Kristina C.
Traveler
TravelerBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Hard packed sandy road with various pull offs for your rig. Very quiet and peaceful!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Palm Desert, CA
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Thousand Trails Palm Springs welcomes pets throughout its sprawling property, where campers find palm tree-lined sites with full hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and pet-friendly cabin options. The campground maintains a dedicated dog park where pets can exercise off-leash, though dogs must remain leashed throughout the rest of the facility. Most sites feature sandy terrain with picnic tables, and guests appreciate the clean facilities including showers, toilets, and laundry. Catalina Spa and RV Resort similarly accommodates pets with designated pet-friendly cabins and glamping options alongside traditional RV and tent sites. Lake Hemet Campground permits pets year-round across all accommodation types including their cabin rentals. The pool areas remain restricted to humans only, with strict enforcement of pet policies requiring owners to clean up after their animals. Some visitors report that bikes have been stolen from campsites despite security measures.
Dog owners camping near Palm Desert should prepare for desert conditions with extreme temperature variations that can affect pets. Early morning or evening walks protect paws from hot sand and pavement during summer months when temperatures routinely exceed 100°F. Joshua Tree National Park's nearby campgrounds including Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan all permit leashed pets but restrict them from trails, requiring owners to exercise pets only in developed areas. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provides additional pet amenities including a fenced exercise area and pet washing station, making it one of the more dog-friendly campgrounds near Palm Desert for owners who want dedicated pet infrastructure. Lake Cahuilla offers waterfront sites where pets can cool off along designated shorelines. Most campgrounds enforce a maximum of two pets per site, though specific policies vary. The sandy terrain at Thousand Trails proves challenging for keeping RVs and tents clean of pet hair and sand, with frequent vacuuming recommended by experienced campers.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Palm Desert (260)
1. Thousand Trails Palm Springs
"The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"
"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."
2. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"It is roughly in between the northern and western entrances of the park, which means that it's essentially on the eastern edge of most of the rock climbing areas."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Catalina Spa and RV Resort
"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."
"Spa in the desert We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. I was concerned that the pools might be closed due to COVID but both pools were open."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability4. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
"Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us. Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too! Thanks for a wonderful stay!"
"Not a sprig of grass which makes it difficult to get dogs to pee and it tracks in SO BAD!"
5. Lake Hemet Campground
"I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Cahuilla
"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
"You're not allowed to use ANY surrounding vegetation for campfires (even kindling) so be prepared to cart in your own wood and kindling."
"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"
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"Lake Fulmor is 3 miles away to take pups swimming off leash. Idyllwild is a charming town for small town vibe. Nice trails close to PCT and rock climbing by Humber Park."
"Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability9. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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.
"
from $30 / night
Check Availability10. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel
"Monthly stays are very economical ($580/$605+electricity) which includes daily (9am-9pm) access to the four hot pools at different temperatures, the swimming pool, gym, dry sauna, wet sauna, etc."
"Mail delivery is convenient, but the lack of security at the campground entrance feels like a gap."
from $60 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 7 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 58 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Palm Desert, CA
254 Photos of 260 Palm Desert Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Palm Desert, CA
2017 Reviews of 260 Palm Desert Campgrounds
tooth W.TravelerStagecoach Trails Resort
Beautifully set in the Anzo-Berrago state park. Excellent clean facilities
- BBrooke P.
GuideJoshua Tree South Entrance
So many spots, great for every vehicle
There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
David M.
ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Guide to Palm Desert
Camping near Palm Desert offers desert diversity at elevations ranging from 170 feet below sea level at the Salton Sea to over 9,000 feet in nearby mountains. The area experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 110°F and winter nights dipping into the 30s. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though many visitors avoid the intense summer heat when campsite temperatures can reach 120°F.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: At Jumbo Rocks Campground, dark skies create ideal conditions for astronomy. "I recommend visiting during a new moon. The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," notes Chance C. The campground's location away from major light pollution makes for exceptional celestial viewing.
Rock scrambling: Unique boulder formations provide natural playgrounds for all ages. "I love this spot specifically because it is a great place to climb. It's conveniently located close to skull rock and discovery trail," shares Andrea C. The massive granite formations scattered throughout the campground offer endless exploration opportunities without specialized equipment.
Trail access: Multiple hiking options begin directly from campgrounds. 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," notes Ryan W. Most trails are open year-round but are best hiked in cooler months.
What campers like
Hot mineral pools: Natural hot springs provide therapeutic relaxation. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA features "3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind," according to Cheryl T. These geothermal pools maintain temperatures between 90-104°F year-round, offering relief after desert exploration.
Winter camping comfort: Moderate winter temperatures make off-season visits pleasant. "We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. The pools are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs," shares Vera S. about Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Winter daytime temperatures typically range from 65-75°F.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer stocked lakes. "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," reports Morgen M. Though desert lakes are small, they provide a refreshing contrast to the arid landscape.
What you should know
Wind considerations: Protect gear from strong gusts. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt," warns Theresa O. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA. The San Gorgonio Pass creates a wind tunnel effect, with strongest gusts typically occurring February through May.
Site spacing variations: Privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are close to each other. There were some spots that seem more ideal and secluded, but be prepared for close proximity to neighbors in most sites," Christopher D. notes about Black Rock Campground. Weekends tend to be fully booked, particularly January through April.
Water access limits: Bring sufficient supplies for dry campgrounds. At Lake Hemet Campground, visitors should note campgrounds inside Joshua Tree National Park lack potable water. "I took my boys camping for the weekend and Lake Hemet campground where we had a good time, but wish we would have gone during the week," shares Joe P., highlighting how timing affects experience.
Tips for camping with families
Mineral pools with varied temperatures: Look for kid-friendly options. "Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too!" says Gina P. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA. This accommodation makes hot springs accessible for younger campers who might find standard hot tub temperatures uncomfortable.
Activity variety: Select campgrounds with multiple recreation options. Catalina Spa and RV Resort offers "plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms and 2 separate laundry rooms. Pickleball with daily games, a small and run down mini golf course," according to Ashley M. Having diverse activities helps during midday heat when hiking isn't advisable.
Scheduling considerations: Midweek visits provide better experiences. "We stayed for 2 weeks and will return. Upper section is exposed to the frequent high winds. Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors," advises JMark H. about Catalina Spa and RV Resort. School breaks (especially March-April) create significant crowding at dog friendly campgrounds near Palm Desert.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Position matters for comfort. At Thousand Trails Palm Springs, "We headed to the pull through 30amp sites which are all to the left. Parked in end spot of the first row after the pool in tight spot (palm trees are close) and electric wasn't working. This side is only one way streets so pulled out and headed to the right side of property which is all 50amp spots that are back in only," explains Nicole R. Avoiding sites near amenities reduces noise disturbance.
Seasonal timing: Monthly rates offer significant savings for longer stays. "Monthly rate was $1100, however I think they might be going up," notes Scott G. about Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Winter stays (November-March) offer ideal temperatures but require advance booking, often 6-12 months ahead for pet-friendly sites.
Leveling challenges: Bring appropriate equipment. "The sites were not level. We found a rock to level our van which helped, but flat spots were expected," warns Julie K. about Black Rock Campground. Desert terrain throughout the Palm Desert area tends to be uneven, requiring leveling blocks even at developed campgrounds with pet accommodations.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Palm Desert, CA is Thousand Trails Palm Springs with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 260 dog-friendly camping locations near Palm Desert, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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