3 MONTHS FREEPlan your California trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Dog-Friendly Camping near Rancho Mirage, CA

19 campgrounds with availability this weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Catalina Spa and RV Resort's dedicated pet area provides dogs space to exercise while staying at one of the pet-friendly campgrounds near Rancho Mirage. All sites at Thousand Trails Palm Springs, Lake Hemet Campground, and Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA welcome pets with specific guidelines. Accommodations range from tent sites to cabins, with most properties offering full hookups for RVers traveling with animals. Palm Springs Thousand Trails enforces stricter pet rules than other parks in the network, requiring leashes throughout the property. Dog owners appreciate the privacy provided by 15-foot hedges surrounding sites at Happy Traveler RV Park, allowing pets to enjoy patio areas without disturbing neighbors. The grounds at Thousand Trails feature beautiful date palm trees throughout the pet-friendly camping sections. Several sites near Rancho Mirage, California are featured on The Dyrt.

    Joshua Tree National Park's Black Rock and Jumbo Rocks campgrounds permit leashed pets but restrict them from trails, protecting wildlife and the fragile desert ecosystem. For hikers with dogs, the Palm Springs area offers multiple pet-friendly trails accessible directly from campgrounds, including one through Happy Traveler's back gate. Cathedral Palms RV Resort maintains well-landscaped sites that provide privacy for pets through mature shrubs, while still located near restaurants and stores. Campers should note the desert climate requires extra consideration for pets, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Emerald Desert RV Resort offers multiple dog parks, though one was under construction according to recent visitor reports. The road noise from Interstate 10 and nearby train tracks might disturb sensitive animals at some campgrounds in the Palm Desert area.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Rancho Mirage (266)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Thousand Trails Palm Springs

      4.0(23)7mi from Rancho MirageRVs, Cabins

      "The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"

      "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."

      Check Availability

      2. Lake Hemet Campground

      4.0(41)16mi from Rancho MirageRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

      "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."

      from $45 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

      4.5(21)9mi from Rancho MirageRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "Spa in the desert 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."

      from $22 - $44 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

      4.2(24)11mi from Rancho MirageRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us. Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too! Thanks for a wonderful stay!"

      "Not a sprig of grass which makes it difficult to get dogs to pee and it tracks in SO BAD!"

      Check Availability

      5. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      4.5(125)26mi from Rancho Mirage124 sitesRVs, Tents

      "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

      "It is roughly in between the northern and western entrances of the park, which means that it's essentially on the eastern edge of most of the rock climbing areas."

      Available this weekend

      from $30 / night

      3 Sites Available

      6. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      4.3(32)16mi from Rancho Mirage28 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Lake Fulmor is 3 miles away to take pups swimming off leash.  Idyllwild is a charming town for small town vibe. Nice trails close to PCT and rock climbing by Humber Park."

      "Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."

      Available this weekend

      from $25 - $45 / night

      6 Sites Available

      7. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      4.2(56)21mi from Rancho Mirage99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You're not allowed to use ANY surrounding vegetation for campfires (even kindling) so be prepared to cart in your own wood and kindling."

      "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"

      Available this weekend

      from $35 / night

      21 Sites Available

      8. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel

      4.3(13)11mi from Rancho Mirage1 siteRVs, Tents

      "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

      9. Hurkey Creek Park

      4.5(21)16mi from Rancho MirageRVs, Tents

      "2 for pets. With BBQ pits and plenty of picnic tables with shade, it’s well worth it."

      "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."

      from $30 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Sky Valley RV Resort

      4.0(11)10mi from Rancho Mirage1 siteRVs, Cabins

      "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."

      Check Availability
    View all 266 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Rancho Mirage Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Rancho Mirage, CA

    240 Photos of 266 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Rancho Mirage, CA

    2018 Reviews of 266 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds

    • tooth W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 26, 2026

      Stagecoach Trails Resort

      Beautifully set in the Anzo-Berrago state park. Excellent clean facilities

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 25, 2026

      Joshua 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

    • Matthew E.
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Belle 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 19, 2026

      Round 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.
      Oct. 18, 2026

      Bear Lake

      Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 18, 2026

      Belle 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 17, 2026

      South 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.

    Guide to Rancho Mirage

    Camping opportunities in the Rancho Mirage area span elevations from near sea level to over 4,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations throughout the year. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F in the lower desert regions, while winter nights at higher elevation campgrounds can drop below freezing. Desert camping conditions change rapidly with seasonal winds that can reach 60 mph during certain times of year.

    What to do

    Explore volcanic formations: At Jumbo Rocks Campground, the unusual rock formations provide natural playgrounds. "I love this spot specifically because it is a great place to climb. It's conveniently close to skull rock and discovery trail. Although my favorite part of this campground is how clearly you can see the stars," notes Andrea C.

    Soak in mineral hot springs: Sky Valley RV Resort offers multiple natural mineral pools set at different temperatures. "There are two locations in the park with mineral Pools and mineral hot tubs. There is a large grass area with ponds and black swans. This is a great location to relax by the pool with a short drive to Palm Springs or Joshua tree," writes Jillean G.

    Fish at mountain lakes: Lake Hemet Campground provides fishing opportunities about 45 minutes from the desert floor. "We fished in the lake during the late afternoon. Quick trip to get to it by car," explains Taleen D. The lake is stocked with trout and access is available year-round.

    What campers like

    Heated mineral pools: Sam's Family Spa RV Resort features natural hot springs that don't use chlorine. "The hot pools are not chlorinated: water flows through them and they are drained nightly," explains Kurt P. The resort offers four different temperature pools ranging from warm to very hot.

    Mountain climate escape: Located at higher elevation, Idyllwild Campground provides cooler temperatures during summer months. "3 minute walk into downtown idyllwild, with its great bars and restaurants. Strangely also seems secluded from downtown and quiet," reports Megan B. Temperature differences between desert and mountain campgrounds can exceed 30 degrees.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature resident wildlife. "Quails running around everywhere, cool little spot at JTree, a little different than Jumbo and the other climber sites," Michael K. notes about Black Rock Campground. The Joshua Tree area supports diverse desert wildlife including roadrunners, jackrabbits and coyotes.

    What you should know

    Wind patterns affect camping quality: Desert campgrounds experience significant wind events. "It was very windy and we had to leave one day early because we didn't want to travel back in a high wind advisory," explains Gustavo C. about Thousand Trails Palm Springs.

    Limited cell service in natural areas: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds. "Only drawback is there is no cell service at all at this campground," notes Susan N. about Jumbo Rocks Campground. Desert Hot Springs campgrounds typically have stronger signals than those within Joshua Tree National Park.

    Campground elevation affects temperature: The temperature difference between desert floor and mountain campgrounds can exceed 30 degrees. "We went in January and were definitely a bit unprepared for the cold but we made it work and it was so beautiful," Rebecca W. shares about Idyllwild Campground, which sits at approximately 5,400 feet elevation.

    Tips for camping with families

    Mineral pools with varied temperatures: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers hot springs suitable for different ages. "Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too!" explains Gina P., making this one of the most accessible dog-friendly campgrounds near Rancho Mirage for families.

    Recreational facilities for various ages: Many campgrounds offer structured activities beyond hiking. "We spent a couple of nights and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Full hook up sites, pull through and back in," notes Lindsay K. about the KOA facilities that include mini-golf and playgrounds.

    Water play areas during summer: Lake Hemet provides swimming options during hot months. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! The section we were in only had a volt potty but there were showers there in another section," Jennifer D. shares about her family's experience.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, veterans recommend specific areas. "Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors. Lower mineral pool is more adult friendly," advises JMark H., highlighting the importance of location within pet-welcoming campgrounds near Rancho Mirage.

    Weather preparedness essentials: Desert temperature fluctuations require specific equipment. "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," warns Donovan at Lake Hemet Campground.

    Specialized RV facilities: Some resorts offer premium amenities for longer stays. "We've been here for about 4 weeks and are going to store our rig and car here for a month before returning for another 3 weeks in Jan-Feb. Staff is outstanding. We've enjoyed learning and playing pickleball," explains Scott G. at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rancho Mirage, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rancho Mirage, CA is Thousand Trails Palm Springs with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 266 dog-friendly camping locations near Rancho Mirage, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

    Keep Exploring