RV camping near La Quinta, California offers a mix of desert resorts and nearby campgrounds within the Coachella Valley. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter months the ideal time for visitors. The area sits at approximately 40 feet below sea level, creating a unique desert microclimate that's particularly appealing to snowbirds and festival-goers seeking warm winter camping options.
What to do
Visit Joshua Tree National Park: Located about 45 minutes from La Quinta, Joshua Tree offers hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities. "Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground is also in super close proximity of the National Park," notes one visitor at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground.
Enjoy mineral hot springs: The area's natural hot springs provide therapeutic relaxation options. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, "two pools both with shower rooms" are available, and the pools are "fueled by the hot springs, so the pool is at about 90 degrees and the hot tub a bit hotter," according to reviews.
Participate in seasonal activities: During winter months, many resorts offer organized events. "There are lots of planned activities. Great for families," notes one camper at Coachella Lakes RV Resort. Another visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort mentioned "lots of activities such as mini golf, pickle ball, and shuffle board."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many resorts provide generous spacing between sites. At Shadow Hills RV Resort, campers enjoy "semi private spaces, plenty of grass" and the overall well-maintained grounds. Another visitor noted the resort has "concrete spots so easy to get into and get level."
Pool and spa amenities: Most resorts maintain heated pools year-round. According to one camper at Thousand Trails Palm Springs, the park "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."
Security features: Gated access provides peace of mind for campers. "This is a very family friendly resort with all the bells and whistles you could possibly need from the place," mentioned one camper about Catalina Spa and RV Resort, while another noted Shadow Hills RV Resort has "gated security" among its amenities.
What you should know
Wind conditions: The area can experience significant wind, particularly in certain seasons. A camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort described it as "terribly windy most of the time," while another mentioned "it can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings."
Water quality varies: Some locations have issues with water quality. At certain parks, visitors note the need for additional filtration or recommend using bottled water for drinking.
Reservation timing: Winter months require advance planning. "We stayed here for a weekend and had no reservations and there was plenty of room in November," noted one visitor about Encore Palm Springs Oasis, indicating shoulder season can offer more availability than peak winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some resorts offer amenities specifically for younger guests. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, one camper noted "there is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground," making it suitable for family stays even though "most campers were silver haired."
Consider proximity to attractions: Locations closer to town offer easier access to family-friendly activities. "Close to grocery stores, restaurants, cinema, bikable town and transit if you don't have a toad/small vehicle," noted a visitor at Encore Palm Springs Oasis.
Check noise levels: Road noise can be significant at some locations. A camper at Thousand Trails Palm Springs mentioned the park "is next to I10 and does have lots of road noise," which could be an important consideration for families with light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Selecting the right site can significantly impact your stay. At Thousand Trails Palm Springs, "depending on the side of the park you end up camping in determines the volume that you hear that rumble" from the nearby freeway, according to a visitor.
Utility connections: Hookup locations vary between parks. One visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort noted their "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."
Size considerations: Navigation can be challenging for larger rigs in some parks. At Thousand Trails Palm Springs, the "park is covered with palm trees" which can make maneuvering difficult, while Coachella Lakes RV Resort offers "HUGE sites" that are "excellent for big rigs of any size."
