Best Glamping near Whitewater, CA

Several glamping options surround the Whitewater area within California's desert and mountain regions. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA in Desert Hot Springs houses safari tents and yurts with comfortable bedding, climate control, and essential amenities only 20 minutes from Whitewater. Catalina Spa and RV Resort boasts upscale canvas accommodations with private patios, plush queen beds, and full en-suite bathrooms. Thousand Trails Idyllwild, situated in the San Jacinto mountains, includes elevated glamping experiences with electricity, kitchenettes, and outdoor seating areas. Each glamping site features different comfort levels, from basic electricity and comfortable mattresses to premium units with private bathrooms, mini-refrigerators, and heating/cooling systems. One visitor noted, "The setting of this campground is beautiful with lots of open spaces and some small trails with cool views."

The surrounding natural environment provides diverse experiences for glamping guests. Trails accessible directly from these eco-friendly glamping sites connect to larger hiking networks, including paths near the Marion Mountain area with stunning mountain vistas. Lake Hemet Campground, approximately 30 minutes from Whitewater, offers glamping accommodations with lake access for fishing, kayaking and swimming during warmer months. All glamping locations provide fire rings or barbecue grills for outdoor cooking, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Most sites require reservations, particularly during peak seasons from spring through fall. According to a recent visitor, "We stayed in a glamping pod that was surprisingly even and comfortable. The facilities are clean and convenient, with operators available via text if you need anything." Proximity to Palm Springs (under 20 minutes) allows guests to enjoy desert attractions while returning to comfortable glamping accommodations.

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Best Glamping Sites Near Whitewater, California (42)

    1. Lake Hemet Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2680

    $45 / night

    "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."

    2. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

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

    $22 - $44 / night

    "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."

    3. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

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

    "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."

    4. Marion Mountain

    10 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2922

    $10 - $34 / night

    "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."

    5. Thousand Trails Idyllwild

    10 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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"

    6. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8021

    $44 - $91 / night

    "This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."

    "Flush toilets, clean restrooms, well stocked. Didn't use the showers. Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake. Not much road noise for being located between two roads."

    7. Happy Traveler RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Palm Springs, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 325-8518

    $90 / night

    "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."

    8. Seven Oaks Lodge - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD

    4 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 794-2917

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Check in is near 12. I only assume that since check out is 11. When we arrived the camp host was waiting for us."

    "Tent camping, RV camping, they have a restaurant and bar, best burgers in all of southern California!! They also have a small store, there's showers, restrooms and a swimming pool!"

    9. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 926-1541

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "Lake Skinner is spacious and can take any type of camper. Bathrooms & showers are clean. Store was well stocked. We will visit again."

    10. Cherry Valley Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Calimesa, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 845-4965

    "They will allow you to stay for free if you listen to their pitch. There are several other campgrounds included with the membership."

    "Kind staff. Clean fun small park"

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Glamping Reviews near Whitewater, CA

356 Reviews of 42 Whitewater Campgrounds


  • Jake P.
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    No shade, go in the cooler months

    Really good site. Showers, pit toilet, running water, but it's 10$ a night. Hardly any shade unless you get a good site. However they have glamping tents and even own personal hotsprings for a ridiculous fee. I didn't stay there. There is supposed to be blm land around there but everyone keeps it a secret on how to get to where you need to go. The hotsprings is clothing optional, so if you don't mind naked people, or you wanna strip down yourself, you should go check it out 💯💯. Went in early April and it was already really warm in the area

  • Christina K.
    May. 23, 2021

    Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    Everything you could need

    We travel Fulltime and have been to countless campgrounds and RV resorts. After spending some time roughing it in Utah this place was exactly what we needed! Christina greeted us with such kindness and attention it blew us away. 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. The bathrooms are better than I think we’ve ever had, honestly, nice modern style, super clean and hot showers with great pressure. Laundry room was clean and conveniently located. There were more amenities like horse shoes and a really nice outdoor kitchen covered patio. What more could you ask for? I am shocked at how much you get for how much you pay! Beyond a great quality value here. I would recommend this place to anyone that is looking for a location that has easy access to Joshua tree, Palm Springs and we even took a day trip out to Oceanside. We loved our stay so much we ended up extending for a few more days. We for sure will be staying here next time we come through the area.

  • G
    Oct. 29, 2019

    Serrano

    Words can describe this awesome time

    This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground. The bathrooms are very well kept, everything is clean and the showers have warm water. Each camp site has more than enough room to set up tents and chairs and not feel cramped. My only ding about this campground would be the fire pits, which are 8 inches off the ground and the cooling grate is welding off to the side making inefficient to utilize for cooking. If you go during summer time there is a kayak rental shop walking distance from the camp grounds.

  • E
    May. 20, 2019

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Stars galore!

    This campground is one of my favorites. My practical side enjoys the clean bathrooms with hot showers and proximity to markets for refills on ice and beer. My adventurous side enjoys the hikes, coyotes singing and clear skies to observe the night sky. This campground has been enjoyable every time I’ve gone. I’ve been to many campgrounds where neighbors keep you up late, but something about this location demands quiet enjoyment. Don’t get me wrong, my friends and I stay up laughing around the campfire well after sunset but everyone seems to respect the quiet hours. The sites are spacious, each with a shade ramada, grill and fire-ring. The visitors center is a must see and there are numerous hiking trails near the campground. As beautiful as the wildflowers are during a super bloom, the crowds are super distracting. March is the best time of year to go, if there is a super bloom you’ll enjoy that, if not, you’ll enjoy the solitude.

  • Pablo L.
    Aug. 29, 2023

    Lake Hemet Campground

    Great Time!

    Visited the last 2 weeks of August. Great place for family and kids. Affordable. Campsite #295. 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. Different campgrounds for all chosen methods (Tent, RV, Glamping, etc..) There's restrooms you can use. There's showers you can pay per use. The swim zone isn't too far from this campsite, 5-10 min walk w/ no accessories. If you have little ones, you can take them with a wagon but I'd recommend just driving your car with a few items to the zone. Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too. The marketplace is near the entrance BUT they only sell individual waters (No 48 pack types). You'll definitely hear your neighbors snore at night after a long day LOL.. quiet hours are from 10pm - 8am. Overall, this is a great spot. If you're lucky to snag other spots with trees covering you then great but this is still a good campsite. Happy camping! ... Oh yeah, T-Mobile no service up there (apparently Verizon, AT&T do)

  • Janae P.
    May. 6, 2019

    North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    Last minute trip, Great park ranger

    So this weekend, I got a wild hair up my butt to go camping. Keep in mind I’m 8 months pregnant and kept forgetting everything at my house.

    With that said, I tried Silverwood to late and KNEW that it’d be packed. I was a bit disappointed but came across North shore.

    It’s a nice little getaway from the hustle bustle with decent shade(depending on site) and relatively cool neighbors (campers).

    I will say it’s down the way from a community hospital so you might here some forms of traffic including a rescue helicopter but it’s not an end all.

    Again this was not my first choice. We got there and found no showers but they did have running toilets and cool tap water near our site. We totally lucked out and were able to switch with a couple who wanted more privacy and shade.

    We eventually stayed on site 4 which was even and open. Our tent (as pictured) was nestled amongst the few trees on our site- only downside was the constant traffic going to and from sites 5/6- a bit of a drag. I felt like it was the prefect spot given the leveled ground and the fact that we had a kid and dog posse.

    But let me tell you about the ranger named Shawn. Omg, he’s a character but he’s a good one. Gave him a tip, he tried to help us not spend money unnecessarily on wood and lent us his ax to go collect nearby. Super chill, down to earth guy who was just generally a lover of nature- you could tell.

    Again, no showers. A bit of noise, but manageable. Quiet hours are the usual 10-7 but we unfortunately were situated next to a group that violated both times- how can someone go to bed after 10 and manage to wake up before 7 and make noise is beyond me....but it’s also been a while since I knew what having no kids and a dog meant- lol.

    Would recommend IF you reserve a decent site. The first one we originally had was 3, super hilly and not leveled. Recommend 4,5,6 if you can and even the one right next to that (assuming it’s 7). Lake is a stones throw away!

    Hope that helps!

  • M
    Nov. 2, 2020

    Cherry Valley Lakes

    Relaxing

    This is a membership campground. They will allow you to stay for free if you listen to their pitch. There are several other campgrounds included with the membership. This Park has bathrooms, showers, a laundry facility, a heated pool and spa, a playground, two catch and release fishing ponds (no license required, but only barbless hooks are allowed), and a youth center. We didn’t catch any fish but the kids still had fun with it. The thing I didn’t like about it was that it’s right next to the freeway so it was loud ... which doesn’t bother me during the day but was distracting at night when trying to sleep.

  • T
    Mar. 15, 2022

    Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    Busy!

    When we Arrived at the gate we were 14th in line. It Took 40 minutes to enter the park. The CG was very full, it was noisy all weekend. There were barking dogs, dogs not on leashes, remote control cars, electric scooters, loud stereos. People up partying till after 1am around their fires. It Appears all “camp rules” are ignored. Bathrooms were clean. Our Fire pit at spot was left dirty and had trash in it when we arrived. The park in general is very nice. This was our 4th time here and only time it had been so loud. Make sure you check out the camp store and walk down to the lake.

  • L
    Dec. 16, 2022

    Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    Adequate & ok for an overnight stop

    Not a very attractive drive in. Lots and lots of trash in the shrubbery and fields along the highway. Reservation and check in was easy. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The RV park itself is attractive and seems to be fairly well maintained. It seems there are two rv areas. A lower older area and an upper newer and more attractive area. We were in the older area. Site was gravel with a small concrete area. Unfortunately, no one there seems to care about the dog poop everywhere (not exaggerating!). We and the people behind us parking had to clean dog poop off our site before we could set up. When walking our dog we saw poop everywhere. Dog park was ok, but on the small side and would be better with a gravel base instead of the dirt (very, very dusty and results in a dirty, dusty dog). There is a huge field adjacent and owned by the rv park that you can walk and or run your dog. But also full of poop. Bathroom smaller, older in the lower area. Much nicer, more modern bathrooms in the newer area. Two laundry rooms but no front loaders and the older laundry room only had two washers and two dryers. Can use quarters or an app. Pool and spa seemed pretty popular but we didn’t use. Area could really use some lighting at night. Very dark with minimal lighting in the older section. Trash is picked up every morning if you leave outside your site.


Guide to Whitewater

The San Jacinto Mountains create a unique terrain surrounding Whitewater, California, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 7,000 feet. This dramatic elevation change produces diverse microclimates throughout the region, affecting camping conditions year-round. Yurt camping near Whitewater provides access to these varied environments while offering more comfort than traditional tent camping.

What to do

Explore mountain trails: Marion Mountain Campground provides direct access to hiking networks, including the Marion Mountain Trail leading to Mount San Jacinto. "Great place to ride atvs and enjoy the beauty of the lake and surrounding areas. There are no designated spots or fire rings, but as long as you're careful and responsible, there are plenty of rocks to build your own," notes one Lake Hemet Campground visitor.

Fish local waters: The area's lakes offer varied fishing opportunities within 30-45 minutes of Whitewater. "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!" shares a Lake Hemet camper.

Experience natural hot springs: The desert region's geothermal features are accessible from several campgrounds. "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," explains a Catalina Spa and RV Resort guest.

What campers like

Year-round accessibility: Unlike many mountain destinations, most yurt accommodations near Whitewater remain open throughout winter. "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," mentions a Catalina Spa visitor.

Diverse terrain options: Campers appreciate the ability to choose between mountain or desert environments. "Sites are nice and spacious but doesn't seem to have a whole lot of privacy. We got lucky and went on a week day were the only ones camping there. Lots of hiking trails with great views," notes a Marion Mountain camper.

Proximity to attractions: The location provides convenient access to multiple destinations. "The location is fairly central with Palm Springs only minutes away, wine country in Temecula about 1.5 hours and Joshua Tree Park about 45 minutes," shares a Catalina visitor.

What you should know

Seasonal weather challenges: The region experiences extreme temperature variations. "It can be windy at times, so you need to mind your awnings. It's is warm during the day but cools at night. No wood burning firepits, but you can bring your own propane pit," advises a Catalina Spa camper.

Reservation timing: Demand for yurt accommodations spikes during certain periods. "Most sites are reserved but there is a chart at the pay area. Number 16 was such a great spot but horrible for getting your stuff up that hill," shares a Marion Mountain visitor.

Site selection considerations: Careful research before booking helps avoid disappointment. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirts. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," reports a Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA guest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Whitewater, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Whitewater, CA is Lake Hemet Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 39 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Whitewater, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 42 glamping camping locations near Whitewater, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.