Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Thermal, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Thermal is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Thermal, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"Absolutely love staying just outside the park. Easy access to some beautiful trails and you can easily fill up with water, dump out, and use the garbage from your vehicle."
"This is a great free site right at the edge of Joshua Tree National park. Spots are far apart and you don’t have to worry about other people. Area is flat and easy to set up and park on."
$30 / night
"They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."
"bathrooms but no water access and the main entrance is about 45 drive, so come prepared. great access to climbing walking distance or short drive. stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets."
"We love hiking the rope/ladder trail loop during the day and star gazing at night. No bugs and the weather is amazing if you’re at the base of the canyon."
"Easy to find a place to tuck away in a tent or truck at night and enjoy hiking again in the AM."
"Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."
"Great view of the lake from most of the tent sections. Access to showers and restrooms. There is a pool in the summer and enough shade to stay as cool as the desert allows without A/C."
"I didn’t have high expectations but after going, it’s perfect for any off-roader. We travel in large groups so this site is ideal for us!"
"I researched this spot a ton and was hesitant to go - mostly because my 1987 VW Westfalia isn’t 4WD, and everything I read said you must have an off road vehicle, but the area looked beautiful and we didn"
"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."
"The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"
$55 / night
"Water was a little tricky to find at first because it was tucked next to a campsite that had an RV parked out front.
Wildflowers were blooming all around in mid-spring. "
"Had great hikes on the many paths. Drove through Joshua Tree National forest, through Cholla and Ocotilla gardens. Saw Skull rock and the fabulous gigantic rock formations."
"Recommend driving off to the sides were you will find event more tucked away campsites with fire rings around them. Only 1 bathroom near the beginning the the road."
"The main road was a super easy drive, definitely doable 2 wheel drive but 4 wheel is recommended."
"The only challenge was the highway noise. But it’s a sweet spot."
"Very friendly staff and a great location to live."
$52 - $113 / night
"This place is huge and so are the sites. 2 pools but of course as luck would have it one pool that’s about 20 steps from our campsite is closed! Office staff were friendly as were workers."
"I believe the spots that will be opening up that are further away from all the amenities will be cheaper."
GuideVery nice campground. Camping spots are spacious and clean. They do offer showers, but they are pay showers and only take quarters. They were doing some construction on a playground while we were there, but it didn’t bother anything. Overall a nice campground
GuideThis is a unique spot to camp, because you’re met with people backpacking the summit and people going through the PCT! There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California
GuideWe stayed the night of a new moon, the stars were gorgeous, and there was SO much room between campsites! The entrance from the south does take a little longer, but is much less crowded!🫶
RangerCamp host there was very nice and friendly, there’s a few sites on this campground. They allow you to stay 7 days and the camp host will take your information down. Right next to the airport. You can barely hear any highway noise!
RangerDefinitely recommend staying here when it’s dry. Huge open space. Very hot, no shade in the area. We moved to the Walmart nearby when it rained and came back, some spots were tough to navigate around and got stuck. Overall good camp sites. No dumpster or services. Locals frequent with OHV so gets loud on the weekends.
TravelerIt was kind of funny. The roads very bumpy, but my sedan made it no problem. Just pay attention to the ground because there are some anthills. Stayed out of their way and they’ll stay out of your way. Not really noticing any bugs, light breeze, I went a mile off of the road so I can barely hear the highway. I like that the mountains will block the sun in the morning so I can do some yoga and meditation. Got up to 105 today so I’ll probably be out of here by seven. Up at four or five in the morning. I can’t tell if this is a good place for hiking, but there’s lots of places to camp and it’s all free. You could show up here in the middle of the night and you’d probably find a campsite, although it’s dark and I would not recommend it. If you’re planning to go here, get here when it’s light out so you can have an easy time of set up, etc.. and you don’t wanna get any surprises. I thought I might see a snake or two, but I haven’t seen anything. I’ve had my shirt off and there’s been no bugs so for me, avoiding a hotel and paying a fee to campsite, this was a winner.
GuideQuiet, far enough from the highway, great view and sunset
LegendWe took 2 vans up for just one night and it really was a great time! The campsite itself is no frills. Basically a huge dirt lot. Each spot has a picnic table. No hookups. There was 2 toilets near by which were clean! The price is steep for what it is, but you’re paying for the convenience of being literally in the town. We had a great dinner at Pappy & Harriet’s and then watched live music at the Red Dog Saloon. Red Dog is pet friendly, we could bring our dog right to the bar - the breakfast there is also awesome! It was fun to walk around the town at night!
GuideStunning canyons to explore! They are marked and theres also pit toilets halfway through the main road to turnaround point. Hummingbirds came right up to my face! Didn’t even know they lived out here also saw whiptail lizard. Cell AT&T spotty to none the further you go in but theres random places with 2bars or more. Says mandatory 4WD but your fine with 2WD as long as you stick to main road or the pullouts that look like firm like the main road.
Camping near Thermal, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.
Camping near Thermal, California, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Thermal, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 272 campgrounds and RV parks near Thermal, CA and 40 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thermal, CA is Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 59 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 40 free dispersed camping spots near Thermal, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Thermal, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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