Mecca Hills Wilderness offers dispersed camping options where pets can freely explore the canyon terrain alongside their owners. Several primitive camping sites throughout the area welcome dogs, with no formal restrictions on pet sizes or breeds. Ladder Canyon Trail provides a pet-friendly hiking route, though many reviewers note the terrain can be challenging for dogs due to sharp rocks that may cut paw pads, especially near the ladder sections. The sandy roads leading into camping areas require careful navigation. Foxes frequently visit campsites after dark, so securing pet food is necessary to prevent wildlife encounters.
Painted Canyon's pet-friendly dispersed camping area features multiple established sites along the canyon walls where campers can set up with their dogs. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing the more secluded spots with pets due to deep sand conditions. The main hiking trail includes sections with ropes and ladders that prove difficult for dogs to navigate safely, with several pet owners reporting they had to turn back after the first few ladder sections. No designated pet waste stations exist in this primitive area, so campers must pack out all pet waste. During warmer months, the canyon walls provide essential shade for pets, with temperatures remaining comfortable in the evenings despite occasional high winds that require secure tent staking.
"The southern end of the park seems a lot quieter- away from some of the more tourist-visited spots."
"Absolutely love staying just outside the park. Easy access to some beautiful trails and you can easily fill up with water, dump out, and use the garbage from your vehicle."
"Especially in the evenings, our tent stayed put with extra stakes and ties but canopies and porta potty tents would’ve flown if we didn’t sand bag and weigh them down with rocks that were laying around"
"BLM land surrounded by Mecca wilderness good spot for boondocking. Washboard road into the camping area lots of sand so be careful and don't get dug in."
$30 / night
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"It is roughly in between the northern and western entrances of the park, which means that it's essentially on the eastern edge of most of the rock climbing areas."
"I researched this spot a ton and was hesitant to go - mostly because my 1987 VW Westfalia isn’t 4WD, and everything I read said you must have an off road vehicle, but the area looked beautiful and we didn"
"I didn’t have high expectations but after going, it’s perfect for any off-roader. We travel in large groups so this site is ideal for us!"
$55 / night
"Lot's of RV'ers and dogs left barking all day. I would recommend the dispersed camping just outside the south entrance of the park, or over on Box Canyon Road about 15 minutes away. "
"Water was a little tricky to find at first because it was tucked next to a campsite that had an RV parked out front. Wildflowers were blooming all around in mid-spring. "
"After leaving the Joshua Tree NP we headed here to let our dog stretch her legs and run off some energy. This place was perfect for that as well as a lovely spot to camp."
"Dogs were off leash entire time with plenty of separation from other campers. We went past the main part and went towards the end of the dirt road."
"Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."
"Great view of the lake from most of the tent sections. Access to showers and restrooms. There is a pool in the summer and enough shade to stay as cool as the desert allows without A/C."
"The only challenge was the highway noise. But it’s a sweet spot."
"Very friendly staff and a great location to live."
"this is a dispersed location on box canyon in Mecca. the road is loose sand and is possible by most vehicles as long as you stay on the road."
"It was quiet during the week, weekends might be busier with locals because of all the shell casings left behind."
"No need to be too close to other campers. Highway noise is quiet. Just outside park entrance. We went on thanksgiving - busiest time of the year for Joshua Tree and all campsites full."
"Great location in proximity just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. There are plenty of spots for tents, pop-ups, campers, or RVs. Fire rings are already established."
TravelerComfortable partial hookup sites, pet friendly, and nice people. Theres a dog park next door. The bathrooms are clean, and the laundry facilities work well (although coin only, no cards).
GuideNot a very attractive drive in. Lots and lots of trash in the shrubbery and fields along the highway. Reservation and check in was easy. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The RV park itself is attractive and seems to be fairly well maintained. It seems there are two rv areas. A lower older area and an upper newer and more attractive area. We were in the older area. Site was gravel with a small concrete area. Unfortunately, no one there seems to care about the dog poop everywhere (not exaggerating!). We and the people behind us parking had to clean dog poop off our site before we could set up. When walking our dog we saw poop everywhere. Dog park was ok, but on the small side and would be better with a gravel base instead of the dirt (very, very dusty and results in a dirty, dusty dog). There is a huge field adjacent and owned by the rv park that you can walk and or run your dog. But also full of poop. Bathroom smaller, older in the lower area. Much nicer, more modern bathrooms in the newer area. Two laundry rooms but no front loaders and the older laundry room only had two washers and two dryers. Can use quarters or an app. Pool and spa seemed pretty popular but we didn’t use. Area could really use some lighting at night. Very dark with minimal lighting in the older section. Trash is picked up every morning if you leave outside your site.
ScoutOur family of 3 just left the campground this morning, and we had a great time during our 1 night stay. To find it, just plug the GPS coordinates into Google maps and follow the instructions. It’s fairly primitive (outhouse and water spigot), but the sky is clear and the whole place is very serene with trees and nature. They have several protective, very human-friendly dogs on the property. They also open the barn around 0800 and allow campers to pet the rabbits, chickens, cats, pigs, turkey, ducks, and even feed the goats. Sites have campfire rings (bring your own wood), picnic table, and a couple Adirondack style chairs. The staff is also very friendly and informative. We will certainly be back.
GuideShadow Hills RV Resort is a stellar urban RV resort with all the amenities. 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). We were visiting family who were just a short bike ride away. Can be extremely windy here. Desert X environmental art installations are nearby.
TravelerHad a wonderful time with the kids and our two doggos here! Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us. Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too! Thanks for a wonderful stay! We’re here last week of March 2024.
GuideThe is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean! The gorgeous Palm trees are a little bit of a parking hazard, but they were here before we were! 😊 And besides, they are so beautiful to look at every day. The park feels like a day on beach with white sand to park on in most spaces, towering Palm trees, and brightly colored tropical flowers. What a treat in the winter! We are here in November and December and daytime high’s are in the low 80’s. The park is split in half with one side 30 amp FHU and the other half 50 amp FHU. For TT members, there is not an additional charge for 50 amp. Quite a deal! There is plenty of room to get out and walk in this park, along with a nice dog park, playground, billiards room, swimming pool and spa, horseshoes, 8 pickle ball courts, many laundry rooms and restrooms, and community recreation room. The surrounding mountains ranges are pretty amazing, too. This park is close to it all in the Palm Springs area and everything is within a short drive. Joshua Tree National Park and the Salton Sea is just over a half hour away. The Thousand Trails Palm Springs RV Resort is perfect and we will definitely be visiting again!
For videos on this park and others, check out our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.
GuideThe pros: elite sites are nice with two concrete pads and turf. You park on gravel, but the rest is nice. The people are friendly, but the front desk could be friendlier. They also have two nice dog parks. The sunset view is lovely. All streets are paved. The cons: this area can get VERY windy. So windy, that we closed our slides on two,occasions during our two weeks stay. The sites are also close together. We wanted to to spend a lot of time in Palm Springs and found the distance too far. There is really nothing in Desert Hot Springs except a burger joint and a small breakfast cafe. The biggest problem with this place is the exit area. There is a huge dip in the road. We scraped a bit (45’ MH) and I saw many other TTS and 5th wheels scrape bottom. This needs to be fixed.
TravelerSeriously. This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated. The entire grounds were recently renovated and it shows. Stunning landscaping, layout and amenities. State of the art fitness center, billiards room, spa-worthy bathrooms and showers. Misters above every pool deck lounger. Convenience store 10 steps from the pool. Mini golf, pickle ball, horseshoes, shuffle board, bocce ball. During busy season (oct-march I think) they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc. what a dream! Gorgeous views of the mountains, spectacular sunsets, and all-around great vibes. Alos, lots of bunny sightings everywhere on the grounds! A pond with ducks, too. Lots of spaces, large and flat. Always clean. Everyone is so friendly. And with Good Sam Club we paid $22 a night!!!! What?! Our favorite RV Resort for the money across 15 states weve visited so far!
Only improvements I can think of: put water bowls at dog park, add speakers to pool area for spa-like music to play to enhance the soothing atmosphere, offer recylable cups at the pool in case someone has glassware (which isn’t allowed), offer lotion in the bathrooms, and add a hand sanitizer bottle in the minigolf area.
RangerVery spacious resort in the center of a gorgeous 9 hole golf course/driving range. Check-in packet was prepared & ready along w/an escort to our space, which has level concrete parking and picnic pad with table. 50/30/110, water, sewer, wifi and cable included. Catch and release fishing pond, pool, hot mineral spas, tennis, lawn bowling, big and little dog parks. The stargazing is amazing! Very clean and well maintained. Quiet respectful guests. Great area to bike. You can drive to the sculptures, Salton Sea, downtown Borrego and Julian.. you Will be driving through curvy mountain ranges to get to this destination. Stayed 1/4-8/2021
Mecca Hills offers dispersed camping options across desert canyons with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,000 feet. The area features distinctive geological formations including slot canyons, wind caves, and exposed rock layers revealing 600 million years of history. Winter temperatures hover between 50-75°F, making it ideal for camping from October through April.
Hiking through slot canyons: Box Canyon provides access to numerous hiking trails through narrow passages. "Found a Geocache... we had two foxes come and visit the campsite. It was still warm during the day here in late November," reports one Box Canyon Dispersed camper.
Climbing rock formations: Many camping areas have natural bouldering opportunities. A visitor at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, "Sweet hikes at JT. Sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking. Little bit of road noise in the distance."
Stargazing: The dark skies offer excellent celestial viewing. "No bugs and the weather is amazing if you're at the base of the canyon. There's loose sand roads the further you get in, so 4wheel drive only if you're trying to get far away from the main road," notes a camper at Painted Canyon.
Secluded camping spots: Campers appreciate the solitude available in the canyons. "Absolutely quiet and an amazing starry sky. Ideal for tents," says one Painted Canyon visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Desert animals frequently visit campsites. "At the end of the dirt road through the winding rocks we nestled into a campsite closed to the trailhead. We barely had any neighbors it was so quiet. Words of advice, make sure you have shade for sunny days," advises a Mecca Hills Wilderness camper.
Natural shade: Canyon walls provide natural cooling. "This is an awesome place to camp. I didn't have high expectations but after going, it's perfect for any off-roader. We travel in large groups so this site is ideal for us!" shares another Mecca Hills Wilderness visitor.
Sand conditions: Deep sand requires proper vehicles. "This is a good spot if you are willing to drive the 5 miles on the dirt road. Very sandy. Recommend 4 wheel drive but doable without if you are careful," explains a camper.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. "Campers beware that the sites are close together and have limited space for campers. We have a RTT with a fold out annex. There are boulders along the road side that do not allow you to pull into the sites," reports one Jumbo Rocks Campground visitor.
Cell service: Coverage varies throughout the canyons. "Great piece of dispersed camping. As said in other reviews here, you can camp just about anywhere in the wash/river bed. I'm not sure how often water flows through it if at all so check weather just to be safe," cautions a camper.
Consider established campgrounds: Sites with facilities may work better for kids. "Great campground with a variety of sites to choose from. 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 Lake Cahuilla visitor.
Pack extra water: No potable water exists at dispersed sites. "BEST BLM CAMPING. Literally gorgeous campsite. Was here 26 April and weather was gorgeous. Great place to unwind and feel isolated. Dogs were off leash entire time with plenty of separation from other campers," shares a pet-friendly camping enthusiast.
Watch for wildlife encounters: Desert critters may approach campsites. "Wide open spaces with some fire places made from rocks. A few spots had some shade trees but not many," mentions a Joshua Tree South visitor.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful positioning. "Nice campground without hookups but flush bathrooms and fresh water. Sites are kinda small, but we had a backin that fit our 26' trailer easily. B26. So pick your site carefully," advises a Cottonwood Campground visitor.
Mind road conditions: Access roads vary in difficulty. "The main road was a super easy drive, definitely doable 2 wheel drive but 4 wheel is recommended. Plenty of sites and pretty quiet. Road traffic was quiet until hikers started to show up in the early AM," reports an RVer.
Tank management: Plan for limited water access. "Saw smaller cars (corollas/civic etc) along the road - just don't stop in the sandy areas," warns a camper about pet-friendly camping near Mecca, California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mecca, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mecca, CA is Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 62 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mecca, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 178 dog-friendly camping locations near Mecca, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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