As in past years, Joshua Tree National Park will once again close some campgrounds for the 2008 summer season. Summer is the slow season at Joshua Tree, and there is reduced utilization of camping sites during the hot summer months. Seasonal campground closures allow impacted areas to recover and reduces the cost of maintaining these facilities.

The following closures will take place on Monday, May 28:

• Belle Campground—closed entirely at the access road.
• Black Rock Campground—the east side of the campground will be closed; the west side will remain open.
• Cottonwood Campground—B loop will close; A Loop will remain open.
• Indian Cove Campground—the west side of the campground will be closed. The east side of the campground, the group campsites, and the picnic area will remain open.
• Ryan Campground—closed entirely at the access road.
• White Tank Campground—closed entirely at the access road. The campground restroom and the Arch Rock Nature Trail will remain open for hikers.

These facilities will reopen for the October, 2008 Columbus Day weekend, or earlier as needed based on park visitation. All other park facilities including visitor centers, picnic areas, and other campgrounds, including Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, and Sheep Pass, will remain open for normal visitor use.

In addition, regularly scheduled tours of the Keys Ranch historic site will be suspended for the summer, but a limited number of tours for groups of ten or more may be arranged by calling 760-367-5555.