Cabin accommodations near Niland, California vary from basic shelters to fully-furnished units across multiple desert resorts and campgrounds. Located in the Colorado Desert at approximately 131 feet below sea level, this area experiences extremely hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-75°F, making it a popular destination for seasonal visitors seeking warm weather during colder months.
What to do
Hot springs soaking: 24-hour access at Glamis North Hot Springs Resort provides both hot mineral pools and cold soaking options. According to one visitor, "What an amazing place with friendly staff. Go check out them out!! The bathrooms and showers are very clean and the hot springs tubs are nice and comfortable. There are also 3 pools, 1 hot springs and the other 2 are cold."
Hiking desert trails: Short but challenging routes near Agua Caliente County Park Campground offer panoramic views of surrounding mountains. A camper notes, "Great hikes, shorter in length but plenty challenging and gorgeous views. No cell service so you really get to unwind. Cute general store onsite for necessities but no more propane fills, closest is 30 Miles away- plan ahead."
Stargazing: Designated Dark Sky areas make for exceptional night sky viewing in the desert. One visitor at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort shared, "As a Designated Dark Sky Community, this is a great place to do some stargazing as well. While you're here, I recommend a day trip to Julian, a little ghost town that's known for their fabulous pies!"
Military history exploration: General Patton Museum access provides historical context to the region. A reviewer at Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area observed, "Tomorrow we will tour, The General Patton Memorial Museum before we head towards Arizona. The tanks look amazing and my kids are so excited."
What campers like
Winter desert community: Seasonal activities at Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort attract returning visitors each year. A camper shared, "The best times are during the fall and winter months as the park welcomes back its community of Snow Birds coming from Canada and the northern US. During those times the atmosphere in the evening is always festive, often with live music and an outdoor bar."
Mineral pools: Multiple temperature options provide relaxation opportunities throughout the day. At Agua Caliente County Park Campground, a visitor notes, "3 pools heated by the geothermal natural hot springs, one is adults only so you're not stuck hanging with the littles!"
Wildlife viewing: Morning animal sightings occur frequently in the desert landscape. One camper at Agua Caliente recounted, "Waking up to a gathering of big horn sheep atop a ridge with a bright colorful sunrise set behind as backdrop as they stand there stoic against it all, was by far one my favorite ways to wake up ever!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers receive consistent positive reviews. A Glamis North Hot Springs Resort visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean and the hot springs tubs are nice and comfortable."
What you should know
Limited drinking water: Unsafe water quality affects some locations in the area. At Oasis Palms RV Resort, a visitor warned, "Most important to note the water (sourced from a well) 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."
Summer heat: Extreme temperatures make summer visits challenging. A Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort reviewer cautioned, "It is also a pretty good overnight spot if you are passing through in the summer, but the temperatures in this area soar during the summer and are frequently above 110 degrees. During summer time the pool becomes too warm to be refreshing."
Cell coverage limitations: No service in some areas requires advance planning. At Agua Caliente County Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "No cell service so you really get to unwind."
Cabin availability: Limited supply during peak seasons requires advance reservations, particularly for cabins with amenities. Availability at Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area can be particularly limited during weekends according to a visitor: "Busy on the weekends but didn't see if fill up while I was there. I'm sure that changes closer to spring/summer."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Kid-friendly swimming options at multiple locations with varying depths and temperatures. A camper at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort stated, "We really enjoyed our stay at the Springs, especially the pool area and multiple hot mineral baths on the premises. They also have a little fishing pond, golf course, pickle ball and a wellness center."
Planned activities: Resort-organized events provide structured entertainment for all ages. A visitor to Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort commented, "Too many activities to list."
Museum visits: Educational opportunities within short driving distances. According to a Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area visitor, "This campsite is located behind the Gen. Patton Museum. There will be a sign telling you to turn down a dirt road towards the campsite."
Off-season pricing: Lower rates during shoulder seasons make family trips more affordable. A camper at Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort mentioned, "The rates are much lower in the summer. This is also one of the few parks that accepts Passport America all days of the week."
Tips from RVers
Level pads: Concrete parking areas at Sunbeam Lake RV Resort provide stable setup surfaces. A recent visitor commented, "Great place. Was able to get a last minute spot when we were about an hour away. Office people were nice and friendly. Place was clean with lots to do."
Site privacy: Landscaping between spaces creates separation at some resorts. A reviewer at Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort noted, "The sites are fairly spacious and generally separated by hedges so you are not looking directly at your neighbor's rig."
Long pad sizes: Extra space for both RV and tow vehicle at select locations. A camper at The Springs at Borrego shared, "The concrete pads are really long. This allowed us to have both the trailer and the truck on the pad. Not the perpendicular park job we are all used to."
Water quality considerations: Bring water filters if staying at locations with well water. A visitor to Oasis Palms RV Resort noted, "It is severe enough that our onboard filter was not sufficient, it left rust colored residue in our porcelain toilet, and for the first time ever we had to add an inline filter as well."
