Skip to main content
Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Lake Cahuilla

Coachella, California · Riverside County

Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley. The park offers individual and group camping, fishing, picnicking, swimmings, special events and equestrian and hiking trails. RV and tent campers will find more than 1…

Advertisement
33.62962, -116.27744
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Lake Cahuilla

Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley. The park offers individual and group camping, fishing, picnicking, swimmings, special events and equestrian and hiking trails. RV and tent campers will find more than 150 spacious sites (46 with hookups) for individual and group camping. Amenities include showers, a dump station, and picnic/play areas, complete with barbecues, tables and lawns. Camp for the weekend or enjoy an extended stay. While swimming is not allowed in the lake, the huge swimming pool (open April through October), provides a welcome respite from the summer heat. The pool has lifeguard stations and showers. Expansive lawns, shaded areas, convenient parking and a picturesque setting make Lake Cahuilla an ideal setting for special events, ranging from company picnics to concerts to boat races. A new group area features barbecue grills for group services, bike racks, restrooms, and for equestrians, corrals, hitching posts and a horse trough. Whether it's a group event, family picnic or holiday camping trip, Lake Cahuilla offers some of the best recreation in the desert.

How to Get There

In Riverside County, CA, near the Santa Rosa Mountains, about 8 miles from Indio on the west side of the Coachella Valley. Take Interstate 10 west from Palm Springs, CA.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Lake Cahuilla

Heading to Lake Cahuilla? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Lake Cahuilla?

Yes — reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Popular sites fill quickly, especially weekends and holidays. Book up to 6 months in advance.

How do I get to Lake Cahuilla?

In Riverside County, CA, near the Santa Rosa Mountains, about 8 miles from Indio on the west side of the Coachella Valley. Take Interstate 10 west from Palm Springs, CA.

How do I contact Lake Cahuilla?

You can reach the park at phone: 760-564-4712.