Glamping close to Calipatria, California offers options in a desert landscape with temperatures often exceeding 110°F in summer months. The region sits below sea level near the Salton Sea, creating unique terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities. Camping conditions vary dramatically by season with winter visits recommended for more moderate temperatures around 70-80°F during daytime.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn: Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground provides access to the Colorado River where early risers can spot local birds and wildlife. "We saw some wildlife. Nice little hike in the scrub pines. Close to town but far enough to feel like we were away from it all," reports Anna J.
Desert hiking trails: Yaqui Well Primitive Campground offers nearby trails with modest elevation gain. One visitor notes, "The campground is a mile or two from a developed campground and we navigated our 2WD minivan on the dirt road without any issues. Yaqui Well hiking trail runs through part of the grounds, which is a nice hike leading to a natural spring."
Night sky observation: The desert provides excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. At Corn Springs Campground, a camper shared, "Photographer friend was also able to capture amazing astrophotography here." The remote setting creates prime conditions for celestial viewing.
What campers like
Natural mineral pools: Agua Caliente County Park Campground offers therapeutic hot springs unique to the area. A visitor explains, "2 outdoor pools and an indoor adult spa (102 degrees), RV sites with Power, Water and Sewer as well as tent sites. Flush toilets and hot/cold showers. This place is well maintained and the cleanest campground I have ever stayed at."
Year-round accessibility: Desert glamping venues near Calipatria operate throughout different seasons. According to a guest at Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort, "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."
Privacy and seclusion: Sites offer varying levels of isolation from other campers. At Yaqui Well, one camper noted, "My girlfriend and I camped here on a Friday night, at the recommendation of a ranger in the Visitor's Center. Overall, I was happy with our stay as we could only see one other party (far away enough to where we couldn't hear them)."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Several campgrounds report issues with drinking water. At Oasis Palms RV Resort, a camper warned, "The water is NOT SAFE to drink or cook with due to excessive arsenic and fluoride. There are however 3 locations in the park with reverse osmosis filters to fill water jugs."
Road access challenges: Many luxury camping options require driving on unpaved roads. At Corn Springs, a camper shared, "About 6 miles of dirt road, but fairly well maintained with minor washboarding. About 8-10 sites, most have level spots for car or tent."
Temperature extremes: Desert temperature variations require preparation. "We had a lot of fun here! It was really hot so we'd only go back during winter time. It's pretty baron but that's exactly what we wanted," explained one camper about their experience.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for pool time: Swimming facilities provide relief from desert heat. A visitor to Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground noted, "Clean camp, showers with great pressure and plenty of hot water. Stayed on the river with great access for swimming and fishing."
Pack extra water: Limited potable water means bringing supplies. "Expect to dry camp. There are no power hookups. The campground does have a central RV dump station, so you can dump before you hit the road. There are water hose hookups, but I would not introduce this water into your RV," advised Bob D. at Walter's Camp.
Wildlife encounters: Desert camping often includes wildlife interactions. One camper at Corn Springs reported, "One night we slept there it was so dang hot at night that we slept out on the ground with our dog as opposed to inside the camper van, only to be woken up and surrounded by coyotes. Two of them close and three or four more off in the distance about 15 or 20 feet."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal planning is crucial: Winter months provide more comfortable glamping near Calipatria. One RVer at Fountain of Youth shared, "I've spent many weekends at this resort over the last 15 years or so, visiting my grandparents that lived here in the winter. Tons of activities, clean and quiet, such a wonderful spot!"
Budget-friendly options exist: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates for longer stays. "Only $40 a night included utilities and WiFi. We saw some wildlife. Nice little hike in the scrub pines. Close to town but far enough to feel like we were away from it all," noted an RVer about their experience.
Cell service varies: Connectivity can be important for some travelers. A camper at Yaqui Well mentioned, "Huge bonus: we had signal all throughout the trip and we had Tmobile." This contrasts with other regional campgrounds where service is limited.
