5 Best Desert RV Camping Spots in California

Discovering California's Desert RV Camping Gems

California, a land of diverse landscapes, offers a unique RV camping experience in its vast deserts. From the stark beauty of Death Valley to the Joshua Tree's whimsical charm, the Golden State's deserts beckon adventurers seeking solitude, stunning sunsets, and unforgettable experiences. This guide unveils five of the best desert RV camping spots in California, providing you with the information you need to plan your next desert escape.

Death Valley National Park RV Camping Adventures

Death Valley, a land of extremes, holds the record for the hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Don't let that deter you! It's also a land of stunning beauty, with colorful canyons, towering sand dunes, and vast salt flats. RV camping in Death Valley offers a unique and unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning due to the extreme conditions.

Furnace Creek Campground: Your Death Valley Basecamp

Furnace Creek Campground is the most developed campground in Death Valley, offering amenities such as flush toilets, potable water, and RV hookups (electric only). It's centrally located, making it a great base for exploring the park's many attractions. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak season (October through April).

Furnace Creek Campground Amenities and Features

• RV Hookups (electric only)
• Flush Toilets
• Potable Water
• Dump Station
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Pits
• Visitor Center Nearby

Death Valley RV Camping Tips and Considerations

RV camping in Death Valley requires careful planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Water is Key: Bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Dehydration can be a serious risk in the desert.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.
• Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your RV is in good working condition before heading into the desert. Check your tires, fluids, and battery.
• Be Aware of the Heat: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Pack for All Conditions: Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically in the desert. Pack layers of clothing to be prepared for both hot and cold weather.
• Inform Someone of Your Plans: Let someone know your itinerary and when you expect to return.
• Cell Service is Limited: Don't rely on cell service for communication.

Exploring Death Valley: Beyond the Campground

Death Valley offers a wealth of attractions to explore. Some highlights include:

• Zabriskie Point: A stunning viewpoint with colorful badlands.
• Badwater Basin: The lowest point in North America.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Towering sand dunes perfect for hiking and photography.
• Dante's View: A panoramic overlook of Death Valley.
• Artist's Drive: A scenic drive through colorful canyons.

Joshua Tree National Park RV Camping Escapes

Joshua Tree National Park, a surreal landscape dotted with the iconic Joshua trees, offers a unique RV camping experience. The park's rugged beauty, starry nights, and diverse hiking trails make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Black Rock Campground: Joshua Tree's Oasis

Black Rock Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Joshua Tree, offering amenities such as flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. It's located near several hiking trails and offers stunning views of the Joshua trees.

Black Rock Campground Features and Benefits

• Flush Toilets
• Potable Water
• Dump Station
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Pits
• Hiking Trails Nearby
• Stunning Views

Recommended RV Camping Gear for Joshua Tree

RV camping in Joshua Tree requires some specific gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are a few recommendations:

• Portable Generator: If you're camping without hookups, a portable generator can provide power for your appliances and electronics. The Honda EU2200i is a popular choice for its quiet operation and fuel efficiency. It's priced around $1,100. Alternatively, the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator offers more power and the option to run on propane, costing approximately $900.
• Solar Panels: Solar panels can be a great way to supplement your generator and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. The Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel is a popular option for RVs, costing around $120 per panel. You'll also need a solar charge controller, such as the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20, priced at approximately $150.
• Water Filter: Potable water in Joshua Tree can sometimes have a mineral taste. A water filter can improve the taste and quality of your drinking water. The Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter is a popular and affordable option, costing around $20.
• Leveling Blocks: RV campsites are not always perfectly level. Leveling blocks can help you level your RV for a more comfortable experience. The Andersen Hitches 3604 Levelers are a durable and easy-to-use option, priced around $50.

Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree: Exploring the Park on Foot

Joshua Tree offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Some popular options include:

• Hidden Valley Nature Trail: An easy, one-mile loop through a hidden valley.
• Barker Dam Nature Trail: A short, 1.1-mile loop around a dam that often attracts wildlife.
• Ryan Mountain Trail: A moderate, three-mile hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain, offering panoramic views of the park.
• Lost Horse Mine Trail: A moderate, four-mile hike to the remains of a historic gold mine.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park RV Camping Sanctuaries

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park, offers a vast and diverse landscape, from rugged mountains to colorful canyons and wildflower-filled meadows. RV camping in Anza-Borrego provides an opportunity to explore this unique and beautiful desert environment.

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: An Oasis in the Desert

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is a popular campground in Anza-Borrego, offering amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and RV hookups. It's located near the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, a popular hike to a palm oasis.

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Amenities and Availability

• Flush Toilets
• Showers (coin-operated)
• RV Hookups (electric and water)
• Dump Station
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Pits
• Borrego Palm Canyon Trail Nearby

Essential RV Camping Supplies for Desert Environments

Beyond the standard camping gear, some items are particularly useful for desert RV camping. Consider these:

• Awning Sunshade: An awning sunshade can provide much-needed shade and reduce the temperature inside your RV. The Carefree RV Sunblocker is a popular choice, offering excellent sun protection and easy installation, priced around $80.
• RV Tire Covers: The desert sun can damage your RV tires. Tire covers can protect them from UV rays and extend their lifespan. The ADCO 3972 RV Tire Covers are a durable and affordable option, costing approximately $30 for a set of two.
• Portable RV Evaporative Cooler: While air conditioning is ideal, an evaporative cooler (swamp cooler) can provide some relief in dry climates, especially if you're boondocking and conserving generator power. The Hessaire MC18M Mobile Evaporative Cooler is a portable and effective option, priced around $150.
• Bug Screen for RV Door: Even in the desert, insects can be a nuisance. A bug screen for your RV door can keep them out while allowing fresh air to circulate. The Apiker Magnetic Screen Door is easy to install and remove, costing around $25.

Exploring Anza-Borrego: Beyond the Campground

Anza-Borrego offers a variety of attractions to explore, including:

• Borrego Palm Canyon Trail: A moderate, three-mile hike to a palm oasis.
• Galleta Meadows Sculptures: Over 130 metal sculptures scattered throughout the desert.
• Fonts Point: A scenic overlook with panoramic views of the badlands.
• Slot Canyon: A narrow slot canyon perfect for hiking and exploring.

Alabama Hills RV Camping Under the Stars

The Alabama Hills, located near Lone Pine, California, are a unique and dramatic landscape of rounded rock formations. They have been featured in countless movies and TV shows, making them a popular destination for RV camping and outdoor recreation.

Dispersed Camping in the Alabama Hills: Freedom and Flexibility

The Alabama Hills primarily offer dispersed camping, meaning there are no designated campgrounds with amenities. This allows for greater freedom and flexibility in choosing your campsite, but it also requires self-sufficiency.

Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping Guidelines

• Pack Out Everything You Pack In: Leave no trace of your visit.
• Camp at Least 200 Feet from Water Sources: Protect water quality and wildlife habitat.
• Use Existing Fire Rings: If you build a fire, use an existing fire ring or build one in a safe location.
• Be Aware of Wildlife: The Alabama Hills are home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes, scorpions, and coyotes.
• Respect Private Property: Be aware of property boundaries and avoid trespassing.

Product Comparison: Portable Power Stations for Off-Grid RV Camping

When dispersed camping, a reliable power source is crucial. Portable power stations offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to generators. Here's a comparison of two popular models:

The EcoFlow Delta 2 offers faster charging and higher output power, making it a good choice for those who need to power larger appliances or charge quickly. The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a reliable and well-established option, suitable for powering smaller devices and appliances.

Filming Locations and Scenic Drives in the Alabama Hills

The Alabama Hills are a haven for movie buffs and photographers. Some popular locations include:

• Mobius Arch: A natural arch offering stunning views of Mount Whitney.
• Movie Road: A scenic dirt road winding through the heart of the Alabama Hills.
• Latigo Arch: Another impressive natural arch.

Mojave National Preserve RV Camping Seclusion

Mojave National Preserve, a vast and remote desert landscape, offers a unique RV camping experience for those seeking solitude and adventure. The preserve boasts towering sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, and Joshua tree forests.

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground: A Unique Desert Oasis

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is a developed campground in Mojave National Preserve, offering amenities such as flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. It's located near the Rings Loop Trail, a unique hike through a narrow canyon.

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground Details and Reservations

• Flush Toilets
• Potable Water
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Pits
• Rings Loop Trail Nearby
• Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

Detail: RV Air Conditioner Units and Their Energy Consumption

Staying cool is crucial in the desert. Understanding the energy consumption of your RV air conditioner is essential for planning your power needs.

• BTU Rating: RV air conditioners are rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A higher BTU rating indicates a more powerful unit.
• Energy Consumption: A typical 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner consumes around 1,500-1,700 watts. A 15,000 BTU unit can consume up to 2,000 watts.
• Startup Surge: Air conditioners require a surge of power to start up, which can be significantly higher than their running wattage. This surge can overload generators or inverters.
• Soft Starters: A soft starter can reduce the startup surge of your air conditioner, making it easier to run on a generator or inverter.

Choosing the Right RV Air Conditioner

Consider these factors when choosing an RV air conditioner:

• RV Size: Choose a BTU rating appropriate for the size of your RV.
• Climate: Consider the climate you'll be camping in. If you'll be camping in extremely hot conditions, you may need a more powerful unit.
• Power Source: Ensure your generator or inverter can handle the air conditioner's wattage and startup surge.

Exploring Mojave National Preserve: Hidden Gems and Scenic Vistas

Mojave National Preserve offers a variety of attractions to explore, including:

• Kelso Dunes: Towering sand dunes perfect for hiking and sandboarding.
• Rings Loop Trail: A unique hike through a narrow canyon using metal rings to climb over obstacles.
• Cima Dome: A vast, gently sloping dome covered in Joshua trees.
• Mitchell Caverns: A system of limestone caves (currently closed for repairs, check for updates).