Desert camping near Palm Desert, California offers contrasting experiences across the region's varied elevations. With winter nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 30s at higher elevation campgrounds and daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F in summer at lower elevations, seasonal planning is crucial. The area's campgrounds span from below sea level to over 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park: Head to Jumbo Rocks Campground where the night skies are exceptional. "I recommend visiting during a new moon. The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," notes camper Chance C. The campground's location away from major light pollution makes it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Fishing at Lake Cahuilla: Cast a line at Lake Cahuilla where fishing is the main activity. "Lake cahuilla is one of the cleanest campgrounds we've been to in a while. This weekend November 8 was the ribbon cutting ceremony/ fishing derby," reports Landon M. The lake is stocked regularly and offers accessible shoreline fishing spots.
Hiking from camp: Access trails directly from your campsite at Black Rock Campground. "Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels. Something for everyone, and each of the trails we hiked, or came across were very well signed, which in the desert is appreciated," says Ryan W. The park's California Riding & Hiking trail connects directly to some campsites.
Thermal pools experience: Soak in naturally heated mineral pools at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. "Two pools both with shower rooms... Pickleball with daily games, a small and run down mini golf course. There is also shuffle board, cornhole and horseshoes," describes Ashley M. The pools maintain temperatures around 90 degrees year-round due to natural hot springs.
What campers like
Boulder landscapes: Many campers appreciate the unique rock formations at Joshua Tree's campgrounds. At Hidden Valley Campground, "Every site has its own set of interesting boulders. Sites come with picnic tables and firepits, and there are outhouses and trash containers within quick walking distance," according to Les R. These geological features provide natural windbreaks and climbing opportunities.
Community activities: Social gatherings are popular at several Palm Desert area campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Palm Springs, "We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner where the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides 100+ people," reports Scott G. Many campgrounds organize seasonal events and weekly activities.
Proximity to supplies: The convenient location of campgrounds relative to towns is frequently mentioned. "The campground is on the outside border of the park. Meaning you don't have to go wait in line at the entrance to access it in and out, and it is much easier to get into Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree if you're both camping and want to visit a restaurant or shop," notes Ryan W. about Black Rock Campground.
Varied camping environments: The diversity of camping options is appreciated. "Wide gravel sites, most with 50/30 amp service and water, many right on the small fishing lake. No trees or other screening between sites although not packed in like a standard RV park," writes Patrick M. about Lake Cahuilla, highlighting the open desert layout that differs from forest camping.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Thousand Trails Palm Springs "is seasonal and not open year round" according to Tyler V., with most campgrounds having reduced services or complete closures during extreme summer heat.
Site spacing concerns: Campsites vary widely in privacy and spacing. At Ryan Campground, "We loved the location and also that it was smaller than some of the other loops. It was mostly quiet and the views of both rocks and Joshua Trees was great," says Delite P., but at other parks, sites can feel crowded.
Water availability: Many Joshua Tree campgrounds lack potable water. "Be prepared for close proximity to neighbors in most sites," says Christopher D. about Black Rock Campground, but notes the campground "has running water and clean bathrooms with flush toilets. This is actually a luxury when camping in Joshua Tree because most of the campgrounds have no water."
Wind concerns: High winds affect desert camping frequently. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirts. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," reports Theresa O. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA. Wind damage to equipment is a common concern.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers family-friendly water features. "The hot tubs were awesome. They even had a haunted house and hayride for the kids. Super cool spot," notes Heather K. Many families appreciate these additional amenities during hot weather.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy animal sightings at several campgrounds. "Right before dusk 6 mountain goats came sauntering right through our site. This is a GORGEOUS park. Oh - no cell service, water, electric," reports Ralph about Hidden Valley Campground, highlighting unexpected wildlife encounters.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "The campground was amazing. It was very hot in July so I went into town during peak afternoon hours but the morning and evenings at Jumbo Rocks are amazing!" says Luc R., suggesting adapting your schedule to weather conditions when camping with children.
Temperature preparation: Desert temperature swings affect children more severely. "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! I know better, but we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!" shares Justin L. about Black Rock Canyon, emphasizing the need for proper clothing for children.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: RV size restrictions vary by campground. At Idyllwild Campground, the best electric site according to Jeannie B. is "#50" while at Jumbo Rocks, "The sites are close together and have limited space for campers... There are boulders along the road side that do not allow you to pull into the sites," warns Mark D.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited to specific campgrounds. "We got a site across from the laundry/pool/bathroom which was also not far from the dog park. We arrived on a Tuesday, so we got to spend a few quiet days before the weekend campers showed up," suggests Emma J. about optimal timing at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Maneuvering challenges: Palm trees and tight spaces create parking difficulties. "Parking big rig between the palm trees can be a challenge," notes Rose G. about Thousand Trails Palm Springs. For Joshua Tree campgrounds, many reviewers mention difficulty navigating larger RVs through the rock formations.
Leveling requirements: Uneven terrain affects RV camping comfort. "The sites themselves are easy to navigate into. Nice wide streets... Where it is lacking and needs some work: Sites are not level. Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty," explains Cindy B. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, highlighting the need for leveling blocks.
