Joshua Tree National Park’s Cottonwood and Jumbo Rocks campgrounds have reopened after a brief closure due to “aggressive honeybee activity.” The closures, which affected approximately 180 campsites, were implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure visitor safety and comfort.
Park officials clarified that the issue wasn’t related to bee swarms or stinging incidents, but rather the bees’ search for water sources amidst scorching summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The impact of high temperatures on bee behavior in desert regions like Joshua Tree can be significant. When temperatures soar, bees intensify their search for water, leading to increased interactions with humans in campground areas.
Hannah Schwalbe, a park spokeswoman, reported that the Cottonwood campground was reopened after bee activity decreased. The Jumbo Rocks campground, located about 30 miles north of Cottonwood, welcomed campers again, following its closure on July 9.
According to an article published by Los Angeles Times, Joshua Tree Superintendent David Smith described the situation that led to the closures. “There were a couple of vehicles with a lot of bees in them. And campsites. Visitors were very uncomfortable,” Smith said.
He emphasized that no stinging incidents were reported and that the bees involved were “standard honeybees.”
According to its website, Cottonwood Campground operates on a reservation-only basis, featuring 62 sites equipped with potable water and flush toilets. It is located near the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southeast region of the park. The nearest metropolitan area is Indio, situated approximately 30 miles away. Additionally, RVs and habitable trailers are not permitted in the Cottonwood Group Campsites.
Some individual campsites, also known as family campsites, can accommodate a combined RV length, including a towed vehicle, of up to 35 feet.
In addition, Jumbo Rocks Campground boasts 124 individual or family sites and requires reservations. Centrally located, it offers views of rock formations.