Lake Tamarisk Desert Resort is a 55-and-over community for most of the year, but opens to all ages from May 1st through September 30th. During the rest of the year, adults under 55 are limited to 30-day stays, and children under 18 are limited to 14 days every six months. Located near Desert Center in Riverside County between Indio and Blythe, the resort sits in a genuinely remote stretch of desert with Chuckwalla Valley Raceway and Joshua Tree National Park both within driving distance.
What makes this place special for traveling with a dog is the quiet, low-key atmosphere and the sheer openness of the landscape. There’s very little traffic out here, and you’ll find plenty of space for leashed walks around the property and surrounding roads. The pace is slow and the skies are enormous — this is a place where you and your dog can settle into a routine of morning walks, afternoon shade, and evening stargazing without much fuss. The lack of nearby development means the night sky here is genuinely dark, which is a real treat if you’re used to city or suburban light pollution.
The desert heat demands respect, though. If you’re visiting in summer months, bring ample water for your pup and be smart about timing. Ground temperatures can be significantly hotter than the air temperature, so test the pavement or sand with your hand before heading out for a walk. Early morning and late evening are your best windows for outdoor time with your dog during the warmer season.
The resort includes an on-site lake, community amenities, and a small-park feel that regulars tend to appreciate. It’s a solid stopover for RV travelers making the east-west trek along I-10, or for those who want a quiet desert base without the bustle of the Coachella Valley. Getting there from I-10: take Exit 192 (CA-177/Desert Center Rice Road), go north 0.3 miles to Kaiser Road, turn left for 1.5 miles to Oasis Road, turn right for half a mile to Parkview Drive, then left past the fire station and continue straight — the office is on your left.
