Best Campgrounds near Palm Desert, CA

Several camping options are found near Palm Desert, with Joshua Tree National Park's Jumbo Rocks Campground being a favorite for its large boulder formations that many visitors like to climb. Hidden Valley Campground sits in another section of the park where the night skies are incredibly clear for watching stars. The weather around Palm Desert runs hot in summer and mild during winter months, so most campers come during spring or fall. You might see coyotes or desert tortoises while camping, which is why keeping food secured matters. The campsites tend to be spread out, giving you some distance from neighbors. Trees are scarce in this desert environment, so pack hats and canopies for shade. Most campgrounds have only basic facilities like pit toilets and no showers. The quiet desert landscape makes up for the lack of amenities. It's worth calling ahead about closures, especially during extreme heat periods.

Best Camping Sites Near Palm Desert, California (340)

    1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    116 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    "bathrooms but no water access and the main entrance is about 45 drive, so come prepared. great access to climbing walking distance or short drive. stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets."

    2. Thousand Trails Palm Springs

    18 Reviews
    Bermuda Dunes, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The 30 Amp side is pull through so we decided to set up at site 61 further away from the Highway because it is a bit noisy from road noise."

    "The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"

    3. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-4431

    $22 - $44 / night

    "This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever."

    "You don’t get many good views inside the RV park gates, but once you walk out there driveway and along the street you can actually get some good mountain views on clear days."

    4. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 251-6555

    "The KOA is reasonably priced for KOA and California. 3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground."

    "Plenty of stuff to do behind the walls, mini golf, dog kamp, pool, hot tubs, games, game room... Nice shower house and bathrooms. Camp store is a little small but has the essentials."

    5. Lake Hemet Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2680

    $45 / night

    "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."

    "I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."

    6. Lake Cahuilla

    12 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 564-4712

    "Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."

    "Great view of the lake from most of the tent sections. Access to showers and restrooms. There is a pool in the summer and enough shade to stay as cool as the desert allows without A/C."

    7. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "Originally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot"

    "The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.

    • Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels."

    8. Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    39 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-3001

    "The entire campgrounds are surrounded in a wall of boulders varying in shales and sizes. Tons of fun to scramble and boulder on. We wenf in July and the evening temps were fantastic."

    "Location is great and close by to al the main attraction!"

    9. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."

    "Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree

    Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.

            "

    10. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    29 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."

    " Kings Canyon is one of the coolest places I've been in a long time and Southern California"

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Showing results 1-10 of 340 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Palm Desert, CA

1779 Reviews of 340 Palm Desert Campgrounds



Guide to Palm Desert

Camping near Palm Desert offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: The area is filled with trails for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the nearby hikes, with one reviewer noting, "Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly" at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, the rock formations around Hidden Valley Campground are a must-try. One visitor shared, "The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, "DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Indian Cove Campground said, "What a beautiful place. It was really quiet when we were there and saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise."
  • Privacy: Many appreciate the spacious sites. A visitor at Black Rock Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spread out. Bathrooms are extremely clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like William Heise County Park are great for families. One reviewer mentioned, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, have basic facilities. A camper pointed out, "The Campground offers the most basic accommodations as toilets; no water or showers."
  • Busy Seasons: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping mentioned, "I arrived at 5pm and already almost all spots were taken."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for temperature changes. One camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Indian Cove Campground that offer amenities for kids. A reviewer said, "The campground is very family friendly."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or plan hikes to keep kids engaged. One parent at Jumbo Rocks Campground shared, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized with snacks. A camper at William Heise County Park mentioned, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground advised, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Be Ready for Dust: The desert can be dusty, so prepare your RV accordingly. One camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed noted, "Some freeway noise but good views and great sunsets."
  • Stay Connected: Check cell service availability. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "T-Mobile no service up there (apparently Verizon, AT&T do)."

With these insights, you're all set for an enjoyable camping experience near Palm Desert!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Palm Desert, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Palm Desert, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 340 campgrounds and RV parks near Palm Desert, CA and 49 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Palm Desert, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palm Desert, CA is Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 116 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palm Desert, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 49 free dispersed camping spots near Palm Desert, CA.

What parks are near Palm Desert, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Palm Desert, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.