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.
