Top Tent Camping near El Centro, CA

Looking for the best El Centro tent camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of El Centro, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near El Centro, CA (18)

Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In El Centro

123 Reviews of 18 El Centro Campgrounds


  • Glen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort
    Jul. 8, 2024

    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Road Camp
    Jun. 2, 2024

    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!

  • TC S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Slab City
    Mar. 23, 2024

    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.

  • Bill R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
    Feb. 13, 2024

    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.

  • Robo A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojos Slab Camp
    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.

  • Rachel M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
    Dec. 16, 2023

    Glamis 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

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Sea View Estates Spa & RV Park, LLC
    Dec. 8, 2023

    Sea View Estates Spa & RV Park, LLC

    New ownership , more problems

    So it’s no new news that the park has been sold and along with doing so the previous owner decided to replace the current manager Debra who in my opinion was overworked and definitely more than likely under paid considering who her boss was . My point here is why would anyone sell a place and replace their manager who did and does way more than job description. It seems as with every other business he’s sold in the community in recent years k owing it was going to be an epic failure and he’s wind back up with the business, that he has it changed his business model why sell a park and the incoming owners has to deal with a place they know nothing about or the ins and outs or the people and except to not have tons more of problems with a new hired manager who don’t know either , of course he won’t get this business back but just doesn’t seem ethical or business worthy to do so . If the new owners had this kind of thinking they’d be smart to rehire or keep if possible current management. Just my opinion it don’t matter cause I no longer am a resident of that poor town but still love the place

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulevard - Cleveland National Forest KOA
    May. 21, 2023

    Boulevard - Cleveland National Forest KOA

    Top of the lot!

    This is a quiet well ran facility. It has the best drinking water pumped from the mountain aquifers. Every building is relatively new and the showers, laundry and common building facilities are in top notch condition. The staff and the owner are genuinely friendly and have the best of attitudes about the grounds and one’s stay. I can’t say enough about how pleasant our 4 day stay was. It’s unique in that there is not the usual highway road noise we experience at most KOAs.

  • Juliet L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch
    Apr. 18, 2023

    Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch

    A must stay in the desert!

    Such a wonderful spot in the middle of the desert! Has a large pool and big hot tub all inside of a solid wall to prevent sand from blowing inside. Each spot is surrounded by trees which is very rare to find in the desert! It makes each spot private and helps hugely with keeping wind from blowing dirt into your spot. Very affordable as well! Debra at the front was just the sweetest thing… helped us find a perfect spot, gave us multiple brochures and mapped out local spots that we should check out. Borrego springs is about 25 minutes away. Phone service is spotty for ATT and Tmobile, but you’ll have better service at the front of the campground. Overall a very peaceful stay with lots of stars at night!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort
    Apr. 16, 2023

    Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort

    Fair

    $850 a month. Very expensive food and drink. There is a nice little store in Seeley though. Huge piles of slash and garbage mixed in at the south side.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Yermo RV Park
    Apr. 10, 2023

    Del Yermo RV Park

    Price Gouging dump owners never there

    This used to be a good RV park for Seniors on fixed income. But the new owners, who live in Palm Springs, have gotten greedy. First they cut out cable TV, then they cut out the seasonal discount, then they raised the rent$50 in one shot, and now they have cut off the Wi-Fi and raised the rent another$45 so Seniors now can't even get on the Internet to pay bills, or check on their Banking. Now they have been lying to us about the Wi-Fi internet, telling people it is only down temporarily, It has now been down temporarily for over 3 months. It is just a dirt lot that turns into a giant mud bog when it rains, no level pads to park on, and dogs are allowed to run free and shit all over the place. They just want to bleed people on fixed income, and stuff the money in their pocket. Some senior citizens have been forced out and have become homeless because the rise in food and gas prices already had them fighting to just put food on the table. The sprinkler system that is supposed to water the plants separating the sites at night has broken down so all the plants are dying off and they have no intention of fixing it. There is only one men's public shower and rest room and one public shower and rest room for women. The door locks don't work and men have been caught using the woman's shower if there is someone already using the men's. They have cut the Manger's hours down to noon to 5 O'clock 3 days a week and the owners are never around. They stay up in their nice rich house in Palm Springs and never even visit the park. So the poor Manager has to deal with all the problems. Their ad still says they provide free cable TV, Seasonal discounts, and free Wi Fi but they have discontinued all of these plus raising the site rent$100 a month. Avoid this place it is a dump run by slum lords.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Desert Trails RV Park
    Apr. 4, 2023

    Desert Trails RV Park

    Nice place to stay

    Nice place to stay easy to make reservations for staff was really helpful. I would stay there again. It’s a bonus that they had a nine holes of golf course and the driving range and Central located.

  • Chip K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Desert Trails RV Park
    Mar. 30, 2023

    Desert Trails RV Park

    Sun and fun

    We stayed 5 days there is a 9 hole golf course on site and a nice sized pool .Many snow birds and year round campers. Mostly 55+

  • cal K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
    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.

  • Karen  B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort
    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.

  • Brian B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulevard - Cleveland National Forest KOA
    Nov. 27, 2022

    Boulevard - Cleveland National Forest KOA

    Tranquility on the ranch

    My wife and I have been full-time RVing here for a little over a month. This is not your typical KOA. It’s off the beaten path of I-8. To get here you take some very windy roads, bigger rigs will take up most the road. Almost all sites are back-in with little site definition.

    The view of the night sky is to die for!!! Lots of walking trails and a meditation labyrinth to collect your thoughts. All to the sound of ranch animals meandering through their day.

    Definitely worth checking out!

  • Jacob S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Palm Springs Camp
    Nov. 14, 2022

    Mountain Palm Springs Camp

    Good Desert Spot

    Remote spot down a sand road. My forester handled it well but I would be worried in sedan. There are a few camp sites with fire pits and a vault toilet but that’s pretty much it so if you’re looking for remote vibes it’s perfect. Definitely recommend bringing a table and canopy. It gets hot during the day and cools at night. You can scavenge firewood around the area.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch
    Oct. 31, 2022

    Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch

    Very clean and friendly

    Staying here for the fall, winter, spring season. The facilities are very clean with a beautiful pool and spa. The rates are reasonable especially if staying long term. It’s mostly quiet although there are off road vehicles around they’re not too irritating. There are occasional fireworks. It feels very safe here. Lots of shade.

  • Autumn O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Slab City
    Jul. 23, 2022

    Slab City

    Slab City is one of a kind

    Educate yourself before you come here. I’m not sure if this is considered camping, in the middle of the desert on old military testing land. There’s no law here. Stuck between an art instillation, peoples homes, and random attractions. You can stay here via Air bnb. It’s close to the boarder of Mexico and you will come through customs a few times if coming down the west coast, salvation mountain is before you hit slab city. We were offered to stay the night in a locals place when we visited and smoked with a local who ended up being from the same small town as we did in Oregon, SMALL WORLD. Everyone was super inviting and nice, others not so much and gave the vibe that you should stay away. Don’t bother people, this is where some folks live so be respectful! Don’t money if possible too.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Bombay Beach  - Salton Sea State Rec Area
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Bombay Beach - Salton Sea State Rec Area

    Very special place but keep and open mind

    This place is so so special, beautiful, and a bit extreme. I’d consider this less of a place for recreational camping and more an alternative lifestyle safe place. There’s lot of interesting artsy folk who live out here full time for a different way of life. That said, it seems decently visitor friendly as long as you’re respectful. If you stay, please go to the Ski Inn. Such a lovely bar with locals!



Guide to El Centro

Camping near El Centro, CA, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. One camper mentioned, "Tons of dispersed spots down the road," making it easy to find a trail that suits your level.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for desert critters. One visitor shared, "Saw some coyotes pass by my camp," highlighting the area's vibrant wildlife.
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing. A reviewer noted, "The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky."

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of places like Blair Valley Primitive Campground. One camper said, "Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy spots at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. A visitor remarked, "It's a really beautiful area and the spots are spacious."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Paso Picacho Campground are well-maintained. One camper mentioned, "The bathrooms were super clean especially during a holiday weekend."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, such as Culp Valley Primitive Campground, lack amenities like drinking water and showers. A camper noted, "No water. Beautiful trails with lots of flora and fauna."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Agua Caliente County Park Campground said, "It still got below freezing in late May, so be prepared for colder temperatures."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Burnt Rancheria Campground mentioned, "The campground was pretty quiet at night. We didn't have any neighbors too close to us."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Trails: Look for trails that are suitable for children. One camper at Green Valley Campground said, "The terrain of the campground is ideal for kids. Trees, hills, and large rocks for the kids to climb on."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds have limited facilities, it's wise to pack extra supplies. A camper at Agua Caliente County Park Campground noted, "Clean facilities and well-kept grounds."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned to keep the kids entertained. One visitor at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area said, "Great for kids and big enough to be by yourself."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Paso Picacho Campground mentioned, "The sites are set up in two main loops. One for big campers and one for the rest of us."
  • Be Prepared for No Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor noted, "It can be hot and there are not amenities at the campground itself."
  • Plan for Waste Disposal: Know where to dump your waste. One camper at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park mentioned, "There is a pumpout station near the entrance that can be used for $10."

Camping near El Centro, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful desert landscapes!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near El Centro, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near El Centro, CA is El Centro NAF Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near El Centro, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near El Centro, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.