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Camping near Indian Wells, California ranges from developed RV resorts with full hookups to primitive desert campsites in the surrounding region. The area includes several campgrounds like Lake Cahuilla County Park in La Quinta and Emerald Desert RV Resort in Palm Desert, both within 15 miles of Indian Wells. Accommodation types vary widely, with facilities supporting tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The desert landscape offers access to both luxury amenities and wilderness areas depending on the chosen campground.
Extreme temperature variations characterize this region, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. "The desert here can be VERY intense, especially at night," noted one camper about the Borrego Springs area. Most developed campgrounds near Indian Wells offer water hookups and electrical connections, which are essential during hot months. Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks and Hidden Valley, located 45-60 minutes from Indian Wells, have more primitive facilities with vault toilets and no water sources. Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds during the peak season from October through April, when the mild weather attracts visitors from colder regions.
The Palm Springs/Indian Wells area draws campers seeking both natural beauty and proximity to urban amenities. Campgrounds in the region receive high ratings for cleanliness and accessibility, with several reviewers highlighting the spectacular desert views and stargazing opportunities. A visitor commented that Joshua Tree campgrounds offer "stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets" that make the primitive conditions worthwhile. Many campgrounds in the area serve as convenient bases for exploring attractions like Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and the Coachella Valley. Sites with shade are particularly valued given the desert climate, and campgrounds with swimming pools or proximity to golf courses attract those seeking recreational activities beyond hiking and nature observation.
"The 30 Amp side is pull through so we decided to set up at site 61 further away from the Highway because it is a bit noisy from road noise."
"The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"bathrooms but no water access and the main entrance is about 45 drive, so come prepared. great access to climbing walking distance or short drive. stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."
"Great view of the lake from most of the tent sections. Access to showers and restrooms. There is a pool in the summer and enough shade to stay as cool as the desert allows without A/C."
"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"This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever."
"You don’t get many good views inside the RV park gates, but once you walk out there driveway and along the street you can actually get some good mountain views on clear days."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability"The KOA is reasonably priced for KOA and California. 3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground."
"ALSO not the parks fault but 2 small trailers pulled in next to us around 10 pm and had lots of people and lots of kids."
"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"
"The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.
- Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Rangers comes around several times per day to collect camping fees. Have credit card ready to pay. Honor system upon exit if you miss them. Easy walk to Hidden Valley loop trail."
"The entire campgrounds are surrounded in a wall of boulders varying in shales and sizes. Tons of fun to scramble and boulder on. We wenf in July and the evening temps were fantastic."
"This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."
"Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.
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from $30 / night
Check Availability"From our first greeting to random run-ins around the park to our final day, their consistency and hospitality were top-tier."
"Near Palm Springs and lots to explore in the area. The weather there during the Winter is darn near perfect. Pickleball National Championships held nearby. Friendly people."
GuideThere were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
ScoutLots of open space
ScoutI discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
ScoutExceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
LegendThis was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
RangerThe first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
GuideNice place, rustic, unpublicized, congenial host. It can accommodate a number of vans and RVs, but I was the only guest. There is water and nothing else that is stated in the blurb. A self-contained rig is recommended.
As I explored the premises, I imagined that a small traveling couple or group could enjoy the camp as a peaceful alternative to Joshua Tree or Desert Hot Springs. There is evidence that guests stayed there before, with ample communal space for a campfire experience possibly with libations.
The camp might not be a priority business for the host, thus a work-in-progress or attempted endeavor. It has potential to be a stellar and successful camp if kempt.
Security was my concern, being solo, so I locked down more than usual when I left during the day for a music festival. No issues. I stayed three nights. The location is four miles from Morongo Valley Covington Park and the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a hiking attraction.
A bumpy dirt road to get to camp. Unsure if a large RV can traverse it. Call or text is the only way to book. The cellphone number is on Google Maps.
Desert camping near Indian Wells, California offers a blend of natural isolation and resort-style amenities across extreme temperature zones. Elevations range from below sea level to over 5,000 feet in nearby mountains, creating distinct microclimates throughout the year. Campers face temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night even during the same 24-hour period, particularly in winter months.
Hiking with mountain views: Lake Cahuilla features a hiking trail into the mountains with the trailhead located near the entrance to the campground. "The surrounding mountains are beautiful plus there's mountain hiking trails nearby," notes a visitor to Lake Cahuilla.
Stargazing in dark skies: The desert offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "I recommend visiting during a new moon. The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," reports a camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Rock climbing adventures: Joshua Tree National Park provides world-class climbing opportunities. "I love this spot specifically because it is a great place to climb. It's conveniently located close to skull rock and discovery trail," mentions a visitor to Hidden Valley Campground.
Fishing at local reservoirs: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. "There is a bike trail around the lake and fishing. Playgrounds and other child friendly activities available upon request," explains a Lake Cahuilla visitor.
Mineral hot springs: Many desert campgrounds feature natural hot spring pools. "The pools are fueled by the hot springs, so the pool is at about 90 degrees and the hot tub a bit hotter," shares a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Desert wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife that visitors often encounter. "We had a coyote visitor twice in the morning, so don't forget to keep your food/trash locked up from critters," warns a Jumbo Rocks camper.
Central location: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. "Thousand Trails Palm Springs offers... a great location is unbeatable for exploring Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, conveniently situated right off the highway," according to a reviewer at Palm Springs RV Resort.
Privacy features: Some campgrounds have implemented natural barriers between sites. "Sites are pretty close together but divided by tall hedges that make for good privacy," notes a Catalina Spa visitor.
Water access critical: Water availability varies dramatically between campgrounds. "There is only a pit toilet. Planning for water is needed," explains a Jumbo Rocks visitor, while others note no water sources at all in many primitive sites.
Wind conditions: The desert region experiences significant wind events. "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," cautions a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Campground popularity fluctuates dramatically with seasons. "Here in the off season. Camped in tent section right on the lake. Lots of space. Not on top of neighbors," reports a Lake Cahuilla camper.
Security concerns: Some campgrounds implement additional security measures. "The park does keep security tight as a precaution. Park is covered with palm trees and a few citrus trees you can pick from," notes a Palm Springs RV Resort visitor.
Swimming options: Pools provide relief from desert heat for families. "There is a pool in the summer and enough shade to stay as cool as the desert allows without A/C," shares a Lake Cahuilla visitor.
Recreation activities: Many campgrounds offer additional recreation beyond hiking. "There is a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites," explains another Lake Cahuilla camper.
Campsite selection: Choose sites strategically for comfort and convenience. "Sites on the east side have 50 and 30 amp and most are quite large. Clean laundry area, dog bark and a clubhouse with activities for the kids," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails Palm Springs.
Organized activities: Some resorts provide scheduled family events. "The park offers a variety of social events including line dancing, swap meets, ice cream socials and more," notes a Palm Springs RV Resort reviewer.
Site leveling challenges: Many desert sites require significant leveling. "Sites are not level," warns a Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA visitor, while others recommend checking site specifications carefully.
Hookup configurations: Hookup placement varies significantly between campgrounds. "Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty (our neighbors had the same situation)," notes another KOA visitor.
Space constraints: RV site sizes and configurations differ dramatically. "Campers beware that the sites are close together and have limited space for campers... There are boulders along the road side that do not allow you to pull into the sites," explains a Jumbo Rocks camper.
Maintenance quality: Resort conditions vary seasonally and between properties. "Spots on the east side have 50 and 30 amp and most are quite large. Clean laundry area, dog bark and a clubhouse with activities for the kids," reports a Thousand Trails Palm Springs visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Indian Wells, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Indian Wells, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 413 campgrounds and RV parks near Indian Wells, CA and 113 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Indian Wells, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Indian Wells, CA is Thousand Trails Palm Springs with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Indian Wells, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 113 free dispersed camping spots near Indian Wells, CA.
What parks are near Indian Wells, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Indian Wells, CA that allow camping, notably Joshua Tree National Park and Cleveland National Forest.
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