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Dog-Friendly Camping near Thousand Palms, CA

16 campgrounds with availability this weekend

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    Thousand Trails Palm Springs accommodates pets across its diverse camping options from RV sites to cabins, with dedicated dog areas for exercise and waste disposal. The palm tree-lined park maintains specific pet policies requiring proper vaccination documentation upon arrival and restricting certain areas from pet access. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA offers similar pet-friendly accommodations with specially designated areas for dogs to run and play. Sites are generally spacious enough for pets, though some reviews note the park can feel crowded during peak seasons. Areas for walking dogs are well-maintained with grass patches scattered throughout the resort.

    Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds including Jumbo Rocks, Black Rock, and Ryan permit leashed pets at campsites but restrict them from trails and backcountry areas. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times and cannot be left unattended. Catalina Spa and RV Resort and Sky Valley RV Resort both feature fenced dog play areas with shade structures and water stations. Nearby veterinary services are available in Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert for emergency care. Temperature considerations are important when camping with pets in this desert region, as summer ground temperatures can exceed 150°F and potentially burn paw pads. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Thousand Palms enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances and maintain a peaceful environment for all guests.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Thousand Palms (256)

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      1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      4.5(125)21mi from Thousand Palms124 sitesRVs, Tents

      "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

      "It is roughly in between the northern and western entrances of the park, which means that it's essentially on the eastern edge of most of the rock climbing areas."

      Campground full this weekend

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      from $30 / night

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      2. Thousand Trails Palm Springs

      4.0(23)4mi from Thousand PalmsRVs, Cabins

      "The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"

      "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."

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      3. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

      4.2(24)9mi from Thousand PalmsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us. Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too! Thanks for a wonderful stay!"

      "Not a sprig of grass which makes it difficult to get dogs to pee and it tracks in SO BAD!"

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      4. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

      4.5(21)8mi from Thousand PalmsRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "Spa in the desert We wanted to escape the rain and cold and hit the jackpot with this location. I was concerned that the pools might be closed due to COVID but both pools were open."

      from $22 - $44 / night

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      5. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      4.2(56)18mi from Thousand Palms99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You're not allowed to use ANY surrounding vegetation for campfires (even kindling) so be prepared to cart in your own wood and kindling."

      "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"

      Campground full this weekend

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      from $35 / night

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      6. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      4.6(32)17mi from Thousand Palms37 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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.

              "

      Campground full this weekend

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      from $30 / night

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      7. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      4.6(65)23mi from Thousand Palms13 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The sites are tucked into the rocks which block wind and kept us nice and warm at night. Bats flew just overhead for a couple hours and I thought it was magical!"

      "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."

      Campground full this weekend

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      from $55 / night

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      8. Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel

      4.3(13)9mi from Thousand Palms1 siteRVs, Tents

      "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

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      9. Sky Valley RV Resort

      4.0(11)6mi from Thousand Palms1 siteRVs, Cabins

      "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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      10. Lake Hemet Campground

      4.0(41)21mi from Thousand PalmsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

      "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."

      from $45 / night

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Thousand Palms, CA

    240 Photos of 256 Thousand Palms Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Thousand Palms, CA

    1996 Reviews of 256 Thousand Palms Campgrounds

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 25, 2026

      Joshua Tree South Entrance

      So many spots, great for every vehicle

      There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park

    • Matthew E.
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Belle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      A Good Campground During the Week

      I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.

    • Aaron S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 19, 2026

      Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up

      Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com 

      If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto. 

      The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect. 

      The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site) 

      Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station: 

      • The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet. 
      • The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave. 
      • The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down. 

      The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes 

      We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather: 

      • T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon. 
      • The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s. 
      • Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions. 

      A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks 

      As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming. 

      We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather: 

      • The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear. 
      • Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight. 
      • The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are. 
      • The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal. 

      The Hitched4fun Verdict 

      Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey. 

      Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!

    • Kimberly E.
      Oct. 18, 2026

      Bear Lake

      Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 18, 2026

      Belle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

      This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!

    • Hans V.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 17, 2026

      South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

      The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.

    Guide to Thousand Palms

    The desert region surrounding Thousand Palms sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level, creating unique camping conditions where daytime temperatures can soar to 110°F in summer while dropping to the 40s at night in winter. Located along the San Andreas Fault, this area features natural palm oases and desert hot springs that provide thermal mineral water at many campgrounds.

    What to do

    Desert hiking trails: Easy access from Black Rock Campground, where multiple trails begin directly at the campground. "This campground was lightly populated during our February visit, which was a bit surprising considering the other JTree camps inside the park were full. The campground is on the outside border of the park. Meaning you don't have to go wait in line at the entrance to access it in and out, and it is much easier to get into Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree if you're both camping and want to visit a restaurant or shop," says Ryan W.

    Rock climbing: Explore formations at Jumbo Rocks Campground within Joshua Tree National Park, where rock formations create natural adventures. "I love this spot specifically because it is a great place to climb. It's conveniently located 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. The campsites are tucked between massive granite boulders that provide natural climbing opportunities without traveling elsewhere.

    Mineral springs soaking: Multiple temperature options await at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, where guests enjoy several hot spring pools. "3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground. Many activities for adults as well," explains Cheryl T. These mineral pools are naturally heated and provide therapeutic benefits after a day of desert exploration.

    What campers like

    Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies create perfect conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. "I recommend visiting during a new moon. The sunsets and night sky have to be some of the best in the world," writes Chance C. about Jumbo Rocks Campground. The lack of light pollution in this area provides exceptional visibility of celestial objects.

    Natural mineral hot springs: Therapeutic soaking is available at Catalina Spa and RV Resort, where multiple pools offer different experiences. "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. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated," reports Jordan W. These natural springs maintain consistent temperatures year-round.

    Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation barriers create separation between camping spots at many locations. "Lower section is blocked by trees and bushes which block you from your neighbors," notes JMark H. about Catalina Spa and RV Resort. These natural dividers help maintain a sense of seclusion even when campgrounds are at full capacity.

    What you should know

    Water planning is essential: Joshua Tree campsites require bringing all your water. "No water in the campground since there isn't a single potable water in this site," Roland B. explains about Ryan Campground. Most desert campgrounds have limited or no water sources on-site.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Thousand Palms, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Thousand Palms, CA is Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 125 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Thousand Palms, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 256 dog-friendly camping locations near Thousand Palms, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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