Best Tent Camping near Calipatria, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Calipatria, California

287 Reviews of 22 Calipatria Campgrounds

• 

  Ana G.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 7, 2021

  Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

  Super easy, free, and fun!

  We rolled in after dark and found a spot super easy that was secluded and perfect for tent camping. We had a nice hike in the morning before heading back to Julian for pie :)

• 

  Julia P.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 3, 2021

  Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

  Ocotillo Wells OHV State Park

  Great Area to take your OHVs. 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. Town is about 25 minutes away, however they have a few stores/restaurants nearby.

• 

  cal K.

  Ranger

  

  Jan. 20, 2023

  Agua Caliente County Park Campground

  Large campground with lots of amenities

  Lots going on here but felt peaceful midweek in Jan. 3 spring-fed pools, hot showers quarter operated, clean flush toilet bathrooms, water, hiking trails and ample roads to walk the dog on. Mountain lion country - be alert. Friendly rangers. Clean facilities and well-kept grounds. Horseshoe pits and large group picnic areas. Cute cabins for rent - no pets allowed in those. Will definitely visit again. Many of the tent sites are close together - if the campground was full you’d have little privacy but it’s a large place and there were hardly any tent campers when I was there, though more RVs and vans in the hookup section. Tent site 106 is very private. I liked 109 it was in a kind of bird thicket with privacy from the road etc.

• 

  Jessi P.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 28, 2021

  Painted Canyon

  Our favorite

  This is by far the best place to tent camp that we have found. We love hiking the rope/ladder trail loop during the day and star gazing at night. No bugs and the weather is amazing if you’re at the base of the canyon. There’s loose sand roads the further you get in, so 4wheel drive only if you’re trying to get far away from the main road. There is a bathroom towards the beginning, but nothing close to the main hiking area.

• 

  cal K.

  Ranger

  

  Jan. 17, 2023

  Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

  Cute spot- high winds

  Small camp with $35 tent sites eith shelter, table and fire ring and $75 cabins both reservable and first come (pay with card at kiosk tho cabins were not rentable like this due to no attendant present. Non-potable water. Token showers. Accessible site reserved for disabled folks and wheelchair accessible showers. Trailhead with views of ocotillo, agave and the other desert plants nearby. Only reason I’m giving 3 stars are the high winds made car camping without a tent pretty miserable. But I know that’s the nature of the park- windy!

• 

  Brandon R.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 1, 2022

  Salt Creek Beach Campground

  Great spot if you are self-contained

  This is a great little spot with a lot of level area if you are self-contained and don't need to hook up to anything. Not a great place for tent camping though, think of it more as a great desert parking lot with a view. There are plenty of picnic tables and fire rings available though (be prepared and bring your own wood). There are several porta-potties and trash cans available as well and even some recycling bins available. The views here are solid, space was quiet aside from the occasional train. Would definitely recommend for a night. Cost was $10.

• 

  cal K.

  Ranger

  

  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.

• A

  Alan T.

  Traveler

  

  May. 7, 2019

  Agua Caliente County Park Campground

  One of the Best Campground in Southern California

  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. Shuffleboard and Horseshoes courts, lots of hiking trails and things to see. The campground / pools are all fed from natural mineral springs. Pets are allowed within the campground and all sites have picnic table and fire-ring. Small store at the park entrance is great for the simply things you may have forgotten. They even have cabins available but they book up pretty fast. Rangers are all very friendly and helpful. Enjoyed my stay, I will be back.

• 

  Jeannie B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 29, 2020

  Salton Sea Sra

  Fascinating landscapes

  We camped here on New Years Eve. It was quiet. This area is interesting. Has a Mad Max Thunderdome vibe. Definitely go to Salvation Mountain then drive thru Slab City. I walked thru the odd Outdoor Art Gallery called “East Jesus” fascinating population of people live out there. We camped at the Mecca camp which is a mile south of the ranger station. The actual Salton sea is right there. Great for bird watching bring binoculars. The sunrise and sunsets were some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Best hook up site #138 but hands down best tent site #134. If I didn’t get either of those I would not have stayed as sites are very close with zero privacy barrier. The best part of this campground were the hosts. Good folks

• 

  Trip Over Life

  Ranger

  

  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.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Eric D.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 13, 2019

  Vallecito County Park

  Small family oriented campground

  My wife and our two dogs (small chi mixes) stayed at this campground over Veterans Day weekend. There are two halves, one for RV’s, horses, and a few tent sites and the other half is all tents. In the center are the restrooms/showers, a few parking spots, and camp host’s RV. The sites are pretty small and very close together but even on a busy holiday weekend where nearby Agua Caliente was full, here were plenty of sites available. Camp host was very active driving around welcoming everybody and was helpful with any questions you might have. Tons of coyotes! They’re tricky and smart, so stay sharp at night on walks with furry ones.

  There are fire rings and tables at every site with water sources every few sites. The stage coach station is a historical landmark and sits in the center near the facilities. Pretty cool small cemetery and children’s playground available as well. It was definitely a safe, accessible, and incredibly clean campground. Lots of flies between late morning/afternoon but I’m sure citronella and a cooler period would have solved that problem. We would stay again!

• 

  Bill R.

  Ranger

  

  Feb. 27, 2024

  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.

• 

  Jenna S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2021

  Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

  Family camping trip

  The S.Family went camping for my Nieces birthday. Small campground, restroom is a plus, off-roading & trails were very nice. That weekend was very very windy our 2 person tent didn’t fly away. Campsite fit a tent & 1 motorhome & 2 truck and trailers.

• M

  Mo H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 24, 2024

  Painted Canyon

  Amazing stars

  Absolutely quiet and an amazing starry sky

  Ideal for tents

• 

  Junior L.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 29, 2021

  Painted Canyon

  Beautiful place but …..

  I went there set up my tent and went for the hike really beautiful place but be careful on my way down I went to my tent and I saw a couple that were on their truck they got down and got closer to me I said hi and waved but they didn’t even move and just stare at me and than they turned around and went to their truck l felt like something was wrong and I was by myself so I went to Joshua tree instead just be careful people

• E

  Eric M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 9, 2017

  Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

  Lovely Camp Site

  A great spot to camp! We were only there briefly, but it had everything we needed. Very well kept, a good fire pit, a picnic table and plenty of space for tents and parking

• 

  Dan X.

  Ranger

  

  Jan. 5, 2021

  Wiest Lake Park

  Nice spot, but close to loud cows

  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.

• 

  Adrienne G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2019

  Agua Caliente County Park Campground

  Disconnent from Reality😁

  Hot spring campground in the Anza desert. Such a great place to come and reset from busy day to day hustle. Peaceful and clean, with cabins for those who dont tent or trailer camp.

• 

  George M.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 23, 2020

  Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

  Easy access

  Campground next to hwy which makes it easy to get to but can hear traffic. Along a wash so just pick a spot. Great for groups. Can get windy so bring your tent stakes.

• N

  Name

  Scout

  

  May. 19, 2021

  Painted Canyon

  Really cool spot!

  We planned our trip for April 23-25th and it was a nice time to go. It was a bit hot out during the day but didn’t surpass mid 90’s. And the evening was really nice, It was nice and cool, you’ll only need like one blanket.

  Beware of high winds here and there. Especially in the evenings, our tent stayed put with extra stakes and ties but canopies and porta potty tents would’ve flown if we didn’t sand bag and weigh them down with rocks that were laying around.

  4x4 is highly recommend if your gonna pull off the side of the road to camp. The sand is really loose and very easy to sink into. I also recommend bringing a rake to flatted out the sand and remove any large rocks before pitching your tent.

  There are also a couple hikes to do, like the painted Canyon ladder trail. (This hike is definitely NOT Recommended for dogs) we tried to bring our fur babies along and we did get past the first couple ladders but found it way too difficult to continue. But over all the hike was beautiful.

  Also plan on “Fox proofing” your camp site area, there are the cutest little foxes that WILL attempt to get into your things in the evening.

  But over all I highly recommend this spot! It’s a perfect, chill, secluded space to camp with friends, pets & family.

• H

  Hayden G.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 10, 2021

  Glamis Flats

  The best beach without an ocean

  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. Bring a tent or a trailer and make sure you have 4 wheel drive.

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 16, 2018

  Corvina Beach Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area

  More RVs than tents but both can stay

  When we traveled through this area we checked out this as well as Mecca campground. This being the lesser of the two price points at only $10 instead of $20 we considered the difference between the two.

  At the time we visited this site the restroom was a pit toilet. Restrooms left something to be desired. The camping area itself did not offer amenities such as hook ups yet a lot of self sustaining vehicles and RV campers were there. We in fact were the only tent campers.

  The evening was pleasant and temperatures were moderate. Not a lot of people were moving around the campsite. By morning, the temperatures began to heat up and with it came the flies and smell of death. Flies were everywhere!!! This began to be quite distressing as we were attempting to load up and we dared not even attempt to have breakfast.

  I love this area and the very unique history however you have to be willing to arrive late to actually be able to appreciate it without the smell. It is a great place to watch the night skies on a clear night as there are few lights impairing you from seeing all of the stars.

  For all my hammock friends I would not recommend this space!!

  TIPS:

  • Pack a camping pad for your tent floor the ground here seemed a bit less comfortable for a tent camper because of the materials of the ground.

  • Do not leave your car doors open when packing due to the high volume of flies in the area, you will end up with more passengers than you came with if you do.

• 

  Rosie H.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 27, 2021

  San Diego County Vallecito Regional Park

  There is a playground

  It is divided with RVs on one side, tent only on the other. Lots of families, quiet hours, dark skies... and a slide. Campsite #3 is line of sire to the playground, which is good information for helicopter parents.

• 

  Terry B.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 13, 2021

  Corn Springs Campground

  Hard to get to but worth the drive.

  Cool place in the mountains. 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. Small section of petroglyphs, unfortunately some have been ruined with graffiti. Overall pretty clean and well maintained for a BLM site...please keep it that way people!!!

• 

  Halle H.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 26, 2019

  Mecca Beach Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area

  A beautiful surprise

  We weren’t expecting to stay here but it ended up being such a good camping experience!! The views we had from our tent on the beach were beautiful and the site was super affordable. Site came with a picnic table, fire pit, and access to restrooms. We could hear the road and train at night, but it wasn’t the worst.

• 

  Sunshine S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 6, 2016

  Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

  Cottonwood Group 01 (Joshua Tree National Park

  We staying during Spring break (March 2016). The group sites are spacious and include a number of areas to pitch all tent sizes. We were within walking distance of the visitor's center but it remained quiet. The bathrooms were clean and a number of water locations provided. Parking was ample.