Situated in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.
Filled with Joshua trees scattered across the desert, and boasting one of the best nighttime skies on the planet, this destination is a haven for those who want to hike, camp or just come out for a relaxing weekend getaway, away from it all.
Luckily, for anyone staying the night, a camping tent isn’t your only accommodation option. The area around the park is filled with poolside home rentals that are just as luxurious or low-key as you’d like, with a range of options to fit nearly every travel style and taste. Here are 10 of my favorites, all of which come with a pool — just the thing for cooling off after hitting that dusty desert hiking trail.
Related Read: 12 Best Glamping Spots Near Joshua Tree National Park
1. Ravenrock
Why you should stay: A luxury desert escape with lots of Joshua Trees in the backyard.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $478/night
Ravenrock boasts that it’s a “curated luxury residence”. Designed by the owners with the ultimate relaxation experience in mind, the property overlooks the desert and complements it in every way, from the rough (yet refined) furnishings to the carefully chosen color palette.
Visitors will love all the amenities, no matter what season they visit. A fire ring outside, as well as a stone fireplace indoors, offer an ideal spot for cozying up during a cold desert evening (the hot tub doesn’t hurt either). A small pool is just big enough for two or three — the above-ground “dip tub” is reminiscent of a horse trough, but without all the hay.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 6 Phenomenal Backpacking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park
2. Desert Wild
Why you should stay: An earthy home that’s one with nature.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $499/night
Desert Wild brings the outside in, with natural fibers and wood features, combined with luxurious finishes and accents. Wide, big windows offer spectacular views of the great outdoors, whether you’re lying in bed facing the bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, or you’re soaking in the tub enjoying the views from the oversized bathroom.
Once you actually go outside, you’ll find plenty of open-air seating and dining areas, plus a hot tub nestled among the desert rocks, and a large, in-ground pool — complete with a set of sun loungers.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: When is the Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park?
3. Cloud Canyon Ranch
Why you should stay: A forest-set ranch big enough for the entire crew.
- Sleeps: 16
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $725/night
Traveling with a group? Cloud Canyon Ranch may just be everything you need in a Joshua Tree Airbnb. This gorgeous property is more on the modern side, with lots of sleek lines and geometric architecture, as well as an open floor plan.
The wide-open spaces allow for lots of guests to mingle at once, but just because this house is big, that doesn’t mean that the tiny details have been overlooked. From the hammock swings in the living space to the small wood stove in the entertainment area, plush robes in the bedrooms to the huge laundry room, everything’s been thought of.
Surrounded by thousands of Joshua trees, you’ll feel like your group is all alone in the world as you step out onto the elevated deck to take a dip in the large pool, complete with views of the rolling, rugged mountains beyond.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Vintage Airbnb Rentals Near Joshua Tree
4. Ventana Cove
Why you should stay: A colorful getaway with lots of outdoor space.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $332/night
Sure, many Joshua Tree properties offer lots of outdoor space, but how many of them actually offer more outdoor living space than indoor living space?
That’s exactly what Ventana Cove does, making it ideal for vacationers who truly want to soak up the desert air at every moment possible. While there is a small living and dining space inside, the primary, large dining and living spaces are all outdoors, along with a separate seating area around a fire pit, another seating area around your pool, a deck, hammocks and a hot tub.
There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors that you’ll never want to head inside — but, when you do, you’ll find three bedrooms awaiting you, along with multiple bathrooms and a laundry space.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Amazing Scenic Drives Near Los Angeles, California
5. Le Chacuel
Why you should stay: A spa-style retreat that’s luxe to the max.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $2,339/night
Le Chacuel is a private villa that will leave you feeling like you’ve escaped to your own private spa for the week. The clean lines, white architecture and airy spaces with minimalist details all make for a relaxing vibe that you won’t want to leave.
Then there’s the elongated, heated plunge pool with views of the mountains. There’s also a gym and an outdoor shower. And if you like the look of the gourmet kitchen but don’t want to put in the work yourself? Inquire about the chef that you can hire along with the property.
It’s easy to see why so many guests choose to use this elegant villa for events such as weddings.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
6. Guard Tower Suite
Why you should stay: Unique architecture with a fairytale vibe.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $310/night
The Guard Tower Suite is like if someone blended your favorite fairytale with a desert atmosphere. This white tower juts up from the desert, standing out stark against the brown sand and surrounding trees.
Inside, you’ll find a cozy little escape that incorporates a lot of Southwest style, while still being unique, primarily thanks to the structure’s tall, round shape. Take the spiral staircase upwards and you’ll find your sleeping space.
Take a ladder up from there and you’ll see that you can use the top of the tower as a place to sunbathe or take in the stars. A pool awaits just a few steps away.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: Your Guide to Visiting Joshua Tree National Park in the Winter
7. Whisper Rock Ranch
Why you should stay: Get off the grid without sacrificing style.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $1,250/night
Want to get off the grid? Whisper Rock Ranch is the place to do it. This luxurious escape surrounded by 20 acres of desert will make you feel like you’re not even missing a thing, even though vacationing here allows you to fully disconnect from the outside world.
Take a dip in the pool or hot tub. Watch the stars from the deck telescope. Enjoy the views from the many floor-to-ceiling windows. However you like to spend your time, you’ll be able to fully relax in optimum comfort, no cell phone required.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: Dome in the Desert is Still One of Joshua Tree’s Hippest Airbnbs
8. SkyHouse Joshua Tree
Why you should stay: A pool-centric mid-century modern paradise.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $870/night
This luxurious home has been used as a shooting location for movies and films, and for good reason: SkyHouse Joshua Tree is absolutely stunning.
It’s easy to see that the pool is the real centerpiece of this home rental, though. The relatively small house opens out onto a big stone patio with an in-ground pool and attached in-ground hot tub, surrounded by desert plants and sun loungers.
It’s an ideal rental if you plan on spending absolutely all of your time in Joshua Tree simply soaking up the sun.
Check Availability9. C-House
Why you should stay here: Desert living just a short drive from town
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $619/night
C-House is a beautifully architected private home that offers a large pool, hot tub, gourmet kitchen, fireplace and more, creating a tranquil oasis that feels similar to what you might find at a 5-star resort.
Unlike some Joshua Tree vacation rentals that are a little more on the secluded side, this option is within view of civilization and just a short drive from not only the national park entrance, but also shopping and dining. It’s an ideal escape for those who don’t really want to escape from necessarily everything.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 15 Coolest Airbnbs with Pools in the U.S.
10. The Rum Runner
Why you should stay: A rustic-esque cabin with luxe touches
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $440/night
The Rum Runner is a homestead-style cabin with rustic touches (see the rough wood on the exterior, and the rusty tin wall accents), but it pairs that rustic flair perfectly with luxurious accents and creature comforts that are sure to delight even the most discerning traveler.
From the multiple outdoor gas fireplaces to the outdoor entertainment center, the hot tub to the cowboy-style pool with its cabana, there’s a lot to love here — and that’s all before you even step foot indoors. Inside, you’ll find a masculine cowboy aesthetic, with lots of reclaimed wood, dark leather, exposed brick and industrial accents.
Before you leave, don’t forget to take a dip in the twin outdoor bathtubs. You’ll be ready to hit the road, fast, thanks to the on-site Tesla charger.
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