Who Else Needs A Break Away From Everything?!
We totally did and that is exactly what we found at KOA Palm Springs Joshua Tree.
Located about 2 hours from Orange County we felt it a perfect drive to feel like you are in another place completely. They offer RV, Tent Sites as well as lodging in a deluxe cabin.
Joshua Tree has been on our "want to visit list" for a while. But we thought... desert, hot, middle of nowhere, so we delayed.
I am so sad we have not made the trip to explore much sooner! There is so much to see and do even now with some points of interest closed due to Covid19.
In and around Palm Springs and Joshua Tree there are family friendly things to do and places to see a plenty.
We love to stay with KOA properties for so many reasons. I think my number one is that when we are on site we feel safe, entertained and there is always plenty to do.
We wanted to highlight what is open now for use while staying at KOA Palm Springs Joshua Tree and what we did when visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
Things to do at KOA onsite...
* Mini Golf on property near registration. Enjoy a round or three or more anytime until 10pm. After 6pm you can use the set onsite outside near the course too.
* Pool and Natural Hot Mineral Springs Jacuzzi. The pool is so warm and it's open as of last weekend with the lift of some COVID19 restrictions. The natural mineral hot springs are not re open just yet, keeping distance is still standing true, that's too close for comfort right now. We will revisit when they open back up.
* Local hikes. At check in you can get some information on local hikes and things to do. They even list some Famers markets and local hot spots.
* Activities Director. When Covid19 is not keeping us at a distance, the awesome activites staff member is on site. They usually offer kid friendly hikes, kids activities like rock painting, exploring and so much more. Another thing we want to return to let the kids enjoy when activities open back up.
* Playground and Dog Run. Since COVID19 the restrictions are use caution and Social Distancing. If we keep that up and respect that we are good here on site too.
* Close to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and surrounding areas. Also close to points of interest like Palm Springs Air Museum and Generl Patten Museum. A list is at the registration desk and in your cabin!
* 35 minutes from Joshua Tree North or South entrances
The Deluxe Cabin!
Perfect for our family. We've stayed in petite Retreats cabins like this before. So cute so comfy and perfect for what we do while traveling.
The deluxe cabin has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with shower, full kitchen with stove and a fold oitvsleeper sofa.
We made dinner one night in our cabin and I brought some goodies for snacks too. It was easy to reheat some of what we brought as well as cook up a fresh breakfast when we wanted to.
A few must haves on hand for us.
* granola and snack bars great for anytime and on hikes
* fruits for snacking or sides or on hikes
* cucumber and carrots anytime or on hikes
* there is no bbq at this cabin so we bring our camping favorites we can cook indoors .. corn, baked beans, sausages, salad, dressing, croutons, pasta etc. Easy peasy.
* breakfast and lunch items like bread, eggs, pre cooked bacon from Costco to reheat, bagels, pb n j, cheese, tortillas, and some salt pepper everything seasoning and Pam spray.
* some sweets, candy, hot cocoa, coffee, water, orange juice, milk
* any specific foods... we have a picky eater so I always bring his wholegrain goldfish, crackers, pediasure, green juice and a few other items to be sure we have on hand.
Everything really feels like we are in a mini home away from home. We even had our own patio furniture to look up at the stars from. The sky is so very clear.
TIPS for Visiting Joshua Tree
We loved being close but not right inside of Joshua Tree city. It was nice to be 30 minutes from the entrance.
I noticed that there are two entrances that lead to the same point. Basically the top and bottom of Joshua Tree. Top is where you enter by Yucca Valley off of Park Blvd. Pay park entrance and head in.
Once inside we followed the Park Blvd road loop that took us past all the sights we had marked to stop by.
POI that we stopped at inside Joshua Tree along Park Blvd.
* Smith Water Canyon
* Samuelsons Rock
* Hidden Valley Nature Trail
* Barker Dam and Barker Dam Nature Trail
* Skull Rock
* Arch Rock
Outside of Joshua Tree from the loop out to 29 Palms
* Sky's the Limit Observatory and this one is right outside of the national park and a wonderful place to stop
* Oasis Vistiors Center
* Glass Outhouse Visitors Center
On the South End of Joshua Tree Entering from the Salton Sea side of the map... enter near the General Patton Museum.
* General Patton Museum just a mike or so outside the park
* Enter through Cottonwood Springs Road
* Cottonwood Visitors Center
* Cottonwood Springs
* Mastodon Peak
* Lost Palms Oasis Trail
* Cholla Cactus Garden
This takes you almost to where we went through on the top half. We felt telhe top half of Joshua Tree had a lot more points of interest that we could see, hike and or stop at to explore.
Joshua Tree is wonderfully beautiful. Make sure you catch a sunset inside the park!
After exploring and miles of hiking for hours, my kids were super excited to get back to our KOA campsite to chilax. They loved playing mini golf until 10pm or taking a late night swim.
The onsite staff are wonderful and the team that is there during the day are all friendly, helpful and excited to share exploring tips.
We loved our visit and can not wait to return. Oh and until June 30th they have an amazing deal on cabins and sites. Check out the $99 cabin sites here.
Also just a tip if you will want to return... we spent the $33 to purchase the KOA Value Kard and there are many ways to take advantage and save.
Check out a recap of our trip here with more photos too.
Check out our video vlog here!
KOA Value Kard Rewards Program
Do more of what you love - camping - and reap the rewards when you join KOA's Value Kard Rewards program! From camping discounts at KOA campgrounds to additional savings offers from our partners, you can quickly see how the $33 pays for itself and more!
Exclusive Benefits:
- 10%* off your daily registration rate all year long at 500 KOA Campgrounds throughout North America
- Rewards points that accumulate for cash off future KOA camping stays
- Free** night of camping during Value Kard Rewards Appreciation Weekend at participating KOAs
- ...and Much more!
We love supporting KOA.. all of their locations are privately owned and we are supporting small business too.
For reservations and more details click here and happy travels!!!
