Looking for the best campgrounds near Palm Springs, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Palm Springs camping trip.
$35 / night
"There are great hiking trails around Black Rock which provide great views of the low and high peaks around Palm Springs."
"Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."
"Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use."
"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."
$30 / night
"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.
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$30 - $280 / night
"This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled."
"Few trails for wandering around as well. Great Verizon service"
$25 - $45 / night
"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
"The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can’t swim or let the kids play in the lake because it’s a reservoir."
$15 / night
"Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back Id just need more blankets because the nights are beyond cold."
$29 - $58 / night
"There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."
"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
$300 / night
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
"Paved full hookup sites right next to each other but quiet neighbors. Campground is just 5minutes from busy town."
$25 - $50 / night
"well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located"
"Equestrian sites up the hill. Saw a few rabbits and lizards, not too loud, it’s peaceful and good distance between some sites."
"There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other."
"Trees provide lots of shade and some privacy despite campsites being fairly close to one another.
Easy road in most anything can drive it."
TravelerThe campground offers 99 individual sites with drinking water, flush toilets and a dump station. The campsites are clean, well maintained and provide plenty of space. There are great hiking trails around Black Rock which provide great views of the low and high peaks around Palm Springs.
One thing to note is that this campground is not located in the National Park and takes about 20-30 mins to arrive at the park entrance.
RangerWe normally camp in the other side of Big Bear, but decided to try a new campground this year. Overall we really liked this campground. Although some of the sites are close together most of them have good separation. There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails. It’s close enough for a quick trip to the lake yet you are far enough away that you still get the true camping experience.
ScoutI was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.
RangerThis is a really fun place to stay and has a bunch of awesome amenities. Right behind the campground is the Pioneertown Main Street, featuring replica buildings from the old west. They have stores, gun fights, and a restaurant nearby. The campground itself has a communal fire pit and bbq area that all campers can use. Each site has a table and fire pit. The layout of the sites is a little cramped and there is no privacy. It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site. The restaurant (Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace) is somewhat of a local icon, and has amazing food and is known for their live music.
ScoutI only saw the first 9 or so sites and stayed I think at site #9. For the most part, spacious spots, fire ring, picnic table, a lot of trees, and varied slopes. Road in is placed initially then dirt but is fine. There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other. You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from.
GuideSweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
GuideStayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.
GuideWhile technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.
PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.
CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.
Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.
After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.
ScoutHeart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet. If you plan to camp in the Big Bear area, I strongly suggest giving Heart Bar a try. The beauty of the surrounding environment is worth it alone.
Horse camping in California offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Palm Springs, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 48 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Palm Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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