Glamping close to Cathedral City, California places visitors in proximity to the Coachella Valley at an elevation of approximately 400 feet. The region's desert climate features dramatic temperature shifts, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter overnight temperatures occasionally dropping below 40°F. Camping options in this area range from state park campgrounds to upscale RV resorts, many featuring access to mountain trails and desert vistas.
What to do
Explore Joshua Tree National Park trails: Located approximately 45 minutes from Cathedral City, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground offers an excellent base for exploring nearby trails. "The palm canyon hike is really nice. The sites aren't huge and it's definitely desert camping," notes one visitor who appreciates the natural setting.
Fish at Lake Skinner: This recreation area near Temecula provides fishing opportunities within driving distance of Cathedral City. "The lake is stocked with fish throughout the year, but they require you to buy a riverside county lakes fishing permit for each day if you want to fish," explains a camper, highlighting the additional permit requirements.
Splash and play with kids: Lake Skinner Recreation Area features family-friendly amenities beyond just camping. "There's a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost! There are lots of walking trails," shares a visitor who enjoyed these facilities without swimming in the reservoir itself.
What campers like
Natural hot springs: The thermal waters remain a significant draw for visitors to the area. "They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs," explains a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort, noting the therapeutic quality of these naturally heated pools.
Mountain setting privacy: Some campsites offer more seclusion than others. "Sites are pretty close together but divided by tall hedges that make for good privacy," reports a camper describing the layout at Catalina Spa and RV Resort, noting how vegetation creates separation between neighboring sites.
Weekend activities: Organized social events enhance the camping experience for many visitors. "Very easy to meet new friends with an informal happy hour Saturday late afternoon (byob), and we enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner where the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides 100+ people," recounts a long-term guest.
What you should know
Seasonal wind conditions: Desert Hot Springs can experience significant wind, particularly at certain campgrounds. "Only issue is it is terribly windy most of the time," reports a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, highlighting a common weather challenge in the area.
Varying temperatures: The desert climate creates temperature differentials between day and night. "It's warm during the day but cools at night," notes a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort, advising visitors to prepare for both hot and cold conditions.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds in this region often fill quickly during peak season. "During busy season (Oct-March I think) they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc.," explains a visitor, indicating when advance bookings become particularly important.
Tips for camping with families
Temperature-regulated pools: Happy Traveler RV Park provides comfortable swimming facilities for all ages. "The pool and hot tub were clean," notes a visitor who appreciated these well-maintained amenities during their family stay.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground," shares a Catalina Spa visitor, noting facilities specifically designed for younger campers.
Educational opportunities: Proximity to nature centers enhances family camping experiences. "Close to the Discovery Center in Big Bear, which is where a couple fun hiking trails begin," remarks a camper at Serrano Campground, highlighting educational resources within walking distance.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For RVs, level sites and hookup access matter significantly. "The roads in front of each site are newly paved with a small apron on each. The remainder of the site is sand and fairly level," explains a visitor with a 39-foot diesel pusher towing a car at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Dump station logistics: Not all facilities have convenient sewer connections. "Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty," notes a Lake Skinner camper, describing a practical challenge when emptying holding tanks.
Awning precautions: Desert winds can damage RV accessories. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings," cautions a visitor staying at Catalina Spa and RV Resort, offering practical advice for protecting equipment in variable weather conditions.
