The Desert Yacht Club is an artist’s dream.
When you step aboard the Desert Yacht Club (DYC for regular visitors) on the edge of Joshua Tree, you’ll find buses, caravans, airstream trailers and boats stranded in the swathes of sand. These refurbished modes of transport can accommodate up to 30 people, where you can take in the incredible surrounding beauty of California and allow your imagination to go on a delightful voyage.
Atop a hill, you’ll find an impressive boat—both an art installation and bar—pointing straight into the sky and overlooking scattered boats (some of which are cabins) that seem to sail through the landscape of hills and clouds. This entire surreal scene is a dream that has been lovingly created by Italian artist Alessandro Giuliano. It’s become a destination for creatives and modern adventurers to find inspiration and calm amidst nature.
Beyond the slightly wacky wonderland of campsites, there are bohemian tents to choose from and even outdoor beds for the daring, where you can bask in the moonlight and gaze up at the Milky Way.
Each unit comes with its own fire pit, couch and dining area. The common areas include a charging station, pool, bar, shaded dining area and full kitchen in what resembles a wagon with a standing view that has a grill and refrigerator. Yes, there’s also wifi. Outdoor, enclosed restrooms and showers with warm water year-round are available for guests on the campground.
This unique place lies two hours away from Los Angeles on the edge of the Joshua Tree in Yucca Valley. Once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from the real world—but close enough to civilization if you find you want to step back into it for any reason. Yucca Town is about 10 minutes away and the Joshua Tree entrance is about 35.
It’s a desert paradise and the ultimate in luxe camping, with each camping unit beautifully decorated with the perfect balance of comfort and quirkiness. Keep in mind that you are still camping in the wilderness.
Currently, you can rent the whole “island” and have a more intimate Burning Man experience, or you can take up one unit.
Reservations can be made via the Facebook page.
4757 Old Woman Springs Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, United States