The Coachella Valley offers diverse camping options for dog owners near La Quinta, with elevations ranging from below sea level to 4,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. Winter temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 70°F during the day, making it a popular destination for snowbirds with pets seeking warmer weather during colder months.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Joshua Tree National Park's south entrance provides access to pet-friendly trails where leashed dogs are welcome on roads and developed areas. "We spent our days scrambling across the rock formations—each turn revealing a new panorama—and our nights marveling at the Milky Way in one of the best dark-sky locations in California," notes a visitor to Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer lake access for anglers with pets. "Nice lake for fishing, we didn't catch anything. Very little traffic. Huge sites," reports a camper at Lake Cahuilla.
Rock scrambling: The desert landscape provides unique terrain for dog owners to explore. At Painted Canyon, a visitor notes, "We love hiking the rope/ladder trail loop during the day and star gazing at night. No bugs and the weather is amazing if you're at the base of the canyon."
Wildlife viewing: Some campgrounds offer opportunities to spot desert animals. "Great view over the lake, clean showers, spaces not too close, walk around the lake, big horn sheep viewing," reports a visitor at Lake Cahuilla.
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: The desert provides exceptional night sky visibility for campers with pets. "I recommend visiting during a new moon. The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," shares a visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many pet-friendly campgrounds offer good separation between camping spots. At Shadow Hills RV Resort, sites are "separated by privacy hedge" which helps keep pets from interacting with neighboring campers.
Mineral hot springs: Some resorts offer unique amenities. "We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. The pools are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs," writes a visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Desert landscapes: The unique terrain provides visual appeal. "Stunning rock formations, lots of space but it rattles your teeth out getting there," notes a visitor about Painted Canyon, a dispersed camping area where pets are allowed.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making dog safety a concern. A visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground notes, "It was very hot in July so I went into town during peak afternoon hours but the morning and evenings are amazing!"
Wind exposure: The desert can experience strong winds affecting tents and awnings. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It is warm during the day but cools at night," advises a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Road conditions: Access to some pet-friendly dispersed camping requires careful navigation. "Bumpy ride to get to, great location. We have a AWD sprinter which managed deep sand well," reports a camper at Painted Canyon.
Limited supplies: Some campgrounds are distant from stores. At Lake Cahuilla, a visitor notes, "Camp is a good distance from any stores. Target was about 15 minutes."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Not all bodies of water allow swimming. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentions, "We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!"
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer child-friendly amenities. "There was a playground, not too much traffic around the campsite, and fishing for our next trip there," shares a Lake Cahuilla visitor.
Seasonal activities: Family options vary by time of year. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, "During busy season (oct-march I think) they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc."
Budget-friendly options: Costs vary widely between campgrounds. "Primitive sites are $25 and are first come first serve only. Partial hookups were $30 I think, and FHU were $40 if I remember right," notes a visitor at Lake Cahuilla.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations that provide adequate space for your rig. "Wide gravel sites, most with 50/30 amp service and water, many right on the small fishing lake. No trees or other screening between sites although not packed in like a standard RV park," reports an RVer at Lake Cahuilla.
Hookup lengths: Plan for varying distances between connections. "We have a very small trailer, so our only issue was the distance from our sewer connection and the resort's. With so many nearby stores, it just took a quick online order for curbside pickup at Wal-Mart for extra hose," shares a visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
Train and highway noise: Some RV parks experience transportation noise. "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," warns an RVer about Emerald Desert RV Resort.
Amenities worth the cost: Higher-end parks offer extensive facilities. "They have a variety of RV spaces in size and prices. Excellent customer service and definitely worth the price," notes a visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
