Visitors have multiple entrance fee and pass options depending on how they arrive and if they are part of a commercial tour group or not. The most common entrance fee is the Private Vehicle Pass, valid for 7 days. This covers the cost for anyone who is riding in the vehicle.

Joshua Tree National Park is generally not free; it requires an entrance fee for most visitors. As of 2026, the standard entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle, which is valid for seven consecutive days. For those entering on a motorcycle, the fee is $25, and for those entering on foot or by bicycle, it is $15 per person. However, there are ten specific "Fee-Free Days" in 2026 (such as Veterans Day, the NPS Birthday, and Presidents' Day) where entrance fees are waived for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. A major policy change in 2026 now requires non-U.S. residents to pay the standard entrance fee even on these traditionally free days. For frequent visitors, the Joshua Tree Annual Pass costs $55, while the "America the Beautiful" Interagency Pass is $80 for U.S. residents and covers entrance to all federal recreation sites for one year. It is also worth noting that camping fees are separate from entrance fees and must be paid regardless of whether it is a fee-free day.