Cabin accommodations dot the desert landscape surrounding Joshua Tree National Park at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,000 feet. These cabin rentals serve as base camps for exploring nearby attractions including the General Patton Memorial Museum and the Coachella Valley Preserve. Winter temperatures typically drop into the 40s at night while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making climate-controlled cabins popular alternatives to tent camping.
What to do
Visit General Patton Museum: Located behind the Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area, this museum features military history displays and outdoor exhibits. "The tanks look amazing and my kids are so excited," notes one visitor to Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area, which offers basic cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping sites.
Soak in mineral hot springs: Many cabin properties feature natural hot spring pools. At Sky Valley RV Resort, "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 pool with a short drive to Palm Springs or Joshua tree."
Explore nearby natural areas: The desert surroundings offer diverse landscapes within day-trip distance. "The Coachella Valley preserve is just a few minutes drive from Sky Valley and is a delightful walk among Palm trees and springs," reports a camper. Multiple cabin properties provide convenient access points to these natural areas.
What campers like
Hot springs and pools: Temperature-controlled water features rank high among cabin guests. "The pools are warm and well maintained. The sites are spaced moderately with easy access to hookups and shrubbery between each site," writes a visitor to Catalina Spa and RV Resort, where "both pools were open. They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs."
Proximity to attractions: Cabin properties serve as central hubs for regional exploration. A guest at Thousand Trails Palm Springs appreciates "a great central location" noting it's "unbeatable for exploring Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, conveniently situated right off the highway."
Resort-style amenities: Cabin properties often include recreational facilities beyond basic camping. At Shadow Hills RV Resort, guests enjoy "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)."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (October-March), advance booking is essential, especially for weekends. At Coachella Lakes RV Resort, one visitor noted: "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!"
Wind conditions: Desert winds can impact cabin stays, particularly in exposed areas. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It's is warm during the day but cools at night," warns a Catalina Spa visitor, while another notes Sky Valley has "April very windy and May, it starts getting hotter."
Pet policies: Rules regarding pets vary significantly between properties. At Twentynine Palms Resort, pets are welcome with additional fees, while other locations maintain strict pet restrictions or designated pet-friendly cabin units.
Supply considerations: Cabin kitchens vary greatly in equipment provided. Most locations require guests bring their own linens, pillows, and towels even when beds are provided. Shopping options remain limited near most properties, requiring advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Some cabin properties offer specific facilities for children. The Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers "miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for adults as well," reports a family visitor.
Consider crowd levels: Family-friendly properties may have busy pool areas. A Thousand Trails Palm Springs visitor warns: "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."
Check seasonal programming: Winter months bring increased organized activities at many cabin properties. A Twentynine Palms Resort visitor appreciated "a haunted house and hayride for the kids" during Halloween season.
Pack entertainment options: While most cabin properties feature WiFi, connectivity quality varies considerably. Cell service remains spotty in remote areas, though stronger near cabin properties closer to towns.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At cabin-equipped RV properties, locations vary in privacy and noise levels. "We headed to the pull through 30amp sites which are all to the left. Parked in end spot of the first row after the pool in tight spot (palm trees are close) and electric wasn't working," shares a Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA guest.
Utilities vary by location: Even at properties offering cabins alongside RV sites, hookup availability differs. At Sky Valley RV Resort, a visitor recommends: "Make sure you have your registration and insurance handy when you arrive."
Consider resort mail services: For extended stays, many cabin/RV properties offer package handling. "They have a mailroom with nice staff, laundry rooms have ample machines and they have fitness center," reports a Sky Valley camper, making these locations suitable for working remotely.
