Dispersed camping options near Calipatria, California stretch from the saline shores of the Salton Sea to the surrounding arid desert landscape. The region sits at approximately 180 feet below sea level in the Imperial Valley, creating a unique low-desert environment with minimal annual rainfall. Winter temperatures average 65-75°F during the day, making October through April the prime camping season for most visitors.
What to do
Visit Salvation Mountain: Located near Slab City, this colorful art installation is a popular attraction. "If you're a fan of the novel/movie 'Into the Wild' then this place is absolutely a 'must visit'!! The people are different in a positive way. Bring everything you will need since there isn't a store in the place. Every Saturday is the 'Talent Show'," notes Roland B.
Explore art installations: The desert around Calipatria contains numerous folk art sites. "You will find things made of old parts, used tires, pieces of old buildings repurposed and all free!!" shares Crystal C. about the creative displays at Slab City.
Go birding at wildlife refuges: The Salton Sea area attracts diverse bird species. "Major plus is birding at the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge," mentions Jill F. who stayed at Red Hill Marina Park.
Enjoy water activities: Fish at Finney Lake or boat on the Salton Sea. "Pretty lake, but swarming with flies and a bit of an odor. GPS will try to take you onto the wrong end of Williams Road, you need to go on Titsworth -> Smith -> then Williams," advises Robert S. about Finney Lake Camp.
What campers like
Desert sunrises and sunsets: The flat horizon creates spectacular dawn and dusk views. "Sunset was beautiful, the smell was a bit strong off the sea, but then the mosquitos came and they were brutal! Tiny little suckers that could come through the screens," reports Katie H. about her stay at Red Hill Marina.
Unique desert community: The alternative lifestyle communities attract curious visitors. "This place is so so special, beautiful, and a bit extreme. I'd consider this less of a place for recreational camping and more an alternative lifestyle safe place. There's lot of interesting artsy folk who live out here full time for a different way of life," explains Alyssa L. about Bombay Beach.
Dark skies for stargazing: Minimal light pollution allows for excellent night sky viewing. "Great sunsets and sun rises. Great view of the stars at night. Very close to salton sea. Walmart was about a half an hour away for supplies," notes Riki G. about their week-long stay at Slab City.
Hot springs access: Some camping sites near Calipatria offer natural hot springs. "We found the hot spring pool that was fun to relax in, the library was pretty interesting too. There is a cistern shower too with cold water, it smells though... so be brave," shares Katie O. about amenities at Slab City.
What you should know
Summer heat is extreme: Temperatures regularly exceed 110°F in summer months. "Great spot all to ourselves near the Sultan Sea. Sunset was beautiful, the smell was a bit strong off the sea, but then the mosquitos came and they were brutal! Tiny little suckers that could come through the screens," warns Katie H. from her experience at Red Hill Marina.
Limited facilities at most sites: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. "This place is very remote. No water, electricity, or sewer. We stayed a week there. People living out of there cars and some run down trailers. They are pretty self sufficient," explains Riki G. about Slab City.
Sandy roads require caution: Many access roads can be challenging even for 4WD vehicles. "Plenty of spots to choose from without driving too far from the road... We had a few different campers within 50 yards and saw 3 of them get bogged in 3 different spots - two were proper 4WD's and one took two tow trucks to get it out so beware and scope out your drive off the main trail first," advises Brett S. from experience at Joshua Tree South BLM land.
Some areas have strong odors: The Salton Sea can produce sulfur smells during certain conditions. "Very Primitive location but beautiful in its own right. Gets dusty, tons of birds, close to the Salton Sea and no complaints. $7 per night for a tent site, a little more for hookups. $2 day rate use fee," explains Chad F. about Red Hill Marina.
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: For families with children, sites with facilities are recommended. "Nice people, mainly for during the winter here. SPA and pool is nice - but no fire allowed. We took the cheapest side for 39. But they also have some with a table and more atmosphere," shares a camper about Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort.
Consider noise levels: Some camping areas can be noisy at night. "Ended up here since CA closed all state campgrounds (because camping spreads COVID?) We were the only tent campers there. Lake is super lovely, clean bathrooms with showers. Sites have charcoal grills, but no ground fires allowed. 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," warns Dan X. about Wiest Lake Park.
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes can be prevalent near water sources. "We stayed here two nights and really liked it. There are a lot of travelers and some locals who come to the beach for the day, to look at the art of just to hang out, but overnight it gets pretty quiet," shares Laura M. about Bombay Beach.
Bring ample water supplies: No potable water is available at many dispersed sites. "This is the perfect spot if you are planning to stay in slab city. Either for short or long term it is nice to be able to show up to an established camp. Mojo is the coolest person. Super nice and knows how to run a good camp," recommends Amelia F. about staying at Mojos Slab Camp.
Tips from RVers
Beware of soft sand: Many camping areas have sandy terrain that can trap RVs. "Nice area, open enough you don't need to worry vout interacting with or bothering your neighbors if you don't want to. Just be careful of the sandy areas, got dug in with my sprinter and needed someone to pull me out," warns Andy D. about his experience at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed.
Check hookup availability: Most dispersed camping sites near Calipatria lack RV hookups. "This used to be a good RV park for Seniors on fixed income. But the new owners, who live in Palm Springs, have gotten greedy. First they cut out cable TV, then they cut out the seasonal discount, then they raised the rent$50 in one shot," reports a disappointed camper about Del Yermo RV Park.
Plan for extreme temperatures: Summer heat requires adequate cooling capacity. "A little tricky for my 2wd in some spots. Plenty of room to roam and space out if youd like. Nice little fire pits and flat surfaces near trees. Beautiful weather. Sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking. Little bit of road noise in the distance," shares Joe L. about his experience at Joshua Tree South.
Generator regulations vary: Some sites restrict generator use. "We had our inverter generator for power. Had great cell phone coverage 5g signal. Was able to stream on our TV with roku. Great sunsets and sun rises. Great view of the stars at night," explains Riki G. about their week-long stay at Slab City.
