If you’re looking for a posh getaway in the desert, Palm Springs is a classic California destination that has been a favorite spot among movie stars and vacationers. This area has nature, culture, kitschy attractions, and wonderfully warm winter weather, as well as great opportunities to play golf and tennis.
There are plenty of hotels and Airbnbs to stay at in Palm Springs, but you can also save money and spend more time outdoors on a camping trip. Here are some of the best campgrounds and RV parks near Palm Springs.
Cathedral Palms RV Resort, Cathedral City
The Cathedral Palms RV Resort is just seven miles from downtown Palm Springs to give you convenient access to everything to do here. It’s in the town of Cathedral Palms, which has an outlet mall, outdoor concerts, restaurants, and casinos. This campground can accommodate any size of rig and has a pool, spa, wading pool, laundry, clubhouse, and shower rooms. You can also just sit outside your camper at your site here to enjoy the sunset views of the San Jacinto Mountains. This 12-acre park also has laundry machines, a dog park, a dump station, and planned activities.
Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA, Desert Hot Springs
There are a couple of KOAs in the Palm Springs area, including the Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA. The RV sites here have full hookups, while there are also tent sites and deluxe cabins. When you camp here, you’ll have a year-round pool to swim in and three hot tub spas. You’ll also be in close proximity to over 80 golf courses, over 50 miles of hiking trails in the San Jacinto Wilderness, and be just 12 miles from Palm Springs. Meanwhile, Joshua Tree National Park is about 45 minutes away. Other amenities at the campground include mini-golf, a pavilion, and a dog park.
Banning Stagecoach KOA, Banning
If you don’t mind being a little further away from Palm Springs and want to explore the broader region, consider camping at the Banning Stagecoach KOA. This campground is in the chill town of Banning and just three minutes off of I-10. It’s also close to hiking, an outlet mall, and casinos. At the campground, you’ll find a seasonal pool, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a playground, indoor rec room, and big rig-friendly spaces. Furnished models and RV rentals are available as well if you don’t have your own RV. Other perks are the dog park and propane sold on site.
Happy Traveler RV Park, Palm Springs
For the ultimate convenience, you can stay at the Happy Traveler RV Park, which is within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs. This RV park is at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains and is easily accessible on foot to shops, landmarks, and restaurants. Here you’ll find full hookups, cable TV, and picnic tables at the sites. Tengo Internet Wi-Fi is available in some areas at the campground. There’s also a common area with a pool and spa that campers can use. In total, there are 130 campsites, but you can’t camp overnight in a tent or pop-up trailer here.
Outdoor Resort Palm Springs, Cathedral City
Another camping option in Cathedral City is the Outdoor Resort Palm Springs, a campground that has 1,213 sites with 50-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV. This is a five-star luxury RV resort that has golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, eight swimming pools, a restaurant, clubhouses, and a fitness center. There are lots of social activities that you can participate in when you stay here. There’s even a fruit orchard where you can pick your own lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits!
Emerald Desert RV Resort, Palm Desert
Here’s a campground that’s just 15 minutes from Palm Springs and situated on 33 acres of beautifully landscaped property. For RVs at the Emerald Desert RV Resort, there are 261 full hookup sites with 30/50-amp electric service, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. In addition to RV sites, there are also villas that you can rent here with kitchenettes and patios. Campers can enjoy lots of amenities at the resort, including a pool, hot tub, gym, tennis courts, and yard games. Fun activities that you can join here are yoga, line dancing, ballroom dancing, and movie nights.
Palm Springs RV Resort, Palm Desert
Located in nearby Palm Desert, the Palm Springs RV Resort is a Thousand Trails property on 25 acres. It’s also near lakes, canyons, and national monuments when you want to take your time exploring the area. People often stay here for winter vacations and golf retreats. The amenities offered here include a swimming pool, hot tub, shuffleboard, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and dog park. In addition to RV camping spots, there are also cabins and cottages available for rent. There are also planned activities to join, such as arts and crafts, jam sessions, and live entertainment.
Desert Shadows RV Resort, Cathedral City
This 55+ campground is adjacent to Palm Springs and several other cities worth checking out in the Coachella Valley. The Desert Shadows RV Resort is a luxury camping destination that has multiple pools, spas, and saunas. It also offers Wi-Fi, multiple clubhouses, and tennis courts. This is a place where adult campers tend to come back to year after year because of the sense of community and all the fun things to do onsite. Other perks of staying at the resort are the organized fitness activities, card and hobby rooms with a pottery kiln, and dance studio.
Catalina Spa and RV Resort, Desert Hot Springs
With a clubhouse, fitness center, store, and odorless mineral hot springs, the Catalina Spa and RV Resort is a popular option for campers around Palm Springs. RV prices start as low as $45 per night and come with free electricity. This is a great place to be for easy access to hot springs and for an affordable place to stay. There are 482 RV sites available for daily, short-term, and seasonal prices. Palm Springs is just a short drive away. It’s also fun to spend time at the open-air pavilion with the BBQ grills and fire pits during evenings here.
Lake Hemet Campground, Mountain Center
To be in the Palm Springs region but just a little further away, consider the Lake Hemet Campground. This camping spot is also near the charming town of Idyllwild and has beautiful scenery all around. Come here to camp, fish, see wildlife, and feel like you’re on a true getaway. Many people come here for day use in addition to overnight camping stays. There are RV sites at the campground that are for dry camping and that have full hookups with electric, water, and sewer. Tent, cabin, and glamping tent camping are also options here. You’ll love having boat, kayak, and bike rentals available too.
Indian Wells RV Resort, Indio
The Indian Wells RV Resort is also an option in the Palm Springs vicinity and has over 300 sites with full hookups and free Wi-Fi. There are activities planned here, such as soup nights, ice cream socials, and bingo. Back-in and pull-through sites are available for RVs. This is a pet-friendly RV park with cable TV access, a swimming pool, hot tub, mini-golf, shuffleboard, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Enjoy views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and get to Palm Springs in about a half-hour from the campground.
