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Facilities

Established Camping

Lake Cahuilla

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Lake Cahuilla, near La Quinta, California, is a fantastic campground that offers a peaceful escape with plenty of space to unwind. With large sites and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for families and those looking to enjoy some quality time outdoors.

This campground features a lovely little lake ideal for fishing, though swimming isn’t allowed. Visitors often rave about the quiet nights and dark skies, making it a great spot for stargazing. One camper noted, “Very dark at night which was so great,” highlighting the serene environment. The facilities include clean restrooms and showers, ensuring you can freshen up after a day of fun.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Lake Cahuilla is a great base for exploring the surrounding Coachella Valley. The area is known for its scenic views and is just a short drive from attractions like Joshua Tree National Park. Plus, if you’re visiting during the Coachella Music Festival, you’ll be right next door to the action.

While some campers mentioned the lack of greenery and proximity to the road, the spacious sites and friendly staff make it a welcoming place to set up camp. Whether you’re fishing, biking, or just soaking in the views, Lake Cahuilla has something for everyone.

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Location

Lake Cahuilla is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-10 eastbound thru Indio: take Monroe St Exit & turn R (S). Take Monroe to 58th & turn R (W). 58th turns into Jefferson at L turn. Follow signs to park. From I-10 westbound thru Indio: take Monroe Exit & turn L (S). Take Monroe to 58th & turn R (W). 58th turns into Jefferson at L turn. Follow signs to park.

Address

58-075 Jefferson Street
La Quinta, CA 92253

Coordinates

33.62964039 N
116.277357 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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5.0

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 21, 2023

Excellent

Might be my favorite campground ever. Very quiet, we were here midweek before Christmas. Very dark at night which was so great. Little lake for fishing, we didn’t catch anything. Very little traffic. Huge sites. Most sites are dry or water/ electric only no sewer but there is a dump station. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Camp is a good distance from any stores. Target was about 15 minutes.

Site2
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Bryan S., December 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Bryan S., December 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Bryan S., December 21, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2023

Enjoyable

We were in site #3. Sites are W/E only. Dump station on site. The park has a campground feel, with a bit more space between spots than mist rv parks. Sites are gravel and easy to get into. Bathrooms are decent. 3 stalks and two showers. Many people were fishing. Our site backed up the the road through the campground and cars traveled well above the 15 mph limit and starting going by before 6 am. The nights were dark and quiet, no street lights! Always a plus for us! The weekend was busy, but still quiet at night.

Site3
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Kellie , February 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Kellie , February 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Kellie , February 6, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2022

Bare bones

Nice campground with a variety of sites to choose from. Primitive sites are $25 and are first come first serve only. Partial hookups were $30 I think, and FHU were $40 if I remember right. Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use. I forgot to ask if you could also fill your tanks with water if you're staying in a primitive site.

Online reservation fee is $8 but you don't have to pay that if you show up and pay on site.

They do take Passport America but only Monday, Tues, Wednesday.

There was cell service at this campground. There is no greenery here and no division between sites.

An Iron Man takes place here which would be neat to see if you're able to get a spot when it's taking place.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Laura M., November 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Laura M., November 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Laura M., November 22, 2022
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2022

Great when the weather is

Nice resource to have a lake and campground in the Coachella Valley. Overall a nice stay when not too hot. Historically no one in my family has been able to catch a fish there but fun to do at night if camping there

Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2022

Base for visiting Joshua Tree

Stayed there for our visit to Joshua Tree. Very nice campground. Tighter spots but enough to be comfortable at your site. The surrounding areas are very nice.

Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2021

Great camp spot for families!

Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites. The camp host was very nice and overall the site was quiet and clean. We would defiantly come back and next time bring bikes for the kids and fishing poles, as fishing defiantly is the main attraction. The site is also right next to Coachella Music Festival- that could be fun! - Cleanliness: Great. Overall we found our site clean and the park well maintained. Bathrooms could have been cleaner, but weren’t bad. - Safety: Great. We never thought about it, which is always a good sign. - Family Friendly: Great. There was a playground, not too much traffic around the campsite, and fishing for our next trip there. - Amenities: Fair. The closest store was 16 miles away, and there wasn’t wood or ice available at the campground. There is a dump station though. - Location: Great. The campground was very scenic, set beside a mountain range and next to the local reservoir. It’s tucked away past residential and about 15 min from the freeway. - Overall: Great. We’ll definitely be back with fishing poles, bikes, and hopefully swim suits for that pool.

Site4 (hook ups)
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Morgen M., November 14, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2021

Peaceful, great location, clean

While visiting family in LaQuinta this was perfect...great view over the lake, clean showers, spaces not too close, walk around the lake, big horn sheep viewing

Site54
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Lake Cahuilla by Ann-Marie C., October 20, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

No complaints

All of our standers were met and slightly exceeded. We didn’t expect such a beautiful view!!

Reviewed Dec. 28, 2019

Spacious and clean

Here in the off season. Camped in tent section right on the lake. Lots of space. Not on top of neighbors. Will keep this in mind for future trips.

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2019

Great place to tent camp

Great view of the lake from most of the tent sections. Access to showers and restrooms. There is a pool in the summer and enough shade to stay as cool as the desert allows without A/C. There is a bike trail around the lake and fishing. Playgrounds and other child friendly activities available upon request. Especially great in the off season as it can be a bit noisy when it is crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Lake Cahuilla have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Cahuilla has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Lake Cahuilla?

    Lake Cahuilla allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Lake Cahuilla?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Lake Cahuilla, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Lake Cahuilla have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lake Cahuilla does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lake Cahuilla?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.