Cabin camping near Desert Hot Springs, California provides access to unique mineral spring pools while serving as a convenient base for exploring Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during summer months, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for outdoor activities. The San Andreas fault line runs through the area, creating numerous natural hot springs that feed resort pools throughout the region.
What to do
Explore mineral springs pools: Several cabin resorts offer therapeutic mineral pools at different temperatures. Catalina Spa and RV Resort features "two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn't want to leave. Like, ever. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated," according to one visitor.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park: Located about 45 minutes from Catalina Spa and RV Resort, this iconic desert landscape offers hiking and rock climbing opportunities. "This is a great location if you are a Thousand trails member well worth it... Lots of stuff to do/see in surrounding areas," notes a reviewer of Thousand Trails Palm Springs.
Attend local farmers markets: Many resorts host regular farmers markets with fresh produce and goods. At Sky Valley RV Resort, "Every Wednesday is a farmers market set up by entrance of resort," and another reviewer mentions that at Sky Valley, "Once a week, a farmer's market sets up near the entrance and they offer all kinds of produce, local and more."
What campers like
Geothermal pools: The hot mineral pools are a major attraction throughout the year. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, visitors appreciate the "Geothermal pool and spas. 90, 100 and 104 degrees heated in December!!" One camper added, "The hot tubs were awesome. They even had a haunted house and hayride for the kids."
Spacious sites with privacy features: Many cabin accommodations offer separation between sites. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, "The sites are spaced moderately with easy access to hookups and shrubbery between each site." Sites in the "Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors."
Resort amenities: Cabins often come with access to extensive recreational facilities. One visitor to Sky Valley RV Resort noted, "There are pickle ball courts, shuffle board, and horseshoe in the park." At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, campers enjoy "3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground."
What you should know
Wind conditions: The Desert Hot Springs area experiences significant wind events that can impact comfort. A visitor to Thousand Trails Idyllwild mentioned, "We had a Great breeze every evening starting around 4pm that lasted a couple hours," but at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, one camper reported, "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt."
Age restrictions: Some resorts maintain age limitations for guests. At Caliente Springs RV Resort, "This park looks nice, we were unable to stay due to age restrictions. Park is a 55+ park."
Variable cell service: Coverage can be spotty depending on location. At Thousand Trails Idyllwild, "Site 414 had No cell coverage for our Verizon phones. After a drive through the park we found Cell coverage only works in lower part of the park."
Limited burning restrictions: Many resorts prohibit wood fires due to safety concerns. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, "No wood burning firepits, but you can bring your own propane pit."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access procedures: During busy periods, some resorts implement pool reservation systems. At Thousand Trails Palm Springs, "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Several resorts offer specialized recreation for children. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provides "miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for kids," and Catalina Spa and RV Resort mentions "plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground."
Check age policies before booking: Verify age restrictions before finalizing reservations. Some locations explicitly welcome families, as one visitor noted about Catalina Spa and RV Resort: "The owners made it very clear that kids and families are welcome, although most campers were silver haired."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require substantial equipment to achieve proper leveling. At Lake Hemet Campground, "Most sites are not level even for a tent," and at Thousand Trails Idyllwild, one camper reported, "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."
Entrance concerns: Some resorts have challenging approaches. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, "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."
Sewer connection issues: Hookup locations can create drainage problems. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, "Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty (our neighbors had the same situation)."
