Whether you're soaking in a cowboy tub under the Milky Way or sipping cocktails by a retro Airstream, California’s desert regions are full of unforgettable places to stay. Rather than booking a few nights in a typical hotel, consider celebrating the quirky spirit of the desert with a more rustic or historic lodging experience. Some properties can tell tales from the days of the old Wild West, while others offer luxurious amenities, like spa treatments with locally sourced desert plants.

These are some of the most unique lodging options in California’s vast desert regions:

Eco-Pods of the Mojave (Ridgecrest) 

Situated on a 480-acre property outside of Ridgecrest, Eco-Pods of the Mojave is a desert retreat with unparalleled privacy. The pair of tiny cabins are run predominantly on solar, and while this is an off-grid experience, the property has every perk imaginable. The automatic glass doors open to the north, so guests can lounge inside cabana-style, without worrying about the prevailing winds, which come from the south. If you’re not a fan of fresh air, the cabins have heat and air conditioning, and outdoor amenities include a grill, fire pit, and seating. Just a few steps down the boardwalk, the large, accessible bathroom has a massive shower adorned with stone and glass inlay, plus a flush toilet and sink. While this is the perfect place to unplug, Wi-Fi and TV are available, so you can enjoy a combination of creature comforts and remote living. Eco-Pods of the Mojave also offer guided ATV tours for guests, which is an incredible way to explore the many miles of off-road trails in the area. Eco-Pods of the Mojave is pet friendly.

Cottage Hotel (Randsburg) 

The Cottage Hotel epitomizes rustic charm, set in the quaint former mining town of Randsburg, which is recognized as a California Historical Landmark. Built in 1930, the hotel features four interior rooms, two exterior rooms and a standalone cabin, each restored to provide a cozy stop for travelers on scenic Highway 395. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast, and common areas include a front porch, pool table, fire pit, and courtyard picnic area. Don't miss local attractions such as the Rand Desert Museum, a small gift shop, and the local watering hole, The Joint. Pets are welcome with a $25 fee.

Autocamp (Joshua Tree)

Set against a rugged desert landscape, AutoCamp Joshua Tree offers the perfect mix of adventure and luxury. The property has 47 custom-designed Airstream trailers and half a dozen cabins, all of which are furnished with chic, comfortable interiors. The trailers and cabins have spa-like bathrooms stocked with premium toiletries, and each unit has a private fire pit, grill, and outdoor space, perfect for stargazing. The communal spaces include a midcentury–inspired clubhouse, lounge, pool, and large fire pit that invites conversation as much as relaxation. The Autocamp general store is filled with organic snacks, s’mores kits, and firewood, and if you don’t feel like dipping into town for dinner and a drink, you can grab a smoothie, a wood-fired pizza, and even a cocktail from the Kitchen Cafe. Well-behaved dogs are allowed for an additional fee of $75 per stay, two dogs maximum.

Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary (Joshua Tree)

Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating mustangs, and beyond trail rides and one-on-one equine experiences, the sanctuary is home to a handful of goats, chickens, and dogs. Not only is this a dream trip for animal lovers of any age, but guests can stay on-site, making this perhaps one of the most unique lodging options in the area. The sanctuary has half a dozen bell tents and a geodome, plus three primitive campsites. The bell tents have bedding, portable heaters, camp tables, outdoor seating, and fire pits, and though there is a shared mobile toilet, some units have outdoor showers. The geodome has its own restroom and shower, and all units are spaced out across the 50-acre property, giving guests plenty of privacy. 

28 Palms Ranch (Twentynine Palms)

For a glamping adventure that mixes comfort and Instagram-worthy accommodations, look no further than 28 Palms Ranch. The property has a dozen vibrant authentic Mongolian yurts packed with amenities like queen-size beds, running water, heat, air conditioning, tables, and seating. Private bathroom facilities are just steps from each yurt, with flushable marine toilets and heated outdoor showers. Coolers are also provided, and camp chefs will enjoy the barbecue grill and fully equipped outdoor sink. Each yurt also has a shaded picnic table, fire pit, and seating, making it perfect for any season in the high desert. 28 Palms Ranch is pet friendly.

29 Palms Inn (Twentynine Palms)

The 29 Palms Inn features a collection of colorful adobe bungalows, rustic cabins, and suites, all surrounding the stunning Oasis of Mara. Several cabins are set among fan palms by the oasis, and most bungalows have private patios and decks. The rooms do not have internet, fridges, or coffee makers, though there is coffee and continental breakfast served every morning, and Wi-Fi is available in the common areas. The sprawling grounds include an organic garden, and from yoga classes to a heated pool, wellness and relaxation are the name of the game here. The on-site restaurant offers an incredible farm-to-table menu, and reservations are recommended. 29 Palms Inn is pet friendly.

The Kosmic Tortoise (Twentynine Palms)

With just two geodesic dome tents in the tranquil Wonder Valley section of 29 Palms, The Kosmic Tortoise offers the most intimate lodging experience on this list. Owners Reeyna Daniel and husband Evan Brosowsky wanted to share their sprawling property with guests, and from the on-site amenities to their warm welcome, this is a truly special way to experience the desert. Each dome has a plush queen-size bed, heat, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and dishes, plus an outdoor shower, outdoor sink, and mobile toilet. With a cowboy tub, grill, gas fire pit, table, and chairs, this is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the park. And you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outside in the evenings, as the stargazing here is phenomenal. Nearby Joshua Tree National Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, boasting some of the darkest skies in the country. It’s also worth noting that the best time to see the Milky Way is during the summer, so with AC and an outdoor tub, the Kosmic Tortoise is the perfect retreat from the searing heat.

Two Bunch Palms (Desert Hot Springs)

Two Bunch Palms was one of the first carbon-neutral resorts in the United States, and from solar energy to their water retention pond, the property is a shining example of sustainability. Of course, the main draw is the resort’s mineral hot springs and spa, making this an idyllic place to unwind in the desert. The mineral pools are fed from two wells: one with hot water coming up from the ground at 152 degrees, and another with cooler water that comes up at 85-90 degrees. The water is mixed in a looped system, which provides hot spring mineral waters for all the tubs and pools via a fully sustainable closed water circuit. Two Bunch Palms has several communal areas, including pools and several large soaking tubs (pictured above), and some of the more posh suites have private pools.

Tamarisk Grove Cabins (Anza Borrego-Desert State Park)

Set amid the rugged terrain of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Tamarisk Grove Campground has nine rustic cabins available for booking. These simple structures do not have power or water, but if you prefer some modern comforts when camping, this is the perfect solution. The cabins have tables and sleeping platforms, but guests are expected to bring a mattress or air pad, plus all bedding. Each cabin has a fire pit and shade structure, and the communal restrooms have flush toilets and coin-operated showers. It's important to note that the campground provides non-potable water; so you should plan to bring drinking water. Dogs are allowed, but they must be leashed.

Borrego Valley Inn (Borrego Springs)

Borrego Valley Inn offers a secluded, adults-only retreat that blends luxury with the natural beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert. The inn has 15 rooms, each with private patios featuring stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The property boasts two outdoor pools and hot tubs, perfect for unwinding after hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Borrego Springs is recognized as a Dark Sky Community, so guests also have unparalleled stargazing opportunities right from the inn's courtyard. 

Image courtesy of Borrego Valley Inn / Highway West Vacations

Inn at Death Valley (Furnace Creek)

Located in Furnace Creek within Death Valley National Park, the Oasis at Death Valley is home to two lodging options: the Inn at Death Valley and the Ranch at Death Valley. The historic Inn offers a more elevated experience, and with a stargazing deck and a spring-fed warm pool (heated to 87 degrees year-round) this is truly paradise in the desert. The spa features treatments with native desert plants and mineral water, offering a unique way to pamper yourself after exploring the hottest, driest place on earth. The Inn has a mix of hotel rooms, private casitas, and one exclusive poolside bungalow, which features solid stone walls sourced from the surrounding area.

Image courtesy of Xanterra Travel Collection