Cabin camping near Cathedral City, California offers mineral springs, mountain retreats, and desert accommodations within a 45-minute drive radius. The area sits between the Coachella Valley floor and San Jacinto Mountains, with elevations ranging from 300 to over 6,000 feet at mountain campgrounds. Wind can be significant in desert locations while mountain sites offer cooler temperatures year-round.
What to do
Pickleball tournaments and activities: Catalina Spa and RV Resort hosts regular matches for cabin guests. "We've enjoyed learning and playing pickleball. The pools are warm and well maintained," notes scott G., who stayed at the property for several weeks.
Explore Joshua Tree National Park: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provides a central location for cabin guests visiting the park. "This spot is about an hour from both the west and the south entrances of Joshua Tree," explains Sarah M., who appreciated the mountain views on clear days.
Visit natural oases: The Coachella Valley Preserve is just minutes from Sky Valley RV Resort. "The Coachella Valley preserve is just a few minutes drive from Sky Valley and is a delightful walk among Palm trees and springs," recommends Tracy K., who enjoyed the natural desert landscape.
Visit Wednesday farmers markets: Seasonal produce is available at weekly markets. "Every Wednesday is a farmers market set up by entrance of resort," mentions Tyler V. about Sky Valley, noting it offers local produce and specialty items.
What campers like
Mineral hot spring pools with varying temperatures: Caliente Springs RV Resort offers multiple soaking options. "The pools have different temperatures as do the spa pools. Good for tired muscles!" explains Julie T., highlighting the therapeutic benefits.
Clean facilities with regular maintenance: Campground cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. "The sites and RV spots are easy to navigate into. Nice wide streets. Some fun things on site like miniature golf and bike rentals," notes Cindy B. about her stay at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Family-friendly activities: Many resorts provide recreational options beyond swimming. "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," reports Ashley M. from Catalina Spa.
Seasonal events and gatherings: Community activities create social opportunities. "We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner where the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides 100+ people," mentions scott G., describing the social atmosphere at Catalina Spa.
What you should know
Desert wind conditions: Many desert properties experience significant wind. "Only issue is it is terribly windy most of the time," reports Vic R. about Catalina Spa, while another visitor at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA noted, "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept."
Age restrictions at some properties: Thousand Trails Idyllwild and other resorts have specific guest requirements. "This park looks nice, we were unable to stay due to age restrictions. Park is a 55+ park," explains Tyler V. about Caliente Springs RV Resort.
Seasonal operation and weather considerations: Mountain cabin locations offer different experiences. "Weather was cold and windy but not too bad. Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing," advises Donovan about Lake Hemet Campground during winter stays.
Cabin furnishing variations: Different properties offer varying levels of comfort. "Rustic and clean campground and resort for 55+. Mineral hot springs, rental cottages and some for sale," mentions Dallas W. about his experience at a desert hot springs resort.
Tips for camping with families
Check pool restrictions and scheduling: Some resorts limit pool access. "Staff is very friendly and helpful. Nice pool limited to 14 people at a time and you have to book your pool time at the office in the morning between 8-10," explains Bryan S. from his stay at Palm Springs RV Resort.
Look for kid-specific activities: Lake Hemet Campground offers water recreation beyond swimming. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! Every site has a picnic table and fire ring," shares Jennifer D. who enjoyed the lake amenities.
Consider seasonal holiday activities: Special events enhance family stays. "They even had a haunted house and hayride for the kids. Super cool spot," mentions Heather K. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA during the Halloween season.
Pack for temperature variations: Desert temperatures fluctuate dramatically. "Nice breeze every evening starting around 4pm that lasted a couple hours," notes Time4Dirt about Thousand Trails Idyllwild, highlighting the comfortable evening conditions despite warm days.
Tips from RVers
Level sites vary by property: Be prepared for uneven terrain at mountain locations. "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension," reports Time4Dirt about Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Sewer connection locations can be problematic: Emerald Desert RV Resort and other properties sometimes have awkward hookups. "With so many nearby stores, it just took a quick online order for curbside pickup at Wal-Mart for extra hose and we were good-to-go," explains David who needed additional equipment for his sewer connection.
Resort entrance conditions: Pay attention to entrance design when arriving. "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," warns Cindy B. about the Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA entrance.
Extra fees for services: Some amenities carry additional costs. "Laundry way too expensive at $5 for wash and $5 for 45 min dry. Credit card payment only and the dryer didn't dry our clothes all the way," notes Laura M. about her experience at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
