Joshua Tree is home to a vibrant little village and the famous Joshua Tree National Park tucked away in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. It’s a beloved travel destination for those interested in exploring the region’s vast desert wilderness, vibrant art & music scene, and insane stargazing opportunities.
While there’s no denying that the best things to do in Joshua Tree include soaking up the desert sunshine and marveling at the otherworldly natural attractions, this part of SoCal has also become well-known for impeccably designed house rentals with fabulous amenities. That’s why booking a unique VRBO in Joshua Tree is one of the best ways to explore the area.
Whatever brings you to this neck of the woods, these best VRBOs in Joshua Tree are sure to provide a memorable experience!
1. Best For Large Groups: Original Home With a Dome
This incredible Joshua Tree VRBO includes a well-appointed three-bedroom home and an Instagrammable glamping dome tent perfect for a large group of friends.
The Original Home with a Dome offers guests an entertaining lodging experience only a mile from Joshua Tree National Park’s west entrance. The first thing to catch your eye is the unique transparent dome tent for two. Scattered around the tent on the 7.5-acre property are other insanely cool amenities that include a grass bed, bar station, in-ground hot tub, fire pit, and two grills.
The home’s interior is just as exciting as the exterior and boasts a yoga area, a karaoke system, high-speed internet, and complimentary toiletries. This is an excellent vacation rental for large groups looking for a bit of fun in the desert.
- Sleeps: 10
- Pets: Yes
Rates average $394/night. Click here to book it!
2. Best Rental With a Pool: Rockbound Oasis Retreat
This five-star vacation rental for five features an in-ground swimming pool and hot tub encircled by stunning rock and desert landscaping.
Aptly named, the Rockbound Oasis Retreat offers guests a reprieve from the hot desert sun via its beautiful kidney-shaped swimming pool and cabana. After the sun sets, warm up and roast marshmallows over the propane fire pit or jump in the custom hot tub with a view.
Other fabulous amenities include the outdoor shower, hanging hammock chair, and onsite hiking opportunities. This three-bedroom home is located in the Panorama Heights neighborhood of Joshua Tree and also has a home office area, a spa-quality master bathroom, and desert-inspired decor.
- Sleeps: 5
- Pets: Yes
Rates average $899/night. Click here to book it!
3. Best Downtown Rental: Cabin-Cabin-Cabin
This two-bedroom desert bungalow is outfitted with trendy, bohemian touches conveniently within walking distance to shops and dining.
For those who wish to stay in the heart of Joshua Tree Village, Cabin Cabin Cabin is a thoughtfully appointed VRBO that’ll make you feel at home. The city center is within walking distance away, and the national park entrance is a quick five-minute drive.
This property can comfortably accommodate up to four guests and has cozy living spaces for ultimate relaxation. The backyard has been furnished with a beautiful clawfoot tub for sunny soaks, a swinging hammock, and a grill lit by the glow of overhead string lights.
- Sleeps: 4
- Pets: No
Rates average $220/night. Click here to book it!
4. Best For Glamping In Joshua Tree: Guard Tower 1
This luxurious, glamping VRBO for three is housed in a tower with excellent outdoor amenities that include a rooftop deck and fire pit.
The Guard Tower 1 is one of two towers at the Castle House Estate and offers a unique place to stay in Joshua Tree. The tower’s stark white plaster walls stand in breathtaking contrast to the sandy landscape, and its interior features modern Southwest-inspired decor throughout.
The tower has three levels: a ground-floor living space, a second-story bedroom, and a rooftop lounge deck with incredible views. Guests have access to an outdoor shower and bathroom building shared with the other units on the estate. There is also a private fire pit and seating available for a desert glamping experience you won’t soon forget.
- Sleeps: 3
- Pets: Yes
Rates average $325/night. Click here to book it!
5. Best For a Secluded Desert Stay: RockHill Ranch
This cozy home is tucked away on a quiet five-acre property surrounded by rocky outcroppings not far from the city center.
The RockHill Ranch is an original homestead dating back to the 50’s that’s been lovingly restored with rustic and eclectic accents. The home has two bedrooms with enough room for six guests and also welcomes furry friends.
When you’re not relaxing inside, the home’s exterior has been outfitted with an above-ground pool, a spacious grill set up, sun loungers with umbrellas, and a dining table for fun in the sun. Guests also enjoy taking long strolls around the rocky property.
- Sleeps: 6
- Pets: Yes
Rates average $283/night. Click here to book it!
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6. Best For Couples Visiting Joshua Tree: The Outlands
This off-the-grid desert home is ideal for couples or small groups looking for peace and quiet close to the National Park.
Nestled at the end of a dirt road, The Outlands is a stunning solar-powered home that’s been recently renovated. Featuring mid-century modern furniture and impressive amenities, guests can easily disconnect and find quiet on this five-acre property only 15 minutes from the National Park entrance.
This remote Joshua Tree vacation rental allows a maximum of four guests and has a separate casita with its own covered patio and outdoor shower. In the primary residence, enjoy an open floor plan furnished with beautiful art, an iron stove, and a lovely patio area.
- Sleeps: 4
- Pets: No
Rates average $154/night. Click here to book it!
7. Best Family-Friendly Rental: Digs In The Desert
This homey desert VRBO is sure to please everyone in the family with its gourmet kitchen, entertainment garage, and in-ground swimming pool.
The Digs in the Desert is a well-appointed home that fosters wholesome family fun. Featuring an extensive family-game garage and basement, everyone will have a blast playing shuffleboard, pool, ping pong, video games, and more.
From the living room, step through the elegant French doors and out to the luxurious backyard. An in-ground swimming pool, hot tub, and gated patio area provide enough to keep the entire fam occupied. The gourmet kitchen and spacious living room are also appropriately furnished for large families. This home welcomes groups of up to eight adults and two kids.
- Sleeps: 10
- Pets: No
Rates average $650/night. Click here to book it!
8. Best Luxury Vacation Rental: On The Rocks!
This brand-new home boasts a glamorous interior and incredible amenities that have caught the attention of Conde Nast Traveler.
On the Rocks! is a contemporary three-bedroom home located just three minutes from Joshua Tree’s west entrance. The decor takes inspiration from the desert with its sand-colored concrete walls, hardwood floors, and trendy mid-century modern furniture.
The modern kitchen features expansive island seating and two impressive glass walls that look out onto desert views. The backyard has ample patio seating and is framed by the striking sight of towering rocks. This home also features a fireplace, a charger for electric cars in the garage, and solar-powered efficiency.
- Sleeps: 6
- Pets: Yes
Rates average $787/night. Click here to book it!
9. Best For Travelers With Dogs: Luna Vista
This classic stucco desert home can accommodate up to six guests and gladly welcomes furry friends.
The Luna Vista is a three-bedroom home bursting with charm in the Joshua Tree Highlands. Stationed at a bit of an elevation, enjoy sweeping views from the home’s numerous outdoor areas that include a fire pit patio, cowboy tub, and a covered patio set alongside the house.
Throughout the space, homey little touches like vintage Mexican decor, patterned tilework, and complimentary Netflix and Pandora make every stay that much cozier. The property is away from the crowds but still conveniently close to the west park entrance.
- Sleeps: 6
- Pets: Yes
Rates average $331/night. Click here to book it!
10. Best For Panoramic Views: Joshua Tree Oasis
This four-bedroom getaway for eight is perched on an elevated bluff that overlooks acres upon acres of breathtaking desert.
The Joshua Tree Oasis has everything needed to make the most of the warm desert climate. Scattered with hammocks, a sunrise-facing hot tub, a shining cowboy pool, a BBQ patio, a sun lounger platform, AND a fire pit – the property is an adult’s playground!
The neighboring land is government-protected, meaning privacy and more desert for you to explore. As lovely as the exterior is, the cheery interior rivals it with its colorfully painted walls and oodles of natural light.
- Sleeps: 8
- Pets: No
Rates average $436/night. Click here to book it!
This post is contributed by Brittany Varano. Brittany is a freelance travel writer and avid photographer with a love of hiking and solo travel. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, she fell in love with travel blogging after living and teaching English in South Korea. You can follow her adventures on Instagram or her travel blog lifeofbrit.com, where she shares helpful travel guides and budget tips for solo travel in Asia and beyond.
Looking for more Joshua Tree travel inspiration? Be sure to check out some of our other popular Joshua Tree posts below!
- 7 Incredible Day Hikes At Joshua Tree National Park
- Hiking Wall Street Mill Trail At Joshua Tree National Park
- Guide To Hiking Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail At Joshua Tree
- Hiking Skull Rock Trail At Joshua Tree National Park
- Hiking Ryan Mountain Trail At Joshua Tree National Park
Interested in stepping up your photography game? Here is the camera gear that I carry everywhere I go to create amazing travel photos:
- Main camera: Sony a7c Camera. The Sony a7c is tiny, light, full-frame, and durable – in other words, amazing!
- Polarizer Filter: Hoya 40.5 mm Filter. Polarizing filters reduce glare in water, protect the lens from getting scratched and bring out the best colors when it’s bright outside. Having a polarizing filter is a must-have if you plan to photograph lakes, oceans, rivers, and waterfalls.
- Wide Lens: Sony 16-35 mm F4. Great for capturing wide panoramas, nature landscapes, and cramped city streets. Mounts to any Sony mirrorless camera and features autofocus, image stabilization, and incredibly sharp images.
- Lightweight Travel Tripod: Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod. A good tripod is essential for capturing images in low light conditions, such as during sunset and sunrise, or creating smooth water effects when shooting waterfalls. The Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is very sturdy, light, and folds small so you can take it on all of your adventures!
- Memory Cards: SanDisk Extreme 256 GB. It’s always good to bring a few extra memory cards on trips. SanDisk Extreme is ultra-fast for capturing high-quality images, bursts, long exposure night shots, and 4k videos. This memory card is also durable and reliable yet very affordable.
- Camera Batteries: Wasabi Power Battery Set. I’ve made the mistake of getting to a location to realize my camera is out of battery. Always keep your batteries charged with this camera charger set.
- Camera Bag: Lowepro adventure shoulder bag. A camera bag is something you should definitely invest in! Without having a proper place to store it I would get my camera scratched, sandy, or even occasionally drop it.
Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful! Thank you!
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