RV camping near Idyllwild, California offers varied options from mountain elevations around 6,000 feet to lower desert locations. The surrounding San Jacinto Mountains provide a stark contrast to the Coachella Valley floor, creating distinct camping experiences within a 45-minute drive. Winter temperatures in Idyllwild typically range from 30-60°F while desert campgrounds maintain mild 65-80°F days.
What to do
Explore local mini golf courses: Wilderness Lakes RV Resort features "mini golf (probably our favorite TT mini golf so far)" according to one visitor who rated their stay highly despite mixed weather conditions.
Visit historic downtown Riverside: From Rancho Jurupa Park, campers appreciate the proximity to local history. "We drove over to the Mission Inn (8 min drive) enjoyed lunch. Their is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Saturday farmer's market plus lots of restaurants."
Soak in natural hot springs: The mineral pools at desert locations provide therapeutic relaxation options. "The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated. The entire grounds were recently renovated and it shows. Stunning landscaping, layout and amenities."
What campers like
Security features: "The entrance security kiosk is staffed 24/7, and they'll even help spot you while parking your rig," notes a camper at Golden Village Palms RV Resort, highlighting the attention to safety that many campgrounds in the region provide.
Privacy landscaping: Cathedral Palms RV Resort earns praise for thoughtful site design: "My favorite touch was the thought put into giving each of the spaces a feeling of privacy using mature shrubs."
Seasonal activities: "During busy season (oct-march I think) they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc." Campgrounds in the region typically offer more organized events during winter months when the population swells with seasonal visitors.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Desert locations can experience significant wind events. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It's is warm during the day but cools at night," notes a visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Flight path noise: Some campgrounds sit under airport approach routes. "It is in the landing flight path for the airport but very little traffic. Close to restaurants and stores."
Site angles and terrain: Several campgrounds feature sloped sites that require additional leveling equipment. "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 and costs us our 'patio' area."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: "There is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms and 2 separate laundry rooms." Multiple desert campgrounds offer water recreation options to counter hot temperatures.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes provides habitat for waterfowl that families enjoy. "Nice canals running through the park, with ducks and their ducklings trailing behind."
Kid-friendly amenities: "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff! Would of liked to be on grass like the sites across but they were clean!" Family-focused campgrounds often cluster recreational facilities for convenience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: "We asked if they had recycling and they said to bag up our recycling and leave it out with the trash." At Emerald Desert RV Resort, campers recommend asking about specific amenities before arrival.
Maneuvering challenges: "Palm Springs Oasis is very small but it was a great place to stay with just a 5-10 minute drive to downtown! All the spots are back-in except for one... which is the one we somehow managed to get as it was available at the time."
Cell service variations: "We didn't particularly care for the area, it was not far enough out to feel like in serene nature but still far to drive to anything." Multiple campers note that some campgrounds have spotty connectivity even when relatively close to towns.
