Joshua Tree’s basic motels and RV parks are functional and affordable, but are they cute? Are they retro? Do they have panache? Hardly. These Joshua Tree glamping rentals on Airbnb and VRBO are another matter entirely. This article spotlights some really cool of Joshua Tree glamping trailers and airstreams for rent that will wrap you in a cool retro vibe while keeping you close to the area’s amazing landscape.
The town of Joshua Tree has a decidedly hip vibe. The vibe arrived in the area during the late 1960’s. Over the next few decades, galleries and studios spread along the highway 62 corridor, ensuring that an artsy culture became firmly planted in the region.
The town has managed to retain a retro, quirky culture. For instance, this article on things to do in Joshua Tree town features a crochet museum, an outdoor sculpture garden that uses materials like broken toilets, and a prisoner of war cabin from an alternative dimension. Please do those things when you visit Joshua Tree, they aren’t hard to find and they are totally worth the time.
The theatrical retro vibe also extends to the Airbnb glamping in Joshua Tree. There are vintage airstreams, tent glamping, a light-filled short bus, toy trailers and oodles and oodles of desert views.
If you are also interested in cabins, tiny houses and unusual architecture, then also navigate to these listing for Joshua Tree Cabins.
Can you go Glamping in Joshua Tree National Park?
Only if you bring it with you. There are no cabins, trailers or fancy tents for rent inside the National Park. They do have over 400 campsites. So you could pack a fancy tent or rent an RV for your Joshua tree trip. If you don’t want to do that, you’ll need to do your Joshua Tree glamping in Yucca Valley or the town of Joshua Tree. Both towns are very close to the park’s north entrance.
3 Tips for Booking a Joshua Tree Glamping Rental
1. Pay attention to the ratio of suggested guests to beds/bedrooms. The glamping listings below do indicated the # of guests and beds. However, many Airbnb listings (including some in this article) count bunk beds, sofa beds and hammocks as “beds”. This is fine for your seven year old, but maybe not for grandma.
2. Joshua Tree summer temperatures are volcanic. If you are going during that time, check the listings for air conditioners, swamp coolers and cowboy pools (which are extra-large galvanized horse troughs).
3. Many of the listings are on dirt roads. Don’t worry, the main dirt roads have road signs and can be navigated with a passenger car. However, Google maps gets confused in this area and will sometimes want to send you down what is really more of a side road with loose sand. So, pay careful attention to the driving directions that your host gives you.
Get our full Joshua Tree visitor guide, figure out how to spend a day there, and also know before you go with these Joshua Tree fun facts. You should also look at our guide featuring the best Joshua Tree hikes.
If you are flying rather than driving to Joshua Tree, check out our guide for the closest and most convenient airports to Joshua Tree. Visit the area as part of a larger Joshua Tree to Death Valley road trip using our thorough guide.
(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)
1. Magical Airstream
Sleeps: 4 guests, 1 queen, 1 double, 1 single
This Airstream is cool enough on the inside, with a cushioned banquette, modern kitchen amenities and proper bedroom. But this glamping spot really shines on the outside. There is a generous deck with a comfy outdoor living room, propane BBQ and 1.5 acres of desert views.
“If you get the chance to stay here, consider yourself lucky. In close proximity to the national park and filled with fun and fantastic/adorable amenities–this space is special…”
2. Airstream with Incredible Views
Sleeps: 2 guests, 1 double bed
This renovated 1970’s Airstream trailer has a light, bright design with modern conveniences on the inside. The outside is nice because the trailer is nested under a fully shaded roof, which is key in the hotter months. They also provide a warm outdoor shower from which you can check out the soaring 360 degrees dramatic landscape, and flow with the peaceful, restorative tranquility of the desert.
“The moment I got out of the car I knew I had chosen well. Exquisite, complete quiet. As I walked to the Airstream I was greeted by that magnificent view across the little valley.”
3. Wanderlust Airstream
Sleeps: 3 guests, 1 queen 1 sofa bed
This brand new 27’ Airstream is located on five acres of quiet and peaceful space just north of Joshua Tree town. The interior is fully supplied with a banquette, queen bedroom and all of the usual kitchen and bathroom items.
But this Joshua Tree glamping spot is really best enjoyed outside. It has two wooden decks, hot tub, cowboy tub, outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen and lots of seating and shade.
“We had a truly memorable stay at Wonderlust Airstream. It was amazing to have proximity to the national park yet feel so secluded and peaceful in your own private oasis. Stargazing while sipping wine by the firepit and while relaxing in the hot tub were just a few of the highlights.”
4. Big Blue the Trailer
Sleeps: 2 guests, 1 queen bed
Big Blue is a stunningly restored 1951 vintage vagabond trailer. It has a lovely faded blue exterior and a honey-toned wood paneled interior. The interior space has three areas: a living room/kitchen, a full bathroom and a queen bedroom.
The trailer shares outdoor space with the owner’s house and it’s nestled against the boulders just south of Joshua Tree town, very close to the National Park entrance.
“We had such a relaxing getaway at Big Blue to celebrate my husband’s birthday. It had everything we needed to unwind and detach from our phones for the weekend. The location was amazing — it is close to many restaurants along with the entrance to the national park. A very scenic stay both inside and out! I can’t wait to come back again in the future.”
5. Piece of the Sky
The Piece of the sky is a vintage 1975 Airstream surrounded by Joshua Trees on 5 private acres. Conveniently located 10 minutes from the village, the property is a serene escape into desert life.
This is more glamping than resort life, as the trailer is more of a bedroom and the kitchen and bathroom facilities are in separate buildings. There is a communal space to cook and gather, an outdoor kitchen, seating area, plunge pool and hot tub.
“Incredible place to stay! Loved our airstream, and all of the thoughtful wee touches across the compound. The cold plunge pool was amazing and so welcome after a day in the park, and the clubhouse and bathroom buildings were so thoughtfully designed. Lovely memories made.”
Enjoy your stay in Joshua Tree! Check out these other cool things to do in Southeastern California:
- Widen your scope of lodging options and check out these listings for Joshua Tree cabins, tiny homes and yurts.
- Learn some fun facts about Death Valley that will make you want to visit there. And then book it using this two-day itinerary or this one day itinerary.
- If you are also doing the Palm Springs area, spend an afternoon checking out Slab City and the nearby East Jesus sculpture garden.
The link to #11 — Airstream with Incredible Views — is incorrect.
Could you send a proper link to that location? Thank you.
Sorry about that. These listings sometimes come and go. This one is similar: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40539207?adults=1&checkin=&checkout=&children=0&infants=0&source_impression_id=p3_1657208439_X56zjhinnaJBZav5