- Desert Shores
The best river, stream, or creek RV parks near Desert Shores
98% (234) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Shores
Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat
1. Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat
98%
(84)
43mi from Desert Shores · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private mountain campsites that sit at 3200 feet.
Disconnect at one of our quiet campsite (zero neighbors) that is located in a dark sky zone. Gaze at the Milky Way at night as you relax while listening to the sounds of nature. Come here to disconnect from city life and recharge while enjoying the smell of wild lilac and sage.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$60
/ night
Serene forest privacy for 4WD
2. Serene forest privacy for 4WD
99%
(58)
45mi from Desert Shores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land:
Beautiful private land. Mostly undeveloped, rugged, forest. 4WD accessible cleared areas for tent sites or Jeep-top tents. Canvas tent available. Container cabin for those looking for a little less rugged accomodations.
You can relax, and hike nearby trails during the day (some walking distance, some driving distance), mountain bike, or hit nearby climbing spots. Maybe you want to go into town 2 miles away and enjoy local art, music, or just the eclectic vibe of Idyllwild. Come back and star gaze in the evening.
Fires are NOT allowed under ANY circumstances. Propane backpacking stoves or self contained camp stoves only.
Quiet hours enforced after 8pm. Guests who are making loud noise may be asked to leave and not refunded.
Composting toilet available in camping area.
Bring your own tent or stay in our canvas tent (bring your own bedding).
Host on-site or nearby. Wi-Fi not reliable in area.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$45
/ night
San Bernardino National Forest
3. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
863 sites · La Quinta, California
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
436 sites · Descanso, California
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Palomar Mountain State Park
5. Palomar Mountain State Park
93%
(68)
61 sites · Aguanga, California
High elevation hiking with a world-renowned observatory.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
98% (234) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Shores
Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat
1. Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat
98%
(84)
43mi from Desert Shores · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private mountain campsites that sit at 3200 feet.
Disconnect at one of our quiet campsite (zero neighbors) that is located in a dark sky zone. Gaze at the Milky Way at night as you relax while listening to the sounds of nature. Come here to disconnect from city life and recharge while enjoying the smell of wild lilac and sage.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$60
/ night
Serene forest privacy for 4WD
2. Serene forest privacy for 4WD
99%
(58)
45mi from Desert Shores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land:
Beautiful private land. Mostly undeveloped, rugged, forest. 4WD accessible cleared areas for tent sites or Jeep-top tents. Canvas tent available. Container cabin for those looking for a little less rugged accomodations.
You can relax, and hike nearby trails during the day (some walking distance, some driving distance), mountain bike, or hit nearby climbing spots. Maybe you want to go into town 2 miles away and enjoy local art, music, or just the eclectic vibe of Idyllwild. Come back and star gaze in the evening.
Fires are NOT allowed under ANY circumstances. Propane backpacking stoves or self contained camp stoves only.
Quiet hours enforced after 8pm. Guests who are making loud noise may be asked to leave and not refunded.
Composting toilet available in camping area.
Bring your own tent or stay in our canvas tent (bring your own bedding).
Host on-site or nearby. Wi-Fi not reliable in area.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$45
/ night
San Bernardino National Forest
3. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
863 sites · La Quinta, California
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
436 sites · Descanso, California
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Palomar Mountain State Park
5. Palomar Mountain State Park
93%
(68)
61 sites · Aguanga, California
High elevation hiking with a world-renowned observatory.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jenna
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Our group stayed in both the Canvas Tent and the Creekside Container Cabin, and the combination of these two rentals made for a truly unique and unforgettable getaway. The Canvas Tent was the perfect place to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. The full-size futon and bunk bed provided plenty of space, and while we brought our own bedding as directed, it felt cozy and well-equipped. The setting was serene and private, and we loved stargazing around the property each night. The composting toilet was easy to access, and the addition of the sink was a thoughtful touch for convenience.
With the Creekside Container Cabin just a short walk away, we had the luxury of alternating between the rugged charm of the Canvas Tent and the cozy comfort of the cabin. This setup is ideal if you’re traveling with a group or family and want a mix of traditional camping and "glamping." The property is also close to downtown Idyllwild, hiking trails, and other outdoor attractions, so there’s always something to do. We can’t say enough great things about the property owners – their attention to detail, friendly communication, and genuine hospitality really made our trip special. Whether you’re booking just the Canvas Tent or both spots like we did, you won’t regret it!
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Adam
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great property, great tent, very dog friendly. Quite comfortable. The owners were very responsive to anll requests and Communications. Overall had an absolutely great experience.
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M
Mary
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We’ve stayed here multiple times and absolutely LOVE this site! It’s like something out of a fairytale. My son even requested to come here for his birthday because it’s his most favorite place ❤️ We will definitely be back!
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M
Mike
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved camping here with my family would definitely come back again and they were so nice and will definitely recommend to others
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G
Gabriella
August 2025
Tent
The location was a great little getaway and close enough to the town center to do some shopping/exploring & hiking.
The tent was gorgeous, clean, well equipped shelter, good views & the compost toilet was clean as well.
The nights get cold, and I brought plenty of bedding to stay warm.
I will definitely be coming back, maybe with a group of friends the next time.
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J
Jeri
July 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a great time! The canvas tent is very spacious and clean. The bed was extremely comfortable which was a huge plus so we didn't have to use our sleeping pads. The sink and toilet were also very convenient. We will definitely be back.
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Rayna
July 2025
Tent
With pets
We enjoyed staying at the BYO tent site and exploring Idyllwild for the weekend!
A few notes from our stay:
-The site is a 5-minute drive to downtown! It does sit near a road, so there is slight car noise, but you can’t see the road or cars from the site, so it feels very private.
-The hosts were very communicative. They met us upon arrival and let us know when they would be stopping by the property.
-The site is large and easily accommodated our two-person tent, truck, dog, and hammock. It could accommodate a lot larger, too! There’s a small drop-down that could fit a small second tent too. The sun shines on the site from around 10 am-3 pm this time of year.
-You’ll definitely need 4WD; the grade is steep to get to the site. The compost toilet is at the top of the hill, so you’ll need to be able-bodied to get to the top as well.
-The water spigot worked great, and there was a bear box at the site to store food.
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Ema
June 2025
Tent
With pets
Simple, clean tent on a large woodsy property just outside of the main area of town.
Enjoy morning coffee amongst the trees ☕️
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Michael
May 2025
Tent
With kids
Great little spot. Super close to town. Definitely need legit 4x4. It was pretty steep and a little rutted heading out. Kinda steep on foot. No prob with a 4x4.
Didn’t love that I could hear the highway from the camp but other than that it was great.
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L
Liz
May 2025
Tent
With pets
This was a great little getaway for me and my dog! I loved that we could explore the property off leash. It’s a lovely spot, quiet and peaceful among the trees, yet super close to town and hiking trails. The hosts were great and easy to communicate with, too. Hopefully we’ll be back sometime!
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