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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. Palm Springs camping offers a unique desert experience with stunning landscapes and accessible sites for both new and experienced outdoor adventurers.
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability"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."
"As all parks are in AZ and Palm Springs, it’s all sand and gravel. Not a sprig of grass which makes it difficult to get dogs to pee and it tracks in SO BAD!"
"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."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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"
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerCamped with two people and had tons of space in our site. The car parking is a slightly away from the site, which we liked but maybe not other peoples’ preference
ScoutHas a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
TravelerWe reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
ScoutEasy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
TravelerCamp site is in walking distance of Idyllwild. Has has a couple of sites with electric hookups. Bathrooms are clean, showers need a token for $1. Being close to the road makes it noisy during the daytime .
LegendFeel far away without the long drive. Loved this campground for the serenity! The trees were stunning, campsites were good, bathrooms had toilet paper.
Sites all have a slant due to the location. Everysite seems to offer something different; more or less shade, walk length from the car, space etc. I took photos of all the sites and tried to represent the distance/location of the site vs parking. Sites 1-7 and 19-21 are all around the first restroom. Sites 13 and 16 and kinda 17 are around the second restroom.
If you just like some simple sites that are in a nice loop with some hills and old trees, you will enjoy this campground.
We stayed August 21-23 and the water was off, bathrooms were open. No campfire, stoves/gas only!
TravelerThis site is close to the retreat camp, so loud basketball games start early in the morning. Additionally, most showers are out of order, and the working ones require specific tokens
Travelerit was amazing used this app to find this road in big bear first time camping went amazing i would definitely recommend 10/10 highly recommend
The Palm Springs area sits in California's Coachella Valley, where the Colorado Desert meets the San Jacinto Mountains at elevations ranging from 479 feet in the valley to over 10,000 feet in the mountains. Most campgrounds near Palm Springs maintain open sites year-round due to the mild winter temperatures, though summer camping requires careful planning with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Cell service varies dramatically between mountain and desert campgrounds, with better connectivity typically available at lower elevations.
Horseback riding near Mount San Jacinto: Thousand Trails Idyllwild offers horseback riding and sits at about 6,000-7,000 feet elevation. As one camper notes, "Surrounded by spruce trees, pine trees, and scotch pines reminded me of being Back East" and the campground "is also a hikers paradise" with cooler temperatures than the desert floor.
Mountain biking on forest trails: At Hurkey Creek Park, trails accommodate both casual and serious cyclists. According to one visitor, "We hiked around and explored and wished we brought our mountain bikes, lots of good riding around the area." The campground offers "trails to walk and bike" with a "nice playground" making it suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Soaking in mineral hot springs: The hot spring pools at Catalina Spa and RV Resort provide therapeutic relaxation after a day of exploring. A camper describes that "They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs." Another mentions "three hot spring tubs" and that the "pool is warm and wall stops wind" - perfect for cool desert evenings.
Night sky viewing without light pollution: Marion Mountain Campground offers excellent stargazing opportunities at higher elevations. One camper shared their experience: "We perched up on a rock watched the sun set over the city and then watched the shooting stars!" The campground's location at higher elevation often means clearer night viewing than valley locations.
Proximity to town amenities: Stone Creek Campground balances wilderness feel with convenience. A visitor noted, "It is close to town but far enough to get away. There's also a short trail in the back of camp!" Another mentioned, "The campground itself was only about a ten min drive from town. There is a nice check in area just before get into the campground."
Well-maintained facilities: Thousand Trails Palm Springs receives consistent praise for cleanliness. One visitor described "Clean laundry area, dog bark and a clubhouse with activities for the kids." Another mentioned "The staff has been kind and welcoming" and that the park offers "a variety of social events including line dancing, swap meets, ice cream socials and more."
Wind conditions vary by location: Desert sites can experience significant wind events. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, one camper reported: "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt." Similar reports exist for other desert locations.
Site spacing varies dramatically: Idyllwild Campground at Mount San Jacinto State Park offers varying degrees of privacy. One visitor observed: "The campground is crowded and loud" with "minimal privacy" while others found specific sites to be adequately spaced. Research specific site locations before booking.
Water availability is seasonal: Many mountain campgrounds only have water available during peak seasons. At Marion Mountain, campers reported "Water only turned on during weekends while we were there, though water available down the road in another campground." Always verify water status before arrival.
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Lake Hemet Campground features a water recreation area perfect for children. A visitor shared: "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast!" Another camper mentioned: "The lake with all the water park area on the weekends" creates a fun environment for children.
Choose campsites away from common areas: At Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree, site selection matters for families. One visitor advised: "If you're looking for Joshua Trees, this is a good place to camp because they are plenty throughout the campground" but warned that "Neighbors/clientele can be very noisy" so selecting sites away from main pathways is important.
Consider cabin options during extreme weather: Several campgrounds offer cabin alternatives when temperatures are challenging. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, cabins provide shelter during windy conditions, though one camper noted they book quickly: "Staff being a little bit rude to a family that had travel to stay in the cabin it was a family of six in the cabin of 4 kick them out without giving them any break."
Arrive early for level sites: At Lake Hemet Campground, RVers mention: "Campsites arent the biggest, and fairly close together" with some "not level even for a tent." Arriving early provides more site options to find one that accommodates your rig size.
Watch for tight turns and palm trees: When navigating Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, a visitor warned: "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." Others noted: "Sites are not level" and "Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty."
Consider temperature extremes when booking: Elevation dramatically affects temperatures in the Palm Springs region. At Thousand Trails Idyllwild, campers report: "When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful" while desert locations can exceed 100°F in summer months.
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.
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