Retro Whimsy in the Desert: A Stay at Hicksville Trailer Palace

If I mentioned I went to Joshua Tree, you could probably say “Oh yeah, that’s pretty isolated and Away from the Crowds.” In your mind, I bet you’ll even conjure up images of a desert landscape with rocky formations, interesting looking Joshua Trees and star-filled skies. Here and there, are random custom-designed homes that groups of friends might snag for a weekend retreat. Further

into the campgrounds lies an entirely unexpected “hotel”: Hicksville Trailer Palace. Instead of your typical hotel rooms, it had a variety of differently themed vintage trailers (and one houseboat)- we stayed in the Pee-Wee Herman theme one on our first night and a UFO themed airstream the second night.

It is 21+ only and only has 11 trailers, so even when it is fully booked it is still pretty exclusive.
And each trailer at Hicksville is a world unto itself, all were restored and reimagined with a quirky flair. For example, if you step into the “The Pony”, you’ll find yourself in a Wild West saloon on wheels. Or if you booked “The Lux”, then it’s all sleek, retro elegance. There is a pool, rooftop hot tub, archery, mini golf course, and pool tables. Every detail is a nod to a bygone era, infused with a healthy dose of eccentric charm.

You can spend your time here soaking in the sun, exploring the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, or simply lounging by the pool with the surreal feeling that you’ve stumbled into a film set. Even if you come here in the summertime, it is the desert, so at night you’ll most likely hear the sounds of fire pits crackling, peals of laughter drifting across the property, and witnessing the Milky Way stretching overhead in a dazzling display of light. Don’t expect to find TVs or mindless background noise, like traffic. It’s just a true connection with your surroundings, the people you’re with, and the creative spirit of the desert.

We originally booked one night in the middle of a honeymoon road trip we were on, but had so much fun we ended up booking a second night while staying there. It’s a very unique and fun place that captures the energy of Joshua Tree so well and the property is so out of the way that they don’t send you the location until a few days before your stay. Not a 5-star property by any means, but a night’s sleep comes wrapped in nostalgia, creativity, and the kind of offbeat wonder that keeps a smile on your face long after you’ve gone home. If you’re open to a more “glamping” style experience I highly recommend it!

-Kaitlyn Collen