Near Desert Hot Springs, tent camping options range from established sites at Joshua Tree National Park to primitive wilderness locations in San Bernardino National Forest. The area sits at the juncture of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, with elevations ranging from near sea level to over 10,500 feet at the peak of Mount San Jacinto. Temperature swings can exceed 40°F between day and night, especially at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking Mount San Jacinto: Campers at Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park can summit San Jacinto peak from their tent site. "We took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. The views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer. It took us longer than we expected," notes a camper named Katie O.
Backpacking San Gorgonio: The tallest peak in Southern California is accessible from Dry Lake Backpacking Campground, which sits 5.1 miles and 2,200 feet up from the South Fork trailhead. "We camped here on our way to summiting San G (as we lovingly call it). Although it was May and the weather was beautiful at sea level, it was cold up here! There was snow on the ground but the air was the coldest I've ever felt," reports Kate W.
Horseback riding: The Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park offers dedicated facilities for equestrian campers. "Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Trails are amazing. There is even an overland trail from here to the south end of Joshua Tree NP which is around 35 miles long," according to Judith W.
What campers like
Mountain solitude: Tent camping sites at Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park offer genuine backcountry experiences. "If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley. We did it in late August, and there was still water running in the stream across from the camp," writes Jonathan G.
Accessibility to wilderness: The ability to quickly access wilderness while staying near conveniences makes Desert Hot Springs tent camping appealing. At Tamarack Valley Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park, one camper enthused, "We stayed at group sites and man, it was unreal. We came here once a month last year and had the time of our lives. This place is gorgeous."
Year-round options: The dramatic elevation changes around Desert Hot Springs create year-round tent camping possibilities. When mountain sites are snow-covered, desert locations remain accessible. "If you can get out here right after a good rain/snow storm passes through, you will not regret it. It's a pleasant hike to the campground, there's tons of trees around the lake," notes Daniel J. about Dry Lake Backpacking Campground.
What you should know
High elevation challenges: Many Desert Hot Springs area tent sites sit at elevations above 9,000 feet. "Round Valley campground in the San Jacinto mountain was a dream come true. A very moderate hike from the aerial tram that put us in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountain just hours away from the peak! Only disappointing part was the wind gust blowing like crazy all night making the cold feel way colder," warns Johnny H.
Water availability: Most backcountry tent camping sites near Desert Hot Springs require carrying water or filtering from streams. At Little Round Valley, "Be sure to follow the path one or two hundred feet off the main trail. We set up camp right off the trail which was fine, but there are spots further in."
Road conditions: Access to remote tent camping sites often requires high-clearance vehicles. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground sits about "45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike," according to Matt M.
Tips for camping with families
Start with developed campgrounds: Families new to tent camping near Desert Hot Springs should consider established sites with amenities. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," notes Bryan H. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Prepare for temperature shifts: The desert climate means dramatic temperature changes between day and night. Kayla H. reports that at Tool Box Springs, "Spring time and fall are the best here, less flies and insects. In the summer flies swarm, tons of beetles at night."
Wildlife awareness: Desert Hot Springs tent camping sites host diverse wildlife. "Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds," observed Rhyn E. at Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground.
Tips from RVers
Combined tent and RV options: Some campgrounds accommodate both tent campers and RVs. "This is your typical regional park Campground. There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well," explains Mary F.
Early reservation timing: Secure tent camping permits well in advance, especially for popular wilderness areas. For Round Valley, "Reservations go fast so you need to submit your permit starting 8 weeks before your trip, however waiting until 4 weeks may be too late," advises Cody B.
Seasonal considerations: RVers with tents should plan according to elevation and season. "High elevation means cold at night and I read other reviews that talked about there being bugs but when I went in February there were no bugs," notes Matt M. about Tool Box Springs.
