Indio, CA – It’s always a bad sign when an RV park needs a gate, and this one has a gate. I believe all RV Parks in Indio have gates, which tells you something about the area. But the park itself is nice, having all the amenities a resort name implies, including the most competitive pickle ball scene we’ve ever experienced. From early until late the courts are typically occupied, and there is even spectator seating at center court. This resort has ample amenities for everyone, including “two pools, two spas, a fully-equiped fitness center, billiards room, lighted pickle ball courts, two spacious clubhouses and internet lounge with large flat screen TV”. They commonly host dinner parties in the club house, typically with a theme (Caribbean, 50’s Sock Hop, etc.), however they are not free.
Indian Waters pool area
Another outdoor area at Indian Waters RV Resort
Indian Waters has several pickleball courts
Our site (#48) was sufficiently large for our 45′ RV + Jeep. All utilities worked well. Luckily this particular site is located in a far corner of the park, well away from the hubbub of the other residents (many RVers at this park stay for the winter season). Apparently most guests at this park do not leave via foot (e.g., go for a walk outside the park) as there is no pedestrian gate and we needed instructions on how to activate the car gate to egress (the process is both not obvious and awkward).
Our site at Indian Waters RV Resort
Indian Waters has wide paved interior roads
The website claims about its location, “We are in the heart of the Palm Springs area that includes Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Cathedral City”. Of course “in the heart of” is subjective, but here are the times (via Google Maps) to those cities: Palm Springs (38 minutes), Palm Dessert (23 minutes), La Quinta (16 minutes), Indian Wells (19 minutes), and Cathedral City (32 minutes). All of those listed cities are indeed nice, but keep in mind those are one-way driving times I listed, which add up if you go to dinner every night. Going to dinner nearby is a risky proposition.
Having said all that, the park itself is very nice and the prices are reasonable, which earns it a good rating.
While staying at Indian Waters RV Resort we:
- Visited Joshua Tree National Park
- Hike: Willow Hole, Lost Palm Oasis, Lucky Boy Vista/Queen Mine Loop
- 4WD: Geology & Berdoon Canyon Roads, Black Eagle Mine Road, Black Rock Canyon/Covington Valley to Eureka Peak
- Sites: Keys View, Cholla Cactus Garden, Wonderland of Rocks, Queen Valley, Caprock Nature Trail, Joshua Trees
- Visited the Salton Sea State Recreation Area
- 4WD Trails: Bradshaw Trail and Red Canyon Road
- Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument: Toured Pines to Palm Highway & hiked on the Pacific Crest Trail; Visit Idyllwild
- Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve: Hiked Hidden Palms Loop & Pushwalla Trails
- Mojave National Preserve: Camping at the Kelso Dunes, Hole in the Wall area
- Mojave Trails National Monument: Hiked Amboy Crater Trail & Rte 66
- Sand to Snow National Monument: Hiked in Whitewater Preserve-Canyon View Loop & on Pacific Crest Trail; day trip to San Bernardino National Forest & Big Bear Lake, The Old German Deli
Rating: 
Campground website: Indian Waters RV Resort
Date of stay: January 9 – 24, 2022
