The Wildlands Conservancy Whitewater Preserve — Attraction in Desert Hot Springs

The Wildlands Conservancy Whitewater Preserve located in Whitewater California is a beautiful place off of interstate hwy 10 that is a hidden oasis and a gem of the California deserts. After your exit to Whitewater you drive on scenic two lane road skirting the Whitewater river and a few miles later you are at a scenic oasis with parking,campsites,a green grass park,hiking trails and two lakes with a running stream. There is lots to explore,hike and photograph here. The mountains surrounding this oasis feature families of wildlife such as bighorn sheep,fox,coyote and birds. Serene is the word that best describes this beautiful and picturesque land reserve for all to enjoy-and best of all its all free! Family friendly and open all year long. There are friendly workers at the information cabin style building that are there to answer all your questions with free maps. Bring a picnic lunch and any water or food supplies with you because there is no food services here. . . . . #wildlands #wildlandsconservancy #ilovewhitewater #whitewater #desertlife #serene #instagram #whitewaterpreserve #picnic #piknik #ilovehiking #covidsafe #ilovecamping #waynesalvatti #filmsnotdead #beautycanter #hiking #letsexplore #photografxworldwide #godisgood #californiadreaming...

I’ve visited this place a dozen+ times and camped several times. Great spot for families with little kids. My favorite place in Southern California.

The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. Camping is free using their reservation system (make sure to answer when the ranger calls, and you have to check in before they close at 5), with flush bathrooms and a large lawn next to parking to put your tent up (or trailer camp in parking).

The adjacent river is fantastic. It usually runs except I think when we had that long drought it disappeared for a bit. You can wade in River area or have a ‘beach day’ with the kids or they have a wading pond as well.

Staff is friendly and mission oriented.

Treat the place nice and if you see something say something or pick up trash to keep things pretty.

The ONLY downside to the place is the hydrology of the place is super unstable. A single storm last August wiped out road (repaired and open again!) and shifted the River area and demolished trail, so it’s quite a trek across rocks to connect the hiking trails. And that was just last year, just a lot of sediment...

Why can we not mountain bike on some of these trails???? So disappointing. Sightseeing on a bike would be so awesome in these areas. Please consider! I’m talking about XC mountain biking not downhill MTB where it messes up the trails. XC is a moderate pace while not...