Cabin camping near Rancho Mirage offers options across the Coachella Valley desert floor at 270 feet elevation and extends to mountain retreats at elevations reaching 7,000 feet. Winter temperatures average 70-75°F in desert locations, while summer highs regularly exceed 100°F between June and September. Mountain cabin locations maintain cooler temperatures year-round with nighttime lows frequently dropping below freezing during winter months.
What to do
Mineral pool soaking: At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, visitors access hot spring-fed pools that provide natural therapeutic benefits. "We stayed for 2 and a half months and enjoyed the amenities daily. 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," notes Ashley M.
Outdoor recreation: The cabins at Lake Hemet Campground provide access to water activities and hiking. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" writes Jennifer D.
Local exploration: Cabin locations serve as bases for regional attractions. "The location is fairly central with Palm Springs only minutes away, wine country in Temecula about 1.5 hours and Joshua Tree Park about 45 minutes," explains one camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
What campers like
Diverse amenities: Thousand Trails Palm Springs offers facilities that enhance comfort during cabin stays. "Great pool and hot tub area with a lively, mixed-age crowd—perfect if you're in your 30s and looking for variety. The bathrooms and laundry facilities are well-maintained," notes a recent visitor.
Natural beauty: Cabin rentals in mountain settings provide scenic surroundings. "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension... The setting of this camp ground is beautiful. We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back again," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Temperature variation: Elevation differences between cabin locations create climate options. "We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. I was concerned that the pools might be closed due to COVID but both pools were open. They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs," explains a winter visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Desert cabin locations experience extreme summer temperatures while mountain sites have winter access challenges. "We came to this resort in September 2021, didn't realize it was still too hot to go to the desert," reports a visitor at Sky Valley RV Resort.
Wind conditions: The Palm Springs area frequently experiences high winds affecting camping comfort. "The upper section is exposed to the frequent high winds. Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors," notes a Catalina Spa guest.
Age restrictions: Some cabin rental facilities maintain age requirements. "This park looks nice, we were unable to say due to age restrictions. Park is a 55+ park," explains a visitor regarding Caliente Springs Resort.
Site variations: Cabin quality varies significantly between properties. "The cabins are simple structures with platforms for sleeping. There are no amenities in the cabins - no electric, no water, no mattress, no linens, etc," describes one camper about Tamarisk Grove Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access priority: When booking cabin camping near Rancho Mirage with children, verify pool policies. "The water park area on the weekends... Don't want a spot too close," advises a Lake Hemet camper about noise considerations for cabin placement.
Activity options: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provides structured recreation for young campers. "Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for adults as well the staff are very nice and helpful," notes Cheryl T.
Wildlife viewing: Mountain cabin locations offer nature education opportunities. "And we had so many hard thorns from the weeds in the grass around the campsites, they stick to everything and follow you into your RV (they hurt) and they will give you flat tires on your bikes," reports a camper about terrain challenges at one desert resort.
Tips from RVers
Utility needs: Cabin users at Thousand Trails Palm Springs should plan accordingly. "Make sure you have your registration and insurance handy when you arrive," advises a recent visitor.
Accessibility concerns: Some cabin locations present challenges. "When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful... I have asthma, so nothing more strenuous for me then walking the dog in the altitude," reports Tom W. regarding elevation impacts at Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Seasonal timing: Winter offers optimal desert cabin camping conditions. "Weather was cold and windy but not too bad. Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night," advises a camper regarding winter cabin camping.
