Joshua Tree National Park — Covington Flats Dispersed Camp

Covington Flats sits at roughly 4,500 feet on the northwest side of Joshua Tree National Park, and the trees here are genuinely massive compared to the lower-elevation stuff you see along Park Boulevard. This is a backcountry camping area — you’re self-sufficient, no water, no trash service, no toilets. Camping is allowed 1 mile from any road and 500 feet from any trail. The remoteness keeps crowds down even on peak spring weekends.

Access is via a maintained dirt road off La Contenta Road — high-clearance is smart, not mandatory. The area sees moderate use in spring wildflower season and gets very quiet by summer. Wind can be brutal up here. No campfires permitted within the park. Register at the backcountry board before heading in — it’s required, and it’s fast.

Big Joshua trees, open sky, true solitude.