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Climber's Camping Pack List for Joshua Tree National Park

desertcampingclimbingjoshua tree
List to accompany "Climber's Guide to Joshua Tree Camping" on rockgrrl.com. List modified from a list by @sudarkoff

Toiletries and personal care

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Floss
    Can be used as repair "thread" too
  • Biodegradable soap or shampoo
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Camp towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm w/SPF
  • Joshua Tree Salve or similar product
  • Small supply of toilet paper
    There are many pit toilets in the park and they are usually well stocked with paper but you never know
  • Ponytail holders
  • Comb and/or brush

Clothing

  • Underwear
  • Medium-weight sweater or fleece jacket
  • Bandana or buff
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves

Food and drink

  • Stove and fuel
  • Cookset

Medicine

  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medicine
  • Glasses and/or contact lenses

Miscellaneous

  • Sunglasses
  • Knife and multi-tool
  • Emergency cash

Luggage and security

  • Climbing pack
  • Duffel Bag

Camp

  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Camp chair
  • Camp entertainment items (optional)
  • Firewood
    You can NOT collect wood in the Park

Sports gear

  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rock shoes
  • Backup Climbing Shoes (if staying for more than a weekend)
  • Chalk
  • Athletic tape
  • Climbing rope
  • Rope bag and tarp
  • Climbing Trad Rack
  • Nut tool
  • Quick draws
  • ATC device for belay and rappel
  • Grigri belay device
  • Belay gloves
  • Personal anchor system
  • Slings
  • Locking carabiners
  • Guide Book
  • Webbing

Gadgets

  • Cell phone
    There isn't any service in the park (or very little, see my Google map) so remember to turn it off to conserve batteries for when you take a trip out of the park or for after your trip
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Map of the region, compass and GPS (optional)
  • Walkie Talkie
    You usually won't need this but when wind kicks in it will be handy. Also handy if parties split up to go to different crags.
  • Camera with extra memory and batteries
    If you're a real photo buff consider bringing a tripod for night shots. JTree has great stars.
  • Car charger
  • Solar charger

Clothing

  • T-shirts or similar light tops
  • Hiking socks
  • Long thermal underwear (top and bottom)
    No matter what time of the year it is, Joshua Tree is still the "High Desert" so it can be chilly at night
  • Long pants
    Joshua Tree rock is very rough, you might want to climb in long pants even if it's warm
  • Shorts
  • Long sleeved shirts
    If it's in a warm month keep sun protection in mind, if it's a colder month bring some with warmth in mind.
  • Approach shoes / hiking shoes
  • Sandals or Crocs
    For camp and/or easy/short approaches
  • Baseball cap or other brimmed hat
  • Warm jacket
  • Down Jacket or Vest (if it's a colder month)
    Serves as the "Warm Jacket" mentioned above if you bring a jacket instead of a vest.
  • Wind resistant long sleeve jacket or shirt
    The wind can chill you even when the sun is out

Food and drink

  • Cup, bowl and spork
  • Water bottles
  • Fire-making implements
  • Ziploc bags
  • Trash bags
    You can use small ones but you'll just need to empty them faster (not a problem because trash and recycle bins are pretty close to campsites). It's a good idea to empty trash frequently anyway; small animals tear into trash bags and wind can also cause a mess.
  • Cleaning supplies
    Baby wipes and/or Action Wipes are great
  • Snacks
  • Loads of water
    You'll need it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, brushing your teeth, etc. There is no potable water available in the major campgrounds.
  • Cooler
  • Food with stove or campfire cooking needed
  • Ice for cooler - Ice Block will last longer than loose ice

Medicine

  • Ibuprofen, Tylenol or Advil
    I bring a separate supply of painkillers just for headaches. I tend to get dry in the desert which causes headaches.
  • Tweezers - in case of getting thorns

To do

  • Notify someone of your plans
  • Delete old pictures from camera
  • Download maps to GPS

Miscellaneous

  • Notebook and pen
  • Emergency phone numbers and addresses
    Park, SAR, restaurants and stores in the area
  • Health Insurance Card
  • Cash or Check for Campsite Fees
  • Cash for Entrance Fee or Park Pass
  • Tumbtacks to leave notes on Bulletin Boards
  • Coins
    For showers at Coyote Corner or water from the spigot near West Gate (it takes quarters)
  • Repair kit
    Thread, needles, duct tape, etc.

To do

  • Purchase stove fuel if needed
  • Rent camping gear if necessary
  • Print out topo, maps, guides, etc.
  • Charge and replace batteries in all electronic devices
    Charge back up batteries if you are bringing any