We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Ocotillo Wells. Find the best information on cabin camping near Ocotillo Wells, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Find your own little secluded paradise in nature. The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect camping cabin rental.
Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Laguna Mountain Range, this 929-acre park is one of the few San Diego county parks to get snowfall each year.
Forests of oak, pine, and cedar surround peaceful mountain meadows and provide an undisturbed setting for nearly 11 miles of scenic hiking and equestrian trails. Mule deer and wild turkey are frequently seen throughout the park, and rare residents include bobcats and mountain lions.
Though its forest may seem timeless, each season brings dramatic changes: from winter snowfall to spring wildflowers, there is always something new to experience at Heise.
In addition to trails, you can take advantage of cabins, trailer sites, individual tent sites, and a group-tent camping area, along with several playgrounds, restrooms with coin-operated showers and ample picnic spaces. Rangers-lead activities every weekend, and the park office with a small museum is open during the day or by appointment. This park makes a gorgeous setting for weddings and special events!
$24 - $34 / night
Agua Caliente is located in the desert of central Southern California. Pitch your tent or park your RV on the white sand between cacti and Mt. San Jacinto. Close to Palm Springs, and the Mexican border. Amenities include 3 pools, hot springs, restrooms, and games.
$29 - $75 / night
Laguna Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall.
The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).
The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area.
$35 / night
The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season. Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $10 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite. Dogs are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended.
Environmental backpack in or horseback ride in camps are also available. Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco Environmental camps are open on first come, first serve. Both have chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites.
$40 - $250 / night
Tamarisk Grove Campground
$35 - $70 / night
Lake Cuyamaca, the jewel of the San Diego mountains, is the ideal mixture of adventure and relaxation. Whether you come for a day of fishing, a weekend of camping, or a two week vacation in a cabin, it’s a place so beautiful you won't want to leave.
About an hour's drive from San Diego, Lake Cuyamaca is proof positive that good things come in small packages. Situated at an elevation of 4,600 feet among oak and pine, Lake Cuyamaca is the perfect getaway for up to 14 nights. Few places in San Diego County offer the pristine views you will find at Lake Cuyamaca.
Stocked regularly with trout, Lake Cuyamaca is the only San Diego lake that is able to stock trout all year long. Other species of fish include Florida large-mouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and sturgeon.
There are no dump-stations at Lake Cuyamaca. The nearest dump-station is located about 3 miles away at Paso Picacho State Park Campround.
No body contact with the water is allowed. Lake Cuyamaca is a drinking reservoir.
No wood fires or burning of wood is allowed. Every site has a charcoal grill, and propane fire rings are permitted.
$32 - $45 / night
Lake Hemet is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, in Mountain Center, near the charming town of Idyllwild. The scenery is splendid no matter which direction you look. Tall pines, manzanitas, sage, and giant oaks abound!
Lake Hemet is one of the most popular spots in Southern California for camping and fishing. The recent additions of the Soaring Pines Cafe serving delicious food and Splashing Eagle Swim Zone have made Lake Hemet the vacation spot to be during the spring and summer months.
Remember to pack a camera and binoculars, and keep a watchful eye as majestic eagles, hawks, and other wildlife are often seen soaring throughout the forest and campground. Come and enjoy camping, fishing, boating and the breathtaking scenery all year round.
DAY USE: In addition to camping, Lake Hemet offers public access to the campground for day use guests daily (hours vary by season). Day use is $25 per vehicle and affords guests with the opportunity to picnic, shoreline fish, launch personal boats or kayaks (additional fees apply) and rent boats or kayaks from our marina. If you are visiting other guests who are overnight camping with us, the $25 fee still applies. NOTE: DAY USE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL SUMMER HOLIDAY WEEKENDS FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. Only guests with previously purchased annual day use or launch passes will be allowed as our campground will be fully booked and activities are planned for our guests.
$45 / night
Traveler
Fantastic park. Well kept, beautiful surroundings with hiking trails, big and private spots and clean bathrooms. Camping cabins available. The second interior RV loop is way nicer and more private spots than the first. We were site 37 and it was great. Both electric and water hookups in all RV spots and campground dump station on site. Julian and Winona are fun day trips. Calico Cider in Wynona is an A+.
Traveler
This place use to be great when it wasn't as popular as it is now. But, still a nice place with natural hot spring showers/bathrooms/pool/hot tub and now cabins to rent. Last time I was there there was a big party next to my campsite and they were pretty drunk and loud. They were not polite or followed any rules even after they were told to keep it down. So, if you prefer a quiet camp site, this is NOT for you. A lot of large groups camp here and usually not respectful of others or nature for that matter.
Guide
Older park, sites gravel and not level. Bathrooms/laundry need updates/repair. Pool and hot tub. Accommodation based on sales pitch to join as a member.
Traveler
This campground is a luxury resort with immaculate ground keeping and facilities. The pool and hot tub were outstanding as well as the opportunities for fishing, golf putt, putt, and more if you’re in the area, this was a price performer for sure.
Scout
The park is spacious and clean. Beautiful pool and hot tubs. Four pickleball courts. Clubhouse with lots of activities. Near Palm Springs and lots to explore in the area. The weather there during the Winter is darn near perfect. Pickleball National Championships held nearby. Friendly people. A good many Canadians during winter months. Eh. Dinners and cookouts hosted by the park. Reasonable rates.
Scout
The pool & hot tub is the best part of this park. Getting in and getting out if you have a 40ft+ is tricky. Sharp corners, palm trees at every site. 30ampers in the 50ampers and vice-versa. No real organization, but it is a first come first serve camp. Sand....sand and more sand! Bring a vacuum & broom with you as every site is beach sand.
Ranger
Thousand Trails Palm Springs 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. The bathrooms and laundry facilities are well-maintained, and the location is unbeatable for exploring Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, conveniently situated right off the highway. However, the park is busy and crowded, with plenty of palm trees and tight spots that can be tricky for larger rigs. Electrical maintenance during our stay further limited site availability, adding to the congestion. Despite the challenges, the proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient option.
Make sure you have your registration and insurance handy when you arrive.
Legend
Definitely not the norm for us to stay in a place like this, but we had some things to do in Palm Springs and wanted to be close. With taxes and fees, and additional dog fees, we paid about $87/night, and that's in the cheapest spots. Yipes.
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.
Other than the noise and the high price, it's a very nice RV park. Lots of amenities and activities. There's also free wifi, download/upload was pretty slow but streaming and browsing was good. Two pools/hot tubs (one is adult only), tennis courts, library, gym, showers, laundry, 3 dog parks (one is under construction), trash pickup service (though I'm personally not a fan of leaving my bags of trash outside for someone to pick up), a club house, storage units, lots of community activities. We asked if they had recycling and they said to bag up our recycling and leave it out with the trash.
We stayed here for a weekend and had no reservations and there was plenty of room in November.
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.
Nice park, but way too pricey for us!
LegendThis is quite a resort! It’s huge! 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. There was construction going on when we were there, so I’m sure they’re fully open by now.
This place has everything you could want in an RV park. Everything was new and sleek and modern and well designed. The price was average, I guess, though still much too expensive for us. Luckily they participate in Passport America and we got the 50% discount, so our FHU pull through site came to $52 with taxes and fees, so roughly double that for the full price. I believe the spots that will be opening up that are further away from all the amenities will be cheaper. Their laundry room uses an app payment system only, which is nice in that you don’t need quarters, but you need to download the app and then load money on to your account in set amounts, so we were left with an unused $1.50 after our 2 loads. Dryers work great. Dogs get a cute little goodie bag with a little bandana, poop bags and a bag holder for the leash, and a tennis ball. Eventually the dog park will have its own section of RV spots called K9 Corner. So cute!
There’s a nice shop at the front desk where you check in, and staff is super friendly. There is onsite propane fill as well. Their club house has a nice pool, 2 hot tubs, a nice gym, and really nice and open hangout area and work area, a little kitchen area, and a game room. Everything is really nice and artfully decorated. They also have activities on weekends so you get a real community feel if you stay here for a long time. We were definitely in the lower tier of RVs in our humble scratched up class C, surrounded by really nice expensive class As, but we still felt comfortable and welcomed. Highly recommend this place- as long as they stay in the Passport America program we’ll go back when we’re in the area.
Traveler@RoarksVentures has been to this park multiple times since January of 2018. It is actually one of our favorites. The staff has been kind and welcoming. The conversations started around the warmth of the hot tub have led to continued friendships long after our wheels have left the city.
With the skyline spotted by the leaves of vibrant Palm trees you get a sense that you are camping in a sort of desert oasis. That is, until you hear the roar of the cars on the busy freeway right across the street. Depending on the side of the park you end up camping in determines the volume that you hear that rumble.
Cell coverage is fantastic here allowing for mobile workers, RV movie streamers, and daytime internet explorers to meet all their needs and wants.
The rows are lined with palm trees and full of walkers, joggers and slow time strollers. The people all wave warmly whether they have met you before or not. Along with that the park offers a variety of social events including line dancing, swap meets, ice cream socials and more.
With such close proximity to Joshua Tree National park within a 45 minute drive, an hour to LA, and 20 minutes to down town Palm Springs there is no shortage of quality exploring for any type.
The one knock, other than the freeway is that there has been some increased homeless activity in the tree line that flanks the park. Their used to be a little fence you could walk through to let your dogs run and play. That gate is now locked with a no trespassing sign. I enjoyed running out in the sand dunes in that area and came across a hideout that had several books, which I imagine were stolen from the resort's well stocked library and a gas generator that you wonder if it was stolen from somebody who didn't lock up their belongings at their campsite.
All the same, the park does the best they can and often has a security patrol come through the park every once in awhile to make sure all is well. All that said, I never feel unsafe or worried here. The laughter from the rowdy pool volleyball games puts you at ease.
I already have plans to come back and look forward to doing so. It is still one of my favorite parks. Maybe it could be yours too.
TravelerNice campground great activities for kids laundry on site Jacuzzi pool fishing for RV hook Up. Over 40 cabins available. Membership costs us around $2000 And have access to / 3000 different camp sites nationwide At any time of the year a drop of a dime essentially
LegendThis is a great campground in the middle of nowhere. A lot of RVs are in the center and seem set up as full-timers, but along the perimeter are some great, tucked-away sites. There are also a number of "cabins" in a row. Not a ton of privacy, but they're clean cabins with the basics - a bathroom, sink, bedframe, table/chairs. The best part is sitting out on the little deck. Personally, I like cabins 5-7 the best.
It can get a little noisy if a motorcycle gang comes around, but the hiking is nice. There's a good trail right from the campground but stay on the path because the cactus will get you!!!
The hot springs pool is great and has adult-only hours at night which is fantastic.
I've been there a few times now and it's always a fun getaway with a different feel than going to the mountains.
Guide
We have stayed at the Springs At Borrego many times with friends and always have a wonderful time. I'm not a big golfer, but the course that surrounds the park is very nice. In fact, all of the facilities are well maintained. It's best to avoid the summer unless you're a fan of extreme heat. The rest of the year pleasant, with similar weather to other low desert areas of California.
There's a dry camping area near the front of the park, and they also have a few rental cabins.
If you like to bike, this is a great spot, as the roads are very quiet.
Scout
Great views, nice and helpful employee's. Convenient little store at entry. Checked out the new cabins back in fall 2018 and was very pleased with cleanliness and access, happy to say we have reservations for the cabins again for the end of the month!
Guide
Stayed in the cabins, had a large group of people, and we all fit comfortably. Built a fire at the ring just outside of the cabin. Went on hikes around the lake and into the nearby field. Watched the sunset and sunrise from here, incredible! This is an underrated campground and gives a real feel of being secluded in nature. Highly recommend.
Ranger
Tamarisk Grove Campground is about 20 minutes south of Borrego Springs. It sits next to the highway but there’s minimal traffic so it isn’t terribly loud. There are tent sites as well as primitive cabins. Each site has a fire ring and table. There are also flush toilets and paid showers. There is no potable water at this campground - be sure to bring your own. The cabins are simple structures with platforms for sleeping. There are no amenities in the cabins - no electric, no water, no mattress, no linens, etc.
The campground is across the street from both the Cactus Loop and Yaqui Well trail heads. We recommend the short Cactus Loop hike over the Yaqui Well hike. Go at sunset to catch the cholla cacti backlit by the sunset.
RangerSmall camp with $35 tent sites eith shelter, table and fire ring and $75 cabins both reservable and first come (pay with card at kiosk tho cabins were not rentable like this due to no attendant present. Non-potable water. Token showers. Accessible site reserved for disabled folks and wheelchair accessible showers. Trailhead with views of ocotillo, agave and the other desert plants nearby. Only reason I’m giving 3 stars are the high winds made car camping without a tent pretty miserable. But I know that’s the nature of the park- windy!
Scout
Beautiful and peaceful place to camp around the lake. We were at the Westshore campsite, which seemed for me the best ( the two others are lone pines for RV and tents and Chambers for tents and cabins) Westshore has a dozen campsites with direct lake view (not allowed to swim in the lake though). Picnic table and barbecue available for each site and additional picnic tables around the lake. The sites are separated by walls for more privacy. Bathrooms available near the parking maybe 100m near the campsites. No showers though. There's a nice restaurant with a lake view. There's also a mini market shop and a bait shop. Boat rental available, but all reserved already in the morning though. I think a lot of people come fishing for the day.
We had campsite #49 which is not the best one, because we only had one wall separating us from the other campers, instead of two walls. So we had the sun directly hitting on us early morning whilst the others were still in the shade. So if you can choose, I wouldn't recommend the #49. The other sites are fine.
LegendGreat central location for Julian. Town right up the street but feels like it is miles away at campsite. Horseshoe pit, basic cabins available, clean bathrooms, beautiful setting.
ScoutHot spring campground in the Anza desert. Such a great place to come and reset from busy day to day hustle. Peaceful and clean, with cabins for those who dont tent or trailer camp.
GuideCabins are fun and shelter you from the occasional strong gusty winds.
Tent camping in the rain is also do-able here due to the temperate climate. There are a couple playgrounds, so a very kid-friendly environment as well.
TravelerThis park has something for everyone. The mineral pools, Horse shoe pits, paved roads for bikes, hiking. There are hook up and no Hook up sites as well as cabins. Careful if you bring dogs, it’s the desert and lots of cactus.
Scout
Went up for a weekend with my girlfriend great semi hidden spot with interesting wildlife. Saw a couple eagles by the lake and wild turkey are all around. The cabins we stayed at are nice and cheap on the weekdays.
Guide
This is a great out of the way spot for great camping and hot springs to enjoy and pools. The have a small cafe on site. You can take your ATVs, quads, motorcycles, etc. out there and there are tons of trails to explore. They also rent wagon cabins that look great. Full hook ups.
Guide
Nice spacious sites at this county run campground near the border. Lots of shade trees. Trails, playground, cabins for rent and pavilion that can be rented for large group meetings/dinners.
Easy drive to Campo with its historic train rides and museum @ the old Campo store. Fascinating historical area including former Italian POW camp from WWII.
RangerCamped here for three nights in March of 2019, in one of the partial hookup sites close to the pool. According to the map of the CG, there are 104 sites and 7 cabins. Partial hookups are closest to the pool/shower area, with full hookups and cabins farther back and tent sites in the middle.
it seemed to be a well run facility. It was cool, cloudy and wet from recent rains when we were there and our site had a tiny stream running through it. Some sites, including ours, were not too level. The pool was not what I'd call "hot", probably in the mid to high 90s.
There's a couple short trails in the park, we hiked Moonlight Canyon. We really enjoyed it!! A bit like a lunar landscape with wild desert plants and flowers. The highlight was seeing some desert bighorn sheep!
A small store sits just outside the park entrance and though it was small, it seemed to have at least one of everything you could possibly need, including my favorite Colorado beer, Fat Tire!!
This park has a lot of rules, some quite unusual. Probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before you head out.
TravelerI stopped here for lunch. You're in the desert, so hot during the day. There are some trees for shade, especially for the campsites along Yaqui Pass Road. All sites have lattice-work shelters for shade over the picnic tables. Water is listed as non-potable at all faucets. Besides campsites, there are one-room cabins for rent. $35/night for the campsites is a lot, but that is state park practice in CA. National Forest campgrounds are cheaper.
Cabin camping near Ocotillo Wells, California, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable accommodations, perfect for those looking to explore the desert landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Ocotillo Wells, CA is William Heise County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
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