Best Campgrounds near Palm Springs, CA

Camping near Palm Springs offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, stunning rock formations, and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers rave about the hikes near Jumbo Rocks Campground, with one reviewer noting, "So much exploring to be had right from your campsite."
• Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, Hidden Valley Campground is a hotspot. One visitor shared, "The campground flanks some large rock formations that host rock climbers during the day."
• Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for incredible stargazing. A camper at Hidden Valley Campground mentioned, "DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers love 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 sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground expressed, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Black Rock Campground are noted for being family-friendly. One visitor shared, "The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Indian Cove Campground, do not have showers or water hookups. A camper noted, "The sites are pretty big and there’s many different campgrounds with 20-180 sites in each."
• First-Come, First-Serve: Campgrounds like Hidden Valley Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis. One reviewer mentioned, "Filled up by 4 PM in mid-May."
• Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Indian Cove Campground shared, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp, it was so peaceful."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park that cater to families. A reviewer said, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family-friendly."
• Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially around wildlife. A camper at Indian Cove Campground advised, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground noted, "The roads could use some work and if you have an RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
• Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "Finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day."
• Bring Your Own Water: Many campgrounds lack drinking water. A visitor at Indian Cove Campground reminded, "Bring your own water too."

With so many options for camping near Palm Springs, you’re bound to find a spot that fits your style. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery!