Joshua Tree National Park features both Colorado and Mojave Desert ecosystems across elevations ranging from 536 to 5,814 feet. The area receives less than 5 inches of rainfall annually, creating distinct camping challenges with extreme temperature fluctuations. Glamping close to Joshua Tree National Park has become increasingly popular for travelers seeking desert comfort without sacrificing proximity to wilderness experiences.
What to do
Mineral hot springs therapy: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers three natural hot spring tubs ranging from 90-104 degrees. One camper noted, "3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for adults as well."
Equine experiences: Visit Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary to interact with wild mustangs. This unique sanctuary combines overnight accommodations with conservation efforts, allowing visitors to participate in equine therapy sessions and guided tours of the herd.
Desert hiking access: Corn Springs Campground provides direct access to canyon hikes with petroglyphs and historic mining cabins. A visitor shared, "Beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views. Petroglyphs and historic mining cabin. Someone drops off scrap wood for campfires."
What campers like
Geothermal pools: Catalina Spa and RV Resort features mineral spring-fed pools that run warmer than typical hot tubs. According to one reviewer, "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."
Desert wildlife encounters: Campers at multiple locations report nighttime wildlife sightings, including coyotes. One Corn Springs visitor explained, "One night we slept there it was so dang hot at night that we slept out on the ground with our dog as opposed to inside the camper van, only to be woken up and surrounded by coyotes."
Community activities: Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort organizes regular social events for guests. "Too many activities to list," noted one visitor, while another mentioned spending "many weekends at this resort over the last 15 years or so, visiting my grandparents that lived here in the winter. Tons of activities, clean and quiet."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some desert campgrounds have water issues. At Oasis Palms RV Resort, a camper warned, "The water is NOT SAFE to drink or cook with due to excessive arsenic and fluoride. There are however 3 locations in the park with reverse osmosis filters to fill water jugs."
Desert wind conditions: Strong winds affect several glamping sites near Joshua Tree National Park. A Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA visitor cautioned, "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."
Privacy arrangements: Many RV parks use landscaping for site separation. Happy Traveler RV Park features "10 to 15 ft hedges on the sides so very private. The pool and hot tub were clean, game room was pretty sparse but there are pool tables and shuffle boards."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Twentynine Palms Resort offers indoor pool facilities that are particularly valuable during extreme weather. A satisfied guest mentioned, "The indoor pool and hot tub were enjoyable. Will stay again."
Educational opportunities: Corn Springs Campground features accessible petroglyphs for children to learn about native history. However, one visitor cautioned, "Small section of petroglyphs, unfortunately some have been ruined with graffiti. Overall pretty clean and well maintained for a BLM site."
Recreational variety: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provides multiple family activities. "We got a spot that was big enough for two camper vans. The hot tubs were awesome. They even had a haunted house and hayride for the kids. Super cool spot."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Happy Traveler RV Park has tight internal roads that can complicate parking larger rigs. One RVer reported, "One downside is that the 'street' within the park is pretty tight. We have a 25 ft motorhome and it was pretty difficult to back in to our spot because it was so narrow."
Premium positioning: At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, experienced campers recommend, "Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors. Lower mineral pool is more adult friendly."
Services for extended stays: Twentynine Palms Resort accommodates service members and veterans. "Joshua tree is very close. The MCCC base is about 3 miles away with exchange, commissary and golf course. We had the base course to ourselves on a Sunday afternoon."
