R
Rose C.
Scout
ScoutThousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
T T. Gem
This campground has good amenities, more than most and quite close to shopping and dining. They offer full rv hookups and both 30 and 50 amp sites.
Camping near Cathedral City, CA
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Cathedral City and the surrounding Palm Springs area offer a range of camping options with nearby access to Joshua Tree National Park and mountain recreation areas. Catalina Spa and RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs provides tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin accommodations, while Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers similar amenities plus glamping and yurt options. Several campgrounds in the area feature natural hot springs, swimming pools, and desert mountain views, creating a unique camping experience that combines resort-style amenities with proximity to wilderness areas.
Most campgrounds in the Cathedral City region remain open year-round due to the mild winter climate, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September. Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds like Black Rock and Jumbo Rocks provide more primitive experiences with limited amenities compared to the full-service RV resorts closer to Palm Springs. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak winter and spring seasons when snowbirds and weekend travelers fill most facilities. One camper noted, "We spent 5 nights here and chose this location for its proximity to downtown, Aerial Tramway, and Joshua Tree. The park could be a gem once again, but currently worn down."
Mineral hot springs represent a distinctive feature of several Desert Hot Springs campgrounds, with multiple reviews highlighting these natural amenities. "The pool and spa are fueled by the hot springs, so the pool is at about 90 degrees and the hot tub a bit hotter," shared one visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Many sites offer privacy through mature landscaping, with one camper appreciating that "each space is surrounded by 15ft hedges to provide privacy." Campgrounds closer to Joshua Tree National Park provide more traditional outdoor experiences with better stargazing opportunities but fewer amenities. The region's campgrounds generally cater to RV travelers, though tent camping is available at select locations. Travelers seeking a true wilderness experience may prefer the national park campgrounds, while those wanting amenities like pools, hot springs, and full hookups will find numerous options closer to Cathedral City and Palm Springs.
Best Campgrounds near Cathedral City (429)
1. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
"The KOA is reasonably priced for KOA and California. 3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground."
"ALSO not the parks fault but 2 small trailers pulled in next to us around 10 pm and had lots of people and lots of kids."
2. Catalina Spa and RV Resort
"This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever."
"You don’t get many good views inside the RV park gates, but once you walk out there driveway and along the street you can actually get some good mountain views on clear days."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability3. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"Originally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot"
"The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.
- Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels."
from $35 / night
Check Availability4. Thousand Trails Palm Springs
"The 30 Amp side is pull through so we decided to set up at site 61 further away from the Highway because it is a bit noisy from road noise."
"The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"
5. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"bathrooms but no water access and the main entrance is about 45 drive, so come prepared. great access to climbing walking distance or short drive. stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets."
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Hemet Campground
"You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."
"I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."
from $45 / night
Check Availability7. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."
"Kings Canyon is one of the coolest places I've been in a long time and Southern California"
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability8. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel
"Monthly stays are very economical ($580/$605+electricity) which includes daily (9am-9pm) access to the four hot pools at different temperatures, the swimming pool, gym, dry sauna, wet sauna, etc."
"Mail delivery is convenient, but the lack of security at the campground entrance feels like a gap."
from $60 / night
Check Availability9. Sky Valley RV Resort
"It's a lovely location with almost perfect weather in the winter. April very windy and May, it starts getting hotter. However, you can take the tram up majestic Mt."
"Lots of exploring within a hours drive to great sights like Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, Salton sea, Idlewild, Borrego Springs, etc."
10. Hurkey Creek Park
"This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains."
"It's a lovely campground, and our spot wasn't too far away from the restrooms or the creek. Once Friday afternoon hit though, it did fill up to what felt like near full capacity. "
from $30 - $35 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 47 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 2 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 58 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Camping Photos near Cathedral City, CA
789 Photos of 429 Cathedral City Campgrounds
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CAPOTISTA
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Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
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Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park
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Marion Mountain
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Apple Canyon Yellowpost
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Recent Reviews near Cathedral City, CA
1979 Reviews of 429 Cathedral City Campgrounds
- TTed D.
TravelerSan Bernardino National Forest Wild Horse Equestrian Campground
Watkins Glen OK
When I booked at the reservation site I screenshot that water and 30 amp power was available at my site. There is NO water hook up. Overall it’s good 7 out of 10. Lots to do within 2 hours of this place. Staying for 6 days.
Kate S.TravelerHanna Flat Campground
Beautoful forested spots
Stayed one night on our way to Utah. Super quiet on Sunday night, we were able to drive right up and pick a spot pretty secluded. Bathrooms were spotless. Camp host was friendly!
Robyn C.ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
It’s ok
Place is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
Brittany
GuideJoshua Tree RV & Campground
Hunkering Down next to Joshua Tree
We stopped in visiting Joshua Tree National Park. This is located very close to the Northwest side of park. The RV park is very easy to get to. There are not a lot of options for places to camp. The Dispersed lots have a lot of trash. This is a clean location, very very expensive though. You will pay premium price for no shade and to park in a sand lot. There is a nice little park adjacent to this but that’s the only plus.
FiftysevenNine T.ScoutBlack Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
h2o & sewage
On the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park in an old growth Joshua Tree grove. The trees are tall and fat, very close to each other. Heftier than the trees inside the Park.
It has water and dump station, otherwise the campgrounds inside the Park are more majestic with huge rocks.
If you're a fulltime RVer or vanlifer with an efficient solar system, having water in/out and a place to stay safely for cheap is grand. It's four klicks from malls, thus ideal if you need stuff. As a fulltime RVer I book several consecutive days with the app. The grounds are empty on weekdays, thus can spend quality time organizing my rig, thoughts, and plans.
From June to autumn half the campsites are shuttered. The area has limited visitation in summer.
Stacey H.ScoutNoble Creek Park
Quiet & Nice City Park
Easy access but away from street noise. Nothing elegant or fancy but it's a nice spot to spend the weekend. RV sites are next to the baseball fields, which is fun! Some sites have shade trees (beware of dripping pine trees). Grass and trees off the RV sites. Sites are on gravel and concrete pads. Great view of the nearby mountains. Park security patrols throughout the day. We've stayed here twice and would definitely visit again!
Dick T.GuideMarion Mountain
I enjoyed four peaceful days
I have some reservations about writing this review because my experience at this campground was wonderful. I enjoyed four peaceful days there, and, surprisingly, there were never more than three campers present. The other visitors were all gray-haired, which contributed to the serenity—there were no barking dogs, loud generators, music, or screaming kids. I spoke with some long-time campers who advised against visiting during holiday weekends and summer; they warned that it can turn chaotic. Marion Mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, exudes character and has a relaxed atmosphere that is not geared for partying, although some attempt to make it so. This campground strictly allows only tent camping and very small teardrop trailers or camper vans; RVs and fifth-wheelers are not permitted. The upper loop(sites 1-5) is great for van or tent camping, but parking is limited to one car/van per site, with no extra parking available. This restriction minimizes the flow of day hikers and keeps the campground tranquil. The inside loop features flatter ground for pitching tents, but it does come with close campsites, reducing privacy since the road rings around sites six through ten, which require a short walk to access. On the lower loop, the outside sites are sloped, and you also need to walk to them. The interior sites here are flat but closely packed, creating a cramped environment. I rated this campground one star for weekends and holidays, but it earns five stars on weekdays and in the shoulder seasons. I would absolutely return, but definitely not on weekends! If I want to hear screaming kids and barking dogs, I can just visit my grandkids. If you value a peaceful camping experience, choose your timing wisely!
- Jessica D.Traveler
Indian Waters RV Resort
Great managers, absolutely accommodating.
A Hidden Gem! Phenomenal Staff & Peaceful Stay My husband and I just finished a week-long stay at Indian Waters RV Resort over Memorial Day weekend, and we are absolutely blown away! We are in our late 30s/early 40s and really thrive on peace and quiet, and this place delivered exactly what we were looking for. Right from the start, the customer service was unmatched. We had booked our site back in March and ran into a small glitch with the online system recognizing our deposit and site request. After communicating with Cameron and Rachel in the weeks leading up to our trip, they assured us everything would be handled—and they delivered perfectly. Upon arrival, they proved to be the most amazing, warm, and accommodating property managers you could ever ask for. From our first greeting to random run-ins around the park to our final day, their consistency and hospitality were top-tier. They even stock those must-have amenities in the main office for when you inevitably forget or run out of something, which was incredibly convenient. As for the resort itself? Phenomenal. The grounds are meticulously kept up—the grass sites are lush and green, and the gravel sites are perfectly level. The bathrooms are amazing, and the gym is clean with great, usable equipment. We spent plenty of time enjoying the amenities: The Pool & Jacuzzis: The pool was always sparkling clean (minus a few stray flowers blowing in the desert wind) and kept at a wonderful temperature. The two jacuzzis are absolutely to die for! Outdoor Fun: They have cornhole, pickleball courts, and great lounge chairs situated around multiple firepits. We were honestly shocked that the park wasn’t more crowded for a holiday weekend. It truly feels like a hidden gem right now. There were no loud or rowdy neighbors, no annoying barking dogs, and no screaming children—just pure relaxation. We came here to celebrate our birthdays, and thanks to Cam and Rachel, it was an unforgettable trip. We will absolutely be back time and time again! Wishing you both tons of success!
Guide to Cathedral City
Camping near Cathedral City, California offers diverse options ranging from desert hot spring resorts to alpine mountain campgrounds. The region sits at the intersection of the Coachella Valley desert floor (elevation 400 feet) and the San Jacinto Mountains (rising to over 10,000 feet), creating dramatic temperature variations across camping locations. Winter nights in mountain campgrounds like Idyllwild can drop below freezing, while desert locations maintain milder temperatures but can experience strong winds.
What to do
Explore natural hot springs pools: At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, guests can enjoy mineral spring-fed pools and hot tubs. "The pools are fueled by the hot springs, so the pool is at about 90 degrees and the hot tub a bit hotter," notes one visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park: Located about 45 minutes from Desert Hot Springs campgrounds, Joshua Tree offers unique rock formations and desert landscapes. "Joshua Tree entrances are within the hour to get to. The Coachella Valley preserve is just a few minutes drive from Sky Valley and is a delightful walk among Palm trees and springs," shared one camper at Sky Valley Resort.
Climb boulder formations: Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree provides excellent climbing opportunities. "I love this spot specifically because it is a great place to climb. It's conveniently close to skull rock and discovery trail. Although my favorite part of this campground is how clearly you can see the stars," mentions a visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Enjoy mountain recreation: The mountains surrounding Cathedral City provide cooler recreation options. "Palm Springs is 20 minutes south," notes one camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort, highlighting the accessibility to both desert and mountain activities within a short drive.
What campers like
Mineral hot springs: Desert Hot Springs campgrounds feature natural mineral water pools. "We've been here for about 4 weeks and are going to store our rig and car here for a month before returning for another 3 weeks in Jan-Feb. Staff is outstanding. The pools are warm and well maintained," shares a guest at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer vegetation barriers between sites. "The sites are close together but divided by tall hedges that make for good privacy," reports a visitor at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Dark skies for stargazing: Joshua Tree campgrounds provide exceptional night sky viewing. "The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," states a visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Family-friendly activities: Many resorts offer organized activities for families. "The KOA is reasonably priced for KOA and California. 3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for adults as well the staff are very nice and helpful," explains a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Desert campgrounds can experience strong winds. "The only issue is it is terribly windy most of the time," mentions a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Another adds, "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt."
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more private sites than others. "This campground is right by the town. You can walk there within minutes. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. A little louder than what I would want," notes a visitor to Idyllwild Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures can be extreme in desert locations. "We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. I was concerned that the pools might be closed due to COVID but both pools were open," shares a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Water access varies: Joshua Tree campgrounds have limited water. "Planning for water is needed, there is only a pit toilet," warns a camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: KOA and resort-style campgrounds offer the most family activities. "We stayed for 2 and a half months and enjoyed the amenities daily. There is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms and 2 separate laundry rooms. Pickleball with daily games, a small and run down mini golf course," shares a visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Consider lake recreation options: Lake Hemet offers additional water activities. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! The section we were in only had a volt potty but there were showers there in another section. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring. We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing," reports a camper at Lake Hemet Campground.
Visit during cooler months: Desert locations are most comfortable from October through April. "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! I know better, but we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!" shares a camper at Black Rock Campground.
Select sites away from high-traffic areas: Some campgrounds have noisier sections. "The only negative is the crowds for the water park area on the weekends. Don't want a spot too close," warns a visitor to Lake Hemet Campground.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. "The entrance into the KOA - if coming in and making a right - be careful as you essentially end up making a U-turn around a rock wall and into the park. Just a funky entrance," advises an RVer at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Level sites: Many desert campgrounds have uneven sites. "Sites are not level," notes a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA. Another shares, "We found a rock to level our van which helped, but flat spots were expected."
Size limitations: Joshua Tree campgrounds have restrictions for larger rigs. "Campers beware that the sites are close together and have limited space for campers. We have a RTT with a fold out annex. There are boulders along the road side that do not allow you to pull into the sites," warns a visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Palm tree navigation: Some RV parks have tight spacing around trees. "Parking big rig between the palm trees can be a challenge," shares a camper at Thousand Trails Palm Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Cathedral City, CA?
Where are the best campgrounds near Cathedral City, CA?
The best campgrounds near Cathedral City include Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park, known for its unique sites nestled between massive boulders that provide natural windbreaks and privacy. Sites #5 and #6 are particularly desirable for their protection from high winds and access to spectacular stargazing. Indian Cove Campground is another excellent option with beautiful rock formations, clean sites, and great bouldering opportunities for all skill levels. For those seeking RV accommodations, Pechanga RV Resort offers newer facilities within walking distance to a casino, pool, golf course, and restaurants.
What parks are available in Cathedral City, CA for day use or camping?
What parks are available in Cathedral City, CA for day use or camping?
While Cathedral City itself has limited camping options, several excellent parks are available nearby. Sky Valley RV Resort offers RV camping with concrete patios and access to relaxing pools, though sites are relatively close together. For day use and camping just a short drive away, Serrano provides lakeside camping with friendly staff and beautiful views. For those willing to drive a bit further, Sportsman's Club in Twentynine Palms offers basic camping with flat sites just ten minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. North Joshua Tree dispersed camping area is also available for those seeking a more primitive experience.
Are there any romantic camping getaways near Cathedral City?
Are there any romantic camping getaways near Cathedral City?
For a romantic camping getaway near Cathedral City, Heart Bar Campground offers a secluded atmosphere with stunning sunset views where the rolling mountains part to showcase beautiful California evenings. The quiet setting away from town creates an intimate experience perfect for couples. Another excellent option is Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel, which features four hot mineral pools at different temperatures, perfect for relaxing together under the stars. Their amenities include a swimming pool, dry and wet saunas, and a gym, making it ideal for couples seeking both romance and comfort.
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