Desert Hot Springs RV parks sit at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet in the Coachella Valley, offering winter temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and dropping to 40-50°F at night. The area experiences frequent wind conditions, particularly in the afternoon, with gusts sometimes reaching 30-40 mph. These RV parks serve as convenient bases for exploring the greater Palm Springs region while providing mineral hot spring amenities not found at standard campgrounds.
What to Do
Hot springs access: Several RV parks in Desert Hot Springs feature natural mineral pools for guests. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, campers enjoy "two pools both with shower rooms... 2 pools that are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs." These therapeutic waters are a primary attraction for many visitors.
Downtown Palm Springs proximity: Most Desert Hot Springs RV parks provide easy access to urban amenities. From Thousand Trails Palm Springs, "Palm Springs Oasis is very small but it was a great place to stay with just a 5-10 minute drive to downtown!" This location makes it convenient for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Joshua Tree exploration: RV parks serve as gateways to Joshua Tree National Park. According to one camper at Joshua Tree RV & Campground, "Located close to the town of Joshua Tree so you can still grab a bite to eat if you're not up to cooking. Easy access to the west entry gate but this gate tends to get busy on holiday weekends."
What Campers Like
Privacy features: Many Desert Hot Springs RV parks incorporate landscaping for site separation. A camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort noted, "Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors," while another mentioned, "the sites are spaced moderately with easy access to hookups and shrubbery between each site."
Mineral pools: The natural hot springs consistently receive positive reviews. One visitor described the experience at Catalina Spa as "The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated. The entire grounds were recently renovated and it shows... Misters above every pool deck lounger."
Community activities: Many RV parks foster social connections through organized events. At Emerald Desert RV Resort, "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."
What You Should Know
Wind conditions: Desert Hot Springs experiences frequent high winds. A reviewer at Emerald Desert RV Resort warned, "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It's is warm during the day but cools at night." Another camper at Shadow Hills RV Resort observed, "Can be extremely windy here."
Noise factors: Traffic and train noise affects some parks. At Emerald Desert RV Resort, "It's close to the freeway and the road noise is loud and never stops. There is also a freight train that frequently runs along behind the park, and it's very loud."
Seasonal availability: Winter months bring higher occupancy rates and prices. A Catalina Spa visitor reported, "Monthly rate was $1100, however I think they might be going up," while an Emerald Desert camper noted, "With taxes and fees, and additional dog fees, we paid about $87/night, and that's in the cheapest spots."
Tips for Camping with Families
Pool access considerations: Family-friendly parks often have pool restrictions. One camper at Thousand Trails Palm Springs observed, "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."
Playground availability: Limited playgrounds exist among Desert Hot Springs RV parks. A visitor to Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort noted, "The amenities they did have were nice and well kept but there isn't a playground and there were no kids other than ours."
Mountain alternatives: For families seeking more natural settings, consider Thousand Trails Idyllwild in the nearby mountains. A camper reported, "Great remote campground, very quiet and natural... gorgeous once you're done navigating. The campground is big with lots of different spaces dedicated to cabins, RV's, tents etc so nothing feels too cramped or noisy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Look for end spots with more privacy. At Emerald Desert RV Resort, "We upgraded to the 'luxury' site which meant that the spacing between sites was a bit greater and we had a lovely patch of green grass between us and our neighbors."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment. A camper at Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort mentioned, "The sites were all concrete but we unfortunately got one that was an end spot so it angled down to one side quite a bit. It was difficult for us to get level."
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for winter months. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, "We stayed for 2 weeks and enjoyed the amenities daily... The location is fairly central with Palm Springs only minutes away, wine country in Temecula about 1.5 hours and Joshua Tree Park about 45 minutes."
