Mountain Center, California sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly between seasons. RV travelers find access challenging on steeper mountain roads, especially for larger rigs over 38 feet. Cell reception weakens at higher elevations, with Verizon offering better coverage than other carriers in most campgrounds.
What to Do
Explore local trails: Visitors at Thousand Trails Idyllwild appreciate the hiking opportunities within walking distance. "There's a little road noise from Date Palm Drive but not too bad. All in all, it was an absolutely great place to spend the holidays," notes one camper who stayed six weeks.
Enjoy seasonal water activities: When visiting in summer months, the splash pad at Rancho Jurupa RV Park provides a welcome respite from heat. "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff!" reports one visitor.
Visit nearby attractions: The location of many RV parks makes day trips convenient. "It's close to grocery stores, restaurants, cinema, bikable town and transit if you don't have a toad/small vehicle," explains a camper at Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort regarding the urban amenities available nearby.
What Campers Like
Thermal pools: Catalina Spa and RV Resort features natural mineral hot springs that maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. "They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs. The camp ground was tidy and the sports were separated by shrubbery for privacy," writes one reviewer.
Spacious sites: At Emerald Desert RV Resort, many sites offer room to spread out. "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," explains one camper.
Community activities: Social gatherings are common at many area resorts. A visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort mentioned, "We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner where the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides 100+ people."
What You Should Know
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds limit their operating seasons. Wilderness Lakes RV Resort operates year-round while others close during summer months when temperatures climb.
Wind considerations: Desert locations experience significant wind events. One camper at Golden Village Palms RV Resort wrote, "We had to get more lumber in town to level travel the trailer from front to rear," illustrating the challenges of uneven terrain combined with wind.
Security measures: Varying security procedures exist across parks. A visitor at Rancho Jurupa Park noted, "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Ranger is on constant patrol."
Site selection challenges: Parking larger rigs can be difficult at some resorts. As one camper at Thousand Trails Palm Springs observed, "Parking big rig between the palm trees can be a challenge."
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some resorts specifically cater to families with children. "Two pools (one adults only & hot tub, other for families), shuffle board, access to neighboring upscale mobile home park amenities, another pool, work out room, tennis courts and golf," reports a visitor at Palm Springs Oasis.
Consider noise levels: Family-oriented parks tend to have more activity. A camper at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort shared, "This place was hopping and popping on the weekend. Fishing, loud music and tons of weekend campers and kids."
Check for safety features: Secure facilities provide peace of mind. "Friendly staff to check us in gates close at 10:pm your provided with a security gate code to get back in if your out late," notes a visitor at Rancho Jurupa Park.
Tips from RVers
Reservations essential: The most desirable sites fill quickly. "We stayed here for a weekend and had no reservations and there was plenty of room in November," shared a visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort, though this experience is uncommon during peak winter months.
Level site considerations: Many desert locations require additional leveling equipment. A camper at Idyllwild RV Resort reported, "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension."
Site privacy variations: Different parks offer varying levels of separation between sites. "Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors," noted one visitor about Catalina Spa and RV Resort, highlighting the importance of requesting specific site areas when making reservations.
