Best Campgrounds near Imperial, CA
The Imperial Valley region of Southern California features a mix of established RV resorts and dispersed desert camping opportunities. Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort and Sunbeam Lake RV Resort offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional RV and tent sites, while the surrounding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas provide more primitive options. Holtville Hot Springs, located approximately 20 miles east of Imperial, offers dispersed camping with natural hot springs. The area's proximity to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and Salton Sea creates diverse camping experiences ranging from developed facilities with full hookups to remote desert boondocking.
Desert conditions dominate the camping experience with extreme temperature variations requiring careful planning. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, making fall through spring the primary camping seasons. "The desert gets realllll cold at night. But the sunsets and the off roading made it worth it!" noted one camper about Ocotillo Wells. Many dispersed sites on BLM land have 14-day stay limits but lack amenities like water or restrooms. Cell coverage is generally good throughout the region due to flat terrain, though remote areas may have spotty service. Campgrounds near Imperial typically offer water and electric hookups, with several providing full RV connections including sewer hookups and 50-amp electrical service.
Recreational opportunities heavily influence camping choices in the area, with off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities being particularly popular. The Imperial Sand Dunes, locally known as Glamis, attract thousands of off-road enthusiasts during cooler months. According to one visitor, "If you like to drive offroad, this is the place for you! Even if you don't, it's fun to sled down the dunes." Several campgrounds near golf courses cater to snowbirds and long-term visitors seeking winter warmth. Water recreation at the Salton Sea provides another draw despite environmental challenges. Campers seeking quieter experiences can find more secluded spots in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park area northwest of Imperial, where primitive camping is permitted away from developed roads in designated areas.