RV camping near Mecca, California offers diverse options throughout the Coachella Valley region. Located at an elevation of -180 feet below sea level, Mecca sits in one of the lowest points in North America, contributing to winter temperatures averaging 65-75°F during peak season. The surrounding terrain transitions from salt flats to sand dunes, with seasonal winds common from late winter through spring that affect camping conditions.
What to do
Desert exploration: Catalina Spa and RV Resort provides a central location for nearby adventures. "Palm Springs is 20 minutes south," notes one visitor, making day trips convenient for campers wanting to explore the region's attractions.
Water activities: Local lake access at some campgrounds offers a surprising desert oasis experience. "There's a little pond with ducks, too," shares a camper about the grounds at Catalina Spa, while Joshua Tree Lake features "a nice little pond with lots of birds that my daughter loved."
Outdoor recreation: Multi-sport facilities available at several resorts encourage active campers. "Lots of activities such as mini golf, pickle ball, and shuffle board, just to name a few," reports one reviewer about the amenities at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
What campers like
Natural hot springs: Mineral pools offer therapeutic relaxation unique to this desert region. "Two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe)," writes one reviewer about Catalina Spa and RV Resort. "The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated."
Seasonal activities: Winter programming provides social opportunities for longer-stay visitors. "Shadow Hills RV Resort operates weekly rate was $65 a night. Very nice. Pool, patio with nice furniture, coffee every morning," notes one camper about the amenities.
Stargazing: Dark skies create prime viewing conditions at certain locations away from city lights. A visitor at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground shares, "This is the most beautiful place to watch sunrise and sunset and stars. So peaceful."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Well water at some parks contains minerals requiring filtration. One reviewer at Oasis Palms warns, "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."
Wind conditions: Desert gusts can impact camping experiences, especially in open areas. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings," advises a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. "It's is warm during the day but cools at night."
Reservation patterns: Seasonal demand varies significantly across the region. At Coachella Lakes RV Resort, one visitor noted that "When we stayed here in late December they had just been open for about 2 months or so, and most of the spots weren't even open for use yet."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Family-friendly swimming areas provide relief from desert heat. At Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, one family reports, "We booked and traveled here to show the kids the stars from a desert view, and it did not disappoint! We stayed three nights and had two perfect days."
Playground availability: Kid-oriented facilities vary significantly between parks. One camper noted about Palm Springs Oasis, "The amenities they did have were nice and well kept but there isn't a playground and there were no kids other than ours."
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities engage younger campers in desert ecology. "There's a nice little pond with lots of birds that my daughter loved," shares a visitor to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, providing a natural educational component.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Hedge-lined spaces create privacy at certain resorts despite close quarters. A reviewer at Emerald Desert RV Resort notes, "We upgraded to the 'luxury' site which meant that the spacing between sites was a bit greater and we had a lovely patch of green grass between us and our neighbors."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity impacts the camping experience at several locations. "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," reports a camper at Emerald Desert.
Laundry facilities: Machine availability varies widely between campgrounds. "Laundry way too expensive at $5 for wash and $5 for 45 min dry. Credit card payment only and the dryer didn't dry our clothes all the way," reports one visitor about Emerald Desert RV Resort.
