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carol R.
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ScoutTwentynine Palms Resort
upscale Rv resort with pool, hot tub, sauna, laundry, game room.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Desert Hot Springs, CA
13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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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 campgrounds 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 Campgrounds near Desert Hot Springs (251)
1. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
2. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
"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!"
3. 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."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $44 / night
4. 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."
"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."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $30 / night
5. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $55 / night
6. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $60 / night
7. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $45 / night
8. 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."
9. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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.
"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
10. Caliente Springs RV Resort
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 4 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 9 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Desert Hot Springs, CA
230 Photos of 251 Desert Hot Springs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
Rancho Capotista
Catalina Spa and RV Resort
Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkU
Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJ
Walmart — Yucca Valley Supercenter
Emerald Desert RV Resort
Joshua Tree Village CampingM
Marion Mountain
Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Palm Springs Thousand Trails
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Desert Hot Springs, CA
1941 Reviews of 251 Desert Hot Springs Campgrounds
- B
Brooke P.
GuideJoshua Tree South Entrance
So many spots, great for every vehicle
There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
David M.ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Robyn C.
TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
Guide to Desert Hot Springs
Black Rock Campground offers convenient camping access to Joshua Tree National Park with 99 campsites located at the northwest corner of the park near Yucca Valley. The area typically experiences high winds, cold nights in winter, and warm days in summer with an elevation of 4,000 feet influencing temperature variations. Most campsites accommodate both tents and RVs with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though campers should come prepared with extra water storage.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Black Rock Campground, numerous trails lead directly from the camping area. "Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels. Something for everyone, and each of the trails we hiked, or came across were very well signed, which in the desert is appreciated," notes one camper who found the location ideal for hikers.
Stargazing from your site: The clear desert skies at Jumbo Rocks Campground provide exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor comments, "We spent our days scrambling across the rock formations—each turn revealing a new panorama—and our nights marveling at the Milky Way in one of the best dark-sky locations in California." The lack of light pollution and elevation make for optimal star viewing conditions.
Boulder climbing for beginners: The rock formations throughout campgrounds offer natural climbing opportunities for all skill levels. "I love this spot specifically because it is a great place to climb. It's conveniently located close to skull rock and discovery trail," shares a climber who frequented the area. Most climbing areas require no specialized equipment for basic scrambling.
What campers like
Natural hot springs access: Catalina Spa and RV Resort provides mineral pools that many campers consider the highlight of their stay. One visitor explains, "We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. The pools are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs." The mineral content leaves skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Desert wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer glimpses of native wildlife throughout the camping areas. "The park has its own lake with an abundance of wildlife. There are black swan and cranes, as well as plenty of ducks, fish, and turtles in the water in a beautiful setting," reports a visitor to Sam's Family Spa. Many campgrounds have resident quail families, as noted by one camper: "Quails running around everywhere, cool little spot at JTree."
Walkable access to town: Idyllwild Campground provides a rare combination of wilderness camping with town amenities nearby. A camper shares, "Great campground within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto and a great way to cool off in the summer or see snow in the winter."
What you should know
Wind conditions can be extreme: Most Desert Hot Springs area campgrounds experience significant wind events. A camper at Sky Valley RV Resort notes, "Nice place with hot spring pools. Lots of amenities. Close to downtown Palm Springs. Only issue is it is terribly windy most of the time." Prepare with extra tent stakes and secure loose items.
Temperature variations: Daily temperature swings can exceed 40 degrees. "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! Make sure to check the low and high temps to plan accordingly," warns a winter camper at Joshua Tree.
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer potable water sources. "Planning for water is needed, there is only a pit toilet," explains a camper at Jumbo Rocks. Bring 1-2 gallons per person per day, plus extra for pets, especially during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers family-friendly mineral pools at different temperatures. A visitor with children shares, "Had a wonderful time with the kids and our two doggos here! 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!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas and activities. "Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for adults as well," reports a camper at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, noting that structured recreation keeps children engaged during downtime.
Wildlife education opportunities: The unique desert ecosystem offers natural learning experiences. "The campground was beautiful, and the desert at Joshua Tree and around is really special. Beware of the Chollo! The 'jumping cactus' have been known to cause severe pain to those who don't pay attention to their surroundings!" warns a visitor, highlighting the importance of teaching children desert safety.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs equally. "Sites are good, bathrooms are always cleaned. Close to amenities if you need it (we travel with small children so that's a plus) compared to the more remote stays inside the national park," notes an RVer at Black Rock Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with reliable utilities are limited. A long-term camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort reports, "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. The sites are spaced moderately with easy access to hookups and shrubbery between each site. We have a 39ft DP towing a car, and both fit nicely."
Desert driving precautions: RVs should exercise caution on approach 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," warns an RVer about access challenges when pulling larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Desert Hot Springs, CA?
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 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Desert Hot Springs, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Desert Hot Springs, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 251 dog-friendly camping locations near Desert Hot Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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