seeking desert camping recommendation

[mamadrum]

Hi Folks-
 
We planning a camping trip for Easter weekend (March 25-27) and were thinking of a desert trip. I've never been camping in the desert. Does anyone have a recommendation? We're coming from LA w/2 kids and a dog. I was eyeing Agua Caliente but they don't take pets.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
--aaron

[fishintony]

Try the Hole in wall camp ground near provodince mountain state park, we were there in april 2 years ago. It was spectacular. Your kids will love the ring trail near hole in the wall,and the cave in the state park. Its supposed to be a record year for wild flowers

[Russinator]

http://www.anzaborrego.statepark.org/

The above link is for Anza Borrego. It's not very far from Agua Caliente
and they do allow dogs - we've been there a few times with our dog. Most people that I know who enjoy desert camping love Anza Borrego.

http://www.therussinator.com/AnzaBorregoStatePark/

[Diplomat]

Don't forget Joshua Tree National Park!  My favorite is Jumbo Rocks Campground, it now costs $5.00/night, there's no water or electric of course.  The night sky is unbelieveable!  It's up at 4400 feet so it will still be cool at night but the days will be awesome.

Near Hole in the Wall campground is Midhills Campground, also in the Mojove National Preserve.  Midhills is up a dirt road but don' t worry, we towed our camper up there in a Grand Voyager, try for sites 28 or 29, both have great views and lots of privacy.  No electricity but there are water points up there.  I think it's about $12/night.  Midhills is at 5600 feet or so, it is quite pleasant up there well into June.

Desert camping is tremendous, you have lots of places to explore from SoCal.  You might also consider Death Valley but I imagine it is hard to get in there in March, plenty of sites in July though    

[Fishin BC]

Joshua Tree always gets a vote from us!!

[cb]

Blair Valley and Little Blair Valley, a few miles south of Scissors Crossing in Anza Borrego, are the reasons we bought our PU.  Dry camping at its best!

[oldmoose]

We've camped at Joshua Tree and loved it. The Cottonwood Springs camp has water and flush toilets. I've taken our Scout troop to Hole-in-the-Wall and they absolutely loved it. It's usually first come first served and the have water during the cooler months.

Moose