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Best Tent Camping near Palm Desert, CA

1,516 Reviews

Several tent campgrounds surround Palm Desert, California, located within San Bernardino National Forest and Mount San Jacinto State Park. Primitive tent sites can be found at Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground, which requires high-clearance vehicles to access, while more developed options include Round Valley Campsite in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Box Canyon offers dispersed camping opportunities on Bureau of Land Management land east of Palm Desert, with sites set in sandy terrain between rocky canyon walls.

Most tent-only sites in the region require substantial preparation as amenities are minimal. The Santa Rosa Springs area features yellow post sites with concrete tables and fire rings but no running water. Many backcountry tent areas prohibit fires completely, particularly in Mount San Jacinto State Park's higher elevation zones. Access roads to Thomas Mountain campsites become challenging after rain or snow, with some requiring 30-45 minutes of driving on rough forest roads. Vault toilets are available at some designated campgrounds, while dispersed areas have no facilities. Campers should always check current fire restrictions before visiting.

Higher elevation tent camping provides relief from Palm Desert's extreme summer temperatures. Round Valley campsites sit at approximately 9,100 feet elevation and require reservations up to 8 weeks in advance. These walk-in tent locations demand a moderate hike from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The backcountry tent experience varies dramatically by season, with flies and insects becoming problematic during summer months at some sites. During cooler months, tent campers enjoy significantly more comfortable conditions. According to one visitor, "We occupied the only spot out of five on Labor Day weekend. Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds."

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Best Tent Sites Near Palm Desert, California (46)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Palm Desert, CA

46 Photos of 46 Palm Desert Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Palm Desert, CA

1516 Reviews of 46 Palm Desert Campgrounds

  • Ryan W.
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Just Far Enough to Feel Remote. Just High Enough to Make Hiking Difficult.

    Stone Creek Campground in San Jacinto Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for coastal Southern California residents. It is a few hours out of the major metro areas, but close enough to get to for just a night or two. 

    Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town. There is also a camp right in town if you're looking for shopping and bars, and a few more further up hill.

    Stone Creek has about 35 sites. The outer ring sites are huge, and most of them are fairly private especially the loop to the right of the entry. Our site was #7, and after thoroughly campsploration it is unquestionably the best for individuals. If you're in a group rent the inner ring where the backsides of all the sites run together.

    We were trying to get away from people, from the pandemic, and spend some time doing something normal. Stone Creek was perfect for that. The only human interaction was having to check -in at the entry with a ranger. They wore a mask, and we spoke through a window in the ranger shed. They did have to hand me a parking pass, but after that we were on our own.

    Site 7 is extremely large, and extremely private with multiple flat spots that could accommodate tents, two large picnic tables, multiple spots for hammocks and a fire ring that has seen better days. We could see a car across the loop, but couldn't actually see other campers without effort from where we set up the tent or even the fire ring.

    This particular site extends back over a ridge and downhill. It was so private back there we strung up our camp shower next to a giant boulder for a shower without feeling like we needed to set up a privacy shade/curtain.

    Camp is just high enough to prevent most bugs, but there were a few flies and mosquitos. The vault toilets were clean, and well stocked with TP and antibacterial soap. There were three on-site. One in the middle of the center ring which was the busiest, but none of the solar lights were working making it difficult to find in the dark. No obvious trail. The other we used near the entrance was well lit, had a wooden path and seemed to be forgotten by most other campers.

    Multiple hiking trails led out of camp including one right from next to our site that led to multiple other trails heading up San Jacinto Mountain. The trails were a mix of gravel fire road, dirt trail and a few sandy areas through the flats. They were mostly well-signed, but one sign was down causing us to miss a turn so…bring a map. They're available at stands at the front of camp. Trails are…vertical unless explicitly labeled as short scenic hikes.

    There were warning signs for snakes, mountain lions, plague-infected squirrels and bears, but all we saw were deer. They didn't seem to consider bears a serious threat as there were no bear boxes or locks on trash cans. However, having bear-proof (Ha!) food storage is important.

    We really have no complaints about this place, and will definitely be back to explore more trails.

    Pro-Tip: It is a windy, windy road up into the mountains, and people travel too fast. We saw some serious accident sites when people were traveling too fast, and caught up to a slow moving camper around a curve. Drive carefully.

    Pro-Tip: We had full phone/wifi service here. We didn't want or need it, but if we were working from the road this would be an easy stop to set up.

    Pro-Tip: Outer ring is more private. Inner ring better for groups.

    Pro-Tip: In the summer add 5-10 degrees to the temperature which is taken from a higher elevation weather station.

  • A
    Oct. 16, 2020

    Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Beautiful Joshua Tree Campground

    We stayed at campsite 50 in October with two young kids (2 and 4). Tent camping.

    Pros: the views, the beautiful rocks, clean sites, friendly ranger, rocks that could give you some relief from sun if you’re lucky enough. Great area for bouldering from entry level up. Site 50 had low rocks that were doable for my 2 and 4 yo. The rest were way too advanced.

    Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills. Some of the campsites are set up a bit odd depending on your equipment, could or could not be a big deal. For example we were sharing a parking space with campsite 51 and their site was walking in behind ours. So if they had had an RV I think it would have been impossible. Site 50 was right across from the vault toilet which was great for proximity (and toilet was clean as far as these go) but every once in a while we’d get a whiff of out house which is not pleasant. Wasn’t too frequent so not a big deal but if you want to avoid stay further away from toilets.

    Get water at the entrance gate to the cove. That’s the only water hook up near by. Picnic tables and fire ring in each site. Vault toilets. No showers. No Joshua trees here but tons of Mojave yuccas and other desert plants. Beautiful views and sleeping under dessert sky and stars.

  • E B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Yellow post number 2

    Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.

    Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.

    Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.

    A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.

  • Trip Over Life
    May. 28, 2018

    Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Anza-Borrego campground with primitive cabins and tent sites

    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.

  • Kate W.
    Sep. 26, 2019

    Dry Lake Backpacking Campground

    Memorable and COLD

    We camped here on our way to summiting San G (as we lovingly call it).  Although it was May and the weather was beautiful at sea level, it was cold up here!  There was snow on the ground but the air was the coldest I've ever felt.  

    We got to the camping area and it's tucked in the woods so there's lots of nooks and crannies even though it's a primitive open group camping area.  It's right next to a dry lake - go figure - and there are lots of areas to go explore beyond the trail that leads to the top.  

    The ranger was there to spend a few nights and said that the night before hit negative digits!  We thought we were prepared with our "all weather" bags and backpacking tent, but I promise you I have never been so cold in my life.  I laid there awake the entire night, and couldn't move a muscle or freezing air would seep in.  The ranger said it only got down to 7 degrees.  When light finally hit we heated some water and went to sit on the frosty ground in the open field/lake and when the sun finally hit us it was like life-changing.  

    FYI it's leave no trace and don't attract bears

  • Deborah C.
    May. 31, 2019

    Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Joshua Tree, Indian cove campground , May, 2019

    We love the jumbo rocks at Joshua Tree and Indian cove campground is settled within a group of the giant rock formations. Our campsite was a bit small, but fine for the two of us and our tent. We had a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets were spaced nicely along the campground road. No water in the actual campground, but is at the ranger station. No showers or running water, cell coverage was spotty.

  • Corey B.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Sheep Pass Group Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Great Group Campground

    We camped at site 2 on 6/12 this year and had a great time. We had 18 people and found that there were a ton of different nooks to setup your tent. We even found on one up a little higher in the rocks that would have been cool. 

    We placed our tent just inside the rock area from the picnic tables and we are really glad we did. The wind on our first night was a lot and this one site was a bit better for wind protection. 

    There was a tree/bush at the corner of our group site that ended up being great for shade and a hang out place during the day. In the afternoon we spent more time near the tables and grill. The site comes with a large charcoal grill that we used to cook burgers on one of our nights. 

    At night we ventured off a bit near the camp site and took some night sky pictures. We also we able to see a bunch of owls up in the top of the rocks on one of the nights. During the full moon it was really easy to walk around with out lights. 

    There is no water and no showers, but the pit toilets that were there were clean and well maintained. They even had some nice candles to light in them. The dumpster was right next to our group site and was also well maintained. 

    Our only problem during our stay was that on our last night a bunch of people came in after midnight to the site next to ours (#1) and they played music and were loud until 4 AM... We barely saw rangers there and there is no cell signal so it can be challenging to get help for these types of things (assuming you don't feel comfortable confronting a group of drunk people in the middle of the night).

  • Erin S.
    Feb. 26, 2021

    Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Fun for kids and adults! Dry desert camping among the Jumbo Rocks!

    We stayed at Jumbo Rocks for 4 nights in a tent in late February 2021. Weather was awesome - highs in the 70s in the day and lows in the 30s/40s at night. This was our second time staying here; first time was in a travel trailer in Oct 2018 (see Dyrt Review). We still love the campground, though again it was the inconsiderate nature of our neighbors that bring it from 5 stars down to 4. Here's a review of the pros and cons.

    Pros:

    • Dynamic, interactive environment: This is a playground for adults and kids alike. Climb on the rocks, hike through the drainages, and explore to your hearts content. We didn't see any, but of course, watch out for rattlesnakes. The rock is extremely grippy and very good for climbing.
    • Beautiful sunsets and sunrises: The land turns gold during these times. There are no electric lights in the campground or anywhere nearby (car headlights and camp lanterns excluded). Absolutely beautiful.
    • Decently spaced vault toilets: no site is too far from a toliet, and there are enough of them that even with over 100 sites, you aren't going to wait long (if at all) to use one.
    • Nice concrete tables and low fire pits with grates. There is a standing grill too, but we didn't use it.
    • Recycling bins and an amphitheater Trails to lead to Skull and Split Rocks (highly recommend for kids!).

    Neutral:

    • The size, level, and location of sites: Pick your sites wisely - do your research! Some sites have very little space - just enough for a small tent, while others are spacious. Some sites are secluded while others you are practically sitting on your neighbors. Some are flat and level while others there is no level space at all (suitable for RVs but not for tent camping). Some spaces will accommodate RVs and slide outs while others will not; do not rely on Recreation.gov telling you it will fit! Instead, look at satellite views. Go to Campgroundphotos.com. Read reviews. Site 31's description is below.

    Cons:

    • Very little regulation paired with inconsiderate neighbors: Jumbo is not a well regulated campground. You don't check-in. You make a reservation online and just show up at your site, hoping it will be empty. There is a camp host that flips signs from reserved to open, allowing for walk-ins, but this doesn't stop people from squatting (we had 6 young men come in to have a fire and dinner at the campsite next to us before the folks who had reserved the site arrived late and kicked them out). We also had neighbors who set up a couch, smoked pot, and played EDM so loud you could hear it 100 yards away at all hours (they quieted it down a bit after a confrontation - they claimed to be 'enjoying nature' - but not by much). So you roll the dice and hopefully you have neighbors who are there for similar reasons as you.
    • Little protection from the elements: During the warmer months, your best bet is to find a spot next to boulder to the west/south of you, so you have some shade in the afternoon. During the winter months, look to have some protection from the north winds, which can be fierce (seriously, it will rip up your camp, it did ours).

    Site 31 Description: Part of a cluster, meaning you park with others and the sites fan out from the parking area. 31 is a 100 foot walk from parking; we walked past other sites but no one had to walk past ours. It is up on a small rise - had a beautiful view but was more exposed to the wind and sun. Mostly flat and will fit several tents. Closest neighbor was 30 feet away and separated by scrub. Vault toilet and dumpsters adjacent to parking area. Not next to any big rocks, but they are only a short walk away. A coyote walked by us in the night and squirrels frequently raided our camp (keep your food and trash secure).

  • N
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Heart Bar Campground

    Best off hwy 38

    By far this has got to be the best and largest campground on the 38. First reason is the pricing. At only $21 per night for a single site, this is the best priced campground in the area excluding free yellow post sites. With this price however you get the basics. No showers, no rv dump station, just water from the pipe, toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, and a bear box. can’t complain about that though.

    second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though a reservation is definitely still recommended.

    3rd; the location. Topography-wise this camp sits right over a small meadow that boarders the San Gorgonio wilderness. it sits higher above the highway and displaces sound nicely. this spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring. The campground is also littered with tall standing pines and even some massive junipers, providing ample shade. You can’t help but feel like your are elsewhere like the Eastern Sierra with the dry desert winds the blow in and chill on the mountains and the smell of the sage brush. This campground is only about 20 min out from big bear lake as well, and does have cell reception (unfortunately).

    Highly recommend sites 32, 37, 47, 58, or 24 & 49 which are both double sites. This was due to their more isolated positioning to other spots, shade, flat ground, and proximity to bathrooms and the beautiful little meadow where deer graze in the evenings. happy trails.

Guide to Palm Desert

Tent campsites near Palm Desert, California range from approximately 9,100 feet elevation at Mount San Jacinto State Park down to the sandy washes of Box Canyon on Bureau of Land Management property. During winter months, low-elevation sites offer comfortable temperatures between 60-75°F while summer camping is practical only at higher elevations where temperatures remain 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor.

What to do

Hiking ladder trails: At Box Canyon Dispersed camping area, the nearby Ladder Canyon Trail features maintained wooden ladders through narrow slot canyons. "My favorite is the ladder canyon hike which has you climbing up a series of ladders in the canyon. Most of the time they are well maintained and replaced if they are falling apart but beware just in case," notes Katie O.

Wildlife observation: Thomas Mountain sites provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during certain seasons. "Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like," reports Judith W. at Black Rock Equestrian Campground, where trails support both hiking and horseback riding.

Mountain summit hikes: Reaching San Jacinto Peak requires proper planning from tent camping areas. "We took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. The views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer. It took us longer than we expected," explains Katie O., describing her experience from Round Valley Campsite.

What campers like

Temperature contrast: The significant temperature differences between Palm Desert and mountain campsites allow year-round camping options. "Round Valley campground in the San Jacinto mountain was a dream come true. This place is gorgeous... close to magical high above the desert floor where the temperature was hot but our spot was cold," writes Johnny H.

Solitude opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas near Palm Desert remain relatively uncrowded. "I stayed at #13 in a roundabout of 4 campsites. I was there Wednesday-Friday with just a few jeep and truck drive byes, but I had the campground to myself," says Andrew D. about Santa Rosa Springs Campground.

Stream access: Seasonal water sources at higher elevations provide both drinking water (with filtration) and ambient cooling. "If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley. We did it in late August, and there was still water running in the stream across from the camp," explains Jonathan G.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many tent sites near Palm Desert require appropriate vehicles. "This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site," notes Matt M. about Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground.

Seasonal insect issues: Flies and other insects become problematic during warmer months at certain elevations. "This site would've been perfect, and I mean perfect, but the flies were unbearable. I planned to stay two nights but I couldn't make it past the next morning. If I stood still even for a second I was swarmed," reports Steve H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palm Desert, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palm Desert, CA is Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Palm Desert, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Palm Desert, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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