Desert RV parks near Joshua Tree National Park provide year-round options at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,800 feet. The desert climate creates dramatic temperature variations between seasons, with summer daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most parks maintain open status September through May, with reduced amenities during summer months.
What to do
Sunrise photography at Joshua Tree Lake: This campground offers exceptional dawn photography opportunities with unobstructed desert views. "This is the most beautiful place to watch sunrise and sunset and stars. So peaceful," notes a visitor at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground.
Hot spring soaking: Natural mineral pools provide therapeutic relaxation after desert exploration. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, the pools maintain consistent temperatures around 90°F. "Upper section is exposed to the frequent high winds. Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors. Lower mineral pool is more adult friendly," reports one camper.
Desert art installations: Located near several RV parks, environmental art displays offer cultural experiences alongside camping. "Desert X environmental art installations are nearby," mentions a visitor at Shadow Hills RV Resort.
What campers like
Spacious RV sites: Many parks feature extra-large sites that accommodate slide-outs and towed vehicles. "Amazing new RV Park. Amazing staff. Amazing HUGE sites. Clean. Lots of planned activities. Great for families. Excellent for big rigs of any size," reports a guest at Coachella Lakes RV Resort.
Multi-use recreation areas: Beyond standard amenities, several parks offer expanded activities. "We've been here for about 4 weeks... Staff is outstanding. We've enjoyed learning and playing pickleball. The pools are warm and well maintained," shares a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Dark sky stargazing: Limited light pollution creates exceptional astronomy opportunities. "We booked and traveled here to show the kids the stars from a desert view, and it did not disappoint! My camera couldn't capture the magnificent view from just our site," explains a visitor at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong desert winds affect campsite selection and setup. "The weekly rate is much better than daily. It is a nice resort with clean amenities. The gym was great and the pool was not busy which made it a nice place to work from. The main downside is it is near the train tracks, which runs often," reports a guest at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
Water quality concerns: Some parks utilize well water with mineral content. One camper notes: "Most important to note 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."
Seasonal availability: Many parks operate limited schedules. "Park is seasonal and not open year round," mentions a visitor about Thousand Trails Palm Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access schedules: Family-oriented pools may have designated hours. "Staff is very friendly and hard working. They ran an easily accessible store on the campgrounds that had lots of last minute necessities. Not to mention the ducks!" shares a visitor at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground.
Pet-friendly considerations: Most parks welcome pets with specific amenities. At Thousand Trails Palm Springs, "There's a pool, laundry facilities, family lodge, and a camp store. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because the sites are super super close together. We were there the weekend before Easter and they did an Easter Egg hunt so that was super fun."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Desert wildlife creates educational moments for children. "There is a nice little pond with lots of birds that my daughter loved. It's out of the town which we like but not far from the Joshua Tree entrance to the park and lots of coffee shops."
Tips from RVers
Electrical connection testing: Verify hookups immediately upon arrival. Several campgrounds feature 30-amp and 50-amp options but connection quality varies by site. A visitor recommends: "Clean sites with 30 and 50 amp. Daily weekly monthly."
Wind protection strategies: Select sites based on natural windbreaks. "I would give this 5 stars if we had been given the option to move to one of the tent sites that had more of a wind block. Instead the campground was pretty empty but they put us at the back of the campground completely exposed to the wind," explains a camper at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground.
Extended stay rates: Monthly rates provide significant discounts. "We spent 2 weeks here. The weekly rate is much better than daily. It is a nice resort with clean amenities," suggests a visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
