Dick T.
Guide
GuideMarion Mountain
Laid-Back campground
This is my go-to campground. I live in the San Diego area. It's designed for your season camper that prefers tranquility over business. It's not recommended during the weekend.
Glamping near Rancho Mirage, CA
37 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Catalina Spa and RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs houses upscale glamping accommodations with modern amenities just a short drive from Rancho Mirage. The resort features luxury canvas tents and cabin-style glamping units with comfortable beds, electricity, and climate control. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA also offers premium glamping options including yurts with proper bedding, heating and cooling systems, and private outdoor spaces. Lake Hemet Campground provides safari-style glamping tents with real beds and linens, situated near mountain views. All locations maintain clean facilities with hot showers, flush toilets, and convenient access to water. One guest shared, "This campground felt more like I was glamping. Everything was easily accessible and by that I mean; a toilet, running water, and showers."
The glamping resorts near Rancho Mirage provide exceptional access to natural attractions while maintaining luxury comforts. Borrego Palm Canyon's glamping accommodations sit within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing. Morning Song Farm Glamping combines farm experiences with upscale outdoor stays, allowing guests to interact with alpacas and peacocks. Most glamping sites include fire pits, picnic areas, and proximity to hiking trails. The mineral hot springs at Catalina Spa enhance the glamping experience with two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs. According to a camper, "With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs, we didn't want to leave. Like, ever. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated." Reservations are recommended for these popular glamping destinations, particularly during peak season from October through March.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Rancho Mirage (37)
1. 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 coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."
from $45 / night
Check Availability2. Catalina Spa and RV Resort
"We loved our location of our site, right by all the awesome amenities this place has! Our kids loved the pool and we couldn’t get enough of the hot mineral spring."
"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."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability3. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
"Near and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms."
"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."
4. Happy Traveler RV Park
"It’s walking distance to downtown, across the street from a convenience store, Starbucks and restaurants, and has multiple hiking trails within walking distance, including one out the back gate."
"We spent 5 nights here and choose this location for it’s proximity to downtown, Aerial Tramway, and Joshua Tree. The park could be a gem once again, but currently worn down."
from $90 / night
Check Availability5. Marion Mountain
"Bathrooms were clean and parking was nice. Paved road all the way to your site. Not able to use fire pits due to fire restrictions."
"Dispersed due to the fact there’s only a few water spigots at select sites and the bathroom were a hike from our spot."
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Thousand Trails Idyllwild
"We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery. I think the sites are a bit too close to each other, I would prefer more space between sites."
"Great bathrooms and showers. Pool and activities were closed in the winter. Pets allowed"
7. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"My practical side enjoys the clean bathrooms with hot showers and proximity to markets for refills on ice and beer."
"Each site has a large fire pit, charcoal grill and a water spout near by. Bathrooms with flushing toilets and coin operated showers."
from $35 - $125 / night
Check Availability8. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
"They have a fire pit with a cooking grill attached to it. But you can bring your own."
"The park does allow fires in the fire pits, of course. And the lake does have fish, so if you’re a fisherman you’re going to love this campground."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability9. Serrano
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
"Flush toilets, clean restrooms, well stocked. Didn't use the showers. Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake. Not much road noise for being located between two roads."
from $44 - $91 / night
Check Availability10. Oasis Palms RV Resort
"Pool is open 24/7 and there are showers and laundry on site. Very friendly staff and a great location to live."
"New Management, Pool, spa, Clubhouse, Showers, laundry rooms, Ping pong, Billiards table, Piano, , Clean and fun. Can accommodate 45' Rigs. Clean sites with 30 and 50 amp. Daily weekly monthly."
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 Glamping Photos near Rancho Mirage, CA
24 Photos of 37 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Rancho Mirage, CA
352 Reviews of 37 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds
- Michael E.
ScoutReflection Lake RV Park
Don't visit too expensive
Has a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
- H
Hope H.GuideSerrano
Very Well Cared For Campground
I came through for an overnight on my trip down from SEKI and ultimately toward the southeastern USA. The drive in was not the most enjoyable, bumpy with 15mph hairpins, but the campground was quiet, and the showers we're VERY clean and hot... (They are push button, but you can keep pushing the button every 8 seconds (it lasts only 10 if you don't). The cleanliness of this place alone would leave it on my list of potential return stops.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Rancho Corrido RV Resort
Off the beaten path older park
Mostly Park Model mobile homes and permanent RV's. There's 20 spots in the back for overnight stays. There is a pool but I didn't use it.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Twentynine Palms Resort
Works for the night
Well kept park, mostly dirt and gravel. Not many trees for shade. Spotty WiFi. There is a pool but I didn't use it. Full hookups $65 a night with a Good Sam discount.
- RRose C.Scout
Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
T T. Gem
This campground has good amenities, more than most and quite close to shopping and dining. They offer full rv hookups and both 30 and 50 amp sites.
- TTed D.
TravelerSan Bernardino National Forest Wild Horse Equestrian Campground
Watkins Glen OK
When 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.
- Dick T.Guide
Marion Mountain
I enjoyed four peaceful days
I 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!
Tarquin P.GuideHappy Traveler RV Park
Great location, Pricey and a bit tired
But overall it worked for us. The sites have large hedges between them which is nice for privacy. It all felt a bit tired and could do with some TLC, but if we needed to stay in Palm Springs again this would work
Guide to Rancho Mirage
Glamping experiences close to Rancho Mirage, California range from mountain retreats to desert oases with thermal springs. The region sits at the intersection of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F during summer months but dropping to comfortable 70-80°F ranges during winter and early spring. Winter nights can get surprisingly cold, often dipping below 45°F in desert locations.
What to do
Hike to palm oases: Marion Mountain Campground provides access to mountain trails with dramatic elevation changes. "Marion mountain is located about 6 miles north of the town of Idyllwild and offers shaded campsites and basic car camping amenities. The campsites are fairly spaced out offering privacy to take in all nature has to offer. This is a great place to camp if you plan to hike Mount San Jacinito via the Marion Mountain trail because the trailhead starts in the campground," notes Shannon C.
Visit nearby date farms: Thermal's date plantations offer tasty treats within driving distance of Oasis Palms RV Resort. "Nice grounds, lots of birds," reports Christine D., making the resort a good base for agricultural exploration.
Play water sports: Lake Skinner Recreation Area combines water activities with family amenities. "We love this campground. It's local to us but a great place to getaway with family. It's family friendly, great flat biking for kids, large dirt area used for parking during the Balloon and Wine festival that kids can play on and ride bikes in. Splash pad open during the summer which is great for kids and adults alike," shares Erin & Travis M.
What campers like
Natural hot springs access: The mineral springs at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provide therapeutic soaking. "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. Many activities for adults as well the staff are very nice and helpful," explains Cheryl T.
Mountain escape during summer heat: Thousand Trails Idyllwild offers cooler temperatures at higher elevation. "When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful. They have plenty of spots for tents, RV's, and cabins. Surrounded by spruce trees, pine trees, and scotch pines reminded me of being Back East," shares Tom W.
Desert camping with privacy: Sites at some resorts use natural landscaping for seclusion. "Each space is surrounded by 15ft hedges to provide privacy so don't have to worry about closing the blinds and you can use your patio as you please without people bothering you. This is definitely an RV park, not a campground, but it offers the best of both," writes Brendon K. about Happy Traveler RV Park.
What you should know
Water quality varies by location: Some desert campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. "The water (sourced from a well) is NOT SAFE to drink or cook with due to excessive arsenic and fluoride. There are however 3 locations in the park with reverse osmosis filters to fill water jugs," Dawn J. warns about Oasis Palms RV Resort.
Seasonal conditions affect experiences: Desert winds can be intense during certain seasons. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirts. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," reports theresa O. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Fire restrictions change throughout year: Check current regulations before arrival. "Not able to use fire pits due to fire restrictions. It was nice being off the main road a bit and right off the Marion Mountain Trail. Great area to explore and hike around right off the campground!" notes Isabelle S. at Marion Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Seek out water features for summer trips: Splash pads provide cooling without lake access. "Nice relaxing weekend get away, most of the full hook up spots are next to nice grass areas. The park is well maintained, multiple trails for biking, running or just taking a nice walk. The park is also pet friendly for a small additional fee," explains Timothy A. about Lake Skinner.
Consider campground location relative to bathroom facilities: Some sites require long walks to restrooms. "The only thing I wish is that the bathrooms were closer to the hookup spots. I know most RVs have bathrooms but most pop ups don't and from space 58 to the nearest bathroom is a 1/4 mile walk. Not horrible but at night when it's PITCH black it can be a bit scary!" advises Martha S. about Serrano.
Book guided nature activities: Regional programs help children engage with desert ecology. "This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee. It has tent, partial, and full hookup sites along with a camp store, fishing, biking, bathrooms, and day use areas. The lake is beautiful and boating is also an option," Andy H. shares about Lake Skinner Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges at mountain sites: Bring extra equipment for sloped locations. "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. Side to side level took one board under left side. We Had to get more lumber in town to level travel the trailer from front to rear," explains Time4Dirt about Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Check site width before booking: Some glamping sites near Rancho Mirage have tight spaces. "The 'street' within the park is pretty tight. We have a 25 ft motorhome and it was pretty difficult to back in to our spot because it was so narrow," warns Pam A. about Oasis Palms RV Park.
Consider routes to avoid steep grades: Access roads vary in quality and steepness. "I recommend coming in and out from Anza passing by lake Hemet, if your towing towards your max capacity. Gradual straight climb through 75% of the way. Takes about 20-30minutes longer then the other ways but work the saving the strain on your truck and drive," advises Peter R. about Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Rancho Mirage, CA?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Rancho Mirage, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Rancho Mirage, CA is Lake Hemet Campground with a 4-star rating from 41 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Rancho Mirage, CA?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 glamping camping locations near Rancho Mirage, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring