Tecopa, California sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in the Mojave Desert, offering year-round glamping opportunities with temperatures reaching 110°F in summer and dropping to freezing in winter. The desert terrain surrounding Tecopa features alkali flats, desert scrub vegetation, and nearby hot springs that remain accessible throughout the year.
What to do
Hot springs exploration: At Shoshone RV Park, campers can enjoy a naturally heated pool after exploring the desert. "They have full hookups, shower and laundry and a natural hot spring pool. It's really nice after a day on 100+ in Death Valley," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Check out the endangered pupfish habitat preservation area near camp. "I did walk the nature trail and see the endangered pupfish in the habitat restoration area and enjoyed the winter birds (phainopepla, verdin, marsh wren, and of course ravens)," shares one reviewer.
Brewery visit: Sample craft beers just minutes from your glamping site. "There is a great pizza cafe and brewer just a few miles south in Tecopa that I can recommend," mentions a camper, highlighting local dining options not found at typical desert camping locations.
What campers like
Mineral water swimming: Lakeside Casino & RV Resort offers unique water experiences in the desert. "Wow just when you pull in you see trees galore after getting here driving through the desert you realize you've now arrived in a little oasis," one camper observes about this glamping option near Tecopa.
Mountain vistas: Luxury accommodations with scenic backdrops provide perfect photography opportunities. "We spent a month at this lovely campground. The amenities are awesome with a small lake in the middle of the park. Seeing a hot air balloon pass over the campground on a sunny morning is a sight to behold," a visitor describes.
Desert hiking access: Sites serve as ideal basecamps for exploring nearby terrain. "This is a quiet little place just south of the south entrance to Death Valley. It's only an hour drive to Badwater from the south entrance and also an hour to Furnace Creek," notes a reviewer about glamping close to Tecopa.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be unreliable throughout the area. "Cell reception in the park is really spotty and weak. It seemed to be better in the South end of the park," warns a camper at Saddle West Hotel Casino & RV Resort.
Seasonal temperature extremes: Pack appropriately for dramatic day-night temperature variations in all seasons. "Weather was great this time of year," mentions one spring visitor, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
Water conservation: Despite proximity to springs, potable water remains limited. "No running water in the campground. Spigots have been capped, and where there once were showers, there are now portable toilets," reports a visitor to nearby mountains.
Tips for camping with families
Outdoor recreation options: Wine Ridge RV Resort provides organized activities suitable for all ages. "This place has absolutely beautiful and charming little place for sure to stay in and reasonable prices as well," notes one family who visited this glamping destination near Tecopa.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for sites with pools and play areas. "Nicely paved roads, nicely well-kept grounds, Charming guest pleasant workers, nice big pool dog walking areas, Full hook ups, laundry room long spots to pull any Rig in to," a reviewer mentions.
Structured activities: Some resorts offer scheduled events. "It's a well kept, gated community which includes cabins, cottages, pools, pickle-ball courts and organized community events like bingo, free waffle breakfast a few days per week," reports a family camper.
Tips from RVers
Overnight positioning: SKP Pair-a-Dice RV Park offers economical options for glamping near Tecopa. "They have 18 FCFS sites with no hookups or amenities. Members get their first night free and additional nights are seven dollars. Or you can pay seven dollars like I did on your first night to access the sewer dump and water," advises an RVer.
Supply planning: Stock up before arrival as local options are limited and expensive. "The store also had a couple of boxes of DEF on the shelf. We didn't try the sole cafe in Shoshone, the Crossbar," shares one RV camper regarding limited supplies.
Parking considerations: Sites vary significantly in size and layout. "Some of the places are parallel parking. They have propane in case you need to fill up. Very small office but right when you pull in you'll see it," notes a visitor describing the unique setup at certain glamping areas around Tecopa.
