Cabin options in Palm Springs range from mountain getaway lodging in the pine forests near Idyllwild at 5,500 feet elevation to desert accommodations near thermal hot springs in Desert Hot Springs. Temperature variations between these locations can exceed 15 degrees during winter months, with mountain cabins experiencing occasional snow while desert locations remain mild. Rental cabins typically rent for $85-200 per night depending on season and amenities.
What to do
Hot springs soaking: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA in Desert Hot Springs offers mineral hot spring pools at varying temperatures. "The pools have different temperatures as do the spa pools. Good for tired muscles!" reports a visitor to Caliente Springs RV Resort. For early risers, plan ahead as some facilities have restricted hours: "Downside for me is they don't open until 8AM in the morning. Since I work while traveling and because of COVID, preference is start each day with early AM soak in the mineral spring water."
Mountain exploration: Explore mountain trails near cabin accommodations at 6,000-7,000 feet elevation. "Great remote campground, very quiet and natural. Very steep and tight roads throughout campground, but gorgeous once you're done navigating," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Idyllwild. Many hiking trails start directly from campgrounds or within a short drive.
Water recreation: Lake activities provide summer cooling options at Lake Hemet Campground, where visitors report: "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!"
What campers like
Mineral waters: Desert hot springs provide therapeutic soaking opportunities year-round. "We stayed for 2 and a half months and enjoyed the amenities daily. There is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms," reports a guest at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Cabin accommodations near mineral pools typically cost more than standard cabins but provide direct access to these natural features.
Lake views: Waterfront cabin options offer scenic perspectives despite seasonal water level fluctuations. "Every campsite had a fire pit which was nice. Hemet Lake itself is beautiful and the view while fishing was amazing. I was able to catch one trout during our four night stay," notes a camper at Lake Hemet Campground. Lakefront premium sites cost approximately $15-25 more per night than standard sites.
Recreation amenities: Many cabin-focused resorts provide organized activities and sports facilities. "Sets the bar for a campsite... We've enjoyed learning and playing pickleball. The pools are warm and well maintained," writes a visitor to Catalina Spa and RV Resort. "The location is fairly central with Palm Springs only minutes away, wine country in Temecula about 1.5 hours and Joshua Tree Park about 45 minutes."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Wind poses challenges in desert locations near Palm Springs. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirts. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," reports a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Desert accessibility: Mountain cabin locations require navigating steep roads, sometimes with tight turns. "Very steep and tight roads throughout campground," reports a visitor to Thousand Trails Idyllwild. Some larger RVs and trailers may face difficulty accessing mountain cabin areas, especially during winter conditions.
Age restrictions: Some cabin rental properties maintain age requirements. "This park looks nice, we were unable to stay due to age restrictions. Park is a 55+ park," notes a visitor to Caliente Springs RV Resort. Always check age policies before booking, particularly at desert resort properties.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Many cabin camping areas include child-friendly amenities. "There is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground," notes a reviewer at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. "Lots of activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground," adds a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Water recreation options: Lake activities provide family entertainment during warmer months. "My friends and I have been camping here for New Years and other random summer/holiday weekends for about 5 years now. We have just camped to relax, Kayak, fish, and play Disk Golf," reports a camper at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
Weekend considerations: Family-oriented cabin rentals experience higher occupancy on weekends. "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. There was a large group blasting their stereo with a DJ and they set of fireworks," reports one visitor. Weekday stays typically offer quieter conditions and more spacing between occupied units.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites with cabins vary significantly in spacing and privacy. "The sites are spaced moderately with easy access to hookups and shrubbery between each site," notes a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. "We upgraded to the 'luxury' site which meant that the spacing between sites was a bit greater and we had a lovely patch of green grass between us and our neighbors," adds a reviewer from Shadow Hills RV Resort.
Road conditions: Access roads require careful navigation at some mountain cabin locations. "Steep and tight roads throughout campground" notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Idyllwild, while desert locations typically feature easier approaches. "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," cautions a visitor to Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
