The Palm Springs area sits in California's Coachella Valley, where the Colorado Desert meets the San Jacinto Mountains at elevations ranging from 479 feet in the valley to over 10,000 feet in the mountains. Most campgrounds near Palm Springs maintain open sites year-round due to the mild winter temperatures, though summer camping requires careful planning with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Cell service varies dramatically between mountain and desert campgrounds, with better connectivity typically available at lower elevations.
What to do
Horseback riding near Mount San Jacinto: Thousand Trails Idyllwild offers horseback riding and sits at about 6,000-7,000 feet elevation. As one camper notes, "Surrounded by spruce trees, pine trees, and scotch pines reminded me of being Back East" and the campground "is also a hikers paradise" with cooler temperatures than the desert floor.
Mountain biking on forest trails: At Hurkey Creek Park, trails accommodate both casual and serious cyclists. According to one visitor, "We hiked around and explored and wished we brought our mountain bikes, lots of good riding around the area." The campground offers "trails to walk and bike" with a "nice playground" making it suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Soaking in mineral hot springs: The hot spring pools at Catalina Spa and RV Resort provide therapeutic relaxation after a day of exploring. A camper describes that "They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs." Another mentions "three hot spring tubs" and that the "pool is warm and wall stops wind" - perfect for cool desert evenings.
What campers like
Night sky viewing without light pollution: Marion Mountain Campground offers excellent stargazing opportunities at higher elevations. One camper shared their experience: "We perched up on a rock watched the sun set over the city and then watched the shooting stars!" The campground's location at higher elevation often means clearer night viewing than valley locations.
Proximity to town amenities: Stone Creek Campground balances wilderness feel with convenience. A visitor noted, "It is close to town but far enough to get away. There's also a short trail in the back of camp!" Another mentioned, "The campground itself was only about a ten min drive from town. There is a nice check in area just before get into the campground."
Well-maintained facilities: Thousand Trails Palm Springs receives consistent praise for cleanliness. One visitor described "Clean laundry area, dog bark and a clubhouse with activities for the kids." Another mentioned "The staff has been kind and welcoming" and that the park offers "a variety of social events including line dancing, swap meets, ice cream socials and more."
What you should know
Wind conditions vary by location: Desert sites can experience significant wind events. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, one camper reported: "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt." Similar reports exist for other desert locations.
Site spacing varies dramatically: Idyllwild Campground at Mount San Jacinto State Park offers varying degrees of privacy. One visitor observed: "The campground is crowded and loud" with "minimal privacy" while others found specific sites to be adequately spaced. Research specific site locations before booking.
Water availability is seasonal: Many mountain campgrounds only have water available during peak seasons. At Marion Mountain, campers reported "Water only turned on during weekends while we were there, though water available down the road in another campground." Always verify water status before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Lake Hemet Campground features a water recreation area perfect for children. A visitor shared: "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast!" Another camper mentioned: "The lake with all the water park area on the weekends" creates a fun environment for children.
Choose campsites away from common areas: At Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree, site selection matters for families. One visitor advised: "If you're looking for Joshua Trees, this is a good place to camp because they are plenty throughout the campground" but warned that "Neighbors/clientele can be very noisy" so selecting sites away from main pathways is important.
Consider cabin options during extreme weather: Several campgrounds offer cabin alternatives when temperatures are challenging. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, cabins provide shelter during windy conditions, though one camper noted they book quickly: "Staff being a little bit rude to a family that had travel to stay in the cabin it was a family of six in the cabin of 4 kick them out without giving them any break."
Tips from RVers
Arrive early for level sites: At Lake Hemet Campground, RVers mention: "Campsites arent the biggest, and fairly close together" with some "not level even for a tent." Arriving early provides more site options to find one that accommodates your rig size.
Watch for tight turns and palm trees: When navigating Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, a visitor warned: "The entrance into the KOA - if coming in and making a right - be careful as you essentially end up making a U-turn around a rock wall and into the park. Just a funky entrance." Others noted: "Sites are not level" and "Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty."
Consider temperature extremes when booking: Elevation dramatically affects temperatures in the Palm Springs region. At Thousand Trails Idyllwild, campers report: "When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful" while desert locations can exceed 100°F in summer months.
