Camping near Idyllwild with swimming
This small town is surrounded by epic rock climbing and 38 miles of the Pacific Coast Trail.
93% (3249 reviews)
- Idyllwild
93% (3249 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Idyllwild
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Idyllwild with swimming
99%
(1796)
Down-to-Earth Ecoshire
248 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · CA
Private 35 acre Private Land Restoration Project surrounded by rolling hills, mountain views and open sky.
The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular year round.
Stars and open skies that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in southern California.
Just 15 minutes from Temecula wineries, 40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, and just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet.
Best to visit from early autumn to lush springtime where we have great wildflower blooms.
Cooperative managers Jim and Dawn host visitors who want to enjoy nature, participate in regenerative gardening all while off-setting their travel footprint. Fees go to our not for profit land restoration which includes planting trees, improving aquifers and enriching the soil.
The property is a owned by a restorative co-op (turning a former illegal dump into an oasis of hope) where we invite you to participate in creative local solutions to our larger global problems. * If your group is larger than six adults, pease visit our group listings page. If your group needs special privacy and sound requirements and you'd like to reserve the entirer property, you will need to contact us directly. * Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.
* Our visitor support pricing is $20 for the first person and $15 for all additional adults. Kids 6 - 12 are $5 per night. We don't want to charge for kids 6 and under, so do not include them in your booking. Thanks!
* Campfire rings are only in common clearing, designated and permitted areas. Please check for seasonal fire restrictions.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$10
/ night
97%
(136)
Mineral Springs Date Farm
8 sites · Lodging20 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA
Get cozy and settle into this rustic space. This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well with soak tubs at each site located in a private 20-acre Date Farm with Mineral Springs. ~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. * **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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$99
/ night
98%
(65)
Lakeshore Retreat
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA
Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
97%
(1190)
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!"
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$45
/ night
97%
(199)
DragonflyHill Desert Farm
14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA
About
Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work.
LOCATION:
We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee.
ARRIVAL:
Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible.
We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions.
Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.)
OUR SPACE:
Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors.
We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere.
DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather.
We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned professionally twice a week & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties.
We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal.
We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults.
We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.)
We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders.
WHO WE ARE:
DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community.
Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required.
We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese.
DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE
We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping.
In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings.
RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES
Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy.
We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$20
/ night
96%
(14)
Scorpion Ranch
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA
Rumor has it our house was built by the famed western actor Alan Ladd as a secret getaway back in the 50s. There’s 5 acres, partly shaded by old mesquite trees and native Washingtonia palms that tower over rock lined paths. I recently fixed up our old 1949 tear drop camper for staying in after it had been abandoned for 30 years. It’s equipped with solar power, a gas burner, a pump sink, and a cooler.
This is a place for people that love old stuff! No marble countertops and stainless steel will be found. For lovers of the funky. There’s an outhouse, an outdoor shower, and a 9 foot deep swimming pool too. We’re situated between the San Andreas fault and the the Little San Bernardino Mountains, so spectacular hikes are a short walk away. When the wind dies down the campfire begins and the stars do not disappoint.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$75
/ night
99%
(340)
Bailes Farm
5 sites · Lodging80 acres · Fallbrook, CA
One of the last remaining undeveloped parts of Southern California, De Luz Heights is located adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest, and the Santa Margarita River (just a few miles from the campsite). This 12-month flowing river is the only one in Southern California that has never been altered or dammed by humans, and features a state-managed hiking trail with many water holes along the way with clear, clean water to dip into. On my 80 acres, there are no major roads going through or next to the property. My land is 13 miles from the Pacific ocean and enjoys a relatively mild yearly climate. Giant boulders provide topographical relief and offer platforms from which to enjoy the view of the nearby Santa Margarita Mountains. The valley views are filled with olive and avocado groves, vineyards, and horse ranches. The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base is nearby, so you might hear some artillery in the distance on some occasions.
The campsite embraces all the comforts of "glamping": a hot shower, composting toilet, beds with sheets provided, gas grill with a stovetop, pots and pans, kitchenware, a sink, picnic table, shaded deck, sofa, lounge chairs, and propane fire pit. The basics are provided: toilet paper, paper towels, purified drinking water, towels, sheets, cooking oil, etc. Campers need to bring their own blankets. I've created a network of hiking trails for especially fit hikers looking for a more rigorous hike than the nearby Santa Margarita River Trail. My trails lead through creek beds, over boulders, through rocky crags, with views of the Pacific ocean on a clear day. Hikers on my trails need to wear proper hiking boots with good traction. Sections of my trails will require bouldering with hands and feet. Expect to have fatigued quadriceps, some scrapes, and a sweaty hat brim.
The campsite is accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle; I drive a Kia Forte out there regularly. However, some tips when driving a two-wheel drive car: when going uphill on a dirt road, try to keep some momentum of about 12-15 MPH. If you stop and try to start again, your tires will spin out. If that happens, just reverse down the hill, and try it again with more momentum.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
$129
/ night
98%
(201)
Mosaic Springs Resort
5 sites · Lodging1 acre · Desert Hot Springs, CA
MOSAIC SPRINGS RESORT
The perfect getaway in the Coachella Valley sun is waiting for you at Mosaic Springs Resort - a relaxing desert acreage between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. Our little piece of paradise offers beautiful views of both the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, a firepit under the stars (s’mores included), 24/7 access to the Coffee Bar next to a trickling waterfall and koi pond, hammocks, yoga areas, outdoor games, our friendly dog, Jessie,and chickens to welcome you to your vacation. Less than a mile away are world-class but affordable mineral spas, or drive a short fifteen minutes to vibrant downtown Palm Springs for shopping and sightseeing. The adventurer in you can be satisfied with nature walks, hiking, and rock climbing in nearby Joshua Tree National Park.
Experience the Desert Hot Springs area’s “energy vortex” of mineral springs, the San Andreas fault line, and windmills generating renewable energy. Be sure to keep your own energy renewed in the desert heat with evaporative coolers blowing refreshingly cool, moist air inside each tent and cold water provided in outdoor areas. In the winter months, we provide electric blankets for a cozy, comfortable sleep! A full bath (with complete hot/cold plumbing) plus an additional half bath are provided with easy access from the tents.
We hope to see you soon at Mosaic Springs Resort - the hottest spot in Southern California!
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Matt and Diana were raised on Midwestern hospitality, and they enjoy offering it to you in a peaceful desert getaway.
Married for 25 years, they both add their own special touches to the retreat.
Diana's love for interior decorating flows through the areas with vibrant colors, convenient amenities and comfortable features that help you feel right at home...even in details like special treats for that late-night snack.
You'll see Matt's creativity as a writer and producer in some original artwork and his love for unique, custom-made yard games and putting greens.
Having launched three children into adulthood, they have looked forward to this time of using their freedom and talents to provide you with a pleasant, private place to rest and relax.
Diana's professional background spans business development, real estate and education while Matt's includes marketing, copywriting, producing and business startups.
They look forward to hosting you soon!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$79
/ night
92%
(19)
Mountain View RV
45 sites · Lodging16 acres · Banning, CA
Learn more about this land:The entire estate is enclosed with a chain link fence, as the perimeter of the Northern and southern parcels not so much for security but for animal control in, or out. deer, coyotes, rabbits, and wild life. There could be emergency access to the main house land which has showers, and bathrooms, community kitchen, community Olympic swimming pool Tennis, curt basketball court and much more. 14 miles from Morongo Casino, 35 miles for Cochlea Events, Historical area of Banning. downtown.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
$25
/ night
95%
(769)
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$75
/ night
100%
(24)
Farm Stay with Calf Cuddling
3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Wildomar, CA
At Howe Ranch, we provide more than just a farm stay; we offer a healing, transformative experience that teaches relaxation and rejuvenation through profound connections with our gentle, trained farm animals.
Buttercup, our Scottish long-haired mini cow, along with his calf friend Flint, is known to provide comfort to visitors dealing with anxiety and stress. Whether it’s hugging or grooming them, meditating with our mini goats or flock, every interaction is designed to soothe and inspire. Baby alert! On May 14 we welcome precious little Petunia, our new Scottish Highland calf. She was born on April 11 and is our current bottle baby.
Proceeds from HipCamp directly support the feed and care for our farm animals, of which many are rescues (501c and private).
INCLUDED IN YOUR FARM STAY:
1. A personalized farm animal encounter after your arrival, participation in the animal care routine
2. Unique learning experiences and opportunities to relax with the gentle barn animals
3. Organic chicken and duck eggs for breakfast
4. Clean restroom with dish washing capabilities
5. Access to the pool venue with cabanas and panoramic views (when not rented for an event)
6. Free use of an outdoor kitchen with 2 propane stoves
7. Free use of the BBQ with utensils (BYO charcoal)
8. Free optional use of camping equipment (chairs, mats) and entertainment for the whole family
9. A large safe space for children to play in with toys and games in the 80 ft. x 40 ft. sand camp
10. Access to "Extras" such as electric and water hookups, hot tub, and extra parking
The overnight farm stay experience is generally available from Friday 2:00 p.m. until Saturday 1:00 p.m. on limited weekends of the year. We offer the overnight camp on the 25th of June (Saturday) and the 1st of June, as well! If you would like to visit with us for longer or during the week, please inquire first if we have the capacity to accommodate.
ABOUT THE AREA: Nestled on just under 4 foothill acres backing against the wilderness of the Santa Rosa Plateau, but only 2 minutes from shopping, coffee, and dining, our small, veteran owned ranch with a private petting zoo opportunity provides a charming and picturesque setting that encompasses the essence of rustic hospitality. There are lots of fun things to do in the area. Please reference our VISITOR GUIDE on thehoweranch.com and linked to in the photo section here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$115
/ night
100%
(4)
Primitive Freedom Palm Springs
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Palm Springs, CA
Primitive Freedom is a private boondocking site [0.2 Acres and 16' width clearance for the entry gate] set in the tranquil enclave of San Jacinto Cove, nicknamed Windy Point. Framed by the majestic north face of San Jacinto Mountain and other nearby peaks, this site is designed for nature and adventure aficionados.
While the site lacks amenities such as electricity, water, or trash service, Windy Cove Market—a small convenience store and gas station—is within the community. For more extensive RV facilities, Morongo Casino [Cabazon - 13 mi.], Pilot [Palm Springs - 8 mi.], and Flying J [Thousand Palms - 15 mi.] are accessible.
Though isolated, Palm Springs' lively scene is within reach, offering a perfect blend of solitude and activity. Nearby attractions include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, and Acrisure Arena, while a variety of trails, canyons, and National parks are just short drives away.
The site's terrain comprises rocky desert sand and is secured by chainlink fencing for security.
It's worth noting that the area can experience extraordinary winds at times, adding an element of raw nature to your outdoor experience. For real-time wind conditions, check Windy.com
Pets
from
$25
/ night
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Idyllwild with swimming guide
Overview
If you're looking to go camping near Idyllwild, California and love swimming, look no further than Hipcamp. With over 900 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your swimming adventures. Some of the top campsites with rave reviews include Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and THE PRESERVE (274 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and toilets. In addition to swimming, you can also enjoy activities like paddling and boating. The average price per night is $45, with options as low as $20. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!
Top cities near Idyllwild
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.