The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Palm Springs, CA

1,930 Reviews

Several campgrounds near Palm Springs give you access to Joshua Tree National Park, with Jumbo Rocks being particularly good for hikers who want to explore the boulder formations. Many campers also head to Indian Cove for desert views and climbing opportunities. The night skies in Joshua Tree are incredibly clear, making any campground in the park worth considering if you like watching stars. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for camping in this area. You'll need to prepare for extreme heat if camping during summer months, bringing extra water and sun protection. If you camp during winter, pack warm clothes as desert nights get cold. Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during busy seasons, so making reservations ahead of time is smart. The campgrounds typically have basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, but you might need to bring your own water depending on the site. Keep food secured properly since coyotes and desert tortoises live in the area. You can drive right up to most camping areas on good roads, though at some sites you'll need to carry your gear a short distance from where you park. The Palm Springs area works well for both new and experienced campers looking to spend time in the desert.

Map showing campgrounds near Palm Springs, CaliforniaExplore the Map

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Palm Springs Contest

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Palm Springs, California (392)

    1. Lake Hemet Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2680

    $45 / night

    "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."

    "I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."

    2. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

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

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt."

    "3 minute walk into downtown idyllwild, with its great bars and restraunts. Strangely also seems seculed from downtown and quiet."

    3. Hurkey Creek Park

    21 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2050

    $30 - $35 / night

    "This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains."

    "It's a lovely campground, and our spot wasn't too far away from the restrooms or the creek. Once Friday afternoon hit though, it did fill up to what felt like near full capacity. "

    4. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

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

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Close to downtown Palm Springs. Only issue is it is terribly windy most of the time."

    "Palm Springs is 20 minutes south. Spent 2 weeks and will return."

    5. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

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

    "This campground is in a great location between Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. The site was large and we had no one around us, though there is no privacy."

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

    6. Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    15 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    $20 - $35 / night

    "It's also a lovely little town to hang out, wander around, get some lunch/dinner if you don't feel like camping.  There's an awesome brewery there as well! "

    "Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town."

    7. Marion Mountain

    10 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2922

    $10 - $34 / night

    "Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, within the San Jacinto District, Marion Mt. Campground is one of the best camping sites in Southern California."

    "It was close to Idyllwild, which was convenient when we ran out of ice. There are no bear boxes, not sure if it was needed though. For the best spots, make sure to reserve."

    8. Thousand Trails Palm Springs

    18 Reviews
    Bermuda Dunes, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Thousand Trails Palm Springs offers a great pool and hot tub area with a lively, mixed-age crowd—perfect if you’re in your 30s and looking for variety."

    "The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"

    9. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

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

    $35 / night

    "There are great hiking trails around Black Rock which provide great views of the low and high peaks around Palm Springs."

    "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"

    10. Thousand Trails Idyllwild

    10 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Plus, there are a lot of open spaces in the campground and some small trails with cool views and lots of amenities."

    "We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery. I think the sites are a bit too close to each other, I would prefer more space between sites."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 392 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Palm Springs Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Palm Springs, CA

848 Photos of 392 Palm Springs Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Palm Springs, CA

1930 Reviews of 392 Palm Springs Campgrounds

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • j
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Henshaw Resort

    My stay review

    This place is pretty. The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely need a lil tlc but for the price per dayits nothing too complain too much. The pool is cool the showers and bathroom are all functional. Wich is a good thing. I was told to pick any spot i liked wich made my stay even better. No hookups at all i had my rv/camper but that was no problem i took my generator. Place is definitely recommended if you're a not too picky person.😉

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    East Flats

    Nice Peaceful Area

    Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.

  • DeWayne G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Giant Rock Dispersed

    Big Rock camping

    Came out to Big Rock for the meteor shower in August. Yes, it was hot, but I like the heat. We set up our two-day camp along the ridge about 300 yards past Big Rock. Verizon Cell service was non-existent at our site, but we would get 5G at the Rock.

    Other than some graffiti the area was clean and well-kept.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Bogart Regional park

    It was okay for a last minute camping idea.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Yucaipa Regional park

    Great customer service, easy access, restrooms, fishing, swimming and paddle boats.

  • A
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Bobcat Campsite

    Awesome campsite. Free showers. Electrical outlets by the restrooms at a handicap site. Water spigots scattered around the bobcat site. Dumpsters within walking distance from your site. The locals in the area will take your site if you arrive late. Just head back to the campground entrance and they will send a park ranger to remove them. The restrooms get cleaned daily around 8-10am. More than enough room at site 380

Guide to Palm Springs

Camping near Palm Springs offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, stunning rock formations, and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers rave about the hikes near Jumbo Rocks Campground, with one reviewer noting, "So much exploring to be had right from your campsite."
  • Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, Hidden Valley Campground is a hotspot. One visitor shared, "The campground flanks some large rock formations that host rock climbers during the day."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for incredible stargazing. A camper at Hidden Valley Campground mentioned, "DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Indian Cove Campground said, "What a beautiful place. It was really quiet when we were there and saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground expressed, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Black Rock Campground are noted for being family-friendly. One visitor shared, "The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Indian Cove Campground, do not have showers or water hookups. A camper noted, "The sites are pretty big and there’s many different campgrounds with 20-180 sites in each."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Campgrounds like Hidden Valley Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis. One reviewer mentioned, "Filled up by 4 PM in mid-May."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Indian Cove Campground shared, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp, it was so peaceful."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park that cater to families. A reviewer said, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family-friendly."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially around wildlife. A camper at Indian Cove Campground advised, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground noted, "The roads could use some work and if you have an RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "Finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Many campgrounds lack drinking water. A visitor at Indian Cove Campground reminded, "Bring your own water too."

With so many options for camping near Palm Springs, you’re bound to find a spot that fits your style. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best campgrounds in Palm Springs?

The Palm Springs area offers diverse camping experiences with options ranging from RV resorts to natural settings. Thousand Trails Palm Springs stands out with its beautiful palm trees, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities including pools and hot tubs. For those seeking a more natural desert experience, Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park provides beautiful mountain views and desert plant landscapes, with camping spots suitable for different setups, though slightly tight for larger RVs. Both locations offer distinct Palm Springs area camping experiences, with Thousand Trails providing resort amenities while Cottonwood delivers the classic desert national park experience.

Are there good options for tent camping in Palm Springs?

Tent campers have excellent options near Palm Springs. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park offers a remarkable wilderness experience accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, perfect for backpackers seeking mountain views and cooler temperatures. Expect breathtaking scenery and challenging elevation gains. For desert tent camping, Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park provides a more accessible option within walking distance of Idyllwild town and less than two hours from Palm Springs. It features clean bathrooms and showers, making it ideal for those who want tent camping with some amenities while still enjoying mountain environments.

How far are Palm Springs campgrounds from the city center?

Distances from Palm Springs city center vary by campground type and location. Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping is approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Palm Springs, offering a convenient stopping point with good cell reception and easy access to Joshua Tree National Park. For those wanting closer options, Joshua Tree South Entrance provides relatively quiet camping despite proximity to the freeway, with easy access to both Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. Within Palm Springs itself, RV resorts like Thousand Trails and Catalina Spa are typically located within 15-30 minutes of downtown, offering the closest camping options with full amenities.

What RV campgrounds are available in Palm Springs?

Palm Springs offers several excellent RV camping options. Sky Valley RV Resort features an impressive 13 pools and two clubhouses, making it perfect for longer stays. Self-contained RVs are required, and its proximity to Palm Springs makes it convenient for exploring the area. Another top choice is Catalina Spa and RV Resort, which offers natural hot spring pools and numerous amenities close to downtown Palm Springs, though be prepared for occasionally windy conditions. For seniors, Caliente Springs RV Resort is a 55+ community with mineral hot tubs, swimming facilities, and special discounts for extended stays.

Keep Exploring