tooth W.
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TravelerStagecoach Trails Resort
Beautifully set in the Anzo-Berrago state park. Excellent clean facilities
Camping near Rancho Mirage, CA
436 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 Campgrounds near Rancho Mirage (436)
1. Thousand Trails Palm Springs
"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!"
2. Lake Hemet Campground
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability3. Catalina Spa and RV Resort
"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."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability4. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
"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."
"ALSO not the parks fault but 2 small trailers pulled in next to us around 10 pm and had lots of people and lots of kids."
5. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"bathrooms but no water access and the main entrance is about 45 drive, so come prepared. great access to climbing walking distance or short drive. stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets."
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"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"
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel
"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."
from $60 / night
Check Availability9. Hurkey Creek Park
"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. "
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Sky Valley RV Resort
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 57 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 11 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 2 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Camping Photos near Rancho Mirage, CA
790 Photos of 436 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Emerald Desert RV Resort
Catalina Spa and RV Resort
Sandy Cove RV ParkL
Rancho Capotista
Caliente Springs RV ResortJ
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest) — San Bernardino National Forest
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Apple Canyon Yellowpost
Strawberry Junction — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Hurkey Creek Park
Lake Hemet Campground
Recent Reviews near Rancho Mirage, CA
2018 Reviews of 436 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds
- BBrooke P.
GuideJoshua Tree South Entrance
So many spots, great for every vehicle
There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
David M.
ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Robyn C.TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
Guide to Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage and the surrounding Coachella Valley area provide multiple campground options for both tent and RV camping. Developed campgrounds including Palm Springs Thousand Trails, Catalina Spa and RV Resort, and Lake Hemet Campground offer full hookup sites with amenities like swimming pools, showers, and electrical connections. Several resorts in the area feature cabin accommodations, including Sky Valley RV Resort and Thousand Trails Palm Springs. The region's campgrounds span from luxury RV resorts in Palm Desert to more rustic options at nearby Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds such as Jumbo Rocks and Black Rock Canyon.
The Coachella Valley camping season runs primarily from fall through spring, with many campgrounds operating year-round despite summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during the peak winter months when snowbirds migrate to the area. The region offers easy access to outdoor activities with proximity to Mount San Jacinto State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and various hiking trails. Sites range from full-service RV resorts with concrete pads to more primitive camping options at higher elevations outside the valley. As one visitor noted, "We stayed here for 4 nights while visiting our parents who live in Rancho Mirage. The resort is extremely clean, well-maintained, and quiet."
Campers consistently rate the hot mineral pools and spas as standout features at several Desert Hot Springs locations like Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Palm tree-lined sites provide welcome shade at many of the valley floor campgrounds, while proximity to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions remains a significant draw. Those seeking a more natural setting can find it at campgrounds in the surrounding mountains, which offer cooler temperatures and forest settings. A review of Palm Springs Thousand Trails mentioned, "The park is covered with palm trees and a few citrus trees you can pick from. Lots of stuff to do/see in surrounding areas." Road noise from Interstate 10 affects some campgrounds in the valley, while campgrounds at higher elevations like Lake Hemet and Idyllwild provide quieter settings with mountain views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rancho Mirage, CA?
What camping is available near Rancho Mirage, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rancho Mirage, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 436 campgrounds and RV parks near Rancho Mirage, CA and 115 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rancho Mirage, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Rancho Mirage, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rancho Mirage, CA is Thousand Trails Palm Springs with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 115 free dispersed camping spots near Rancho Mirage, CA.
What parks are 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.
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