16 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Coachella Valley surrounding Thousand Palms offers numerous big-rig friendly RV parks with full hookup sites, making it one of Southern California's top destinations for RV camping in the winter months. Emerald Desert RV Resort in Palm Desert provides concrete pads with 30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections in a manicured setting. Thousand Trails Palm Springs operates seasonally from September through May with both 30 and 50 amp full hookup sites on white sand surfaces. Cathedral Palms RV Resort maintains 133 sites with full hookups year-round in Cathedral City, featuring both 30 and 50 amp service options. Shadow Hills RV Resort in Indio accommodates large motorhomes with spacious pull-through sites and complete utility connections. As one visitor noted, "The park is large, very spacious and so clean! The gorgeous Palm trees are a little bit of a parking hazard, but they were here before we were."
Seasonal considerations significantly impact RV camping in this desert region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter months the peak season when advance reservations become essential. Most parks offer on-site dump stations, though Coachella Lakes RV Resort is a notable exception. Cell service is generally strong throughout the valley, with visitors reporting good 5G coverage at multiple locations. Interstate 10 provides convenient access to most RV parks, though proximity to the highway and railroad tracks creates noticeable background noise at some locations. Pet-friendly policies are standard across all surveyed parks, with designated dog areas available at many properties. Propane service is available on-site at select locations, while others require trips to nearby suppliers for refills.
"The resort is extremely clean, well-maintained, and quiet."
"Wonderful amenities, courteous & helpful staff, loaner equipment for golf, pickle ball, etc. clean, safe & comfortable. 30 amp plug in did not work & water spigot needs a new washer."
"The amenities were well kept, all sites were concrete slabs, and the signal was good, but it was very loud sit to close proximity to major roads and wasn’t very kid friendly."
"Palm Springs Oasis is very small but it was a great place to stay with just a 5-10 minute drive to downtown!"
"The is a beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Springs, California! The park is large, very spacious and so clean!"
"Plenty of 50-amp sites, which usually means BIG rigs, are all back-in. The mature date palms and tight sites makes parking and manuevering diffecult for big rigs."
"Great for long term RV camping with hookups. They have nice hot springs pools, decent cell signal, and reasonable prices for full hookups."
"This place has a great weekly rate ($35 per night) and great amenities. We got a site across from the laundry/pool/bathroom which was also not far from the dog park."
from $22 - $44 / night
"Shadow Hills RV Resort is a stellar urban RV resort with all the amenities."
"Stayed here because our tow vehicle broke down and needed to stay somewhere while it got fixed. This was the closest place available that had spots open."
from $42 - $9999 / night
"Excellent for big rigs of any size."
"Luckily they participate in Passport America and we got the 50% discount, so our FHU pull through site came to $52 with taxes and fees, so roughly double that for the full price."
from $52 - $113 / night
"Phenomenal Staff & Peaceful Stay My husband and I just finished a week-long stay at Indian Waters RV Resort over Memorial Day weekend, and we are absolutely blown away!"
"Clearly off season as only a few campers here. Nice level concrete pads FHU (bring lots of sewer hose)."
"A great spot away from the main Joshua Tree strip. We visited for one night during the waning height of COVID and staff was taking all the necessary precautions."
"We did a day trip into Joshua Tree National Park, which was amazing. It was a hot day but the RV park had full hookups so we could run the AC in the RV to escape the heat."
from $15 - $55 / night
"Well kept, electrical distribution updated. It is in the landing flight path for the airport but very little traffic. Close to restaurants and stores"
"The staff was nice and the park and sites were all very well kept and level on concrete slabs. The location was near many great restaurants and for the most part the park was quiet."
from $74 - $200 / night
"We stayed at the Idyllwild RV Resort over Labor Day weekend 2020 and we had a great time."
"Site 414 Had No cell coverage for our Verizon phones. After a drive through the park we found Cell coverage only works in lower part of the park. Our Site was not level at all."
GuideThere 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
ScoutLots of open space
ScoutI 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.
LegendThis 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!
RangerThe 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.
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
GuideNice 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.
GuideThis 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.
ScoutFree for up to 7 days. Dry camping, but spots are level. Just behind the General Payton Museum. Great spot for heading further.
Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs offer year-round RV camping near Thousand Palms, California, with temperatures in summer often exceeding 110°F between June and September. The area sits at approximately 190 feet above sea level in the Coachella Valley, surrounded by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains. Several RV parks remain open through summer with reduced rates, though winter (November-April) remains the preferred season when temperatures average 70-80°F during the day.
Desert hiking access: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground provides a convenient base for Joshua Tree National Park exploration, located about 45 minutes from Thousand Palms. "Tidy, with all amenities. Away from highway noise, a place to recharge," notes one camper at Joshua Tree Lake RV Campground. The campground offers full hookup sites while providing easy access to the national park's hiking trails.
Hot springs soaking: The natural mineral springs in Desert Hot Springs offer therapeutic relaxation options. Catalina Spa and RV Resort maintains two hot spring-fed pools at approximately 90°F. "Nice place with hot spring pools. Lots of amenities. Close to downtown Palm Springs. Only issue is it is terribly windy most of the time," mentions a visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. The naturally heated pools operate year-round.
Wildlife viewing: The valley's lake areas attract numerous bird species. Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground features a small pond with waterfowl. "There is a nice little pond with lots of birds that my daughter loved. It's out of the town which we like but not far from the Joshua Tree entrance to the park and lots of coffee shops," reports a camper.
Spacious sites: Many RV parks offer substantial spacing between sites for privacy. "We upgraded to the 'luxury' site which meant that the spacing between sites was a bit greater and we had a lovely patch of green grass between us and our neighbors," reports one visitor to Emerald Desert RV Resort. Site dimensions vary by park, with some offering concrete pads while others provide sand or gravel surfaces.
Community activities: Social events and recreational facilities enhance the camping experience. "There's plenty of space for kids to play, with lawns and a little playground. 2 pools both with shower rooms and 2 separate laundry rooms. Pickleball with daily games, a small and run down mini golf course," describes a visitor at Catalina Spa and RV Resort.
Mountain views: The surrounding mountain ranges create scenic backdrops at many campgrounds. "We had a site on the end next to the BLM land and we had nice views of the mountains over Joshua Tree and the stars at night," shares a camper at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. Clear winter nights offer prime stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution in some areas.
Wind conditions: The Coachella Valley experiences frequent high winds, particularly in spring. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It is warm during the day but cools at night. No wood burning firepits, but you can bring your own propane pit," advises a camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. Campgrounds with windbreaks like mature trees or hedges provide more sheltered sites.
Noise considerations: Several RV parks experience noise from nearby transportation routes. "It's close to the freeway and the road noise is loud and never stops. There is also a freight train that frequently runs along behind the park, and it's very loud," reports a camper at Emerald Desert RV Resort. Requesting interior sites away from highways can reduce noise exposure.
Site accessibility: Palm trees and vegetation can create challenges for larger rigs. "Parking big rig between the palm trees can be a challenge," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Palm Springs. Many parks offer pull-through sites for easier access, while others require more precise navigation between landscaping features.
Pool access restrictions: Some resorts implement reservation systems for pool use. "Nice pool limited to 14 people at a time and you have to book your pool time at the office in the morning between 8-10," shares a visitor at Thousand Trails Palm Springs. During peak season, arriving early helps secure preferred swim times.
Kid-friendly amenities: Coachella Lakes RV Resort offers modern facilities designed with families in mind. "Amazing staff. Amazing HUGE sites. Clean. Lots of planned activities. Great for families. Excellent for big rigs of any size," reports a recent visitor. The resort includes multiple recreation options with organized weekend activities.
Age diversity considerations: Some parks cater primarily to older residents. "The park is definitely more adult-oriented. There weren't any kids other than ours," notes a visitor to Encore Palm Springs Oasis. Checking reviews specifically for family experiences helps identify the most child-friendly options.
Electrical capacity: Shadow Hills RV Resort provides reliable power connections suitable for high-demand usage. "It's got concrete spots so easy to get into and get level. All hookups available. They have a fitness room on site which I thought was nice (and I used!)," shares an RVer. Most parks offer 50-amp service, though availability varies by site.
Propane services: On-site propane fills eliminate the need for travel to external suppliers. "They will come around and take your tanks for you and fill them. They also do garbage pick up in the mornings," notes a visitor to Shadow Hills RV Resort. Not all parks offer this service, so checking in advance prevents unexpected trips for refills.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies considerably between parks and specific sites. "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 a visitor to Thousand Trails Idyllwild. Bringing extra leveling equipment ensures comfort regardless of site assignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Thousand Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Thousand Palms, CA is Emerald Desert RV Resort with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Thousand Palms, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 249 RV camping locations near Thousand Palms, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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