Cabin rentals near Indian Wells, California sit between 100-200 feet below sea level in the Coachella Valley, surrounded by mountains rising over 10,000 feet. The dramatic elevation change creates extreme summer temperatures often exceeding 110°F, while winter nights can drop below 45°F. Cabin accommodations provide shelter from strong desert winds that frequently sweep through the valley, particularly during spring months.
What to do
Mineral springs relaxation: Several cabin properties feature natural hot spring pools fed by underground thermal waters. Catalina Spa and RV Resort maintains multiple temperature-controlled mineral pools that don't have a sulfur smell. "The pools have different temperatures as do the spa pools. Good for tired muscles!" notes a visitor to Caliente Springs RV Resort.
Desert exploration: Cabin stays provide a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding desert landscape. "Lots of exploring within an hours drive if you are into sight seeing like Palm Springs, architecture, arts, nature, history and man made disasters like the Salton sea," explains a reviewer at Caliente Springs. The location is convenient for day trips to multiple desert attractions while returning to cabin comfort at night.
Water recreation: Despite the desert setting, several cabin locations offer water activities during hot months. Lake Hemet Campground provides lakeside options where families can enjoy inflatable water features. "The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" reports one visitor to Lake Hemet Campground.
What campers like
Heated pools year-round: The geothermal resources in the area allow for comfortable swimming even during winter months. "90, 100 and 104 degrees heated in December!!" exclaims a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, noting the three different temperature options available for soaking.
Spacious cabin sites: Many cabin rentals provide adequate outdoor space despite the desert setting. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, guests appreciate the layout, with one mentioning, "Lots of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms and 2 separate laundry rooms."
Community activities: Longer-stay cabin guests can participate in organized social events at many properties. "Very family friendly resort so on the weekends there are lots of families with kids. There are lots of activities such as mini golf, pickle ball, and shuffle board, just to name a few," explains a visitor to Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
What you should know
Age restrictions: Some cabin rental facilities near Indian Wells operate as retirement communities with strict age policies. "This park looks nice, we were unable to stay due to age restrictions. Park is a 55+ park," notes a visitor to Caliente Springs RV Resort. Always verify age requirements before booking cabins at these locations.
Wind conditions: The valley geography creates wind tunnel effects that impact cabin stays during certain seasons. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings," warns a visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Some properties offer better wind protection than others through natural barriers or strategic building placement.
Distance considerations: While advertised as "near Palm Springs," some cabin rentals require significant driving to reach attractions. "We wanted to to spend a lot of time in Palm Springs and found the distance too far. There is really nothing in Desert Hot Springs except a burger joint and a small breakfast cafe," shares a guest at Caliente Springs, noting the isolation from amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Facilities with family-friendly amenities help entertain children during cabin stays. At Coachella Lakes RV Resort, "There's a nice shop at the front desk where you check in, and staff is super friendly. There is onsite propane fill as well. Their club house has a nice pool, 2 hot tubs, a nice gym, and really nice and open hangout area and work area."
Pet accommodations: Many cabin rentals welcome four-legged family members with special amenities. "Dogs get a cute little goodie bag with a little bandana, poop bags and a bag holder for the leash, and a tennis ball," mentions a guest at Coachella Lakes RV Resort, highlighting the pet-friendly atmosphere at some properties.
Seasonal timing: Family cabin trips require careful planning around desert temperature extremes. "We came to this resort in September 2021, didn't realize it was still too hot to go to the desert," admits a visitor to Sky Valley RV Resort, underscoring the importance of timing family visits to avoid extreme heat.
Tips from RVers
Hookup location planning: At some properties, cabin and RV sites have challenging utility configurations. At Thousand Trails Palm Springs, "Parking big rig between the palm trees can be a challenge," notes one visitor, pointing out infrastructure constraints that affect both cabin and RV placement.
Security considerations: Several properties near Indian Wells implement security measures that affect cabin and RV guests. "This is a very popular park and they do have stricter rules than other TT parks. The staff have always been friendly and easy going. The area park is next to I10 and does have lots of road noise, also a good amount of riff raff and homeless near by. The park does keep security tight as a precaution," explains a Thousand Trails Palm Springs visitor.
Noise factors: Cabins near highways or train tracks experience significant noise issues. "It's close to the freeway and the road noise is loud and never stops. There is also a freight train that frequently runs along behind the park, and it's very loud," reports a visitor staying near Interstate 10, highlighting the importance of location research before booking cabin accommodations.
