429 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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!"
"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 Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
TravelerWhen I booked at the reservation site I screenshot that water and 30 amp power was available at my site. There is NO water hook up. Overall it’s good 7 out of 10. Lots to do within 2 hours of this place. Staying for 6 days.
GuideGreat campsite with plenty of amenities and a little store to boot. My #92 camper trailer spot was roomy and had a new picnic table. Old fashion rock pile fire pit that needed some maintenance, which I didn't mind, water/sewer/electrical hook ups were operational. It was really windy during the day and night but it added to the desert experience... off season so I almost had the place to myself. Nice views and plenty of walking paths...
TravelerStayed one night on our way to Utah. Super quiet on Sunday night, we were able to drive right up and pick a spot pretty secluded. Bathrooms were spotless. Camp host was friendly!
ScoutPlace is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
GuideWe stopped in visiting Joshua Tree National Park. This is located very close to the Northwest side of park. The RV park is very easy to get to. There are not a lot of options for places to camp. The Dispersed lots have a lot of trash. This is a clean location, very very expensive though. You will pay premium price for no shade and to park in a sand lot. There is a nice little park adjacent to this but that’s the only plus.
ScoutOn the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park in an old growth Joshua Tree grove. The trees are tall and fat, very close to each other. Heftier than the trees inside the Park.
It has water and dump station, otherwise the campgrounds inside the Park are more majestic with huge rocks.
If you're a fulltime RVer or vanlifer with an efficient solar system, having water in/out and a place to stay safely for cheap is grand. It's four klicks from malls, thus ideal if you need stuff. As a fulltime RVer I book several consecutive days with the app. The grounds are empty on weekdays, thus can spend quality time organizing my rig, thoughts, and plans.
From June to autumn half the campsites are shuttered. The area has limited visitation in summer.
ScoutEasy access but away from street noise. Nothing elegant or fancy but it's a nice spot to spend the weekend. RV sites are next to the baseball fields, which is fun! Some sites have shade trees (beware of dripping pine trees). Grass and trees off the RV sites. Sites are on gravel and concrete pads. Great view of the nearby mountains. Park security patrols throughout the day. We've stayed here twice and would definitely visit again!
GuideI have some reservations about writing this review because my experience at this campground was wonderful. I enjoyed four peaceful days there, and, surprisingly, there were never more than three campers present. The other visitors were all gray-haired, which contributed to the serenity—there were no barking dogs, loud generators, music, or screaming kids. I spoke with some long-time campers who advised against visiting during holiday weekends and summer; they warned that it can turn chaotic. Marion Mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, exudes character and has a relaxed atmosphere that is not geared for partying, although some attempt to make it so. This campground strictly allows only tent camping and very small teardrop trailers or camper vans; RVs and fifth-wheelers are not permitted. The upper loop(sites 1-5) is great for van or tent camping, but parking is limited to one car/van per site, with no extra parking available. This restriction minimizes the flow of day hikers and keeps the campground tranquil. The inside loop features flatter ground for pitching tents, but it does come with close campsites, reducing privacy since the road rings around sites six through ten, which require a short walk to access. On the lower loop, the outside sites are sloped, and you also need to walk to them. The interior sites here are flat but closely packed, creating a cramped environment. I rated this campground one star for weekends and holidays, but it earns five stars on weekdays and in the shoulder seasons. I would absolutely return, but definitely not on weekends! If I want to hear screaming kids and barking dogs, I can just visit my grandkids. If you value a peaceful camping experience, choose your timing wisely!
TravelerA Hidden Gem! Phenomenal Staff & Peaceful Stay My husband and I just finished a week-long stay at Indian Waters RV Resort over Memorial Day weekend, and we are absolutely blown away! We are in our late 30s/early 40s and really thrive on peace and quiet, and this place delivered exactly what we were looking for. Right from the start, the customer service was unmatched. We had booked our site back in March and ran into a small glitch with the online system recognizing our deposit and site request. After communicating with Cameron and Rachel in the weeks leading up to our trip, they assured us everything would be handled—and they delivered perfectly. Upon arrival, they proved to be the most amazing, warm, and accommodating property managers you could ever ask for. From our first greeting to random run-ins around the park to our final day, their consistency and hospitality were top-tier. They even stock those must-have amenities in the main office for when you inevitably forget or run out of something, which was incredibly convenient. As for the resort itself? Phenomenal. The grounds are meticulously kept up—the grass sites are lush and green, and the gravel sites are perfectly level. The bathrooms are amazing, and the gym is clean with great, usable equipment. We spent plenty of time enjoying the amenities: The Pool & Jacuzzis: The pool was always sparkling clean (minus a few stray flowers blowing in the desert wind) and kept at a wonderful temperature. The two jacuzzis are absolutely to die for! Outdoor Fun: They have cornhole, pickleball courts, and great lounge chairs situated around multiple firepits. We were honestly shocked that the park wasn’t more crowded for a holiday weekend. It truly feels like a hidden gem right now. There were no loud or rowdy neighbors, no annoying barking dogs, and no screaming children—just pure relaxation. We came here to celebrate our birthdays, and thanks to Cam and Rachel, it was an unforgettable trip. We will absolutely be back time and time again! Wishing you both tons of success!
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rancho Mirage, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 429 campgrounds and RV parks near Rancho Mirage, CA and 114 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 Thousand Trails Palm Springs with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 114 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.
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