The desert landscape near Calexico, California includes camping options at elevations typically below 300 feet, with the surrounding area characterized by agricultural fields alongside harsh desert terrain. Winter visitors experience relatively mild temperatures between 55-75°F during daytime hours, while nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s. Cell coverage varies dramatically between sites with stronger signals concentrated near populated areas.
What to do
Off-roading at Imperial Sand Dunes: The massive dune system offers dedicated areas for OHV enthusiasts with permit requirements during peak season. According to one visitor at Imperial Sand Dunes RA, "Sand and more sand for days! Super fun place, lots to do. Take your sand dune buggies and enjoy the day and night. Super fun for the whole family."
Military aircraft watching: Naval Air Facility El Centro conducts regular training exercises visible from several camping areas. A guest at Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort noted, "It's close to the Navy base so fly overs of the Super Hornets are frequent but not loud. You can actually take side roads and get right to the runway if you want... Blue Angels practice in Jan!"
Thermal soaking: The naturally heated springs offer a unique desert experience with maintained pools. A visitor to Holtville Hot Springs shared, "We loved this spot. The area is well maintained by camp host Bill. Vault toilets, with TP & bonus there is great food at The Holtville Taco Shop 7 miles from springs."
What campers like
Winter community atmosphere: Seasonal visitors create a social environment in larger RV parks. A Rio Bend visitor explained, "The best times are during the fall and winter months as the park welcomes back its community of Snow Birds coming from Canada and the northern US. During those times the atmosphere in the evening is always festive, often with live music and an outdoor bar."
Convenience to Mexican border: Multiple camping options provide easy access for international day trips. One camper at Desert Trails RV Park mentioned, "Central located" making it an ideal base for exploring both sides of the border region.
Golf access: Several RV parks offer on-site golf amenities with varying difficulty levels. A camper at Desert Trails noted, "We stayed 5 days there is a 9 hole golf course on site and a nice sized pool. Many snow birds and year round campers. Mostly 55+."
What you should know
Extreme seasonal differences: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F while winters remain mild. As one Rio Bend RV visitor explained, "During summer time the pool becomes too warm to be refreshing, and the restaurant and bar are closed. The rates are much lower in the summer."
Agricultural proximity: Several campgrounds border active farming operations. A visitor to Wiest Lake Park observed, "Unfortunately there is a very loud and semi-smelly cow farm next door. I was fine with earplugs but I wouldn't stay there without them."
LTVA requirements: Long Term Visitor Areas have specific equipment regulations. A camper noted about dispersed areas, "Area was nice, no trash, host was nice, the only thing was there was A LOT OF FLIES. Other than the flies it's a good campground, there are pit toilets across the street at the hot springs along with trash cans."
Tips for camping with families
Military installation amenities: Eligible visitors can access additional recreation options. One reviewer of El Centro NAF Campground mentioned, "The base has a large pool with water slides, gym, bowling alley, exchange/commissary, and movie theater."
Local food options: Several small markets and restaurants near camping areas offer quality options. A Holtville visitor recommended, "The Del Sol market has great marinated chicken for the BBQ and the tortillas are best outside of Mexico I have found."
Last-minute availability: Some parks accommodate unplanned stays during slower periods. A camper at Sunbeam Lake RV Resort shared, "Was able to get a last minute spot when we were about an hour away. Office people were nice and friendly. Place was clean with lots to do."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Privacy features vary between parks. One Rio Bend visitor noted, "The sites are fairly spacious and generally separated by hedges so you are not looking directly at your neighbor's rig."
Monthly rates available: Extended stays offer significant discounts at certain parks. A camper mentioned, "$850 a month. Very expensive food and drink. There is a nice little store in Seeley though."
Discount programs accepted: Many parks participate in travel discount programs. A Rio Bend RV visitor pointed out, "This is also one of the few parks that accepts Passport America all days of the week. Note that Passport America discounts cannot be used with pull-through sites."
