Best Tent Camping near Calipatria, CA

Tent camping options near Calipatria, California are primarily concentrated in desert environments, with several established campgrounds in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and surrounding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Glamis Flats and Cement Flats offer tent camping with basic amenities amid vast sand dunes, while Box Canyon Dispersed camping provides more primitive options for those seeking solitude. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, located about 30 miles northwest of Calipatria, also accommodates tent campers with more developed facilities.

Most tent campgrounds in this region have minimal amenities due to the desert environment. Vault toilets are available at established sites like Glamis Flats and Gecko Campground, but potable water is scarce throughout the area. Campers should bring ample water supplies, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. The terrain consists primarily of sand and hard-packed desert soil, with little natural shade. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas permitting campfires in designated rings while others prohibit open flames entirely due to fire danger.

The desert camping experience offers unique advantages for tent campers willing to brave the elements. Sites farther from popular OHV areas provide greater quiet and opportunities to experience desert ecology. Winter and early spring months (November through April) offer the most comfortable temperatures for tent camping, with cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures. Summer camping is possible but requires extensive preparation for extreme heat. Areas like Box Canyon Dispersed camping provide more secluded experiences away from the crowds that gather at the dunes. One camper noted, "This is a great open camping area, you can camp near others or find a secluded spot of your own." Night skies in these primitive tent camping areas offer exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, making the challenging conditions worthwhile for many outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Tent Sites Near Calipatria, California (21)

    1. Glamis Flats

    4 Reviews
    Holtville, CA
    27 miles
    Website

    "if you like to drive offroad, this is the place for you! even if you dont,its fun to sled down the dunes."

    "Not much to do if you don’t like off-roading. There are places to rent Atvs and side by sides if you don’t have your own. Bathrooms stink, but it beats squatting in the sun and sand in your bum."

    2. Cement Flats

    1 Review
    Holtville, CA
    23 miles
    Website

    "Great boondocking site on our drive to San Diego! You can’t beat the price!"

    3. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5391

    "This is a great open camping area, you can camp near others or find a secluded spot of your own. There are fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and even showers."

    "Season starts around Halloween and ends in May for Red stickers. They have public restrooms spread through the grounds. It's great for tent camping and RVs/campers, tents."

    4. El Centro NAF Campground

    1 Review
    Imperial, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 339-2486

    "This campground is located on a military facility. You must have base access/privileges in order to utilize this campground. "

    5. Gecko Campground

    1 Review
    Holtville, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 337-4400

    7. Corn Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "Pit toilets, no water, a little cell service with ATT. Half the sites were full but with quiet folks."

    "Well was dry, luckily I carry water. 

    Beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views. 

    Petroglyphs and historic mining cabin

    Someone drops off scrap wood for campfires

    I'll be back"

    8. Cahuilla Ranger Station

    Be the first to review!
    Holtville, CA
    23 miles
    +1 (760) 337-4400

    9. Box Canyon Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "this is a dispersed location on box canyon in Mecca. the road is loose sand and is possible by most vehicles as long as you stay on the road."

    10. Mobiland RV Park

    1 Review
    Salton City, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-3782

    "Giant RV park with many entrances, it looks free but don’t quote me on that. We camped here off the dirt road and didn’t see anyone to pay."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Calipatria, CA

308 Reviews of 21 Calipatria Campgrounds


  • Trip Over Life
    May. 28, 2018

    Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Anza-Borrego campground with primitive cabins and tent sites

    Tamarisk Grove Campground is about 20 minutes south of Borrego Springs. It sits next to the highway but there’s minimal traffic so it isn’t terribly loud. There are tent sites as well as primitive cabins. Each site has a fire ring and table. There are also flush toilets and paid showers. There is no potable water at this campground - be sure to bring your own. The cabins are simple structures with platforms for sleeping. There are no amenities in the cabins - no electric, no water, no mattress, no linens, etc.

    The campground is across the street from both the Cactus Loop and Yaqui Well trail heads. We recommend the short Cactus Loop hike over the Yaqui Well hike. Go at sunset to catch the cholla cacti backlit by the sunset.

  • Kathy M.
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Away from primary Joshua Tree camping areas

    This campground was away from the primary campground like Jumbo Rock and therefore less crowded. Campsites included fire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets on premises and away from primary sites. Tent sites were very close together and as we found or a very popular site for star gazing and meteror showers. Required aunt of a drive to get into the primary park area and firewood not available in campgrounds (Walmart is the closest location it was available). Camp hosts were very nice however did not enforce quiet hours. We camp with our daughter (5 at the time) and unfortunately we were surrounded by many college students drinking heavily (not Joshua Trees fault). We ended up leaving a day early because of this. Aside from the other campers we had a good desert camping experience. I think next time we would try a different site to attempt to be more secluded and avoid this issue in the future.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 27, 2023

    BLM Oxbow Campground

    Great BLM camp on river.

    Nice BLM CG on Colorado River. Colo and AZ state line seems to bisect this area. CG has tables, fire rings vault toilets, dumpster, but NO water or RV dump. $15/$7.50 senior. 14d limit.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2022

    Osborne Overlook

    Surprise, it's also a campground!

    Located in the Imperial Dunes, we didn’t even realize this was a “campground” as we drove the short uphill to the lookout to see the dunes. There is a 14-day limit but unless you are really into cruising around the dunes on an OHV, I’m not sure why you would stay that long. It is basically a paved parking lot and there are no markers indicating a separation between “spaces” so you park/camp wherever you find room (there were some sections with no parking signs). Although the road and lot are paved, the wind will blow sand all over and it was VERY windy when we were there! There were two vault toilets, a covered picnic table and several fire rings but no other amenities. As far as I can tell, it is free to camp here. I did notice some RVs displaying rather strident political flags which would have made us uncomfortable staying here overnight so we enjoyed the dunes for a short while and drove on. A plus is the cell coverage is great (you are higher up) and the dunes are beautiful!

  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 12, 2021

    Pegleg Smith Camping — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Nice and New

    This is a new primitive location being constructed in the Anza-Borrego State Park.

    It is currently open for use at no charge during the proposed Land Use Action from February 20, to May 31, 2021.

    The park will be providing ADA accessible Concrete Vaulted Toilet (CXT restroom facility, adding fire rings, and incorporating a $20 per night per vehicle or trailer fee.

    Camping will be allowed for up to 30-day maximum stay with adjacent state managed recreational activities include camping, hiking, equestrian, biking, bouldering, picnicking, and street legal off roading.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Mecca Beach Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area

    Close together sites, great beach views.

    Salton Sea is such an interesting place. A bird haven for migrating birds - be sure to visit the Sonny Bono Refuge closeby. This camp had $20 basic tent sites, some full hookup sites available- paved, some sites along beach. One of the 2 loops were closed. Showers - tho no hot water left when I got to them and most bathrooms boarded up and in disrepair. Ample trash and recycling bins and water. Friendly host and camp wood available at $10 a pop. Check to see if sites are reserved at kiosk if you are coming without reservations.

  • Prius P.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Great if you understand the desert

    By my standards this is not primitive you have a toilet and a fire ring. Some of the spots are flatter than others. I made it in my prius so no need for high clearance or 4X4. Great for seeing stars and the sunrise. Awesome mini canyons if you're adventurous. BRING WATER ! It's hit during the day otherwise I really enjoy this place personally

  • Miles K.
    Apr. 21, 2021

    BLM Oxbow Campground

    Weekend Getaway Boondocking

    I met up with an old Marine buddy of mine and my 15 year old son for some camping, fishing and offroading with my friends Polaris Razr. There is a nice boat dock that is well used. NOTE: The walking dock to get into your boat is not setup and is not functional. Fishing spots are around the camping sites... fishing from shore into the river is doable... but the flow of the river means you probably will be like I was just practicing your casts. The trails on the Arizona side off of Levee Rd. We're great. We went out into the desert by the Hart Mining area and saw Big Horn Sheep and a Log Cabin from 1910. The weather was great... wind did get a bit gusty in the afternoons. Other than that great sunrises and sunsets. Camp fire rings were full of past ashes. We dug ours out to make it better for a fire. The Vault bathrooms are Really Bad. Luckily I brought my privacy pop-up tent and Lowes bucket with a toilet seat. That was way better than the stench of the toilet. No water so you need to bring your own, same with firewood, toilet needs... no toilet paper provided, no sinks or clothes pins required. We were the ONLY campers in the main campsites by the off duty camp host trailer on the river on Sat night and woke up to an empty campground.

  • S
    May. 29, 2019

    Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Desert Camping With a Toilet and That's About It

    I stayed at Arroyo Salado one year during a super bloom at Anza Borrego Desert State Park.  The campground is very, very basic.  You pull up and find a spot and camp.  There are no designated campsites.  And it's free.  There are pit toilets, which are clean and don't really smell.

    We had the pleasure, as I said, of coming during the super bloom, when all of the sites closer to town were booked.  This is in the "badlands" part of the park, leaving Borrego Springs and heading toward Salton City, which happens to be the cheapest place to get gas in these parts.

    There's room to pitch a tent.  You basically set up camp wherever there is room. We were among blooming desert lilies and had to be careful not to damage any, but plenty of fairly flat sandy soil to pitch a tent.  You can bring your own barbecue if you want a fire, but fires must be self contained and you have to pack out what you bring in, so don't leave behind your ashes or coals.  Want to be lazy?  Grab dinner from one of the restaurants in town.

    This part of the park (the badlands) tends to be slightly warmer than other areas of the park.  (Because of elevation and topography? I'm not sure why.)  This is a dry camp.  There is no water, so you have to bring your own. But Borrego Springs is maybe 15-20 minutes away if you need a supply run.

    During the blooms and when it's not super hot, it's lovely, but it's ungodly hot in the summer here (110-115 degrees), not cooling much at night.  There are off-road roads in this area.  We watched a lovely moonrise amid some night-blooming flowers.  So time it right and it's lovely.


Guide to Calipatria

Desert camping near Calipatria, California ranges from basic dispersed sites to established campgrounds across BLM lands and recreation areas. The region sits at approximately 180 feet below sea level in the Imperial Valley, creating unique camping conditions where winter temperatures average 70°F during day and 40°F at night, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. Camping restrictions vary seasonally with fire bans common during summer months.

What to do

Off-road adventures: Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area offers extensive OHV opportunities for all skill levels. At Glamis Flats, one camper reports, "if you like to drive offroad, this is the place for you! even if you dont, its fun to sled down the dunes." Permits required for vehicle use.

Ladder Canyon hiking: Located within Box Canyon Dispersed area, this unique trail features installed ladders for navigating steep sections. A camper notes that "my favorite is the ladder canyon hike which has you climbing up a series of ladders in the canyon." Bring extra water as temperatures rise quickly even in cooler months.

Desert wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to see desert foxes, coyotes, and various reptiles. At Box Canyon Dispersed, a visitor mentioned, "We had two foxes come and visit the campsite (or at least they got really close)." Bring binoculars and maintain distance from wildlife.

What campers like

Desert night skies: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, campers enjoy "beautiful sunrises and sunsets" and can "enjoy the night sky and see some desert beauty."

Geological features: The area contains unique rock formations and canyon systems. In Corn Springs Campground, visitors appreciate the "beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views" and "petroglyphs and historic mining cabin." Many sites feature ancient rock art requiring respectful visitation.

Solitude opportunities: Off-season camping provides remarkable quietude. One camper described Corn Springs as "a great place to camp if you like the quiet peaceful desert," while another noted Box Canyon as having spots where "I was the only one there the first week of January."

What you should know

Water limitations: No reliable natural water sources exist in the camping areas. At Cement Flats, visitors must bring all necessary water. One camper at Corn Springs noted, "Well was dry, luckily I carry water." Pack 1-2 gallons per person per day minimum.

Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on unpaved roads with varying conditions. A Box Canyon visitor warns, "Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without," while another cautions, "very loose sand" and notes it's "very easy to get stuck."

Extreme temperatures: Desert temperature fluctuations require specific preparation. A camper at Ocotillo Wells advises to "pack 3 times the amount of water that you think you would need" and notes camping there gets "very hot bring plenty of water." Another mentions that at Corn Springs "it was so dang hot at night that we slept out on the ground" rather than in their camper.

Tips for camping with families

Best tent camping near Calipatria, California with kids: Ocotillo Wells provides accessible camping for families with room to spread out. A visitor mentions, "I've always loved going to Ocotillo because of the views and the people great for kids and big enough to be by yourself."

Activity planning: Structure day activities around cooler morning and evening hours. At Corn Springs Campground, one family reported, "We had a lot of fun here! It was really hot so we'd only go back during winter time," suggesting seasonal timing affects family enjoyment.

Safety considerations: Establish clear boundaries for children in the desert environment. A Box Canyon camper shared, "The kids did some exploring. Found a Geocache," suggesting guided exploration activities help maintain safety while encouraging adventure.

Tips from RVers

Parking considerations: Many dispersed camping areas have deep sand that challenges RVs. At Box Canyon, a reviewer warns there's "very loose sand" and recommends camping "at the bottom of the canyon at the turn off to the painted cliffs" for more stable ground.

Hookup availability: No established hookups exist at most sites. At Mobiland RV Park, however, electric, sewer and water hookups are available. One camper described it as "Giant RV park with many entrances" offering better amenities than primitive sites.

Off-road readiness: RVs should carry recovery equipment for sand challenges. An Ocotillo Wells camper mentioned, "Fwd isn't required, I made it with my 4cyl Toyota RAV4," but noted that "midweek is pretty empty" allowing for better site selection.

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 Glamis Flats with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Calipatria, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Calipatria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.