RV camping near Anza, California provides access to both mountain and desert environments with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 feet across the region. Campgrounds in this area experience significant temperature variations between seasons, with mountain locations averaging 30°F cooler than desert facilities during summer months. Cell service quality varies dramatically based on terrain, with reliable coverage in valley locations but limited connectivity in mountainous areas.
What to do
Explore Joshua Tree National Park: Located about 45 minutes from Desert Hot Springs campgrounds, the park offers unique desert landscapes with distinctive rock formations. "We spent 2 weeks here. The weekly rate is much better than daily. It is a nice resort with clean amenities. The gym was great and the pool was not busy which made it a nice place to work from," notes a visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
Visit local museums: The Idyllwild area features several small museums and art galleries within a 15-minute drive from mountain campgrounds. "We tent camped 3 days 2 nights during Memorial weekend with 3 other families. We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery," shares a camper from Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Try wine tasting: Temecula Valley wineries are accessible within 20 minutes of some western campgrounds. "Nice place right off I15. Quiet clean very friendly staff... Would visit again," writes a visitor at Escondido RV Resort, which offers convenient access to wine country.
What campers like
Mineral hot springs: Natural hot mineral pools offer therapeutic relaxation with temperatures ranging from 90-104°F. "Upper section is exposed to the frequent high winds. Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors. Lower mineral pool is more adult friendly," notes a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Well-maintained facilities: Many parks feature recently renovated bathrooms, laundry facilities and recreation areas. "Large concrete pads, easy backing in and hooking up. Lots of grass, great place to camp in groups," shares a visitor at Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Family activities: On-site amenities often include swimming pools, shuffleboard, pickleball courts and mini-golf courses. "We enjoyed the pool, watching the ducks in the pond, and the kids loved the basketball court. Some parts closed on certain days- store, jacuzzi, community room," mentions a camper from Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several mountain campgrounds operate with limited capacity during winter months due to snow conditions. "So far love this place. Second time here and we're enjoying it. It's hot but a fire haze has blocked the sun a bit also the water pad is so fun even for grown ups," comments a guest at Rancho Jurupa RV Park regarding summer conditions.
Wind conditions: Desert locations frequently experience high winds, particularly in spring months. "Beautiful place with hot spring pools. Lots of amenities. Close to downtown Palm Springs. Only issue is it is terribly windy most of the time," notes a visitor about Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Limited connectivity: Mountain campgrounds often have minimal cell service and limited WiFi. "Nice folks and a very pretty, well kept site. Limited or no internet service, no cell phone service - so if you need to contact friends or family think about these facts. If you have kids that need to get off their tablets/phones - stay here," shares a camper from Tucalota Springs RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Some resorts maintain playground equipment and organized activities specifically for children. "This place has a great weekly rate ($35 per night) and great amenities. We got a site across from the laundry/pool/bathroom which was also not far from the dog park," notes a visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Consider splash pads during summer: Water features provide relief during hot weather conditions. "Very well maintained and clean campsites! Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff!" shares a Rancho Jurupa RV Park camper.
Avoid peak weekends: Family-oriented campgrounds become significantly busier and noisier Friday through Sunday. "Geese Poop!! My biggest complaint with this resort is the geese, which apparently are always there, are loud and their poop is everywhere. The sites are also really packed in. What I did like is the pool, it was clean and plenty of room," mentions a visitor from Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for tight spaces: Many parks have narrow access roads with trees or obstacles. "Being reasonably close to our home base, we frequent this park with the family. Major grocery and shopping establishments are nearby, with Target directly across the street, In-n-Out, local parks, and the like," notes a camper at Golden Village Palms RV Resort.
Bring extra water hose length: Some full-hookup sites have connections placed at inconvenient distances. "We upgraded to the luxury site which meant that the spacing between sites was a bit greater and we had a lovely patch of green grass between us and our neighbors. We have a very small trailer, so our only issue was the distance from our sewer connection and the resort's," shares an Emerald Desert RV Resort visitor.
Check electrical capacity requirements: Many parks offer limited 50-amp sites that fill quickly. "Came in for a convention in Ontario, better alternative than Fairplex park. Very spacious and good for big rigs. LOTS of activities for families (splash pad). Would visit again. 50⚡️ 💧👍. There's a dump station, but a couple spots with dump but they were always booked," explains a camper from Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
