Indio area RV campgrounds provide seasonal diversity for campers navigating the Coachella Valley climate. Located in Riverside County at approximately 26 feet below sea level, this desert region experiences significant temperature variations between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September. Winter camping offers temperatures in the 70s during daytime with nighttime lows in the 40s, creating prime conditions for outdoor activities from October through April.
What to do
Pool activities during peak season: Catalina Spa and RV Resort offers mineral-fed pools maintained at approximately 90 degrees year-round. "This place has a great weekly rate ($35 per night) and great amenities. We got a site across from the laundry/pool/bathroom which was also not far from the dog park," notes one camper. The hot springs pools provide relief after hiking or exploring local attractions.
Day trips to Joshua Tree National Park: Located 45 minutes from Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, the national park offers hiking and rock climbing opportunities. "We had a great stay here. Our site was on the end next to the BLM land and we had nice views of the mountains over Joshua Tree and the stars at night," shared one visitor. The campground provides a convenient base camp for exploring the park's unique desert landscape.
Pickleball tournaments: Several RV parks near Indio feature dedicated courts with organized games. "The park is spacious and clean. Beautiful pool and hot tubs. Four pickleball courts. Clubhouse with lots of activities," reports a guest about Indian Waters RV Resort. Morning games typically start at 8am before desert heat intensifies, making this a popular activity among seasonal residents.
What campers like
Hot mineral pools: The natural hot springs at Catalina Spa and RV Resort provide therapeutic relaxation for campers. "We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. The pools are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs," writes one reviewer. These mineral pools remain consistently warm throughout winter months, creating a popular amenity.
Privacy between sites: Many parks incorporate landscaping elements to create separation. "My favorite touch was the thought put into giving each of the spaces a feeling of privacy using mature shrubs," mentions a visitor at Cathedral Palms RV Resort. This design feature provides a sense of solitude despite the typically compact nature of desert RV parks.
Organized social activities: Seasonal programming creates community engagement opportunities. "During busy season they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc," notes one camper about recreational options. Weekend gatherings such as "informal happy hour Saturday late afternoon" and holiday meals like the Thanksgiving dinner at Catalina Spa where "the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides" bring together over 100 campers.
What you should know
Desert wind conditions: High wind episodes require preparation and awareness. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It's is warm during the day but cools at night," advises a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Many experienced desert campers recommend retracting awnings at night regardless of forecasts due to sudden wind events.
Seasonal availability: Peak season occupancy affects reservation planning. Most RV campgrounds near Indio operate at capacity between November and March. "We stayed here for 2 weeks. The weekly rate is much better than daily," notes a visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort. Monthly rates offer the best value, typically ranging from $900-1200 during winter months.
Road and rail noise considerations: Location-specific ambient sounds impact some parks. "Interstate 10 and a set of major East-West train tracks lie right behind the resort, but neither were very disruptive to us," reports a camper at Emerald Desert. Selecting sites further from major transportation corridors can minimize disruption for light sleepers.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access protocols: Shadow Hills RV Resort and similar parks maintain family-friendly swimming areas. "The pool area seemed clean but we didn't use it. They do have propane on site as well. They will come around and take your tanks for you and fill them," notes one camper. Some resorts designate separate adult-only and family pool areas with varying hours.
Site selection for kid-friendly amenities: Location within parks affects family experience. "This park is nice overall but I don't think we would stay here again. The amenities were well kept, all sites were concrete slabs, and the signal was good, but it was very loud sit to close proximity to major roads and wasn't very kid friendly," explains one family at Oasis Palm Springs. Requesting sites away from busy roads and near play areas improves the family camping experience.
Pet accommodation features: Multiple dog areas provide options for families traveling with pets. "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 since there wasn't enough room for our rug," reports a camper at Oasis Palm Springs, highlighting site selection importance.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Thousand Trails Palm Springs presents unique parking challenges. "The park is covered with palm trees and a few citrus trees you can pick from," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Parking big rig between the palm trees can be a challenge." Requesting site photos or dimensions before arrival helps determine compatibility with larger rigs.
Sewer connection positioning: Some sites require additional equipment for proper hookups. "We upgraded to the 'luxury' site which meant that the spacing between sites was a bit greater and we had a lovely patch of green grass between us and our neighbors. We have a very small trailer, so our only issue was the distance from our sewer connection and the resort's," explains a camper who solved the problem by purchasing extra hose from a nearby Walmart.
Electrical load management: Coachella Lakes RV Resort and other parks offer varying electrical capabilities. "This place is huge and so are the sites. 2 pools but of course as luck would have it one pool that's about 20 steps from our campsite is closed!" notes a recent visitor. During summer months when air conditioning demands peak, parks occasionally implement electrical maintenance schedules that affect site availability.
