Looking to cabin camp near Johnson Valley and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect cabin for your California cabin camping excursion.
Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. The town that once gave miners a good living lost its hustle and became a “ghost town.”
Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950’s architecturally restoring all but the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880’s. Calico received State Historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Today, Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system, which is visited by people from across the country and from all over the world. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping, hiking and off-roading.
$22 - $44 / night
North Shore Campground is a quiet place to camp, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities. The campground is nestled among Southern California's pine-covered mountains, providing ample opportunity for outdoor relaxation and recreation.
The North Shore National Recreation Trail connects the campground with Papoose Lake (trail is not accessible). The 1.7-mile trail descends through a mixed conifer forest and settles along Little Bear Creek, providing scenic views of the surrounding area. Please note, nearby Lake Arrowhead is a private lake.
The campground is located 23 miles northeast of San Bernardino in the San Bernardino National Forest. It is about 3 miles from the community of Lake Arrowhead. Settled in an oak woodland environment, the campground is close to many outdoor amenities. Lake Arowhead is a private lake, no access available.
Lake Gregory is located 40 minute away and offers fishing, boat rentals and a waterslide park. Lake Arrowhead is a private lake, no public access.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
$29 - $58 / night
Lake Hemet is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, in Mountain Center, near the charming town of Idyllwild. The scenery is splendid no matter which direction you look. Tall pines, manzanitas, sage, and giant oaks abound!
Lake Hemet is one of the most popular spots in Southern California for camping and fishing. The recent additions of the Soaring Pines Cafe serving delicious food and Splashing Eagle Swim Zone have made Lake Hemet the vacation spot to be during the spring and summer months.
Remember to pack a camera and binoculars, and keep a watchful eye as majestic eagles, hawks, and other wildlife are often seen soaring throughout the forest and campground. Come and enjoy camping, fishing, boating and the breathtaking scenery all year round.
DAY USE: In addition to camping, Lake Hemet offers public access to the campground for day use guests daily (hours vary by season). Day use is $25 per vehicle and affords guests with the opportunity to picnic, shoreline fish, launch personal boats or kayaks (additional fees apply) and rent boats or kayaks from our marina. If you are visiting other guests who are overnight camping with us, the $25 fee still applies. NOTE: DAY USE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL SUMMER HOLIDAY WEEKENDS FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. Only guests with previously purchased annual day use or launch passes will be allowed as our campground will be fully booked and activities are planned for our guests.
$45 / night
Durrwood is a 29-acre pristine wilderness nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, offering an unforgettable outdoor experience. Your group will have exclusive access to all of our amenities, including a comfortable RV for lounging, picnic tables, hammocks, horseshoes, corn hole, and numerous hiking trails starting from the campground. Our property includes an outhouse in form of a porta potty. No Showers.
We are conveniently located just 2 miles from the Santa Ana River, 5 miles from Jenks Lake, and only a 25-minute drive to Big Bear, making Durrwood the perfect private retreat for your group.
Durrwood is the ideal destination for families, company retreats, club meetups, church groups, girls and boy scouts, and any other groups looking to reconnect with nature. Our beautiful surroundings and wide range of activities make us the perfect choice for your next group gathering.
$300 / night
Sky Valley RV Resort is nestled in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park. Just 25 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, CA, you're close enough to enjoy an evening of fine dining, then retreat back to the peace of dark skies and mountain views in the resort. Sky Valley is located on top of natural hot water that is pumped into mineral pools for your enjoyment.
Book online via the campsite's website or call the resort directly to make your reservation!
Caliente Springs Resort is a Resort for those 55 years of age and over active resort. Join our fun community for pickleball, natural mineral hot springs pumped out of the ground and mountain views. Far enough away to experience the peace of nature, but close enough to get a world-class dinner in Palm Springs, Caliente Springs is in the perfect location for you to relax and meet other fun RVers.
Book online directly through the Caliente Springs website or give us a call to make your reservation!
Temporarily closed until further notice
$40 - $55 / night
Scout
Very nice hot tubs and swimming pool
ScoutLots of activities for kids, nice pool and hot tubs, overall great time!
Guide
Stayed here for a month when moving to the area friendly and good prices the indoor pool and hot tub were enjoyable will stay again
Scout
Rv friendly. Good weather starts mid November. Can be windy. Close to Palm Springs. Discount for three months or more. Poker friendly. 55 or over. Great swimming and mineral hot tubs.
Guide
We loved it here! Fortunately we were able to enjoy their monthly special for the months of February and March. We were originally going to stay for 1 month but felt so relaxed and loved the hot tubs/pool. We decided to stay. Very comfortable and very roomy spots. The facilities were clean and the community was friendly. Can’t wait to go back!
GuideNice facility. Takes all types of campers. Plenty of stuff to do behind the walls, mini golf, dog kamp, pool, hot tubs, games, game room... Nice shower house and bathrooms. Camp store is a little small but has the essentials. Nice to be escorted to the camp site. No fires except propane. Winds are always too high. High winds made for comfortable time outside.
TravelerThis campground is in a great location between Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. The site was large and we had no one around us, though there is no privacy. The sites were very dusty, with little to no gravel. The best thing about the place (besides the location) were the natural hot springs hot tubs—three of them! For the price, this place cannot be beat!
GuideSky Valley is an RV park. There are two locations in the park with mineral Pools and mineral hot tubs. There is a large grass area with ponds and black swans. This is a great location to relax by the the pool with a short drive to Palm Springs or Joshua tree. There are pickle ball courts, shuffle board, and horseshoe in the park.
Scout
The pool & hot tub is the best part of this park. Getting in and getting out if you have a 40ft+ is tricky. Sharp corners, palm trees at every site. 30ampers in the 50ampers and vice-versa. No real organization, but it is a first come first serve camp. Sand....sand and more sand! Bring a vacuum & broom with you as every site is beach sand.
Ranger
Thousand Trails Palm Springs offers a great pool and hot tub area with a lively, mixed-age crowd—perfect if you’re in your 30s and looking for variety. The bathrooms and laundry facilities are well-maintained, and the location is unbeatable for exploring Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, conveniently situated right off the highway. However, the park is busy and crowded, with plenty of palm trees and tight spots that can be tricky for larger rigs. Electrical maintenance during our stay further limited site availability, adding to the congestion. Despite the challenges, the proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient option.
Make sure you have your registration and insurance handy when you arrive.
Traveler
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. They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs. The camp ground was tidy and the sports were separated by shrubbery for privacy. They had mini golf and picket ball. The kids loved the pool. That was the main attraction. After a week of boon docking in the desert, this resort was a nice respite. The dog park was ok, dusty and small but the other campers were super nice so it was a fun way to meet people and their fur babies. The owners made it very clear that kids and families are welcome, although most campers were silver haired.
GuideThis 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. We arrived on a Tuesday, so we got to spend a few quiet days before the weekend campers showed up which was nice. This is a 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, but the main draw is definitely the pools. They’re fueled by the hot springs, so the pool is at about 90 degrees and the hot tub a bit hotter. They also recently opened a little convenience store where you can get the necessities such as ice and whatnot. Definitely would come back here!
Guide
This campground in Barstow has many things to do. Campground has full hookups first off. Next, they have a separate campground area for OHV campers and vehicles. Plenty of trails and some famous rock climbing just behind the hill. The ghost town is awesome to check out, kids love it. Pan for silver, train rides and explore the mines. Even grab a bite to eat with a beer at the saloon. Gets hot in the summer but fall and winter good times to go. This place even has cabin rentals too.
TravelerSeriously. 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. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated. The entire grounds were recently renovated and it shows. Stunning landscaping, layout and amenities. State of the art fitness center, billiards room, spa-worthy bathrooms and showers. Misters above every pool deck lounger. Convenience store 10 steps from the pool. Mini golf, pickle ball, horseshoes, shuffle board, bocce ball. During busy season (oct-march I think) they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc. what a dream! Gorgeous views of the mountains, spectacular sunsets, and all-around great vibes. Alos, lots of bunny sightings everywhere on the grounds! A pond with ducks, too. Lots of spaces, large and flat. Always clean. Everyone is so friendly. And with Good Sam Club we paid $22 a night!!!! What?! Our favorite RV Resort for the money across 15 states weve visited so far!
Only improvements I can think of: put water bowls at dog park, add speakers to pool area for spa-like music to play to enhance the soothing atmosphere, offer recylable cups at the pool in case someone has glassware (which isn’t allowed), offer lotion in the bathrooms, and add a hand sanitizer bottle in the minigolf area.
Legend
Definitely not the norm for us to stay in a place like this, but we had some things to do in Palm Springs and wanted to be close. 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. There is also a freight train that frequently runs along behind the park, and it's very loud.
Other than the noise and the high price, it's a very nice RV park. Lots of amenities and activities. There's also free wifi, download/upload was pretty slow but streaming and browsing was good. Two pools/hot tubs (one is adult only), tennis courts, library, gym, showers, laundry, 3 dog parks (one is under construction), trash pickup service (though I'm personally not a fan of leaving my bags of trash outside for someone to pick up), a club house, storage units, lots of community activities. We asked if they had recycling and they said to bag up our recycling and leave it out with the trash.
We stayed here for a weekend and had no reservations and there was plenty of room in November.
Laundry way too expensive at $5 for wash and $5 for 45 min dry. Credit card payment only and the dryer didn't dry our clothes all the way.
Nice park, but way too pricey for us!
GuideNear and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms. One large pool and three spas (hot tubs to folks not from So Cal) all heated with naturally heated mineral water. Secure. Park staff drive around at night to keep an eye on things. Most camps are close to the neighbors but most folks are quiet. Pay extra foe larger or premium campsites. Play area for the kids by the office. Put-put golf. Not much shade but many hedges. Gravel parking. Separate are for tents, communal sinks. Few trees around. Each camp has a sturdy picnic table. Propane fires only. And probably the same for BBQs. Great AT&T 5G cellular. Wi-Fi is weak, but it’s free.RV spot had fill hookups (water, 30 or 50 amp power, sewer, but no cable TV.
Well run and friendly, responsive staff. Understand that Desert Hot Springs is sometimes WINDY!! And that can mean dust storms, but that goes for the entire Cochella Valley. Not close to anything out here. A convenience store about 1/3 mile away. You won’t be running for coffee here. The the management sometimes hosts events and a weekend breakfast can be purchased.
All rigs are in good repair and I’ve seen nothing sketchy here at all. Been here 3 weeks with 3 more to go.
Bottom line: I would definitely stay here again, but it is a drive to get into DHS or Palm Springs. And it is windy/dusty.
Traveler@RoarksVentures has been to this park multiple times since January of 2018. It is actually one of our favorites. The staff has been kind and welcoming. The conversations started around the warmth of the hot tub have led to continued friendships long after our wheels have left the city.
With the skyline spotted by the leaves of vibrant Palm trees you get a sense that you are camping in a sort of desert oasis. That is, until you hear the roar of the cars on the busy freeway right across the street. Depending on the side of the park you end up camping in determines the volume that you hear that rumble.
Cell coverage is fantastic here allowing for mobile workers, RV movie streamers, and daytime internet explorers to meet all their needs and wants.
The rows are lined with palm trees and full of walkers, joggers and slow time strollers. The people all wave warmly whether they have met you before or not. Along with that the park offers a variety of social events including line dancing, swap meets, ice cream socials and more.
With such close proximity to Joshua Tree National park within a 45 minute drive, an hour to LA, and 20 minutes to down town Palm Springs there is no shortage of quality exploring for any type.
The one knock, other than the freeway is that there has been some increased homeless activity in the tree line that flanks the park. Their used to be a little fence you could walk through to let your dogs run and play. That gate is now locked with a no trespassing sign. I enjoyed running out in the sand dunes in that area and came across a hideout that had several books, which I imagine were stolen from the resort's well stocked library and a gas generator that you wonder if it was stolen from somebody who didn't lock up their belongings at their campsite.
All the same, the park does the best they can and often has a security patrol come through the park every once in awhile to make sure all is well. All that said, I never feel unsafe or worried here. The laughter from the rowdy pool volleyball games puts you at ease.
I already have plans to come back and look forward to doing so. It is still one of my favorite parks. Maybe it could be yours too.
TravelerWe arrived well after dark and the security folks helped us get into our cabin. Very nice staff. We stayed in one of the bunkhouse cabins. It had 2 sets of bunk beds (twin size) and a sofa (futon style) that was about the size of a queen. We had 2 cars and 2 trailers. Plenty of parking and I felt comfortable with our gear being safe outside. Small kitchen was perfect for our needs. We would recommend the cabin and we will definitely visit again to visit the ghost town.
Scout
Great views, nice and helpful employee's. Convenient little store at entry. Checked out the new cabins back in fall 2018 and was very pleased with cleanliness and access, happy to say we have reservations for the cabins again for the end of the month!
ScoutKOA campground with very very clean it was pretty empty when we stayed at the KOA . the staff being a little bit rude to a family that had travel to stay in the cabin it was a family of six in the cabin of 4 kick them out without giving them any break felt bad for them.
Scout
They are scammers. The cabin they have on site electricity keeps going on and off, the cabin was also dirty. Got a bad splinter on my hand from the railing and spoke to some residents and figured out that even though they’re selling memberships the electricity is going to be shut off. They are going to cause hundreds of people to go homeless and trying to keep it a secret. What a shame.
Ranger
Absolutely beautiful campground. Super quiet neighbors, beautiful cabins available. Great bathrooms and showers. Pool and activities were closed in the winter. Pets allowed
TravelerWe took our RV here just for one night but we can't wait to go back. RV sites, tent sites and cabins. Has a resort feel with a cafe, clubhouse, horse back riding and more. Facilities are clean and convenient. Operators are there to assist and in touch via text if you need anything.
GuideHad a great time exploring the ghost town with my kids. I recommend doing the tour of the mine for a small fee. A lot was still shut down due to the pandemic. Super windy but we opted to stay in one of the small cabins. It was nice and clean. Bathrooms were also clean and well-maintained. It was an overall good, one-night stay vacation!
ScoutGrowing up my family went on a few camping trips; mostly to Arizona to visit the ghost towns but when we wanted to go take a weekend trip and didn't want to leave state we would stay at the Catalina Spa Rv Resort in town. I remember my brother and I having so much fun running around or riding our bikes through the many turnaround streets at this park. They have an awesome pool and jacuzzis to use and a very large pond that all year round has ducks, birds, frogs, fish and turtles to look at. They have a friendly staff and the travelers were always very sweet and kind. The only town fall was that usually there isn't very many kids there, mostly older people come here to stay. They have. Gym and a game room. Lots of shade in rv parking areas and small bbq and tables to enjoy. Definitely worth checking it out !
LegendTalk about good times!! Get dirty as you can and have a blast doing it!! Razrrrr city!! Super cool ghost town, and really family friendly! Clean bathrooms and well maintained. You can fill up your propane here and dump your rig if needed. This place has cool little mining caves and a cool train for kids to ride on. Somethings are locked down due to covid but this place isn’t shy of family fun! Really neat place! Bring your fire wood for a cool fire at night, if you don’t want to camp they do have cabins that are without bathrooms but shelter if you prefer. Also plenty of parking for your vehicles.
TravelerWe stayed here with family who had an RV. At the time, we didn’t so we rented one of the cabins. They have bunks, a bed AC and heat and that’s it. Lol. You have to use the public restrooms and showers. It was raining and super cold when we stayed here but one of the days it cleared up and we walked to Calico ghost town. We had the best time exploring, shopping, eating at the restaurant, panning for gold, touring the mine. Super fun. We also enjoyed some off roading. Bathrooms were clean. Showers are run by quarters and were hot although the windows high above don’t close so the cold air was constantly blowing in. It made for an adventure that my daughter and I will remember for many years. Lol. I’d stay here again. It was fun.
Cabin camping near Johnson Valley, California, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Johnson Valley, CA is Calico Ghost Town with a 4-star rating from 44 reviews.
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