee Company (amazing cup of java), Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace in Yucca Valley (Saturday and Sundays) and Pioneertown isn't too far away. – While dogs are allowed, please keep them on a leash and refrain from unnecessary barking. We love your furry friends too, but consider others quiet time and they may not like wandering pooches. Note that the property is not fenced and the main highway is close by. You wouldn't want your dog running off. Please pick up after your dog. *************************************** We apologize for the false advertising...Rancho Mama does not actually provide a Mother to make your campfire, pitch your tent, provide shade, pick up your dog poop, help you unlock a bathroom door, organize your recyclables, properly reverse out of a parking space or sing you a lullaby. Happy camping! Thank you! *************************************** Pris "Mama" and Paul "Rancho Mama"

RV details

Campervans and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 4 meters allowed

We have designated gravel parking spots with sign post and fencing.

Pull-in site

We have designated gravel parking spots with sign post and fencing.

Surface type: loose-gravel

This is a secluded desert campsite. We have designated driving trails. The rest is loose sand. We require for all to only drive on marked roads and only park in designated parking spots.

Surface levelness: flat

This is a secluded desert campsite. We have designated driving trails. The rest is loose sand. We require for all to only drive on marked roads and only park in designated parking spots.

No Caravans, Fifth wheels, Caravans, Camper Trailers, Motorhomes, Campervans, and Motorhomes

Doesn't accommodate slideouts

We have designated gravel parking spots with sign post and fencing.

No electrical connection

This is a secluded desert campsite. No electricity provided.

No water connection

This is a secluded desert campsite. No water provided. BYOW (Bring Your Own Water and lots of it)

No sewage connection

This is a secluded desert campsite. No sewage hookups provided.

No TV connection

This is a secluded desert campsite. No electricity provided.

Generators not allowed

This is a secluded desert campsite. No electricity provided.

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

8 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit. Out of an abundance of caution and safety for you and your fellow campers we only allow “Rancho Mama Approved” Clean, Green and Lo-Ember logs. They are available to purchase before your check in for only $12. Our fire bundle includes 2 logs that will burn for 4-6 hours. Fires are ONLY allowed inside our chimineas due to the sensitive landscape. Please consider your skill level when maintaining a campfire. Let us know if you have any questions before you book your trip with us.

Toilet available

Composting toilet. Big John is a large enclosed "Compostable" toilet with hand sanitizer, air freshener and a hand washing station. What more do you want in the middle of the desert? Please respect others and don't leave trash or a mess.

Pets allowed

On leash. All pets are required to stay on a leash and refrain from unnecessary barking. Note the property is not fenced, you wouldn't want your dog running off. Please pick up after your dog.

Bins available

Recycling bin. Please pack out what you pack in and use our recyclable trash can for anything you can't take with you.

No potable water

Bring your own water

No showers

There are public showers located at the Coyote Corner (jtcoyotecorner dot com) in Downtown Joshua Tree. The showers are only $5.

Cooking equipment absent

Picnic table absent

Coming soon

No wifi

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 3:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Strict

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 3 vehicles

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

93% Recommend48 ratings · 39 reviews

Rancho Mama seems to be a tranquil escape in the desert, offering a unique blend of solitude and thoughtful amenities. Reviews consistently praise the hosts for their attention to detail and the campsite's cleanliness and maintenance. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, the proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, and the clear, starry skies. However, some reviews mention issues with firewood pricing and the compostable toilet setup, suggesting that while the site is enchanting, there are practical aspects that might need consideration.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Thomas B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· May 2021

Those Stars!!!!

Group trip

Rancho Mama is a desert dreamland. The privacy and amazing attention to all the details makes this place an unforgettable experience. Let me tell you about the stars!!!! Full sky of stars galore. Priscilla “Mama” is the sweetest host. She stayed in contact with us our entire trip. Checking in to make sure we had enough fire logs, food and places to visit. She even surprised us one morning with cold brew from Joshua Tree Coffee Company and breakfast burritos. Yum!!! We HIGHLY RECOMMEND Rancho Mama in every way. Thanks Mama!

Thomas B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· February 2021

Our Go-To Place

What more can I say about Priscilla and Paul of Rancho Mama. They keep RM immaculate and full of amenities that transport you to a desert oasis. I’ve stayed here several times and it continues to amaze me with the breath-taking views and the calmness of the landscape. They are always kind and thoughtful. This visit we got a chance to watch the sunset together and share some local foodie and hiking tips. I highly recommend Rancho Mama if you’re the camper that appreciates intentional detail and solitude. Thanks Pris and Paul!

Pris B.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2021

Boutique Campsite

THE ONE AND ONLY BOUTIQUE CAMPGROUND IN JOSHUA TREE! It gets better every time we visit. More desert zen, more space and an abundance of cool art pieces throughout the property. Thankfully the moon was just a sliver so we had maximum star gazing. Can’t say enough great things about this place. Close to the entrance to JT park and we checked out all the new places open in the downtown Joshua Tree area about 3 miles from the property. Highly recommend!

Jarrell W.

4 reviews

Recommends

· February 2021

I can’t wait to come back!!

Rancho Mama was just as I had hoped it would be. It’s something to be said about being in the middle of the desert like that it’s just amazing. My brother & had plenty of space, the chimney was amazing and it felt as though we were meant to be there. Woke up to the sounds of coyotes and owls, it was such an amazing experience. Not only that but it’s crazy close to Joshua Tree National Park AND to the “downtown” for grub and rations 🙌🏾

Jon K.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2021

Everything was exactly as advertised, this is a great site close to the town of Joshua Tree and the national park entrance. The fire pits were a nice touch and all the sites on the property are spaced out well so you can still have some solitude. The pathways and road were illuminated so even if you’re arriving at night it’s easy to find your way. Overall a great place to stay

Gabriel G.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2021

The site was in great condition, and the host was very kind and helpful.

Location

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Yuhaaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano) and Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking