Best Dog-Friendly Camping near El Centro, CA

Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort and Sunbeam Lake RV Resort accommodate pets with spacious sites in El Centro. Both offer full hookups for RVs, while also providing cabin options for travelers without camping vehicles. Desert Trails RV Park maintains a pet-friendly environment with designated walking areas where dogs can stretch their legs after long travel days. Most campgrounds in the area implement standard leash requirements, though specific pet rules vary by property. Trash facilities at all locations make pet waste disposal convenient for responsible owners. Rio Bend features a dedicated dog area where pets can socialize safely away from traffic and other camping activities.

Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site offers a more primitive camping experience for pet owners seeking fewer restrictions. This free dispersed camping area located approximately 15 miles east of El Centro welcomes pets but lacks formal amenities like showers or hookups. Vault toilets are available across the street at the hot springs along with trash receptacles. Campers report the area remains well-maintained by the camp host, though summer visitors should consider the extreme desert heat when bringing pets. The area experiences significant fly activity during warmer months, creating potential discomfort for both humans and animals. Many visitors utilize this location as a convenient base for exploring nearby Slab City while enjoying the striking desert sunset views with their pets.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near El Centro, California (56)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 56 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near El Centro, CA

174 Reviews of 56 El Centro Campgrounds


  • Nolan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Country Life RV & Mobile Home Park – CLOSED

    Closed

    This rv park is closed or does not exist anymore. There were industrial buildings all at that area. There’s not much in el centro anyway so you’re better off not stopping for the night.

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Imperial Sand Dunes

    Hot

    Definitely a sick spot to camp especially if you have desert toys if not stop in el centro and get a trash can lid to slide down the dunes. Tons of restrooms.

  • Karen  B.
    Jan. 15, 2023

    Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort

    Convenient and clean, nice park

    We only stayed one night in a pull through but enjoyed the facilities. Park is very clean and has a good restaurant. They do have a lot of mobile homes but most are newer and well kept. Some RV’s look abandoned which is a shame. Nice dog park area with grass, could use water for the pups. Laundry and bathrooms were very clean. Pool area and restaurant, bar area is nice. We had dinner, wing’s were great burger was good but not great. Service was very good. Pull through site was narrow but had all we needed for one night. Looks like the workout facility is nice.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Ashlie F.
    Jul. 25, 2019

    El Centro NAF Campground

    Military Campground

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

    The sites near the gym are back in only with full hookups on an asphalt lot. There is a small strip of grass behind each site. 

    Pets are allowed. Leash rules are established. 

    Great location for the annual air show in March. This campground is popular with “snowbirds”. Winter months stay pretty busy, while excessive heat in the summer keeps it pretty empty. 

    The base has a large pool with water slides, gym, bowling alley, exchange/commissary, and movie theater.

  • J
    Jan. 1, 2022

    BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY

    Super nice owners, interesting area

    This new koa is under new management and they are really trying to make it a memorable experience for you and your kids. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but it’s a beautiful part of San Diego county.

    Amenities include a mini petting Zoo and things like a hayride in warmer weather. The facility is gated which felt like a great thing I didn’t know I needed. Facility is at 4000 feet.

  • A
    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.

  • Robo A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 23, 2024

    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.


Guide to El Centro

El Centro, California, offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry companions.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

  • At Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort, pets are welcome, and the spacious sites provide a comfortable environment for both pets and their owners.
  • Desert Trails RV Park features a nine-hole golf course and a nice-sized pool, making it a great spot for pet owners to relax while enjoying the amenities.
  • Vacation Inn RV Park allows pets and offers essential facilities, ensuring a convenient stay for pet lovers.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include recreational activities

  • Holtville Hot Springs Dispersed Site provides access to hot springs, perfect for a unique experience with your pet after a day of exploring.
  • At Wiest Lake Park, visitors can enjoy fishing and picnicking by the lake, making it a delightful outing for pets and their owners.
  • Sunbeam Lake RV Resort offers a relaxing atmosphere with opportunities for fishing and enjoying nature, ideal for a day out with your pet.

Pet owners like the welcoming atmosphere and community

  • Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort fosters a festive environment, especially during the winter months when many snowbirds return, creating a vibrant community for pet owners.
  • Desert Trails RV Park is popular among year-round campers, providing a friendly atmosphere where pets are part of the family.
  • Del Yermo RV Park allows pets and has a community feel, making it a suitable choice for those looking to connect with fellow pet owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near El Centro, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near El Centro, CA is Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near El Centro, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 56 dog-friendly camping locations near El Centro, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.