9 Reasons This Became Our Favorite place to RV after 7 years
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For seven years, we zoomed past Indio, California, waving at the palm trees from 10 as we hurried to destinations like Yosemite and the Pacific coast. We never gave it a second thought. It was just another dot on the map. But this year? We stopped. Parked the RV. Stepped outside.
And immediately said: “Wait… what is this magical place?!”
The sunshine hit different. The vibe was laid-back. The food? Surprisingly gourmet. It felt like stumbling into the desert version of a spa day, and now we’re officially annoyed we didn’t stop here sooner.
So if you’ve ever blown past Indio on your way to somewhere “better,” allow us to save you from making the same mistake.
Here are 9 reasons Indio just became one of our favorite RV spots and why it’s time to put it on your radar.
1. Motorcoach Country Club: Where RV Life Meets Luxury
We rolled into Motorcoach Country Club (MCC) expecting a fancy RV park. What we got was next level.
Think resort-style pools, golf courses, pickleball, a yacht club (yes, really), and Class A rigs that look like rockstar tour buses. This isn’t camping. This is luxury lifestyle with wheels.
Some sites sell for up to a million dollars, but you can get in for as little as $100K. And the community? Incredibly friendly and welcoming. It’s like The Villages only no loofahs, and everyone drives a diesel pusher.
If MCC isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. There are other solid options for the RV:
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is only $40 a night
Thousand Trails campgrounds: Thousand Trails Palm Springs, Encore Palm Springs Oasis
Indio Elks Lodge (if you’re a member like we are) is less than $40 per night
But if you’re looking to pamper yourself? MCC is hard to beat.
2. Joshua Tree NP: Where Dr. Seuss Meets Geology
Just 40 minutes from Indio, Joshua Tree National Park feels like another planet. With its twisty, whimsical trees and massive, wobble-stacked boulders, the whole place looks like a live-action Dr. Seuss book.
Add in some alien-looking plants, dramatic desert vistas, and unreal sunsets, and it’s a must-see day trip while you're parked in Indio.
Also, temps here are a good 10-15 degrees cooler than Indio so be sure to bring layers to stay warm!
Bonus: It’s prime territory for those iconic “Instagram in the wild” shots.
3. Palm Springs Windmills: Nature’s Giant Fidget Spinners
These iconic turbines are hard to miss, but did you know you can tour them? We took the self-driving windmill tour and were surprised by how much we loved it.
In one of California's windiest corridors, these giants are ideally placed between the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains. The result? A massive renewable energy operation that powers thousands of homes.
The views are wild, the science is cool, and even Phil paid attention!
One thing we didn't expect to see was the space that was cleared for Enron’s windmill farm. Needless to say, it completely folded before a single windmill stood up!
4. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: From Desert Heat to Alpine Chill
Looking to cool down? Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to 8,516 feet in under 10 minutes. You start in the desert and end in a snow-covered alpine forest.
It's the world’s largest rotating tram car, and once you reach the top, you’ll find hiking trails, a restaurant, sweeping views, and that crisp mountain air your lungs have been craving.
Bring your coat! Yes, even in summer.
5. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum: Weird, Wonderful, and Wholly Unexpected
Tucked into nearby Desert Hot Springs, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a quirky, artsy surprise. Built by hand over 20+ years using reclaimed materials, this Hopi-style pueblo is full of oddball charm and local history.
Think telephone poles, buckboard wagon parts, and salvaged wood turned into a four-story maze of rooms and artifacts. It’s the kind of place that leaves you saying, “How have I never heard of this?!”
It is a perfect offbeat attraction just waiting to be explored.
6. The Art Scene: More Than Just Cactus Paintings
The local art scene is bold, bright, and everywhere. We’re talking:
Giant outdoor sculptures
Colorful murals
Painted utility boxes
Pop-up galleries and festivals
From Indio to Palm Springs, it seems that creativity is woven into the desert landscape.
7. The Food: Desert Dining That Doesn’t Suck
Phil would be happy with gas station tacos. However, the food in this area is top-notch! Think wood-fired pizza, elevated Mexican cuisine, breweries, brunch spots, and retro-cool places like Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs, where delicious food meets even better cocktails.
Oh, and the Tiki bars? Must-visit. You’ll thank us later.
8. Sunshine Therapy: 300+ Days of Vitamin D
After years of RVing through every weather possible, we can say this: Indio’s sunshine is next-level.
With over 300 sunny days a year, your solar panels (and your mood) will love it here. It’s the kind of place that hands you a margarita and dares you to stay stressed.
But be warned, it is the desert, so the summers are HOT! The best months to visit are October through April. So come on down and skip winter this year!
9. The Vibe: Relaxed, Friendly, and Unapologetically Vacationy
This place screams vacation. Everyone’s smiling. Everything’s blooming. Your to-do list? Poof! Just like that, it’s gone! Well, that’s what happened to mine while I was there!
Whether you’re hitting music festivals, playing a few rounds of golf, or just floating in the pool, Indio’s laid-back energy is contagious. It’s like the whole city is in chill mode and they invited you to join in.
Even More Reasons to Love Indio
Off-Road Thrills: Rent an ATV and hit the nearby dunes
Date Capital of the U.S.: Don’t miss the Date Festival, complete with camel races
Cabazon Dinosaurs: Kitschy roadside perfection (you can also find them in the Pee Wee Herman movie!)
Stargazing: Clear desert skies make for some stellar nighttime views
San Andreas Fault Tours: Walk along one of the most famous fault lines in the world
Coachella: Yep, that Coachella. It all started right here in Indio.
Why We’re Already Planning Our Return
After seven years on the road, it takes a lot to surprise us, but Indio did. It’s not just a great stop… it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stick around a while….a very loooong while. We’re already scouting sites at Motorcoach Country Club!
If you’re smart, you’ll add Indio to your list before you zip past it on the freeway like we did for years.
Because sometimes the best stops are the ones you didn’t even see coming.
Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 7 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome YouTube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.
