The best safari tent rentals near Palm Springs, California

Sitting in the warm, sunny Coachella Valley, Palm Springs provides numerous options for adventurous explorers. San Bernardino National Forest is to the west and Joshua Tree National Park to the east. Palm Springs itself is overlooked by the impressive Mt. San Jacinto.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an absolute don't miss—unless you're scared of heights! This 10-minute trip gives you a tremendous view of the valley of Chino Canyon. The 2.5-mile trip ends in Mt. San Jacinto State Park at an elevation of about 8,500 feet. Enjoy the beautiful overlooks from the park's observation decks and hiking trails.

Hipcampers looking for a real hiking challenge can get to Mt. San Jacinto's peak the old-fashioned way. The 14.5-mile Cactus to Clouds Trail goes all the way from Palm Springs to the mountaintop. It also gains just over 10,000 feet of elevation on the way! This exceptionally tough hike is unmarked in parts and is recommended for advanced and ambitious hikers only.

If heights aren't really your thing, explore the enormous Joshua Tree National Park. This 800,000-acre area sits at the intersection of two major deserts—the Mojave and Colorado. This is an extremely popular camping area, especially from mid-February to mid-May. It can be a little easier to score a campsite during the hot months of summer.

79% (15)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%

(13)

49mi from Palm Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA

The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet. Manzanita Hill is just: - a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction. - 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town. - A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards. - 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more! Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.

2. Splitrock - Branch Out Glamping

79%

(7)

50mi from Palm Springs · 6 sites · Lodging · Fallbrook, CA

Nestled in the scenic coastal mountains of Southern California, Splitrock Farm & Retreat offers a serene escape just minutes from downtown Fallbrook. This 101-acre retreat features breath taking views of Mt. Palomar and the Pacific horizon, miles of hiking and biking trails, and a welcoming farm environment with free-roaming animals. Conveniently located near Temecula’s wine country, the Santa Margarita River Trail, and the Santa Rosa Plateau, it’s a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike.

Sitting in the warm, sunny Coachella Valley, Palm Springs provides numerous options for adventurous explorers. San Bernardino National Forest is to the west and Joshua Tree National Park to the east. Palm Springs itself is overlooked by the impressive Mt. San Jacinto.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an absolute don't miss—unless you're scared of heights! This 10-minute trip gives you a tremendous view of the valley of Chino Canyon. The 2.5-mile trip ends in Mt. San Jacinto State Park at an elevation of about 8,500 feet. Enjoy the beautiful overlooks from the park's observation decks and hiking trails.

Hipcampers looking for a real hiking challenge can get to Mt. San Jacinto's peak the old-fashioned way. The 14.5-mile Cactus to Clouds Trail goes all the way from Palm Springs to the mountaintop. It also gains just over 10,000 feet of elevation on the way! This exceptionally tough hike is unmarked in parts and is recommended for advanced and ambitious hikers only.

If heights aren't really your thing, explore the enormous Joshua Tree National Park. This 800,000-acre area sits at the intersection of two major deserts—the Mojave and Colorado. This is an extremely popular camping area, especially from mid-February to mid-May. It can be a little easier to score a campsite during the hot months of summer.

79% (15)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%

(13)

49mi from Palm Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA

The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet. Manzanita Hill is just: - a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction. - 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town. - A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards. - 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more! Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.

2. Splitrock - Branch Out Glamping

79%

(7)

50mi from Palm Springs · 6 sites · Lodging · Fallbrook, CA

Nestled in the scenic coastal mountains of Southern California, Splitrock Farm & Retreat offers a serene escape just minutes from downtown Fallbrook. This 101-acre retreat features breath taking views of Mt. Palomar and the Pacific horizon, miles of hiking and biking trails, and a welcoming farm environment with free-roaming animals. Conveniently located near Temecula’s wine country, the Santa Margarita River Trail, and the Santa Rosa Plateau, it’s a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike.

Stories from the community

A

Andrea

October 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

We had a wounderful time. From the very start Diana was very responsive. Upon our arrival she got all checked in a familiar with supplies and amenities. I was very impressed by all the small details such as signage and provided materials. Even more so impressed by how much work Diana takes to make the experience comfortable and environmentally sustainable. We got to see some wild turkeys at night and enjoyed looking at her bee hive boxes. Compost toilet was a new one for me and like she promised it was easy, comfortable, and left no smell. It would be a pleasure to stay again!

Juliet

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

This was probably my favorite Hipcamp stay so far-- it's conveniently located a short drive outside of Julian, but still perfectly quiet and with gorgeous mountain views peeking out behind the trees. With the cozy bedding package and cooking set we felt we had everything we could possibly need out here. Must recommend the hot propane shower too! Our hosts live on the property (with their tiny pup) and were as sweet as can be + very accommodating. Perfect spot to spend a solo weekend with a book, or for a peaceful getaway for two. There's a cot for a third person, and room around the campfire for plenty more if friends camp at the other site. Must, must recommend Manzanita Hill!

G

Graham

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

Lovely site with oak-shaded hang-outs and a private spacious safari tent. Diana was great, super responsive and helpful. Wonderful spot to stay close to Julian. Great for 2 people, a little cramped for 4 maybe but works fine for a family!

A

Adam

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

Great property, and very comfortable safari tent setup in an ideal location in wynola. Diana was a very welcoming and helpful host. We had a lovely weekend staying there.

B

Brenda

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Splitrock - Branch Out Glamping

We had a fantastic weekend at Split Rock! Despite the rain every day, we managed to relax and recharge. Pros: The tent was spacious, the fire pit was a nice touch, and the area was wonderfully quiet. It was just a quick 20-second walk to the bathroom and shower, plus the views were stunning. We even had some fun encounters with farm animals (skip paying for the service, though). Everything we needed for cooking was available on-site, and the sound of rain on the canvas tent was soothing. The dirt paths were well-maintained and free of debris. Cons: We did face some challenges with Branch Out Glamping regarding a late check-in (there's no key to pick up). We noticed mouse droppings on the bed pillows and under the bed, and even saw one scurry across the floor late at night. For more privacy, I recommend using the showers by the office, as the one closest to our site was poorly constructed. There was also a missing chair by the fire pit (the pictures showed two loungers), and the bed was quite firm (if you like extra support, you might appreciate it). The next campsite was about 20 yards away, so if it's occupied, be aware they can hear everything happening at your site. Lastly, there was no place to charge electronics; BOG mentioned a communal area for phone charging, but the office staff said that wasn't true. I know this may sound like nitpicking, but don't let that fool you. We had an incredible time and plan to return soon.

P

Paymon

April 2025

With kids

2 nights at Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

Stayed here for 3 nights and loved everything about our stay! Clean bathrooms, hot and cold outdoor showers, fire pits, and the tent was really well made with a comfortable bed. I would take a few extra blankets because the nights definitely get cold and would also recommend taking your own wood for the campfire. I'll definitely be back here in the future :)

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents near Palm Springs guide

Nearby attractions

Soak in panoramic views of towering peaks and vast deserts when camping near the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The serenity and beauty of this area offer a distinct camping experience that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.

Embark on an unforgettable camping adventure near Tahquitz Rock, a majestic rock formation in Southern California. Camp in the serene wilderness, marvel at the towering rock, and witness breathtaking views.