Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Palm Springs? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Yucaipa Regional Park is a water park based in San Bernardino County beside the San Bernardino National Forest and San Bernardino Mountains. Activities include fishing in three lakes, a water park, and disc golf. Yucaipa Regional Park camping includes primitive sites, picnic tables, fire pits, full hookups for RVs, and large group shelters for up to 350 people.
These five remote camping sites offer locations for tent and car camping. There are some mature shade trees near the sites, but other than a metal fire ring for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. Contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station for current fire restriction information and road conditions. (909) 382-2882 (closed Tues/Wed) These yellow post sites are reached via forest road 1N12 (unpaved, trailers and large RVs not suitable). Please refer to the yellow-post site map available for free at the Mill Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended and four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required to reach these sites, depending on current road conditions.
$5 / night
Raw desert camping for tents, rv’s and trailers. Pick your spot anywhere on the property. This is not glamping. Stay for the night and head out to Joshua Tree for some hiking!
$40 / night
Water available seasonally.
Group size limited to 12 people and 8 pack/riding animals per group. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit.
Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire.
Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://www.sgwa.org/contact-us
The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.
Traveler
Tent sites were massive, basically could be used for RV as well. Everything on the grounds were nice and as expected with KOA quality but the price is a bit much for tent camping.
Ranger
we stayed at the round valley campground in March of this year. there was still some snow and it was beautiful. we took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. the views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer. it took us longer than we expected. the campground is nice but there are no facilities so make sure to bring plenty of water or filtration device to filter the water. permits are required bor both day hikes and overnight.
Guide
Offers wide range of tent camp sites, RV camping, showers, toilets. Beautiful scenic hikes. Small creek runs through property. Campsite grills and picnic tables.
Legend
Beautiful mountain view and desert plants. Cactus were just beginning to bud. Camping spots are a little tight for larger RV's. There was a bit of city glow from Palm Springs so stargazing wasn't as good as we'd hoped. Had great hikes on the many paths. Drove through Joshua Tree National forest, through Cholla and Ocotilla gardens. Saw Skull rock and the fabulous gigantic rock formations. Had a bit of a time getting our 36 ft RV situated so we could extend our slides, and had to park our toad at the bathhouse(only a short distance away), but overall a great two day stay.
Guide
We tent camped here for 3 nights and loved this campground. The tent sites are spacious - can’t exaggerate that enough. the workers were friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were clean and had plenty of showers available. There is a playground centrally located, tennis court and basketball - all equipment available from the office. They also had board games for use and a pool table inside. There are a couple of pontoon boats available for rental as well! We took out kids on a couple hikes, be sure you have an interagency pass for parking at trailheads! Fantastic getaway!
Legend
Overall a nice campground with decent sites, but really not for tent camping at all. They say they have some tent sites, but pretty much every site is setup with gravel pull-in or pull throughs which you'd not really want to set your tent up on. They do have a "tent village" which you can camp on, but again, not really ideal for tents. They do have really nice facilities for washing your cloths or yourself along with a nice club house for unwinding. While each site doesn't have a fire ring, you do have a table and there is a group fire ring along with a pool and playground. You are a bit inside the city of Banning and not too far from the train tracks, so if you're not in something super insulated you'll probably hear a bit of train noise like we did.
Guide
Sweet 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!
Legend
We have camped at Joshua Tree National Park on multiple occasions. This is a very special place never gets old. We lived in San Diego at the time and this made for a nice weekend trip to Palm Springs and then Joshua. You will need to plan ahead and make reservations or come in the off season to get a camping spot. The park is so close to major populations in Southern California it is always crowded. The tent camping sites are close together but adequate. You can get nestled up against the rocks which will help manage the desert sun and winter winds. The trees and rock formations are incredible. They have some historical elements but the towering rocks and desert vistas are the highlight here. Wow, what a place. The camps have pit toilets and you can fill up your water containers. The biggest challenge here is managing the large crowds and the weather. It can be very cold in the winter nights and baking hot in the summer. Late Spring or Fall are the best times to visit. You can get supplies at on the road near the park. This is a bucket list park and a must see.
LegendThe southern part of Joshua tree is the quieter end of the park (especially in the summer). We got up to watch the sunrise and didn't see another car for 2 HOURS.
The campground is sandy and dusty (as is the whole park since it's a desert), and each site has a concrete picnic table and a fire ring. Unlike most of Joshua Tree's campground, Cottonwood does have a water point (and flushing toilets)-- and it is just down the road from the Cottonwood Visitor Center (a very basic ranger station that also has bathrooms -- but no fancy gift shop of cafes like some other NPs)
Cottonwood is a great site if you are coming in from Palm Springs/Palm Desert/Coachella and you want to spend an incredible night under the stars. It's just 7 miles off of I-10, but there aren't any cities around so there isn't any distracting light in the sky. Also, because there aren't any cities around, bring whatever food and fuel you need. It's 40+ miles out of the park heading north to get gas, so make sure you get gas in Indio or Coachella when driving in.
Cottonwood is 20$ a night, (the other campgrounds without water are $15). During the summer sites are first come, and there were plenty to choose from -- There were only 3 other campers we saw there. Rumor is that this site is also last to fill up in the busy months because it is much further out of the way from the other campgrounds. Don't forget to fill up your water jugs before you leave if you're headed north deeper into the park.
If you want to make the Mastodon Peak hike (3 miles) or do the Lost Palms Oasis Trail (8 miles) this is best place to stay for an early morning start. I was lazy, and opted for a drive to the Cholla Cactus Garden, and a walk around the nature path.
There's not much privacy between sites since there aren't any trees -- and also no places to hang hammocks without some creativity.
Scout
Best place ever!! Tent camping, RV camping, they have a restaurant and bar, best burgers in all of southern California!! They also have a small store, there's showers, restrooms and a swimming pool! Tent camping along Santa Ana River, you can also fish and hike. So amazing and beautiful, awesome memories made!!
ScoutDoes not allow tent camping
Traveler
This is totally a great place to go tent camping it's peaceful and quiet during the week. It's clean and just a fun place to camp.
Guide
Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff
Scout
This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled.
Traveler
I brought my family with our 2 dogs for Thanksgiving and unfortunately we left early because it was a major danger for our dogs with the very bold and brave coyotes.
We tent camped but I feel like if we had an RV it would have been safer for the dogs.. for us alone with out the dogs, tent camping would have been fine!
Other than that. BEAUTIFUL!!! We loved every single moment from the colorful drive up to the stars and checking out the observatory which was also pet friendly. It’s SO FUN to see all the different color leaves and the sunsets, the sunrises, the crisp air, the views on the way up….all of it was so beautiful.
Ranger
tent camped. not many amenities, but we found peace and quiet, across the lake, from big bear. lots of trees! we brought our own grill, but enjoyed the campgrounds fire pit also.
Scout
Best tent campground
Scout
We rolled in after dark and found a spot super easy that was secluded and perfect for tent camping. We had a nice hike in the morning before heading back to Julian for pie :)
Traveler
Good home base for Joshua Tree is NP campgrounds are full. Pretty barebones. A few weirdos, but enough space to steer clear of them. The wind can be brutal if you’re tent camping. Have large stakes.
Scout
Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well.
Traveler
Awesome tent sites in Joshua Tree, tucked between some Jumbo Rocks. The sites are pretty spacious and private and have primo scenery and star gazing opportunities.
Traveler
Super nice staff!! They remembered us after only staying here twice which means they take pride in the care for their customers. We love that we can tent camp by the water!
Will definitely recommend to anyone!
Traveler
Nice place to visit in early January. With sunshine and daytime temperatures of 60s and 70s. Most sites are suitable for tent camping or small campers.
Would be a 5 star if it had water, a dump station or electric.
TravelerThis is your typical regional park Campground. There’s a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer. The bathrooms are decent, no showers.
We stayed in group campsite A. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well. The tent camping sites come with plenty of space for group camping. There’s a built-in grill and running water.
There’s no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around. There’s a large community park right next-door where you can go and play baseball, basketball, sand volleyball, or frisbee.
We’ve been here several times over the last few years and really enjoy a nice quiet place close to home.
Guide
Great Area to take your OHVs. Season starts around Halloween and ends in May for Red stickers. They have public restrooms spread through the grounds. It's great for tent camping and RVs/campers, tents. Town is about 25 minutes away, however they have a few stores/restaurants nearby.
Guide
Big government campground. Big spots but it can be difficult to get reservations. Lots of tent sites that cram way too many people in. Close to the lake
GuideSuper campspots among the boulders. Great hiking out of the campground. Some of the tent sites are "really" walk in sites so it makes it a bit more challenging if sleeping in van. Bring everything you need ie. Water!
Palm Springs, California, offers a fantastic escape for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, adventurers can enjoy stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palm Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palm Springs, CA is Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Palm Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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