Cabin camping near Yucca Valley, California provides visitors with a unique desert experience at 3,300 feet elevation in the Mojave Desert. The area experiences extreme temperature variations between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most cabin accommodations remain open year-round with peak season running September through May when temperatures become more moderate.
What to do
Mineral hot springs access: 30-minute drive from Yucca Valley to Desert Hot Springs provides access to natural mineral pools. At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, "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," notes Cheryl T.
Observatory stargazing programs: Plan ahead for permits. The Dark Skies program at the observatory near Twentynine Palms Resort books up months in advance. "We arrived on a Saturday and the office person recommended the Dark Skies program at the observatory near by. But it was sold out for the next three months so if you are going to be here maybe you should plan ahead," advises Andrew.
Golf course access: Available for military members. Some cabin locations provide convenient access to recreation facilities. "The MCCC base is about 3 miles away with exchange, commissary and golf course. We had the base course to ourselves on a Sunday afternoon," reports a Twentynine Palms Resort visitor.
What campers like
Geothermal pools: Open all winter. Mineral pools at several resorts maintain consistent temperatures regardless of outside weather. At Catalina Spa and RV Resort, "The pools are warm and well maintained. The sites are spaced moderately with easy access to hookups and shrubbery between each site," according to Scott G.
Desert activities: Multiple options within driving distance. The cabin locations around Yucca Valley serve as central bases for exploration. "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," notes a Catalina Spa visitor.
Social opportunities: Weekly events at many properties. Organized activities help build community among cabin guests. Scott G. shares about Catalina Spa: "Very easy to meet new friends with an informal happy hour saturday late afternoon (byob), and we enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner where the park supplied turkey, stuffing and gravy and participant's brought potluck for the sides 100+ people."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Wind can be challenging. The desert region experiences significant wind events that impact outdoor activities. "We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirt. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," warns Theresa O. about Sky Valley Resort.
Accommodation differences: Cabins vary significantly. Some properties maintain age restrictions that limit access. "This park looks nice, we were unable to say due to age restrictions. Park is a 55+ park," explains Tyler V. about Caliente Springs.
Off-season advantages: Lower crowds, still accessible. The summer months bring significantly lower visitation despite high temperatures. A Lake Hemet camper notes, "No one was here end of April during the week. So glad for that."
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Multiple options at select resorts. Structured recreation helps keep children engaged. "They have plenty of spots for tents, RV's, and cabins. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground," explains a KOA visitor.
Water recreation options: Seasonal availability. Lake access at Lake Hemet Campground provides additional recreation options not available at desert properties. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! 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!"
Site selection: Consider spacing and shade. Cabin camping sites vary considerably in terms of privacy and sun exposure. "All sites are WAY close together, price is expensive! Most sites are not level even for a tent," notes a Lake Hemet visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site hazards: Watch for obstacles. Some cabin sites present challenges for larger vehicles. At Van Life Campground Joshua Tree, spaces accommodate smaller units best. "I prefer to stay on BLM, but every once in a while I boondock at VLC for a hot shower and intentional socialising. I really dig the hostel vibes and communal activities," explains Elizabeth M.
Utility considerations: Prepare for winter conditions. Cold nights can affect water systems in cabins. One camper at Lake Hemet advised: "Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night."
Location proximity: Trade-offs between amenities and quiet. Sites closer to amenities may experience more noise and foot traffic. "The only negative is the crowds for the water park area on the weekends. Don't want a spot too close," suggests a Lake Hemet visitor.
