Camping near Thermal with wildlife watching

Hike desert trails and visit outdoor art installations when camping near Thermal.

95% (4967 reviews)

United States
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California
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Thermal

95% (4967 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Thermal

Dog-friendly getaways

Historic Pioneertown Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Pioneertown, CA

Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.Learn more about this land:Camp under the stars in historic Pioneertown! Pioneertown Corrals provides a unique setting for campers who want to spend their vacations or getaway weekends in this peaceful desert setting. If you like to ride the trails, barbeque, sit around a campfire, and stargaze in the evening, then you've come to the right place!Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.

The Lovelight Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA

The Lovelight Ranch is our 5-acre hippie paradise, centrally located in the Coachella Valley. We are near the amazing 1000 Palms Oasis and Coachella Valley Preserve for great day hikes and wildlife viewing, and also near the splendors of Joshua Tree and the high desert. We are happy to offer fun & relaxing activity Experiences such as the Tepee Sound Bath experience, DrumCircle and Didgeridoo experiences, Artistic Endeavor experiences. Sharing makes us Happy and we hope you will choose an Experience or two to enhance your visit and interests. We are within a half hours drive of Palm Springs, recently voted the hippest mid-sized city in the country and Coachella, home of the Coachella and StageCoach Festivals and not so far from the ever amazing Joshua Tree Festival . We are also very near Sam's Hot Water Spa, a chemical free hot springs soaking experience which is the perfect ending to a day of hiking, climbing or just sight-seeing. We have a Pool & Deck , A Horseshoe Pit, Nice Shady Hangouts and plenty to look at in every direction. We offer accommodations ranging from Elevated SkyDecks to SubTerrainian Glamping spots RV spaces as well as Basic Tensite camping . - Please check out our offerings for your Desert camping visits. Guests love staying here: "We had the most amazing time at Mikey’s place. Spiritual, reflective, and beautiful. The dogs and Rocky were the best! Mountain Views didn’t hurt (; we will definitely be back; Mikey was a welcoming and generous host. We stayed in Desert Isle and had a mystical time. You won’t regret staying here!"

Mineral Springs Date Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA

Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well with Hot Springs mineral water at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm with Mineral Springs. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds.

Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

1 site · Tent10 acres · Julian, CA

Disconnect at this 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. Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, CA

Welcome to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your go-to destination for a unique and memorable camping experience in Joshua Tree. This family-owned and operated park offers breathtaking views from its 2,300 ft elevation, showcasing the beauty of the Mojave Desert and the surrounding mountains. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the area or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground has something for everyone. With panoramic views of the North face of Joshua Tree National Park, the ancient Copper Mountain Hills to the North and East, and exceptional desert vistas, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes wherever you look. Office Hours: 8:30 - 8 Sunday - Thursday 8:30 - 9 Friday and Saturday Check-in Begins at 12 PM. Checkout is at 11 AM. The campground is situated on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert and boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. With clear, unpolluted skies, you can enjoy the magnificent night skies and immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars. We want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so please take note of the following guidelines: Swimming is not permitted in the fishing lake and there is no swimming pool available. Pet owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are welcome, but there may be an additional fee added to the reservation. Wi-Fi is provided by a third-party company and a separate service fee applies. Please note that we cannot guarantee the speed, rate, or troubleshooting of the Wi-Fi service. For your convenience, a wash station for dishes is available on-site, and the Joshua Tree Laundromat is located 9 miles away in downtown Joshua Tree. For campfires, it is important to keep them contained inside the designated burn barrels and never leave them unattended. In the event of high winds, campfire, and BBQ use may be suspended for safety reasons. So, pack your gear and head to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your favorite place to stay while you play in Joshua Tree. Experience the magic of the Mojave Desert and all its natural wonders, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Star Hosts in Thermal

Mineral Springs Date Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA

Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well with Hot Springs mineral water at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm with Mineral Springs. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds.

Joshua Tree Container Resort

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Twentynine Palms, CA

Custom designed by artist John Henry Jones, the Ranch House is the largest and most private suite at the Joshua Tree Container Resort, and has a large screened in front porch giving our guests a safe way to recreate in the outdoors in Theis desert wilderness area. Two queen beds are available inside the history-laden ranch house (originally homesteaded during the WWI era). It is steps away from the hot tub, pool, gym, hammock palapa and great lounging spots on the ranch.

Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

1 site · Tent10 acres · Julian, CA

Disconnect at this 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. Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.

Serene forest privacy for 4WD

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Idyllwild, CA

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.

Desert Dreamland

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aguanga, CA

Our family has owned this property for nearly fifty years. We currently have one site available - “Desert Mountain Scenic Overlook” - at this time. More sites coming soon! Learn more about this site: This campsite is extremely private and serene with beautiful epic views and a wide open feel. The site is located most of the way up a small mountain but at the base of a larger one if you want to hike up to the top for even better views. You can also hike down and around to explore more of the surrounding nature preserve (over 3,000 acres completely engulfing our 20 acre property), which includes a seasonal creek, granite boulders, and miles of hiking trails. You will find wild sage and buckwheat shrubs growing all over the property, as well as vibrant seasonal wildflowers. The campsite is set far back from roads so it is very peaceful and quiet and allows you to feel free to enjoy yourselves without worrying much about noise. The large flat pad is spacious and should be able to accommodate any sized camper/trailer/RV. There is fresh potable mountain spring water and a septic hookup available at the site. There is currently no water hookup for RV’s and there is no restroom facility (we are planning to install a composting or pit toilet soon). Please come fully equipped with a Luggable Loo or something similar. Access to the site is on a maintained dirt road with cutouts for water run off. 4WD is not necessary. Please be prepared though, the road in has some narrow, hilly, curvy stretches. It could appear challenging or intimidating to people with larger rigs. If you have a class A motorhome and are hoping to visit, please message me first and let me know and we can discuss whether the road in will work for you. We are currently in the process of beautifying the area and will post more updated photos soon of the actual site. *Note: Our solar pump went out so the outdoor shower is not currently functional. Also, the site is still a work in progress so there may be some lumber and areas of the site still in the process of being completed.

12 top campgrounds near Thermal with wildlife watching

Historic Pioneertown Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Pioneertown, CA

Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.Learn more about this land:Camp under the stars in historic Pioneertown! Pioneertown Corrals provides a unique setting for campers who want to spend their vacations or getaway weekends in this peaceful desert setting. If you like to ride the trails, barbeque, sit around a campfire, and stargaze in the evening, then you've come to the right place!Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.

Cooking equipment

Mineral Springs Date Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA

Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well with Hot Springs mineral water at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm with Mineral Springs. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds.

Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

1 site · Tent10 acres · Julian, CA

Disconnect at this 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. Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.

The Lovelight Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA

The Lovelight Ranch is our 5-acre hippie paradise, centrally located in the Coachella Valley. We are near the amazing 1000 Palms Oasis and Coachella Valley Preserve for great day hikes and wildlife viewing, and also near the splendors of Joshua Tree and the high desert. We are happy to offer fun & relaxing activity Experiences such as the Tepee Sound Bath experience, DrumCircle and Didgeridoo experiences, Artistic Endeavor experiences. Sharing makes us Happy and we hope you will choose an Experience or two to enhance your visit and interests. We are within a half hours drive of Palm Springs, recently voted the hippest mid-sized city in the country and Coachella, home of the Coachella and StageCoach Festivals and not so far from the ever amazing Joshua Tree Festival . We are also very near Sam's Hot Water Spa, a chemical free hot springs soaking experience which is the perfect ending to a day of hiking, climbing or just sight-seeing. We have a Pool & Deck , A Horseshoe Pit, Nice Shady Hangouts and plenty to look at in every direction. We offer accommodations ranging from Elevated SkyDecks to SubTerrainian Glamping spots RV spaces as well as Basic Tensite camping . - Please check out our offerings for your Desert camping visits. Guests love staying here: "We had the most amazing time at Mikey’s place. Spiritual, reflective, and beautiful. The dogs and Rocky were the best! Mountain Views didn’t hurt (; we will definitely be back; Mikey was a welcoming and generous host. We stayed in Desert Isle and had a mystical time. You won’t regret staying here!"

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, CA

Welcome to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your go-to destination for a unique and memorable camping experience in Joshua Tree. This family-owned and operated park offers breathtaking views from its 2,300 ft elevation, showcasing the beauty of the Mojave Desert and the surrounding mountains. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the area or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground has something for everyone. With panoramic views of the North face of Joshua Tree National Park, the ancient Copper Mountain Hills to the North and East, and exceptional desert vistas, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes wherever you look. Office Hours: 8:30 - 8 Sunday - Thursday 8:30 - 9 Friday and Saturday Check-in Begins at 12 PM. Checkout is at 11 AM. The campground is situated on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert and boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. With clear, unpolluted skies, you can enjoy the magnificent night skies and immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars. We want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so please take note of the following guidelines: Swimming is not permitted in the fishing lake and there is no swimming pool available. Pet owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are welcome, but there may be an additional fee added to the reservation. Wi-Fi is provided by a third-party company and a separate service fee applies. Please note that we cannot guarantee the speed, rate, or troubleshooting of the Wi-Fi service. For your convenience, a wash station for dishes is available on-site, and the Joshua Tree Laundromat is located 9 miles away in downtown Joshua Tree. For campfires, it is important to keep them contained inside the designated burn barrels and never leave them unattended. In the event of high winds, campfire, and BBQ use may be suspended for safety reasons. So, pack your gear and head to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your favorite place to stay while you play in Joshua Tree. Experience the magic of the Mojave Desert and all its natural wonders, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

The Castle House: Estate

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, CA

Units designed to make the everyday extraordinary. Step into a realm where luxury meets rugged beauty at The Castle House: Estate, your gateway to the ULTIMATE "GLAMPING" experience! As seen on HGTV, our tiny home oasis in Joshua Tree redefines accommodation with a unique medieval twist, seamlessly blending indoor-outdoor living and exceptional entertainment. Nestled in the heart of Joshua Tree and just minutes away from the awe-inspiring Joshua Tree National Park, The Castle House: Estate stands as a testament to opulence in the desert. Set on 12 picturesque acres, surrounded by vast private undeveloped land, our estate offers an unparalleled sense of tranquility and exclusivity. Experience a stay like no other in our award-winning haven, recognized with The BNB's prestigious Traveler Best Reviewed Property. But the enchantment doesn't end there—immerse yourself in the rejuvenating embrace of our tiered hexagonal aqua blue cowboy pool, strategically placed on a stunning IPE wood deck. This artistic oasis is a visual masterpiece, inviting you to bask in the sun or stargaze by night. Indulge in the luxury of our room service, available until midnight, offering a curated selection of local fare to tantalize your taste buds. At The Castle House: Estate, we redefine glamping by marrying comfort and adventure, creating an unforgettable escape that transcends the ordinary. Elevate your stay, reinvent yourself, and make memories that last a lifetime at The Castle House: Estate—where every moment is a masterpiece waiting to unfold. Book your extraordinary desert retreat now and be a part of an experience that's truly fit for royalty!

Desert Dreamland

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aguanga, CA

Our family has owned this property for nearly fifty years. We currently have one site available - “Desert Mountain Scenic Overlook” - at this time. More sites coming soon! Learn more about this site: This campsite is extremely private and serene with beautiful epic views and a wide open feel. The site is located most of the way up a small mountain but at the base of a larger one if you want to hike up to the top for even better views. You can also hike down and around to explore more of the surrounding nature preserve (over 3,000 acres completely engulfing our 20 acre property), which includes a seasonal creek, granite boulders, and miles of hiking trails. You will find wild sage and buckwheat shrubs growing all over the property, as well as vibrant seasonal wildflowers. The campsite is set far back from roads so it is very peaceful and quiet and allows you to feel free to enjoy yourselves without worrying much about noise. The large flat pad is spacious and should be able to accommodate any sized camper/trailer/RV. There is fresh potable mountain spring water and a septic hookup available at the site. There is currently no water hookup for RV’s and there is no restroom facility (we are planning to install a composting or pit toilet soon). Please come fully equipped with a Luggable Loo or something similar. Access to the site is on a maintained dirt road with cutouts for water run off. 4WD is not necessary. Please be prepared though, the road in has some narrow, hilly, curvy stretches. It could appear challenging or intimidating to people with larger rigs. If you have a class A motorhome and are hoping to visit, please message me first and let me know and we can discuss whether the road in will work for you. We are currently in the process of beautifying the area and will post more updated photos soon of the actual site. *Note: Our solar pump went out so the outdoor shower is not currently functional. Also, the site is still a work in progress so there may be some lumber and areas of the site still in the process of being completed.

BaseCamp at Palomar

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Pauma Valley, CA

Experience excellence at BASE CAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones, a WIFI Hot Spot, and well-stocked vending machines for ice and firewood. Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our oak groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter.

Oasis Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Westmorland, CA

Our Rural location is set in the Imperial Valley within driving distance to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Bombay Beach, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The Oasis Ranch offers multiple locations on the property including: Pond Site surrounded by +35 year old oak trees. Desert terrain along with river washes lined with desert Cedar. Beautiful one of a kind locations are very accessible, we are happy to help facilitate and coordinate where appropriate and needed.

Cooking equipment

Saddle Up Camp

20 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Aguanga, CA

Saddle Up Ranch is a horse rescue that is ever growing. We have over 180 trees on the property (mostly beautiful flowing California Pepper Trees) and have gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and horse pastures.We offer horseback riding, goat yoga, and goat milking. You can also volunteer and help care for the animals while you are here by feeding, grooming or simply petting them. TJ, our owner, is working her way through the race track. Our campsites are managed by Tony. He works closely with guests to expand our campsites. TJ and many of the guides volunteer hard hours to rehabilitate the horse and give them a good home. You should see how the animals flock to TJ. The ranch also has goats, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. You can support our mission of rescuing horses by booking one of our horseback riding or other services! Thank you for your support! Guests love staying here: "Second stay and looking forward to returning again! <3 We were the only campers during the weekend, it was so serene. It gets very cold at night but the star filled skies are breathtaking. This time during our stay we had 3 kitty visitors and 3 dogs that rolled up to our camp multiple times, it felt like they were checking up on us. It was so cute. The sweet Aussie poked his head in our tent to say "you good?" haha It was so cute and they were extremely friendly and social! The black kitten stayed at our camp all night and cuddled on our laps by the fire. It was such a lovely experience. TJ and her crew have done an amazing job with this place, I don't have enough words to explain. Just see for yourself! You'll love it!! Can't wait to visit again!"

Pool Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Borrego Springs, CA

Pool Ranch is for everyone. It's a place for life. A place where humans and nature are supposed to remember they are interconnected. It's a place for creativity and adventure. Friends, it's also a place to play pool in the desert. Welcome to our 30-acre off-grid homestead, within an international dark sky community and hub for nature-based activities. Step directly from our backyard into Anza Borrego, the largest state park in California. The goal of our ranch is to function as an evolving testing ground for living. Building Pool Ranch prioritizes materials and collaborations that celebrate the abundance of Ranchita, and neighboring rural San Diego communities. We want to actualize the true benefits of community. Our vision is to be an example and invitation for rural communities to create income through environmentally passive, and community centric eco-tourism. Take a peek, and share with us what you discover: https://instagram.com/poolranch

Serene forest privacy for 4WD

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Idyllwild, CA

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.

Under $50

Historic Pioneertown Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Pioneertown, CA

Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.Learn more about this land:Camp under the stars in historic Pioneertown! Pioneertown Corrals provides a unique setting for campers who want to spend their vacations or getaway weekends in this peaceful desert setting. If you like to ride the trails, barbeque, sit around a campfire, and stargaze in the evening, then you've come to the right place!Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.

BaseCamp at Palomar

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Pauma Valley, CA

Experience excellence at BASE CAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones, a WIFI Hot Spot, and well-stocked vending machines for ice and firewood. Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our oak groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter.

Desert Dreamland

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aguanga, CA

Our family has owned this property for nearly fifty years. We currently have one site available - “Desert Mountain Scenic Overlook” - at this time. More sites coming soon! Learn more about this site: This campsite is extremely private and serene with beautiful epic views and a wide open feel. The site is located most of the way up a small mountain but at the base of a larger one if you want to hike up to the top for even better views. You can also hike down and around to explore more of the surrounding nature preserve (over 3,000 acres completely engulfing our 20 acre property), which includes a seasonal creek, granite boulders, and miles of hiking trails. You will find wild sage and buckwheat shrubs growing all over the property, as well as vibrant seasonal wildflowers. The campsite is set far back from roads so it is very peaceful and quiet and allows you to feel free to enjoy yourselves without worrying much about noise. The large flat pad is spacious and should be able to accommodate any sized camper/trailer/RV. There is fresh potable mountain spring water and a septic hookup available at the site. There is currently no water hookup for RV’s and there is no restroom facility (we are planning to install a composting or pit toilet soon). Please come fully equipped with a Luggable Loo or something similar. Access to the site is on a maintained dirt road with cutouts for water run off. 4WD is not necessary. Please be prepared though, the road in has some narrow, hilly, curvy stretches. It could appear challenging or intimidating to people with larger rigs. If you have a class A motorhome and are hoping to visit, please message me first and let me know and we can discuss whether the road in will work for you. We are currently in the process of beautifying the area and will post more updated photos soon of the actual site. *Note: Our solar pump went out so the outdoor shower is not currently functional. Also, the site is still a work in progress so there may be some lumber and areas of the site still in the process of being completed.

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, CA

Welcome to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your go-to destination for a unique and memorable camping experience in Joshua Tree. This family-owned and operated park offers breathtaking views from its 2,300 ft elevation, showcasing the beauty of the Mojave Desert and the surrounding mountains. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the area or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground has something for everyone. With panoramic views of the North face of Joshua Tree National Park, the ancient Copper Mountain Hills to the North and East, and exceptional desert vistas, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes wherever you look. Office Hours: 8:30 - 8 Sunday - Thursday 8:30 - 9 Friday and Saturday Check-in Begins at 12 PM. Checkout is at 11 AM. The campground is situated on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert and boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. With clear, unpolluted skies, you can enjoy the magnificent night skies and immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars. We want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so please take note of the following guidelines: Swimming is not permitted in the fishing lake and there is no swimming pool available. Pet owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are welcome, but there may be an additional fee added to the reservation. Wi-Fi is provided by a third-party company and a separate service fee applies. Please note that we cannot guarantee the speed, rate, or troubleshooting of the Wi-Fi service. For your convenience, a wash station for dishes is available on-site, and the Joshua Tree Laundromat is located 9 miles away in downtown Joshua Tree. For campfires, it is important to keep them contained inside the designated burn barrels and never leave them unattended. In the event of high winds, campfire, and BBQ use may be suspended for safety reasons. So, pack your gear and head to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your favorite place to stay while you play in Joshua Tree. Experience the magic of the Mojave Desert and all its natural wonders, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

1 site · Tent10 acres · Julian, CA

Disconnect at this 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. Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.

Available this weekend

Mineral Springs Date Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA

Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well with Hot Springs mineral water at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm with Mineral Springs. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds.

Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

1 site · Tent10 acres · Julian, CA

Disconnect at this 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. Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.

The Lovelight Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA

The Lovelight Ranch is our 5-acre hippie paradise, centrally located in the Coachella Valley. We are near the amazing 1000 Palms Oasis and Coachella Valley Preserve for great day hikes and wildlife viewing, and also near the splendors of Joshua Tree and the high desert. We are happy to offer fun & relaxing activity Experiences such as the Tepee Sound Bath experience, DrumCircle and Didgeridoo experiences, Artistic Endeavor experiences. Sharing makes us Happy and we hope you will choose an Experience or two to enhance your visit and interests. We are within a half hours drive of Palm Springs, recently voted the hippest mid-sized city in the country and Coachella, home of the Coachella and StageCoach Festivals and not so far from the ever amazing Joshua Tree Festival . We are also very near Sam's Hot Water Spa, a chemical free hot springs soaking experience which is the perfect ending to a day of hiking, climbing or just sight-seeing. We have a Pool & Deck , A Horseshoe Pit, Nice Shady Hangouts and plenty to look at in every direction. We offer accommodations ranging from Elevated SkyDecks to SubTerrainian Glamping spots RV spaces as well as Basic Tensite camping . - Please check out our offerings for your Desert camping visits. Guests love staying here: "We had the most amazing time at Mikey’s place. Spiritual, reflective, and beautiful. The dogs and Rocky were the best! Mountain Views didn’t hurt (; we will definitely be back; Mikey was a welcoming and generous host. We stayed in Desert Isle and had a mystical time. You won’t regret staying here!"

Historic Pioneertown Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Pioneertown, CA

Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.Learn more about this land:Camp under the stars in historic Pioneertown! Pioneertown Corrals provides a unique setting for campers who want to spend their vacations or getaway weekends in this peaceful desert setting. If you like to ride the trails, barbeque, sit around a campfire, and stargaze in the evening, then you've come to the right place!Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.

BaseCamp at Palomar

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Pauma Valley, CA

Experience excellence at BASE CAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones, a WIFI Hot Spot, and well-stocked vending machines for ice and firewood. Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our oak groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Big Horn Pass Road

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree, California

San Bernardino National Forest

San Bernardino National Forest

La Quinta, California

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Palm Springs, California

Palomar Mountain State Park

Palomar Mountain State Park

Aguanga, California

Cleveland National Forest

Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

North Shore, California

Value Prop

Value Prop

Camping near Thermal with wildlife watching guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping getaway near Thermal, California, Hipcamp has over 1,100 options to choose from. With accommodations ranging from cozy cabins to spacious campsites, you'll find the perfect spot to suit your preferences. Explore popular campsites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), and Splitrock Farm and Retreat (320 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, showers, and toilets, while engaging in activities such as boating, wildlife watching, and horseback riding. With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $10, you can find the perfect camping experience that fits your budget.

Popular Thermal trips

Lakeside camping with hot tubs

Camping with hiking

Camping with climbing

Mountainous camping

Hot spring camping

Top parks near Thermal

Joshua Tree National Park

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Palomar Mountain State Park

Angeles National Forest

Sequoia National Park

Los Padres National Forest

Grand Canyon National Park

Morro Bay State Park

Top cities near Thermal

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Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy

Inclusion Policy

Inclusion Policy

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Hosting Standards

Hosting Standards

Hosting Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

Leave No Trace

National Weather Service

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