Thousand Trails Palm Springs welcomes pets throughout its expansive grounds with full hookup sites for RVs and pet-friendly cabins. Campers with dogs must observe on-leash policies within the campground, and sites offer ample space to accommodate pets despite the park's densely planted palm trees. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area, Shadow Hills RV Resort, and Emerald Desert RV Resort also accept pets with dedicated waste disposal stations. Most campgrounds in the Indian Wells area maintain standard pet policies requiring vaccination records, limiting pets to 2-3 per site, and prohibiting certain aggressive breeds. The park security maintains regular patrols, providing a safer environment for pets and their owners. Campground data and reviews near Indian Wells, California is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
Navigating between palm trees can be challenging with larger rigs while managing pets, as sites at many Palm Springs area campgrounds feature tight spacing with palm trees posing parking hazards. The Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provides convenient access to nearby hiking trails suitable for dogs, while Joshua Tree National Park allows leashed pets in developed areas but restricts them from wilderness trails. During summer months, ground temperatures can exceed 120°F, requiring morning or evening walks and protective footwear for dogs. The surrounding mountains offer cooler hiking alternatives during hot weather. Several campgrounds feature sand-based sites where thorns and burrs can become problematic for pets, so bringing a rake or contacting rangers to clean sites before setup prevents painful paw issues.
"The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"
"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."
$30 / night
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"It is roughly in between the northern and western entrances of the park, which means that it's essentially on the eastern edge of most of the rock climbing areas."
"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."
$22 - $44 / night
"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."
"Spa in the desert We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. I was concerned that the pools might be closed due to COVID but both pools were open."
$45 / night
"I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."
"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."
"Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us. Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too! Thanks for a wonderful stay!"
"Not a sprig of grass which makes it difficult to get dogs to pee and it tracks in SO BAD!"
$35 / night
"You're not allowed to use ANY surrounding vegetation for campfires (even kindling) so be prepared to cart in your own wood and kindling."
"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"
$30 / night
"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.
"
"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."
"With taxes and fees, and additional dog fees, we paid about $87/night, and that's in the cheapest spots. Yipes. It's close to the freeway and the road noise is loud and never stops."
"It was almost empty which it was a positive for us as we are still facing a pandemic. Installation is pretty cleaned and well kept. They have a variety of RV spaces in size and prices."
TravelerComfortable partial hookup sites, pet friendly, and nice people. Theres a dog park next door. The bathrooms are clean, and the laundry facilities work well (although coin only, no cards).
GuideMotorcoach County Club
Located in the famous Palm Springs resort area and just east of La Quinta and Indian Wells lives another resort community known for its breathtaking beauty. Motorcoach Country Club offers majestic views in every direction from your choice of three unique styles of lots. Motorcoach Country Club accommodates Class A Motorhomes (30' and larger) and features all of the luxuries you would expect to find at a 5-star resort.
RangerVery clean, dog friendly ( with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site
GuideNot a very attractive drive in. Lots and lots of trash in the shrubbery and fields along the highway. Reservation and check in was easy. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The RV park itself is attractive and seems to be fairly well maintained. It seems there are two rv areas. A lower older area and an upper newer and more attractive area. We were in the older area. Site was gravel with a small concrete area. Unfortunately, no one there seems to care about the dog poop everywhere (not exaggerating!). We and the people behind us parking had to clean dog poop off our site before we could set up. When walking our dog we saw poop everywhere. Dog park was ok, but on the small side and would be better with a gravel base instead of the dirt (very, very dusty and results in a dirty, dusty dog). There is a huge field adjacent and owned by the rv park that you can walk and or run your dog. But also full of poop. Bathroom smaller, older in the lower area. Much nicer, more modern bathrooms in the newer area. Two laundry rooms but no front loaders and the older laundry room only had two washers and two dryers. Can use quarters or an app. Pool and spa seemed pretty popular but we didn’t use. Area could really use some lighting at night. Very dark with minimal lighting in the older section. Trash is picked up every morning if you leave outside your site.
LegendBeautiful park with lots of amenities. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed as it is open seasonally. Wifi is the normal bad. Dog park is wonderful as well as the free putting course.
ScoutOur family of 3 just left the campground this morning, and we had a great time during our 1 night stay. To find it, just plug the GPS coordinates into Google maps and follow the instructions. It’s fairly primitive (outhouse and water spigot), but the sky is clear and the whole place is very serene with trees and nature. They have several protective, very human-friendly dogs on the property. They also open the barn around 0800 and allow campers to pet the rabbits, chickens, cats, pigs, turkey, ducks, and even feed the goats. Sites have campfire rings (bring your own wood), picnic table, and a couple Adirondack style chairs. The staff is also very friendly and informative. We will certainly be back.
Legend🔹location in front of Pala Casino. 🔹Great guest services. Full hookups sites. Propano fills available. The spot are big as well, each spot have a picnic table! Resort-style amenities. Nice Pool, kids playground and dog park great! Near Gas station and small market! 🔹We sure
will stay again and recommend
GuideBeing reasonably close to our home base, we frequent this park with the family. Major grocery and shopping establishments are nearby, with Target directly across the street, In-n-Out, local parks, and the like. Our kids love the pool area, grandparents love the pickleball courts, and there are always fun activities to do throughout the year. Full-timers are friendly and inclusive of newcomers and passer-throughs. Dog parks are clean and located at either corner of the park. The entrance security kiosk is staffed 24/7, and they'll even help spot you while parking your rig. We cannot say enough good things about this place.
Check their website for events and specials.
GuideShadow Hills RV Resort is a stellar urban RV resort with all the amenities. Full hookups, daily trash pickups at each site, cable tv, large level pads with privacy hedge, small dog parks scattered throughout, gated security, nice restrooms w/ showers (free). We were visiting family who were just a short bike ride away. Can be extremely windy here. Desert X environmental art installations are nearby.
Desert camping near Indian Wells offers diverse terrain ranging from 40 feet below sea level at certain valley spots to over 10,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. The region experiences dramatic temperature swings between seasons, with summer days regularly exceeding 110°F while winter nights can drop below freezing in higher elevation campgrounds. Many campsites sit on sand-based terrain that requires specific site preparation for both tents and RVs.
Hiking desert trails with dogs: Lake Cahuilla offers accessible trails for pet owners with varying hiking abilities. "There's a bike trail around the lake and fishing. Playgrounds and other child friendly activities available upon request. Especially great in the off season as it can be a bit noisy when it is crowded," notes Sam T.
Mountain biking on desert terrain: Areas near Black Rock Campground provide excellent mountain biking for intermediate riders. "Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels. Something for everyone, and each of the trails we hiked, or came across were very well signed, which in the desert is appreciated," explains Ryan W.
Stargazing without light pollution: The dark skies at Jumbo Rocks Campground provide exceptional nighttime viewing. "I recommend visiting during a new moon. The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," shares Chance C., highlighting the area's reputation for astronomical observation opportunities.
Natural mineral pools: Catalina Spa and RV Resort features natural hot springs that many campers find therapeutic. "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. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated," Jordan W. explains.
Desert wildlife viewing: Many pet friendly camping options near Indian Wells provide opportunities to observe native species. "We spent our days scrambling across the rock formations—each turn revealing a new panorama—and our nights marveling at the Milky Way in one of the best dark-sky locations in California," reports Jama A. from their stay at Jumbo Rocks.
Spacious lakeside sites: Lake Cahuilla offers waterfront camping with generous spacing. "Wide gravel sites, most with 50/30 amp service and water, many right on the small fishing lake. No trees or other screening between sites although not packed in like a standard RV park," notes Patrick M. about the campground's layout.
Winter is peak season: Reservations from November through March require advance planning at most campgrounds. "Campsites aren't the biggest, and fairly close together. Lake is easy to get to from anywhere. Rental boats on the lake. Free showers, and good bathrooms," Ken B. observes about Lake Hemet Campground.
Wind conditions can be severe: Desert wind patterns affect camping comfort and safety. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirts. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," warns theresa O. about her experience at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Indian Wells, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Indian Wells, CA is Thousand Trails Palm Springs with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 244 dog-friendly camping locations near Indian Wells, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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