It’s a rare thing to find a hotel or chain that is actually finding a new way of hoteling, but that’s exactly what I found at Field Station Joshua Tree on a recent visit.
Field Station is the newest brand from the folks behind the airstream-and-glamping resort chain AutoCamp (which has properties in spots like Yosemite, Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, and Zion). Field Station is the brand’s affordable arm that targets outdoorsy types who want “a hotel for everyday adventures.”
That goal translates into more affordable rates, spacious but minimalist rooms with plenty of room for gear and people (this place was made for families and groups), and plenty of communal hangout areas like fire pits and a swimming pool where guests can meet and mingle. It’s nicer than a hostel or motel, but lower key than the typical hotel, making it a good fit for the Joshua Tree crowd.
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This is the second Field Station (the first is in Moab), and part of the way the brand keeps things affordable is by refurbishing existing motels. In a previous life, Field Station Joshua Tree was a Travelodge, and the multiple outbuildings, drive-up parking, and exterior corridors hint at its motel past. But from its shop-the-room details—including Nomadix puffer blankets, Snowpeak camping couches, Slowtide towels, and Public Goods toiletries—to its ample gear and bike storage areas in every room, it’s a brand clearly made for and by outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to know about Field Station Joshua Tree
- Field Station isn’t actually in Joshua Tree but about 20 minutes west in the town of Yucca Valley. It’s also an easy 20-minute drive from Joshua Tree National Park.
- The lobby is part check-in desk, part gear shop, part cafe, and part living room (with maps and books focused on the local area). There’s also a filtered water spigot plus an area with grab-and-go snacks.
- Rooms are made to be functional–with lots of gear storage and comfortable large beds–but not super cozy, supporting the idea that the reason people come to Joshua Tree is to get outside.
- As it’s a reinvented motel, you can park your car close to the room; ideal if you have bikes, climbing gear, or coolers.
Field Station Joshua Tree reviews
Because it’s new, Field Station doesn’t have a huge number of reviews, but the reviews and ratings that are available definitely trend positive. Tripadvisor users give is five out of five and Kayak rates it 9.4 out of 10 (a rating of Wonderful).
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Important details about Field Station Joshua Tree
Location
Field Station is in Yucca Valley, about 40 minutes from the Palm Springs airport and 20 minutes from both the town of Joshua Tree and the national park. It’s under 10 minutes from Field Station to Pioneertown. It’s driving-distance close to grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, but isn’t walkable to much. And though it’s right along the busy 29 Palms Highway, it backs up onto neighborhoods so it’s generally pretty quiet. And yes, there are some Joshua trees on property.
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The Property
From the front, Field Station doesn’t look like much. But once you’re at the hotel, its charms start to unfold. Desert landscaping weaves rocks and cactuses into outdoor spaces, Adirondack chairs and picnic tables keep the vibe friendly, the pool and hot tub attracts people in the afternoons as people start filtering in from their hikes and climbs, and the bocce and other outdoor games area tends to be popular in the late afternoon and early evening. Each morning and evening there’s a campfire in the courtyard behind the lobby.
Rooms
Rooms are simple but have everything needed for a comfortable stay. Beds are big, new, and comfortable, and many rooms have full or queen bunk beds to make it easier to fit more people into a single room. There’s a lot of variety among room setups, and rooms sleep between two and seven people. Furniture is minimal, with pieces like camping chairs and sofas. Walls are white and mostly bare, with just a few photographs and prints framed. There’s tons of storage including peg boards, cubbies, and benches. Like the gear? There’s a shop-the-room QR code near the sink where you can pick up items.
