Tecopa sits at an elevation of 1,339 feet in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border. RV camping near Tecopa, California provides visitors with access to natural hot springs and stark desert landscapes where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. The surrounding alkaline soils and mineral waters create unusual environmental conditions that support rare desert plants and wildlife.
What to do
Hot spring soaking: The Tecopa area is known for its natural hot springs. At Longstreet Inn Casino & RV Resort, located about 30 miles from Tecopa, visitors can enjoy the stark contrast between desert adventures and relaxing amenities. "We stayed here to visit the nearby Ash Meadow Wildlife Refuge. This place is a must see! The largest oasis in the Mohave Desert. There are miles of boardwalks that take you around some springs and a very nice Visitor Center. And it's free!" reports one camper.
Wildlife viewing: The desert surrounding Tecopa hosts surprising biodiversity. Shoshone RV Park offers access to a nature trail and endangered pupfish habitat. "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). The Shoshone Museum is worth a visit as well," notes one visitor.
Stargazing: The remote desert location provides exceptional night skies with minimal light pollution. "We drove away from the campground at night for some amazing star viewing," shares a camper who stayed at Longstreet Inn Casino & RV Resort.
What campers like
Naturally heated pools: Several campgrounds feature warm spring-fed swimming options. "They have a naturally heated pool, which looked pretty nice," mentions a visitor to Shoshone RV Park, while another adds that "the warm pool is excellent."
Desert oasis environments: The contrast between harsh desert landscapes and lush campground areas appeals to many visitors. "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," writes a camper about Lakeside Casino & RV Resort, adding "you can get lakefront RV spots which are so cool if you have a little canoe kayak anything and just jump on the lake and enjoy your day."
Proximity to Death Valley: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Death Valley National Park. "Stayed here on a 3 day trip to Death Valley. Full hook up for $35/night, 30 minutes from Death Valley-easy drive," notes one Longstreet Inn Casino & RV Resort guest.
What you should know
Water considerations: The mineral content in local water requires planning. "The mineral water flows through local systems, so RVers should bring drinking water or fill tanks elsewhere," advises a veteran camper. Shoshone RV Park provides visitors with "a key when you arrive that opens all of the park's facilities."
Cell service limitations: Communications can be unreliable throughout the region. "Cell reception in the park is really spotty and weak. It seemed to be better in the South end of the park," reports a visitor to Shoshone RV Park.
Seasonal camping: Extreme temperatures affect camping conditions. "This place has it all. Full hookups, no tent camping, some pull through sites others are back in," reports a visitor to Saddle West Hotel Casino RV Resort, which offers year-round operations despite harsh summer heat.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Children appreciate swimming options during hot weather. "The pool is so tropical it has a lovely waterfall going into the pool nice hot tub," reports a visitor to Nevada Treasure RV Resort, adding they have "mini golf in the back, literally anything you can think of this place has it going on."
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife creates memorable experiences for younger campers. "Though they were aggressive, they were never dangerous and have given my kids a few stories they will share for ages," shares a Lakeside Casino & RV Resort camper about the property's ducks and geese.
Diverse activities: Campgrounds with multiple recreation options help families keep entertained. "Amazing landscaping and scenery, super friendly staff, lots of convenience nearby, and friendly campers. The complimentary to premium sites paddle board and kayak rentals were closed due to COVID but that is understandable in this environment," notes another Lakeside visitor.
Tips from RVers
RV inspection policies: Some parks have specific requirements for rigs. "They need to inspect your rig before they will let you in for the 10 year rule and to make sure it looks nice, although there are other rigs in the park that are well over 10 years old and look like crap," reports a camper at Saddle West Hotel Casino RV Resort.
Site selection: Careful site selection can improve the camping experience. "We only spent one night, scouting out for a future reservation. The streets are paved, the sites are gravel with a concrete slab patio. A few end spaces have umbrella tables," advises a camper at Wine Ridge RV Resort.
Pest awareness: Desert camping comes with insect considerations. "We were overwhelmed with how many there were and how fast they found their way around every known barrier and trap we had at our disposal," warns a Lakeside visitor regarding carpenter ants near dumpsters.
