Cabin options around Johnson Valley, California range from bunkhouse accommodations to larger rental units with varied amenities. Most cabin rentals in this high desert region sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, creating significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The area experiences summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F during day while dropping below 60°F at night, making climate-controlled cabins a practical choice for desert visitors.
What to do
Explore mineral hot springs: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA features natural mineral water pools with three different temperature options. "Geothermal pool and spas. 90, 100 and 104 degrees heated in December," notes one visitor who appreciated the year-round warmth of these therapeutic waters.
Visit historic attractions: Calico Ghost Town offers more than just camping, with historic buildings and attractions within walking distance of cabin accommodations. "Free admission to Ghost Town with camping reservation. Good fall to spring. Way to hot in summer. No shade," reports one camper who enjoyed the historic setting.
Disc golf and recreation: Lake Hemet Campground provides disc golf courses near cabin rentals. "We have just camped to relax, Kayak, fish, and play Disk Golf. They always keep their bathrooms and porta potties clean! Their campsites are well maintained and clean as well," shares a regular visitor who returns multiple times per year.
What campers like
Hot springs access: Catalina Spa and RV Resort offers mineral hot springs that visitors find therapeutic. "The pools 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," explains a camper who appreciated the healing waters after days of remote camping.
Proximity to outdoor adventures: Camp Durrwood provides cabin accommodations amid forest surroundings. "The location is among the vast forest in California and with almost 30 acres, the perfect spot for a large group looking to enjoy the forest together," notes a visitor who found the cabins ideal for group gatherings.
Family-friendly activities: Cabins at Barstow-Calico KOA offer access to numerous recreational amenities. "The kids loved the pool and other kids to play with. Great game room with pool, foosball, air hockey etc. big playground and easy campground to bike around," reports a family who appreciated the structured activities available for children.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Desert cabin rentals require careful timing. "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," explains a visitor at Catalina Spa who found winter visits ideal for enjoying hot springs.
Bring your own linens: Most cabin accommodations require guests to supply bedding. "We booked this campground for 3 nights, in large part for the hot showers. The showers and bathroom facilities are frankly disgusting and not something we would use," warns a camper at North Shore Campground who was disappointed by facility conditions.
Wind exposure: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA experiences significant wind issues at times. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," cautions a visitor who experienced challenging weather conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Book cabins with recreation access: North Shore Campground offers cabin locations with proximity to water features. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet. Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away," notes a visitor who appreciated the balance of natural setting with nearby amenities.
Consider age restrictions: Some cabin properties limit access. "This park looks nice, we were unable to stay due to age restrictions. Park is a 55+ park," shares a visitor to Caliente Springs Resort who recommended their sister property for families with children.
Water-based activities: Lake Hemet Campground cabins provide access to water recreation. "Had a wonderful time with the kids and our two doggos here! Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us," reports a visitor who found the facilities accommodating for both children and pets.
Tips from RVers
Limited space considerations: Barstow-Calico KOA cabins offer alternatives when RV sites are crowded. "Passed through for a night. Looked to be an average KOA - several cute things to do. The park itself is basically a gravel lot but they have done some nice work with trees and shrubs to make it seem less so," explains an RVer who found the cabin options preferable to tight RV spacing.
Electricity reliability: Cabin power systems provide more reliable climate control than RV hookups in extreme heat. "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," notes an RVer who found the cabin access more straightforward than navigating larger vehicles.
