Robyn C.
Traveler
TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
Camping near Thousand Palms, CA
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Camping near Thousand Palms, California spans from full-service RV parks to public land sites within proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. The region includes campgrounds like Catalina Spa and RV Resort and Thousand Trails Palm Springs, both offering mixed-use facilities that accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin rentals. Located in the Coachella Valley desert environment, these campgrounds provide convenient access to Palm Springs attractions while serving as bases for exploring Joshua Tree National Park approximately 30-45 minutes away. Most developed sites in the area feature amenities such as swimming pools, laundry facilities, and full hookups, particularly appealing during winter months when temperatures remain mild.
Weather conditions significantly shape the camping season around Thousand Palms, with most facilities operating year-round but experiencing highest demand from fall through spring. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making camping challenging without adequate cooling systems. Public campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park like Hidden Valley, Black Rock, and Jumbo Rocks offer more primitive camping experiences with basic amenities such as vault toilets and picnic tables but limited or no water sources. Reservation requirements vary by location, with most private RV parks requiring advance booking during peak winter months. One visitor noted, "We are here in November and December and daytime high's are in the low 80's. The park feels like a day on beach with white sand to park on in most spaces, towering Palm trees, and brightly colored tropical flowers."
Many campgrounds near Thousand Palms feature distinctive desert landscapes with palm trees and mountain views as primary attractions. Campers consistently mention proximity to desert hot springs as a highlight of staying in the area. Several visitors noted challenges with site spacing in the more developed RV parks, with one review mentioning, "The palm trees and strange angles make it difficult to get in. Definitely be sure to arrive during daylight hours if it's your first time here." Road noise from nearby Interstate 10 affects some camping areas, particularly Thousand Trails Palm Springs. Proximity to Joshua Tree National Park provides opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing excursions. The region's camping options generally reflect a balance between access to urban amenities in Palm Springs and the natural desert landscapes that characterize the area.
Best Campgrounds near Thousand Palms (420)
1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Thousand Trails Palm Springs
"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!"
3. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
"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."
"ALSO not the parks fault but 2 small trailers pulled in next to us around 10 pm and had lots of people and lots of kids."
4. Catalina Spa and RV Resort
"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."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability5. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability6. Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"Rangers comes around several times per day to collect camping fees. Have credit card ready to pay. Honor system upon exit if you miss them. Easy walk to Hidden Valley loop trail."
"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."
7. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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.
"
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability9. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel
"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 Availability10. Sky Valley RV Resort
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 7 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 53 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Camping Photos near Thousand Palms, CA
780 Photos of 420 Thousand Palms Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Emerald Desert RV Resort
Catalina Spa and RV Resort
Rancho Capotista
Sandy Cove RV ParkL
Caliente Springs RV ResortJ
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Parks
Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest) — San Bernardino National Forest
Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites — Joshua Tree National Park
Sheep Pass Group Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Recent Reviews near Thousand Palms, CA
1988 Reviews of 420 Thousand Palms Campgrounds
FiftysevenNine T.
GuideDesert Rose Collective RV Parking
functional
Nice place, rustic, unpublicized, congenial host. It can accommodate a number of vans and RVs, but I was the only guest. There is water and nothing else that is stated in the blurb. A self-contained rig is recommended.
As I explored the premises, I imagined that a small traveling couple or group could enjoy the camp as a peaceful alternative to Joshua Tree or Desert Hot Springs. There is evidence that guests stayed there before, with ample communal space for a campfire experience possibly with libations.
The camp might not be a priority business for the host, thus a work-in-progress or attempted endeavor. It has potential to be a stellar and successful camp if kempt.
Security was my concern, being solo, so I locked down more than usual when I left during the day for a music festival. No issues. I stayed three nights. The location is four miles from Morongo Valley Covington Park and the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a hiking attraction.
A bumpy dirt road to get to camp. Unsure if a large RV can traverse it. Call or text is the only way to book. The cellphone number is on Google Maps.
Dick T.GuideMarion Mountain
Laid-Back campground
This is my go-to campground. I live in the San Diego area. It's designed for your season camper that prefers tranquility over business. It's not recommended during the weekend.
- DDawid W.
ScoutChiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
Free spot
Free for up to 7 days. Dry camping, but spots are level. Just behind the General Payton Museum. Great spot for heading further.
Beverley G.GuideBashford's Hot Mineral Spa
Friendly and laid back, a great place to visit in Winter
I've stayed at Bashford's a number of times since 2023, in Fall/Winter. I love that you can get into the hot spring tubs any time of day or night, and they also have a nice pool. I've stayed there for a month a couple of times which works out very cost effective. It's near Bombay Beach and the Ski Inn; it's a no frills easy going vibe.
Julien M.TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Spacious campsites
Camped with two people and had tons of space in our site. The car parking is a slightly away from the site, which we liked but maybe not other peoples’ preference
- Michael E.Scout
Reflection Lake RV Park
Don't visit too expensive
Has a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
Li K.TravelerHolloway's Marina & RV Park
A disappointing experience
We reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
D F.ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Nice lake, challenging crowd
The scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
Guide to Thousand Palms
Desert campsites near Thousand Palms, California sit at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet across the Coachella Valley, experiencing temperature swings of up to 40°F between day and night. The area's geology features the San Andreas Fault line running directly through the region, creating unique hot springs that feed several RV resorts. Winter camping nights typically drop to the mid-40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s.
What to do
Boulder climbing at Jumbo Rocks: Explore natural rock formations perfect for amateur climbers of all skill levels at Jumbo Rocks Campground. "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.
Night sky photography: The dark skies in Joshua Tree National Park create ideal conditions for astrophotography. "I recommend visiting during a new moon. The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," says Chance C. from Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Soak in natural mineral hot springs: Many RV parks near Thousand Palms feature natural hot spring pools with varying temperatures. At Sam's Family Spa RV Resort, "Four mineral water small pools set to different temperatures. The hottest is 104 degrees. These pools are powered by natural hot springs no added chemicals!" according to a reviewer.
What campers like
Natural privacy barriers: At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, sites have thoughtful landscaping. "Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors. Lower mineral pool is more adult friendly," notes JMark H., highlighting how the layout creates more private camping spots.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature unexpected wildlife encounters. "In the morning, we spent our days scrambling across the rock formations and our nights marveling at the Milky Way in one of the best dark-sky locations in California," writes Jama A. about their stay at Jumbo Rocks.
Desert spring blooms: Depending on winter rainfall, February through April can bring colorful wildflower displays. "The vegetation came alive the Joshua Trees, the cactus and flowers were all perked up and some puddles of rain water still covered the ground in a few areas," observes Dave M. from Indian Cove Campground.
What you should know
Site selection matters for wind protection: The high desert experiences frequent strong winds. "Sites are good, bathrooms are always cleaned. Close to amenities if you need it compared to the more remote stays inside the national park," notes Ashley W. from Black Rock Canyon.
Water access limitations: Most Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds lack water sources. "Make sure you check the low and high temps to plan accordingly. The desert has been known to test adventurers, so travel safely," advises Justin L., emphasizing the need to bring adequate water supplies.
Cell service varies dramatically: Coverage depends entirely on campground location. "I like this campground the best because the road is paved and that cuts down on the desert dust. Only drawback is there is no cell service at all at this campground," reports Susan N. about Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Temperature extremes: Desert conditions create wide temperature variations. "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! I know better, but we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!" shares one camper about their winter camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with family activities: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers structured recreation. "Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for adults as well the staff are very nice and helpful," reports Cheryl T.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Children enjoy observing desert wildlife but need safety guidelines. "We did have a coyote visitor twice in the morning, so don't forget to keep your food/trash locked up from critters!" advises Sierra T. about their Joshua Tree camping experience.
Consider proximity to medical services: Remote campgrounds can be 45+ minutes from urgent care facilities. "Close to amenities if you need it (we travel with small children so that's a plus) compared to the more remote stays inside the national park," mentions a reviewer about Black Rock Canyon.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require significant leveling work. "Sites are not level. Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty (our neighbors had the same situation)," warns Cindy B. about their experience at Ryan Campground.
Rig size restrictions matter: Several campgrounds have tight access roads. "Amazing what a delightful place to stay! Very unique with stunning boulders through your the camp ground! Clean bathrooms too!! No showers or hook up if any kind! We have a 29ft trailer with truck got in and out ok much bigger you would have a problem many tight spaces," explains Diane M. about Jumbo Rocks.
Power management for summer stays: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in summer months. "Spots on the east side have 50 and 30 amp and most are quite large. Clean laundry area, dog bark and a clubhouse with activities for the kids," notes Bryan S. about a Thousand Trails location, emphasizing the importance of adequate power for cooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Thousand Palms, CA?
What camping is available near Thousand Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Thousand Palms, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 420 campgrounds and RV parks near Thousand Palms, CA and 117 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Thousand Palms, CA?
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 125 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thousand Palms, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thousand Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 117 free dispersed camping spots near Thousand Palms, CA.
What parks are 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 Joshua Tree National Park and San Bernardino National Forest.
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