Best Tent Camping near Calipatria, CA
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Best Tent Sites Near Calipatria, CA (22)
1. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
Borrego Springs, California16 Reviews•41 Photos•60 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Glamis Flats
Holtville, California4 Reviews•13 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
3. Corn Springs Campground
Niland, California5 Reviews•4 Photos•47 SavesThe Corn Springs Campground is located deep in a canyon of the Chuckwalla Mountains and has a $6.00 per night camping fee. Situated adjacent to a stand of California fan palms. This oasis supports abundant wildlife and is an important stopping place for migratory birds. Wheelchair accessible. Corn Springs was a major occupation site of prehistoric Native American Indian groups. The petroglyphs at Corn Springs are one of the finest examples of rock art in the Colorado Desert. They display a wide variety of elements and cover a long time span, with the earliest petroglyphs dating as far back as 10,000 years. In addition to being a route for Native American Indians moving east and west, Corn Springs was used by the Chemehuevi Indians who moved into California about 1,100 A.D. These Native American Indians lived in harmony with the desert ecosystem, utilizing many of the native plants.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Yurts
- Glamping
- Market
- Drinking Water
6. Gecko Campground
Holtville, California1 Review•4 SavesGecko Campground is the largest campground in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. It consists of a north loop and a south loop. These loops are paved roads and offer numerous vault toilets.
- Tents
- Toilets
7. Imperial Sand Dunes RA - Pad 5 - BLM
Holtville, California1 Review•2 Photos•6 Saves- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Market
- Trash
- Drinking Water
10. Bow Willow Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Mount Laguna, California4 Reviews•4 Photos•96 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews in Calipatria
283 Reviews of 22 Calipatria Campgrounds
- S
Shawn
Guide
Salton Sea Sra
I love this place
I have been coming here for 25 years. Sadly the lake is disappearing, but it have beautiful sunsets and is isolated and peaceful ( except for the occasional train). Avoid in the summer, but winter is amazing.
KateGuide
Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
free camping outside joshua tree
i loved camping here! the campsites are pretty close together but only a few others were there when we visited so we were spaced out. the first campsite we chose had a few pretty big ant hills so we moved to another which had none. wood fires are allowed. the stars were absolutely beautiful at night! you are near the highway so you will get headlights shining towards you occasionally but it was overall still pretty dark and quiet. no amenities but you’re within a half mile of a cute family restaurant and gift shop, the general patton museum, and a gas station. when you first drive into the campground, you will pass some old tanks. keep going until you see the campground sign. i had an amazing time camping here with my dog and my friend. i hope to come back here with my family sometime!!
Glen C.
Traveler
Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort
Perfect for Snow Birds and winter get-aways
We have stayed here a few times now. 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. The staff are pleasant and accommodating. It is also a pretty good overnight spot if you are passing through in the summer, but the temperatures in this area soar during the summer and are frequently above 110 degrees. 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. 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. The sites are fairly spacious and generally separated by hedges so you are not looking directly at your neighbor's rig. Scenery around the park is beautiful any time of year, and for those who enjoy the RV Resort lifestyle the only reason to go out of the park during the snow bird season is for groceries.
Bubble G.Guide
Black Mountain Road Camp
Beautiful Views, Quiet Solitude
Traveling down Black Mountain road for about 2miles of wash boards before turning down the camping road.
All the sites were empty as it was almost 100degrees outside and nothing for shade of a creature larger than a bird could find. But here we found quiet solitude and a cooler evening, perhaps the winds helped.
If you have furry friends keep a watch for their paws, there’s small cacti/pokeys scattered about.
Lovely sunrise and sunset 360 views.
Good Verizon service!
- MMo H.Traveler
Painted Canyon
Amazing stars
Absolutely quiet and an amazing starry sky
Ideal for tents
Russ S.
Scout
Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Nice but small sites, easy access, good views
I don't think this map pin is correct for Yaqui Wells Primitive Camp, the location according to Google Maps is a little further south just off Yaqui Pass Road off Highway 78. There are two different camps similarly named, Yaqui Wells and Yaqui Pass, fairly close to each other. Anyway, we stayed here at Yaqui Wells for one night after attempting to camp at Blair Valley but getting swarmed by bees. Only saw 2 other vehicles, and while the sites are pretty small and close to the dirt road, they are nice enough. BE AWARE THOUGH: pull your vehicle well into the sites, we had 6 lifted off road trucks come flying through around midnight at a ridiculously high speed without slowing down at all and it could have been catastrophic if we were closer to the road or if we had been walking our dog at that time.
- AAndrew C.Traveler
Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Desert campground
I stopped here for lunch. You're in the desert, so hot during the day. There are some trees for shade, especially for the campsites along Yaqui Pass Road. All sites have lattice-work shelters for shade over the picnic tables. Water is listed as non-potable at all faucets. Besides campsites, there are one-room cabins for rent. $35/night for the campsites is a lot, but that is state park practice in CA. National Forest campgrounds are cheaper.
- SShahinaScout
Corvina Beach Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area
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- JJoe C.Scout
Box Canyon Dispersed
Sweet spot
Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without. got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there.
- AAbe C.Guide
Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Easy with great views..., but am I here?
Using the marker on the map in the app, I was brought to a small dirt parking lot off the main road. Further exploration showed that a dirt road continued into the vegetation. I followed it, but it turned and went parallel with a road. I am nowhere near see the marker on the map. However, I am a 100 feet off the trail overlooking the town of Borrego Springs and the mountains behind it. I am here in this section by myself.
I did explore the Yaqui Pass and the Yaqui Wash spots, which are both further west over the mountain. The Pass was great and within a valley. The pass was a carpark as someone else noted. I wanted my back to the sunset (and the wind) so chose this location. Next time I hope to get to the spot the other reviews seem to be at.
Bob D.Scout
Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground
Could be quite - expect to dry camp
Most certainly a relaxing place. Lots of birds. Quite except for the store fridge compressor that ran and ran. Hosts are friendly. We were the only ones there. 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. It is brownish and not well treated. It is basically river water from a shallow well that ran through a sediment filter. You can wash dishes with it outside using a basin, but that's about it. I will say the community showers are great. Hot water and seemingly the same water at the sites but somehow seems clear. Anyway showers are great. Oh, one more thing, we choose a site sort of close to the store and showers. Well the store has a noisy compressor that runs pretty much 24 hours a day. Seemingly never cycles on and off. Very annoying.
- DDale P.Scout
Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground
Great stay off the Colorado.
Pulled in for a night, and stayed 3. Clean camp, showers with great pressure and plenty of hot water. Stayed on the river with great access for swimming and fishing. Very quiet this time of year, also great access to BLM lands for Off road, etc, disperse camping is an option. Hosts were great.
- TC S.Scout
Slab City
If Burning Man and a Landfill had a Baby...
I visited for two nights to see which version of the Slab City story to believe - There are so many videos, but most of them were made by people who did not even stay overnight.
One story is the romanticized tale of free-thinking sovereign citizens and preppers working together in Utopian Fashion to survive off the grid in the deep Sonoran Desert and shun government interference in their lives. They even have movie nights and a Saturday night open mic. There are some folks there who deserve a kind description and they work very hard to help their neighbors when they can. There just aren't enough of them.
The other story is about how hundreds of conspiracy-laden, disenfranchised, meth-heads, dependent on SSI, have trashed a 600-acre parcel of public land. This group is real too, and will solicit your sympathy and cash if they can't figure out how to siphon gas out of your tank while you're wandering Salvation Mountain.
If none of this impresses you, then by all means, visit during winter to see the clever art installations, but if you're determined to hang for longer than the day, I recommend you pay to stay at Mojo's Camp or The Ponderosa where the hosts have a care about their guests. Do Not camp alone out in the open. Do not accept any bliss from anyone, and do not flash your cash. Leave the kids at home unless you want to scare them straight.
Scott K.Guide
Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Nice but could be better.
We got a bit unlucky with rain, but would stay on the north side of the park if we did it again. South side doesn’t have as much going for it comparatively. Neighbors were loud.
Robert G.GuideCottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Mind bender
No internet or cellphone capability unless you drive back near I-10.
- mmike J.Traveler
Headquarters Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Great place
This is not the place I was expecting from all the bad I've heard. It was beautiful. The park was clean, all facilities were clean. The staff were friendly and awesome. They do have E/W hook ups and can take rigs up to 35'. The showers take tokens!
- Danny T.Guide
Headquarters Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Moto camp in spring
Did a quick motorcycle camp here. The campground was extremely well maintained. Clean bathrooms with showers etc. depending on the time of the year and the winds there can be an unpleasant smell but I didn’t have any problems on this trip Site are pretty close together but it didn’t seem to be very crowded most of the time
Bill R.
Ranger
Agua Caliente County Park Campground
A funky little San Diego County campground with a hot spring
Camped here for three nights in March of 2019, in one of the partial hookup sites close to the pool. According to the map of the CG, there are 104 sites and 7 cabins. Partial hookups are closest to the pool/shower area, with full hookups and cabins farther back and tent sites in the middle.
it seemed to be a well run facility. It was cool, cloudy and wet from recent rains when we were there and our site had a tiny stream running through it. Some sites, including ours, were not too level. The pool was not what I'd call "hot", probably in the mid to high 90s.
There's a couple short trails in the park, we hiked Moonlight Canyon. We really enjoyed it!! A bit like a lunar landscape with wild desert plants and flowers. The highlight was seeing some desert bighorn sheep!
A small store sits just outside the park entrance and though it was small, it seemed to have at least one of everything you could possibly need, including my favorite Colorado beer, Fat Tire!!
This park has a lot of rules, some quite unusual. Probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before you head out.
Denny K.Traveler
Little Girl Dispersed Camp
Lots of spots
Lots of nice flight that spots very nice view
Steve R.TravelerChiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
Fantastic find
I have camped here off my motorcycle on three different trips May, and October. It can be hot and there are not amenities at the campground itself but restaurants, gas, and a convenience store are close by. See the museum while you're there. It's a fascinating piece of history.
- KKeneth G.Traveler
Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
Needs maintenance
4bars of T-Mobile and 2 bars on AT&T. It’s currently $50 for a night which includes the hot spring.
The lots are dirt and uneven. The water on many lots are leaking or with broken fixtures. It’s pretty quiet and I’m here for 2 nights.
Patrick J.
Legend
The Springs at Borrego RV Resort
A great desert glamping destination
When we arrived, check in was quick and were escorted to our site. Our friends had arrived already and told us the site next them was open. The man who escorted us made a quick call and made the change.
The concrete pads are really long. I will leave a picture. This allowed us to have both the trailer and the truck on the pad. Not the perpendicular park job we are all used to.
It raining all day the following day and we were getting emergency alerts on the phone for dangerous flooding. The RV park has no drainage problem at all. The park is incredibly clean and well maintained.
We did play a couple of days on the golf course there. The course was in excellent shape. Green a bit slow. :-)
The pool area with all the activities available was a nice option. One night they had live music in that center.
This is a fun place to be for sure. Lots of hiking places near by. We will be back!
Robo A.Guide
Mojos Slab Camp
Layed back with nice people and friendly pets.
Stopped in total last minute and Mojo was friendly and accommodating! I loved the vibe and although it is free to stay out in the slabs it was totally worth it to pull in here in the dark and have a place to stay. My only regret was that it was a quick stop-over and I couldn't stay longer.
If you are looking for interesting places, colorful people and friendly free roaming pets, then this is the place. I hope to stop here again in the future and spend more time with Mojo and the crew.
Sheila S.Scout
Bow Willow Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Bix Willow stay
No water, $20 per nite with vault toliet and trash Nice cover picnic tables at each site
- TTammy Rae S.Guide
Corvina Beach Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Epic sunsets
This is a great little spot stayed a couple of nights, beautiful views, clean bathroom, cold shower. It’s close to the road and the trains go by. They’re kind of loud but part of the topography.
- CChris V.Traveler
Joshua Tree South Entrance
Avoid long vehicles far down the road
Nice little spot about two miles from the highway, fairly secluded with many sites scattered around. Suggest arriving before nightfall as it’s difficult to see into the sites at night. I would STRONGLY suggest any trailer vehicles or vehicles over 24 feet, do not continue beyond a few miles- the road starts to become more of a trail, 4x4 experience- narrow corridors and blind hills with short tracts of very high grade. A class A or travel trailer WILL get stuck here!
Rachel M.TravelerGlamis North Hot Springs Resort
If you are around the San Jacinto Mts, CA, these Hot Springs are a MUST!
What an amazing place with friendly staff. Go check out them out!! I really loved the ease of their website and reserving a spot. The check in is just as easy because you click on a link from the confirmation email sent from the reservation. Staff are always available, but never bother you. The bathrooms and showers are very clean and the hot springs tubs are nice and comfortable. There are also 3 pools, 1 hot springs and the other 2 are cold. It's definitely nice in the winter because you can do a cold soak then warm up in the hot springs. There are also dunes and ATV rentals, unless you have your own. It is definitely a homey hot springs resort with a positive vibe! Check out www.glamisnorth.com
Guide to Calipatria
Tent camping near Calipatria, California, offers a unique experience with stunning desert landscapes and a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat, there are several options to explore.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- The Cement Flats campground is big rig friendly and allows fires, making it a great spot for those who enjoy a cozy campfire under the stars.
- At Glamis Flats, you'll find picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay while you enjoy the surrounding dunes.
- The Imperial Sand Dunes RA - Pad 5 - BLM offers drinking water and electric hookups, perfect for campers who want a bit more convenience during their outdoor adventure.
Tips for tent camping near Calipatria
- Be prepared for the heat in summer months, as many campgrounds, like Glamis Flats, can get quite busy during holidays but are often empty during the hottest times.
- If you're planning to visit the El Centro NAF Campground, remember that access is restricted to those with military privileges, so check your eligibility before heading out.
- Always bring plenty of water and supplies, especially when camping at places like Gecko Campground, where amenities are limited.
Tent campers should check out Glamis Flats
- Known for its off-roading opportunities, Glamis Flats is a hotspot for adventure seekers, with rentals available for ATVs and side-by-sides.
- The stunning desert scenery at Imperial Sand Dunes RA - Palo Verde Flats - BLM provides a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
- Families will enjoy the fun atmosphere at Imperial Sand Dunes RA - Pad 5 - BLM, where sand dune buggies and outdoor activities abound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Calipatria, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Calipatria, CA is Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Calipatria, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Calipatria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.