Palm Springs RV parks offer exceptional desert camping opportunities from October through May, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Most facilities sit at elevations between 400-800 feet, with mountain camping options rising to 6,000+ feet at nearby locations like Idyllwild. The Coachella Valley's desert climate creates distinct seasonal camping conditions, with milder winters attracting the highest visitor numbers.
What to do
Soak in mineral hot springs: Catalina Spa and RV Resort features natural mineral spring pools maintained at comfortable temperatures. "The pools are warm and well maintained. The sites are spaced moderately with easy access to hookups and shrubbery between each site," notes a visitor who spent several weeks at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Visit downtown Palm Springs: Many RV parks provide convenient access to Palm Springs attractions. "Palm Springs Oasis is very small but it was a great place to stay with just a 5-10 minute drive to downtown!" shares a reviewer who stayed at Encore Palm Springs Oasis for six weeks.
Explore Joshua Tree National Park: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground serves as a convenient base for national park exploration. "Location is nice to get to town JT or the national Park," explains a camper, with another adding it's "about 8 miles from the Joshua Tree visitor center."
What campers like
Star-gazing opportunities: Desert locations provide exceptional night sky viewing. At Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, one visitor reports: "We booked and traveled here to show the kids the stars from a desert view, and it did not disappoint! My camera couldn't capture the magnificent view from just our site."
Pool and recreation amenities: Many Palm Springs area RV parks offer resort-style facilities. A visitor at Indian Waters RV Resort appreciated the "four pickleball courts. Clubhouse with lots of activities. Near Palm Springs and lots to explore in the area. The weather there during the Winter is darn near perfect."
Privacy between sites: Cathedral Palms RV Resort incorporates design elements for site privacy. "Small but nice park," reports a visitor, noting the "staff was nice and the park and sites were all very well kept and level on concrete slabs."
What you should know
Concrete pads improve leveling: Most Palm Springs RV parks provide concrete pads for easier setup. A visitor at Emerald Desert RV Resort noted: "Spaces are nice and wide some have full hookups others are just electric & water. They have no hookups too."
Desert winds require awning management: Strong winds can damage awnings if left unattended. One camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort advises: "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It's is warm during the day but cools at night."
Winter reservations essential: October through April represents peak season with limited availability. One guest recommends: "We stayed here for a weekend and had no reservations and there was plenty of room in November."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities vary by park: When traveling with children, check each park's family offerings. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, a visitor observed: "There is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms and 2 separate laundry rooms."
Consider noise levels: Some parks are better suited for families with children. A visitor at Shadow Hills RV Resort enjoyed the "pool area seemed clean" while another visitor noted the "gated security, nice restrooms w/ showers (free)."
Holiday activities: Many RV parks organize special events during peak holiday periods. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, one visitor shared: "We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner where the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides 100+ people."
Tips from RVers
Extended stay discounts: Weekly and monthly rates provide substantial savings. At Thousand Trails Idyllwild, a visitor notes: "If your a member of thousand trails this is an affordable park (free). If your a retail customer it is a little pricey even tent camping is $50-$60 a night."
Site selection considerations: Review site maps before booking to ensure appropriate size and access. "Limited availability for over 38', easy last minute reservations >=35'," advises a visitor regarding Encore Palm Springs Oasis.
Elevation differences affect temperature: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. At Thousand Trails Idyllwild, which sits at 6,000-7,000 feet, a camper observed: "When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful."
