When “trailer” and “palace” are in the same phrase, I’m SOLD. This outlandish California resort, consisting of 11 Instagram-heaven trailer rentals just made big news. Yep, it was revealed in court that Johnny Depp and Amber Heard shacked up at the Hicksville Trailer Palace during a hot (as in heated) getaway a few years ago. But you don’t have to be a Disney film star to afford this experience.
Hicksville Trailer Palace is a delightfully quirky artists’ retreat with themed trailers, a tiki bar, and a beer vending machine https://t.co/pAQcJ4stuj pic.twitter.com/ijKYiOKy13
— Roadtrippers (@Roadtrippers) June 12, 2018
Vintage Prices
At this artsy-fartsy oasis near Joshua Tree, California, rentals start at just $115 per night for “The Pioneer,” a small retro-cowpoke, trailer inspired by the 1940s-developed town (Pioneertown) developed primarily for use as an Old West movie set.
And golly gee, you can gather up the whole posse and rent the entire place for $1880 during weekdays.
Not into the old frontier theme? Well, there’s “The New World,” a mid-century modern themed trailer that sleeps six (plus your dog). Or a UFO-themed Airstream complete with a star machine and a zombie vibe. There’s also a swanky repurposed boathouse (The Skipper) as well as a super-freaky vintage circus trailer.
Each of the trailers was designed by an artist so each one is insanely unique. On the other hand, some of them don’t have running water – but there are full facilities on site.
#hicksvilletrailerpalace is amazing pic.twitter.com/0TF03wmUBJ
— Charlie Neff (@CharlieNeff) April 3, 2015
where everybody knows your name
It’s a small little setup. No getting lost or need for a golf cart to get around. That said, you’re gonna make damn good friends with your fellow glampers as you chillax together on the fake grass or take a dip in the adorable solar-heated salt-water pool. Other old-school fun includes a jukebox, putt-putt, archery, table tennis, bb guns, darts, horseshoes, and a game room.
Night time shenanigans are more fun in the desert // Joshua Tree CA #hicksvilletrailerpalace #wildwanderers pic.twitter.com/lGLuPBNNJK
— Meg Pinsonneault (@megisaweirdo) April 13, 2015
Sunrise at Hicksville trailer palace, Joshua tree #nofilter pic.twitter.com/Jn3yBDa219
— Kat Wood (@katruthwood) June 12, 2020
So, I guess we have Johnny Depp to thank for even knowing about this surreal oasis in the desert. Nevertheless, its quirky nostalgia and shameless authenticity have put it firmly on our bucket list, right up there with the Old Faithful Inn, for our 2023 western states road trip.
In the same vein, but not as quirky, there’s an Airstream resort in Louisville, KY: https://www.progressparkky.com/
Joy, We are headed north next summer and I will plan to check it out!