Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Desert Hot Springs, CA

Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA campground accommodates tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabin or glamping experiences with their pets. The well-maintained facility features full hookups, mineral hot spring pools, and a dedicated dog park where pets can exercise off-leash. Sites are spacious with picnic tables, and the campground enforces a leash policy in common areas to ensure pet safety. The mineral hot springs include three temperature options so families with dogs can enjoy the therapeutic waters together. Clean restrooms with key-code access and shower facilities provide convenience for campers traveling with animals.

Several pet-friendly options exist within a short drive to Joshua Tree National Park, including Black Rock Campground and Indian Cove Campground, both allowing leashed pets in campground areas. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet and aren't permitted on park trails. Catalina Spa and RV Resort offers alternatives with pet amenities including water hookups and picnic areas where pets can relax with their owners. The Desert Hot Springs region experiences high winds at times, requiring secure tethering of pets and consideration of dust conditions that may affect animal comfort. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort provides another option with full hookups and pet policies that accommodate responsible owners. Veterinary services are available within a 20-minute drive to Palm Springs for emergency care.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Desert Hot Springs, California (232)

    1. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "You're not allowed to use ANY surrounding vegetation for campfires (even kindling) so be prepared to cart in your own wood and kindling."

    "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"

    2. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-4431

    $22 - $44 / night

    "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."

    "Spa in the desert 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."

    3. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 251-6555

    "Near and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms."

    "Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us. Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too! Thanks for a wonderful stay!"

    4. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    118 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    "It is roughly in between the northern and western entrances of the park, which means that it's essentially on the eastern edge of most of the rock climbing areas."

    5. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    62 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $55 / night

    "The sites are tucked into the rocks which block wind and kept us nice and warm at night. Bats flew just overhead for a couple hours and I thought it was magical!"

    "Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills."

    6. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel

    11 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-6457

    $60 / night

    "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."

    7. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    29 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Lake Fulmor is 3 miles away to take pups swimming off leash.  Idyllwild is a charming town for small town vibe. Nice trails close to PCT and rock climbing by Humber Park."

    "Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."

    8. Sky Valley RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Thousand Palms, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 548-2960

    "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."

    9. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."

    "Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree

    Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.

            "

    10. Caliente Springs RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-8400

    "Close to Palm Springs. Discount for three months or more. Poker friendly. 55 or over. Great swimming and mineral hot tubs."

    "Lots of exploring within an hours drive if you are into sight seeing like Palm Springs, architecture, arts, nature, history and man made disasters like the Salton sea."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Desert Hot Springs, CA

1749 Reviews of 232 Desert Hot Springs Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 16, 2022

    Caliente Springs RV Resort

    Not the best for big rigs

    The pros: elite sites are nice with two concrete pads and turf. You park on gravel, but the rest is nice. The people are friendly, but the front desk could be friendlier. They also have two nice dog parks. The sunset view is lovely. All streets are paved. The cons: this area can get VERY windy. So windy, that we closed our slides on two,occasions during our two weeks stay. The sites are also close together. We wanted to to spend a lot of time in Palm Springs and found the distance too far. There is really nothing in Desert Hot Springs except a burger joint and a small breakfast cafe. The biggest problem with this place is the exit area. There is a huge dip in the road. We scraped a bit (45’ MH) and I saw many other TTS and 5th wheels scrape bottom. This needs to be fixed.

  • Jordan W.
    May. 29, 2018

    Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    Go out of your way to stay here

    Seriously. 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. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated. The entire grounds were recently renovated and it shows. Stunning landscaping, layout and amenities. State of the art fitness center, billiards room, spa-worthy bathrooms and showers. Misters above every pool deck lounger. Convenience store 10 steps from the pool. Mini golf, pickle ball, horseshoes, shuffle board, bocce ball. During busy season (oct-march I think) they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc. what a dream! Gorgeous views of the mountains, spectacular sunsets, and all-around great vibes. Alos, lots of bunny sightings everywhere on the grounds! A pond with ducks, too. Lots of spaces, large and flat. Always clean. Everyone is so friendly. And with Good Sam Club we paid $22 a night!!!! What?! Our favorite RV Resort for the money across 15 states weve visited so far!

    Only improvements I can think of: put water bowls at dog park, add speakers to pool area for spa-like music to play to enhance the soothing atmosphere, offer recylable cups at the pool in case someone has glassware (which isn’t allowed), offer lotion in the bathrooms, and add a hand sanitizer bottle in the minigolf area.

  • K
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Coachella Adjacent

    Great site great host

    Had a great stay at a Desert Hot Springs campground near Palm Springs. Jeff, the host, was super helpful. Clean and spacious facilities, and a beautiful desert backdrop made for a fantastic getaway. Highly recommend!

  • Kurt P.
    Jan. 4, 2022

    Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel

    Four Hot Pools!

    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. (Pre-Covid they had water aerobics class and yoga, but that’s been discontinued; I hope they bring these back someday.) The hot pools are not chlorinated: water flows through them and they are drained nightly. Verizon access is excellent; T-mobile not so much (1-2 dots).

    Sam’s is one of the oldest Dillon Road RV Parks at the far end just as the road turns. It’s 10-15 minutes to Desert Hot Springs, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, 20-30 minutes to Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    Value for the area

    Near and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms. One large pool and three spas (hot tubs to folks not from So Cal) all heated with naturally heated mineral water. Secure. Park staff drive around at night to keep an eye on things. Most camps are close to the neighbors but most folks are quiet. Pay extra foe larger or premium campsites. Play area for the kids by the office. Put-put golf. Not much shade but many hedges. Gravel parking. Separate are for tents, communal sinks. Few trees around. Each camp has a sturdy picnic table. Propane fires only. And probably the same for BBQs. Great AT&T 5G cellular. Wi-Fi is weak, but it’s free.RV spot had fill hookups (water, 30 or 50 amp power, sewer, but no cable TV.

    Well run and friendly, responsive staff. Understand that Desert Hot Springs is sometimes WINDY!! And that can mean dust storms, but that goes for the entire Cochella Valley. Not close to anything out here. A convenience store about 1/3 mile away. You won’t be running for coffee here. The the management sometimes hosts events and a weekend breakfast can be purchased.

    All rigs are in good repair and I’ve seen nothing sketchy here at all. Been here 3 weeks with 3 more to go.

    Bottom line: I would definitely stay here again, but it is a drive to get into DHS or Palm Springs. And it is windy/dusty.

  • kelly N.
    Mar. 16, 2022

    Banning Stagecoach KOA

    Nice clean park

    Very clean, dog friendly ( with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site

  • L
    Dec. 16, 2022

    Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    Adequate & ok for an overnight stop

    Not a very attractive drive in. Lots and lots of trash in the shrubbery and fields along the highway. Reservation and check in was easy. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The RV park itself is attractive and seems to be fairly well maintained. It seems there are two rv areas. A lower older area and an upper newer and more attractive area. We were in the older area. Site was gravel with a small concrete area. Unfortunately, no one there seems to care about the dog poop everywhere (not exaggerating!). We and the people behind us parking had to clean dog poop off our site before we could set up. When walking our dog we saw poop everywhere. Dog park was ok, but on the small side and would be better with a gravel base instead of the dirt (very, very dusty and results in a dirty, dusty dog). There is a huge field adjacent and owned by the rv park that you can walk and or run your dog. But also full of poop. Bathroom smaller, older in the lower area. Much nicer, more modern bathrooms in the newer area. Two laundry rooms but no front loaders and the older laundry room only had two washers and two dryers. Can use quarters or an app. Pool and spa seemed pretty popular but we didn’t use. Area could really use some lighting at night. Very dark with minimal lighting in the older section. Trash is picked up every morning if you leave outside your site.

  • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2025

    Golden Village Palms RV Resort

    Don't Let the Town Deter You!

    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. Our kids love the pool area, grandparents love the pickleball courts, and there are always fun activities to do throughout the year. Full-timers are friendly and inclusive of newcomers and passer-throughs. Dog parks are clean and located at either corner of the park. The entrance security kiosk is staffed 24/7, and they'll even help spot you while parking your rig. We cannot say enough good things about this place. 

    Check their website for events and specials.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Shadow Hills RV Resort

    Urban Glamping during Covid

    Shadow Hills RV Resort is a stellar urban RV resort with all the amenities. Full hookups, daily trash pickups at each site, cable tv, large level pads with privacy hedge, small dog parks scattered throughout, gated security, nice restrooms w/ showers (free). We were visiting family who were just a short bike ride away. Can be extremely windy here. Desert X environmental art installations are nearby.


Guide to Desert Hot Springs

Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Desert Hot Springs, California, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

  • At Lake Hemet Campground, you'll find large sites with electric hookups and clean facilities, making it a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • Black Rock Campground offers well-spaced sites with easy access to hiking trails, perfect for exploring the beautiful desert landscape with your dog.
  • Idyllwild Campground features a friendly atmosphere and clean restrooms, ensuring a pleasant experience for you and your pet.

Dog owners appreciate nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking directly from Ryan Campground, where you can explore scenic trails while your dog enjoys the fresh air.
  • Heart Bar Campground is close to fishing spots and offers plenty of space for your dog to roam and play.
  • At Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, you can take your pet for a stroll around the lake and enjoy the stunning desert views.

Tips for camping with dogs near Desert Hot Springs

  • Always bring plenty of water and a portable bowl for your dog, especially when visiting places like Indian Cove Campground, where temperatures can soar.
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times, particularly in campgrounds like Joshua Tree North BLM, where wildlife may be present.
  • Make sure to clean up after your pet to maintain the beauty of campgrounds such as Catalina Spa and RV Resort, ensuring a pleasant experience for all campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Desert Hot Springs, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Desert Hot Springs, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 48 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Desert Hot Springs, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 232 dog-friendly camping locations near Desert Hot Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.