Best Campgrounds near Thousand Palms, CA

Thousand Palms is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Thousand Palms 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 Thousand Palms, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Thousand Palms, California (334)

    1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    116 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $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."

    2. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-4431

    $22 - $44 / night

    "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."

    "You don’t get many good views inside the RV park gates, but once you walk out there driveway and along the street you can actually get some good mountain views on clear days."

    3. Thousand Trails Palm Springs

    18 Reviews
    Bermuda Dunes, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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!"

    4. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 251-6555

    "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."

    "Plenty of stuff to do behind the walls, mini golf, dog kamp, pool, hot tubs, games, game room... Nice shower house and bathrooms. Camp store is a little small but has the essentials."

    5. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "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"

    "The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.

    • Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels."

    6. Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    39 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-3001

    "The entire campgrounds are surrounded in a wall of boulders varying in shales and sizes. Tons of fun to scramble and boulder on. We wenf in July and the evening temps were fantastic."

    "Location is great and close by to al the main attraction!"

    7. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    62 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $55 / night

    "Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills."

    "Indian Cove is on the Northern side of the park, and you will use a different entrance than the main park entrance."

    8. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."

    "Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree

    Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.

            "

    9. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel

    11 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-6457

    $60 / night

    "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."

    10. Sky Valley RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Thousand Palms, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 548-2960

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 334 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Thousand Palms, CA

1769 Reviews of 334 Thousand Palms Campgrounds



Guide to Thousand Palms

Camping near Thousand Palms, California, offers a unique blend of desert beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around Joshua Tree National Park. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "So much exploring to be had right from your campsite. The high desert is fascinating."
  • Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, the rock formations are a big draw. A visitor at Hidden Valley Campground mentioned, "The campground flanks some large rock formations that host rock climbers during the day."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for incredible stargazing. A camper at Jumbo Rocks Campground said, "Be sure to climb up on the rocks at night for some awesome stargazing."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. One reviewer at Indian Cove Campground said, "What a beautiful place. It was really quiet when we were there and saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Black Rock Campground mentioned, "The sites are nicely spread out. Bathrooms are extremely clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like William Heise County Park are noted for being great for families. One family shared, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "The Campground offers the most basic accommodations as toilets; no water or showers."
  • Busy Seasons: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, "I arrived at 5 PM and already almost all spots were taken."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for temperature swings. A camper at Indian Cove Campground warned, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park that offer activities for kids. One reviewer said, "Great place for family and kids. Affordable."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. A family at Jumbo Rocks Campground enjoyed climbing on the rocks, saying, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
  • Stay Hydrated: The desert can be hot, so make sure to pack plenty of water. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground reminded others, "Bring your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground suggested, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Roads can be bumpy, so drive carefully. A visitor at Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping noted, "The road was quite bumpy, but we managed with a campervan."
  • Plan for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have hookups. A camper at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "Smaller rigs only. Not very level sights."

Camping near Thousand Palms, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're hiking, climbing, or just soaking in the views. With a little planning, you can have a fantastic experience in this beautiful desert landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Thousand Palms, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Thousand Palms, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 334 campgrounds and RV parks near Thousand Palms, CA and 48 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Thousand Palms, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thousand Palms, CA is Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 116 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thousand Palms, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 48 free dispersed camping spots near Thousand Palms, CA.

What parks are near Thousand Palms, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Thousand Palms, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.