Planning ahead usually works to our advantage but this year Cottonwood campground was not available for reservations this early in the season so we have a new group site available at an alternate Joshua Tree forest location. – “Saddleback Butte” State Park.

This is the best time to see the desert, go for a hike or just kick-back and catch-up on your reading. We will have our traditional potluck on Saturday night and we will have snacks, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate on (both)Friday and Saturday night. We are asking everyone to bring a bundle or two of firewood to help offset brisk evening temperatures. Please bring or prepare a dish for the “potluck” that will serve four to six people.  Please bring your folding chair for the campfire, too.

Typical daytime temperatures will be in the high 50’s to low 60’s but it will probably dip into the 20’s at night. Plan for the cold with gloves, knit caps, heavy jackets and long underwear with extra socks so you can offset the chill accordingly. Might be good to check the thermal rating of your sleeping bag as well.(Small propane powered space heaters designed specifically for tent camping might also be something to consider, too.)

We are asking everyone to bring a bundle or two of firewood to help offset the evening “chill”.

The most direct route from Orange County is to take the 5 freeway North to the 605 Freeway. Go North to the 210 Freeway. Take the 210 Freeway West (towards Pasadena). Go beyond Pasadena to Santa Clarita and then turn North on Highway 14. Continue North on the 14 Highway to Lancaster (past Palmdale). Your exit is Avenue J and you will travel 17 miles East on Avenue J to the “Saddleback Butte State Park” Group campsite.  There is drinking water, fire rings and flush toilets available at this campsite.  The group campsite is limited to 20 to 30 people and 12 cars so car-pooling is suggested.

A hiking trail is available from the campsite and it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area.  The trail is considered to be a “moderate-hike” and is 4 miles long roundtrip. Earliest check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out time is Noon on Sunday.

Please give me a call if you have any questions, I’m Greg and my home phone number is

(714)-828-7645.  Looking forward to having you join us on this desert car camp-thanks !