Joshua Tree Camp-Out

Joshua Tree National Park

March 22-23, 2023

The Lost Horse Campground

NAI Western Region is hosting a camp-out event for members (and non-members) that will include guided hikes by the Park Rangers, workshops, networking opportunities and camping for one night in the Joshua Tree National Park. Participants will receive CE credits for
attending the event. Limited spaces will be available. Participants can attend only one day or stay for the night

Registration Fees

The Lost Horse Campground at Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning and very private campground surrounded by the iconic granite boulders of the park. The campground is located approximately 20-25 minutes in from the West entrance gate of the park (closest to the town of Joshua Tree). It is a private administrative site reserved for special groups and friends of the park, and therefore will not be labeled on any of the park maps. Participants will be sent a detailed map to the site, as well as details on what they need to bring for the event after registration.

There will be extra signage and NAI/JTNP staff helping to direct participants. Visitor centers and entrance booths will be informed of this event, so if participants need assistance, they can ask the staff there for a little extra help. Participants should be prepared for possible lines at the gate, as it will be the peak season and lines at the gate during the middle of the day can sometimes be over a half hour wait.

Workshop Contacts

Jacqui Ver Loren van Themaat: acting Director of Western Region and/or Ian Chadwick Joshua Tree Park Ranger and host. Contact email: nairegion8@gmail.com

The campsite has no access to running water, cell signal, or any services but are equipped with large fire pits, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and vault toilets. This means you will need to provide a few things for yourself:

• Enough water for 2 days of hiking and camping.
• Anything for cleanliness such as hand sanitizer, wipes, etc.
• Clothes, layers, and gear suited for possible low temps at night. Temperatures in March can range between 50-70 for highs and 30-50 for lows.
• Your own meals and snacks for the duration of the event.

Joshua Tree and NAI will provide:

• Firewood for campfires
• Extra backup water sources
• Some continental breakfast items for Thursday morning
• Activities and fun!
• If anyone is interested in joining us but is in need of camping gear, please reach out to us and we’ll see how we can help out with loaning some camping equipment and gear.

Prior to the event participants will receive an email with a map and detailed directions to the campsite, reminder of what items they need to bring/provide for themselves, a detailed itinerary and schedule of events. The registration can include the following: 

A detailed schedule will be provided to participants prior to the event, this will include:

22 March Wednesday:
12:00-1:00pm - arrival and set up of camp
Welcome and Orientation
Guided Hike led by the Park Rangers of Joshua Tree
Getting to know each other and networking by the camp-fire
Stargazing

23 March Thursday:
Desert Meditation session and Morning Guided Hike
Workshops and activities including interpretation and desert ecology presented by Naturalist of The
Wildlands Conservancy
Closing remarks and reflection
12:00-1:00pm breakdown of camp and departure