Best Campgrounds near Rancho Mirage, CA

The Coachella Valley surrounding Rancho Mirage, California features a diverse camping landscape spanning from luxury RV resorts to primitive desert sites. Emerald Desert RV Resort provides upscale accommodations with full hookups and resort amenities, while several campgrounds in Desert Hot Springs, including Catalina Spa and RV Resort and Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, offer year-round access to thermal mineral pools. Within an hour's drive, Joshua Tree National Park presents a stark contrast with its boulder-strewn primitive campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks and Black Rock. Mountain destinations such as Idyllwild Campground in Mount San Jacinto State Park and Lake Hemet Campground provide cooler alternatives at higher elevations during summer months.

Weather considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region, with extreme temperature variations between seasons. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F in the valley floor locations near Rancho Mirage, making camping inadvisable from June through September except at higher elevations. Winter brings mild days and cold nights, particularly in Joshua Tree where campers report excellent conditions. "The wind here can be very intense, especially at night," notes one camper who stayed at Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort. Many desert campgrounds have limited or no shade, requiring proper shelter and sun protection. Reservation requirements vary significantly, with national park campgrounds often filling months in advance during peak spring wildflower season, while some BLM dispersed camping areas remain available without reservations.

Visitor experiences highlight the dramatic contrast between developed and primitive camping options. Luxury RV resorts near Rancho Mirage feature swimming pools, organized activities, and manicured grounds. One visitor described Emerald Desert as "extremely clean, well-maintained, and quiet" with "daily trash pickup" and "sparkling swimming pools." In contrast, Joshua Tree campsites offer natural features like massive granite boulders that serve as windbreaks and create privacy between sites. Dark sky viewing opportunities abound in the desert, with Borrego Springs designated as an official dark sky community. Road noise can be an issue at some valley floor locations, particularly those near Interstate 10 and railroad tracks, though many visitors report the convenience of nearby shopping and restaurants outweighs occasional noise concerns.

Best Camping Sites Near Rancho Mirage, California (355)

    1. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-4431

    $22 - $44 / night

    "This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever."

    "You don’t get many good views inside the RV park gates, but once you walk out there driveway and along the street you can actually get some good mountain views on clear days."

    2. Lake Hemet Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2680

    $45 / night

    "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."

    "I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."

    3. Thousand Trails Palm Springs

    18 Reviews
    Bermuda Dunes, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The 30 Amp side is pull through so we decided to set up at site 61 further away from the Highway because it is a bit noisy from road noise."

    "The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"

    4. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    118 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    "The campsites are tucked between massive granite boulders, offering natural windbreaks and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find elsewhere."

    5. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 251-6555

    "The KOA is reasonably priced for KOA and California. 3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground."

    "Plenty of stuff to do behind the walls, mini golf, dog kamp, pool, hot tubs, games, game room... Nice shower house and bathrooms. Camp store is a little small but has the essentials."

    6. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    29 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."

    " Kings Canyon is one of the coolest places I've been in a long time and Southern California"

    7. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "Originally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot"

    "The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.

    • Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels."

    8. Hurkey Creek Park

    21 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2050

    $30 - $35 / night

    "This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains."

    "It's a lovely campground, and our spot wasn't too far away from the restrooms or the creek. Once Friday afternoon hit though, it did fill up to what felt like near full capacity. "

    9. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel

    11 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-6457

    $60 / night

    "Mail delivery is convenient, but the lack of security at the campground entrance feels like a gap."

    "With snow in the surrounding mountains. It seems to be surrounded by mountains in the winter months."

    10. Sky Valley RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Thousand Palms, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 548-2960

    "It's a lovely location with almost perfect weather in the winter. April very windy and May, it starts getting hotter. However, you can take the tram up majestic Mt."

    "Lots of exploring within a hours drive to great sights like Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, Salton sea, Idlewild, Borrego Springs, etc."

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Recent Reviews near Rancho Mirage, CA

1809 Reviews of 355 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds



Guide to Rancho Mirage

Camping near Rancho Mirage, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and relax.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around Joshua Tree National Park. One camper mentioned, “So much exploring to be had right from your campsite. The high desert is fascinating” at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Hidden Valley is a hotspot. A visitor shared, “The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on” at Hidden Valley Campground.
  • Stargazing: The dark skies in the area make for excellent stargazing. One camper noted, “DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful” while staying at Hidden Valley Campground.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Indian Cove Campground states, “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 mentioned, “We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Black Rock Campground are noted for being great for families. One review highlighted, “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, such as Indian Cove Campground, lack showers and water hookups. A visitor mentioned, “Not very level sights” and “It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert.”
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Hidden Valley Campground noted, “Filled up by 4 PM in mid-May.”
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One 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, which is noted for its “clean campsites” and “friendly rangers.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games or outdoor toys. A family camper at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, “Great place for family and kids.”
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food ready can save time and keep everyone happy. One camper at Serrano Campground said, “The staff were friendly and helpful,” which can be a plus when asking for local food options.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Black Rock Campground mentioned, “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 in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground advised, “Finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day.”
  • Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially in the desert heat. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, “Bring your own water too.”

Camping around Rancho Mirage, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful desert landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rancho Mirage, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rancho Mirage, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 355 campgrounds and RV parks near Rancho Mirage, CA and 49 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rancho Mirage, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rancho Mirage, CA is Catalina Spa and RV Resort with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 49 free dispersed camping spots near Rancho Mirage, CA.

What parks are near Rancho Mirage, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Rancho Mirage, CA that allow camping, notably Joshua Tree National Park and Cleveland National Forest.