Death Valley to Joshua Tree park

I would think that you would want to go from north to south ALL THE WAY THROUGH Joshua Tree. We camped on some BLM land just across the highway from 29 Palms, did the 29 Palms hike. Drove all the way through JT with a few more hikes, including near the south entrance, and then camped just outside the gate on the south side - once again on BLM land - both for free. This was in our 38' coach plus tow car. The camp sites inside were too small and way too crowded to accommodate us near Easter and spring break. Check freecampgrounds.com A few times we unhooked and took the tow car to the view site.