Dick T.
Guide
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.
Glamping near Thousand Palms, CA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Glamping campsites near Thousand Palms offer luxury accommodations in the desert landscape, including climate-controlled canvas tents, deluxe yurts, and premium accommodations with comfortable beds and quality linens at Catalina Spa and RV Resort and Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA. Catalina Spa and RV Resort includes hot mineral spring pools heated to therapeutic temperatures, private patios, and modern bathroom facilities. One guest shared, "We loved this resort as a family of four. The sites and bathrooms were very clean, the front staff were super friendly and accommodating." Both locations provide electricity, Wi-Fi access, and outdoor living spaces with premium furnishings. The eco-friendly glamping options maintain comfort while honoring the natural desert setting, with well-appointed interiors that include kitchenettes, sitting areas, and storage for personal belongings.
Natural mineral hot springs distinguish these glamping resorts, with Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA featuring three temperature-controlled hot tubs for different preferences. A recent visitor mentioned, "The best thing about the place (besides the location) were the natural hot springs hot tubs—three of them!" Guests enjoy pickleball courts, shuffleboard, mini-golf, and horseshoes during daytime hours. Palm Springs attractions lie just 20 minutes south, while Joshua Tree National Park can be reached in 45 minutes for day trips exploring hiking trails and unique desert landscapes. Both properties maintain year-round accessibility with peak seasons running October through March when additional activities like water volleyball, performances, and classes enhance the glamping experience. The central location between major attractions makes these canvas tent accommodations ideal basecamps for exploring Southern California's desert regions.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Thousand Palms (34)
1. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA
"Near and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms."
"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."
2. Catalina Spa and RV Resort
"We loved our location of our site, right by all the awesome amenities this place has! Our kids loved the pool and we couldn’t get enough of the hot mineral spring."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $44 / night
3. Lake Hemet Campground
"You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."
"I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
4. Happy Traveler RV Park
"It’s walking distance to downtown, across the street from a convenience store, Starbucks and restaurants, and has multiple hiking trails within walking distance, including one out the back gate."
"We spent 5 nights here and choose this location for it’s proximity to downtown, Aerial Tramway, and Joshua Tree. The park could be a gem once again, but currently worn down."
Check Availabilityfrom $90 / night
5. Marion Mountain
"Bathrooms were clean and parking was nice. Paved road all the way to your site. Not able to use fire pits due to fire restrictions."
"Dispersed due to the fact there’s only a few water spigots at select sites and the bathroom were a hike from our spot."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
6. Thousand Trails Idyllwild
"We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery. I think the sites are a bit too close to each other, I would prefer more space between sites."
"Great bathrooms and showers. Pool and activities were closed in the winter. Pets allowed"
7. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"My practical side enjoys the clean bathrooms with hot showers and proximity to markets for refills on ice and beer."
"Each site has a large fire pit, charcoal grill and a water spout near by. Bathrooms with flushing toilets and coin operated showers."
3 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $35 - $125 / night
8. Oasis Palms RV Resort
"Pool is open 24/7 and there are showers and laundry on site. Very friendly staff and a great location to live."
"New Management, Pool, spa, Clubhouse, Showers, laundry rooms, Ping pong, Billiards table, Piano, , Clean and fun. Can accommodate 45' Rigs. Clean sites with 30 and 50 amp. Daily weekly monthly."
9. Serrano
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
"The staff were friendly and helpful. The place is well maintained and clean. Campsites have ample spaces in between there are a lot of flat places to pitch our tents."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $44 - $91 / night
10. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
"They have a fire pit with a cooking grill attached to it. But you can bring your own."
"The park does allow fires in the fire pits, of course. And the lake does have fish, so if you’re a fisherman you’re going to love this campground."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
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 Glamping Photos near Thousand Palms, CA
22 Photos of 34 Thousand Palms Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Thousand Palms, CA
354 Reviews of 34 Thousand Palms Campgrounds
- Michael E.
ScoutReflection 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
- H
Hope H.GuideSerrano
Very Well Cared For Campground
I came through for an overnight on my trip down from SEKI and ultimately toward the southeastern USA. The drive in was not the most enjoyable, bumpy with 15mph hairpins, but the campground was quiet, and the showers we're VERY clean and hot... (They are push button, but you can keep pushing the button every 8 seconds (it lasts only 10 if you don't). The cleanliness of this place alone would leave it on my list of potential return stops.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Twentynine Palms Resort
Works for the night
Well kept park, mostly dirt and gravel. Not many trees for shade. Spotty WiFi. There is a pool but I didn't use it. Full hookups $65 a night with a Good Sam discount.
- RRose C.Scout
Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
T T. Gem
This campground has good amenities, more than most and quite close to shopping and dining. They offer full rv hookups and both 30 and 50 amp sites.
- TTed D.
TravelerSan Bernardino National Forest Wild Horse Equestrian Campground
Watkins Glen OK
When I booked at the reservation site I screenshot that water and 30 amp power was available at my site. There is NO water hook up. Overall it’s good 7 out of 10. Lots to do within 2 hours of this place. Staying for 6 days.
- Dick T.Guide
Marion Mountain
I enjoyed four peaceful days
I have some reservations about writing this review because my experience at this campground was wonderful. I enjoyed four peaceful days there, and, surprisingly, there were never more than three campers present. The other visitors were all gray-haired, which contributed to the serenity—there were no barking dogs, loud generators, music, or screaming kids. I spoke with some long-time campers who advised against visiting during holiday weekends and summer; they warned that it can turn chaotic. Marion Mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, exudes character and has a relaxed atmosphere that is not geared for partying, although some attempt to make it so. This campground strictly allows only tent camping and very small teardrop trailers or camper vans; RVs and fifth-wheelers are not permitted. The upper loop(sites 1-5) is great for van or tent camping, but parking is limited to one car/van per site, with no extra parking available. This restriction minimizes the flow of day hikers and keeps the campground tranquil. The inside loop features flatter ground for pitching tents, but it does come with close campsites, reducing privacy since the road rings around sites six through ten, which require a short walk to access. On the lower loop, the outside sites are sloped, and you also need to walk to them. The interior sites here are flat but closely packed, creating a cramped environment. I rated this campground one star for weekends and holidays, but it earns five stars on weekdays and in the shoulder seasons. I would absolutely return, but definitely not on weekends! If I want to hear screaming kids and barking dogs, I can just visit my grandkids. If you value a peaceful camping experience, choose your timing wisely!
Tarquin P.GuideHappy Traveler RV Park
Great location, Pricey and a bit tired
But overall it worked for us. The sites have large hedges between them which is nice for privacy. It all felt a bit tired and could do with some TLC, but if we needed to stay in Palm Springs again this would work
Nick M.GuideBorrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Great if the temp is right
Great campsite. Bathrooms are flushed toilets and they have showers. Great hiking nearby. It can get really windy at night. Make sure you don't go when the temp is high.
Guide to Thousand Palms
The desert region surrounding Thousand Palms sits at approximately 400 feet elevation in the Coachella Valley. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, while winter temperatures remain mild with daytime highs in the 70s. Natural hot springs dot the landscape, with mineral-rich waters ranging from 90°F to 104°F depending on location and season.
What to do
Hot spring soaking year-round: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers three temperature-controlled mineral hot spring pools at different temperatures. "90, 100 and 104 degrees heated in December!!" shares Michael C., making it accessible for all family members regardless of temperature preference.
Desert wildlife viewing: Lake Hemet Campground provides opportunities to spot native wildlife in a mountain setting. "We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" notes Jennifer D. The higher elevation offers a cooler alternative during summer months.
Hiking nearby trails: Marion Mountain Campground connects directly to mountain trails for easy access. "It was nice being off the main road a bit and right off the Marion Mountain Trail. Great area to explore and hike around right off the campground!" according to Isabelle S. Most trails remain accessible spring through fall.
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Happy Traveler RV Park offers unusual privacy features for glamping close to Thousand Palms, California. "Each space is surrounded by 15ft hedges to provide privacy so don't have to worry about closing the blinds and you can use your patio as you please without people bothering you," notes Brendon K.
Multiple pool options: Catalina Spa and RV Resort provides unique mineral spring experiences. "We stayed for 2 and a half months and enjoyed the amenities daily. There is plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms and 2 separate laundry rooms," reports Ashley M., highlighting the extensive water facilities.
Dark skies for stargazing: Borrego Palm Canyon Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing. "Very dark skies, with coyotes singing all night," writes Colette K. The low elevation and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts from October through April.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some facilities have water limitations. At Oasis Palms RV Resort, "The water is NOT SAFE to drink or cook with due to excessive arsenic and fluoride. There are however 3 locations in the park with reverse osmosis filters to fill water jugs," warns Dawn J. Bring containers for potable water.
Seasonal wind patterns: High winds affect many desert locations. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It's is warm during the day but cools at night," advises Scott G. Wind tends to be strongest during spring afternoons.
Limited shade availability: Most glamping sites near Thousand Palms have minimal natural shade. "Needs a little work... Sites are not level," notes Cindy B. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA. Consider portable shade structures during summer months when temperatures exceed 100°F.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational activities: Thousand Trails Idyllwild offers activities for all ages. "We tent camped 3 days 2 nights during Memorial weekend with 3 other families. We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery," shares Angela. The higher elevation provides a cooler option during summer months.
Water recreation options: Many sites feature swimming facilities. "The best thing about Oasis Palms RV Resort is the pool is open 24/7 and there are showers and laundry on site," according to Samantha R., making it convenient for families with different schedules.
Fire restrictions awareness: Check current fire rules before arrival. "Not able to use fire pits due to fire restrictions," reports Isabelle S. about Marion Mountain Campground. Propane fire pits are permitted at most locations when wood fires are prohibited.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at many locations. At Thousand Trails Idyllwild, "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension," reports Time4Dirt.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "The entrance into the KOA - if coming in and making a right - be careful as you essentially end up making a U-turn around a rock wall and into the park. Just a funky entrance," warns Cindy B. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA.
Hookup positioning: Verify sewer connection placement. "Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty," notes Cindy B., a common issue at several glamping locations near Thousand Palms where terrain slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Thousand Palms, CA?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Thousand Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Thousand Palms, CA is Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Thousand Palms, CA?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Thousand Palms, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 glamping camping locations near Thousand Palms, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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