118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The coastal area surrounding Imperial Beach, California features several beachfront and bay-oriented campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Silver Strand State Beach Campground offers RV sites with water and electric hookups directly on the beach, while Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground provides more primitive camping options just minutes from Imperial Beach. Both locations cater primarily to drive-in camping, with Silver Strand focusing on RV accommodations and Tijuana River Valley supporting tent camping, RVs, and even glamping options in yurts. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay and San Diego Metro KOA in nearby Chula Vista offer more developed camping experiences with full hookups, cabins, and resort-style amenities for families seeking convenience.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the Imperial Beach area, particularly during summer months when beachfront sites fill quickly. Water quality concerns affect swimming at Imperial Beach itself, with one camper noting, "Imperial Beach is not the place for swimming. There's a sign going in that says there's chemicals and sewage in the water." These water quality issues are most pronounced during rainy seasons and spring months. The Silver Strand bike path connects Imperial Beach to Coronado, making cycling a popular activity for campers. Most campgrounds in the area have limited shade and are arranged in parking lot-style configurations rather than secluded natural settings. Cell service is generally good throughout the coastal campgrounds but can be spotty at some RV parks.
Beach access and ocean views are the primary attractions for campers in the Imperial Beach region. Silver Strand State Beach receives consistently positive reviews for its beachfront location despite its tight spacing. As one camper described it, "The campground itself is, if you look in one direction, a parking lot. Look the other way and you're on the same beach Navy SEALs train on." Tijuana River Valley Regional Park offers a quieter alternative with clean facilities and walking trails. Campers frequently mention the excellent biking opportunities along the strand connecting Imperial Beach to Coronado. For those seeking mountain camping within driving distance, the Laguna Mountains about 50 miles east provide a complete change of scenery with pine forests and cooler temperatures at 6,000 feet elevation.
"The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.
+ During the week it felt spacious.
+ We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"
"Walking distance to stores if something is needed."
"Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful. Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California."
"Only complaint is the airplane noise from being in a flight path and the highway noise from the bordering highway. We stayed in the South Loop which is older, so has more developed trees."
from $34 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Silver Strand is set in the perfect spot: halfway between Coronado and Imperial beach. The bike path is amazing and you can go under the road to the bay to enjoy kayaking or SUP."
"Location is great for biking, with a separated trail that runs the strand all the way down to Imperial Beach and to ritzy Coronado."
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located in the marina with tons of rentals available for parties or days on the harbor. The campground is located adjacent to the bike path which runs into Coronado proper."
"Facilities are immaculate.. adjacent to the marina, so many boats, kayaks and watercraft are available for rent.."
"The bay and the marina are within walking distance and there is a restaurant at the marina. There is water electric sewer and cable at each site."
"Great access to bike trails, close to all that San Diego has to offer."
from $150 - $280 / night
Check Availability"It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"
"Right next to the beach, large campgrounds! Fire pits and dog friendly!"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in April; the trails were closed due to the heavy rain this year. Imperial Beach is not the place for swimming. There’s a sign going in that says there’s chemicals and sewage in the water."
"There are walking trails walking distance from the campground and the playground in the park was very cool! If you have kids it would be a fun spot for them to play."
from $24 - $90 / night
Check Availability"This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."
"We took our 28-foot travel trailer and two young kids (ages 5 & 8) for a long weekend at Lake Jennings Campground in Lakeside, CA — and it was a fantastic quick escape."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"We had to park our second car in the overnight parking lot next to the campground. Costed 20 bucks. If traveling with a shorter rig you can park in front of your rig. Back in only."
"Spots are close together, but your steps to the sand."
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."
"You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"
from $24 - $25 / night
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TravelerI got in on an August bargain using the KOA app. Consequently, I stayed a month because it was the cheapest place on-the-coast.
Weekdays empty, weekends full, noisy everyday. Good location for long bicycle rides, e.g. Coronado, SD, Zoo, La Jolla, TJ. Chula Vista downtown is modern, not gritty like Petco Park.
Get the bargain if you can. Otherwise, the coast is expensive.
ScoutThis isn't a free place to stay.
ScoutBooked for two nights couldn’t eve stay for 1 due to strange sounds like walking around that would only stop when the lights were shone in that direction
TravelerIt's a really nice facility, which is good because there isn't much around it. Sites are large with good spacing, the place has everything; pool and spa, arcade, restaurant, bar, private showers (some have a toilet), playground , dog parks, and a great laundry facility. On site store has a lot of things you need, including some basic RV stuff. No rig, they have bungalows for rent as well. Staff is really nice, fire pits work on lpg 20 pound tank only which we rented full for 26 bucks since we couldn't connect it to our rig, you can use your own though. Downside is your pretty much driving anywhere for anything but the living coast is definitely worth the trip which is behind the park. Side note, this was definitely one of the buggier places I have been to, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, roaches, you name it, you'll see it.
TravelerWas able to score a 100 series spot which you back right up to the sand. Sites are tight but it felt huge in our 24½ foot rig. Power (standard, 30, 50) and water at site, one dump station that is 10 bucks at the south end or a truck comes around in the morning for 20. It's basically a giant parking lot with rigs stacked in, I would only want 100-200 sites. Bathrooms are fine on the south side, never found inside showers, just the outside beach style. Mix of folks but everyone was pleasant, enforcement of rules seems lax. Beautiful spot, short bike or Uber into IB or Coronado. Beach was mellow, uncrowded for how packed the campground was, clean and beautiful.
ScoutSweetwater is very nice. Only complaint is the airplane noise from being in a flight path and the highway noise from the bordering highway.
We stayed in the South Loop which is older, so has more developed trees.
The pull through spots are piggybacked, which does make privacy a bit harder.
Staff and rangers are very nice, helpful, and personable.
TravelerPretty lake views, good plots with easy access to restrooms. However, if you want to enjoy peace and quiet this place isn't for you. The 3 closest had large groups gathering so don't expect the limit of 6 to be honored. Ditto goes for quiet hours. Gave it a 3 b because I was using a truck tent (couldn't actually connect to my spot) and hoped for p&c. But the folks around me were having a great time.
ScoutSite 52 is great! Two parking spots with a large flat space. You could easily place three tents on the flats and another two tents on the slight incline. There are three trees perfectly set up for hammocks. There is decent shade but still gets sun. Bushes and shrubs create a little gulf to give you great privacy. Site 51 is downhill of the site and the fire pit is a bit close to your neighbors. Bathrooms and camp host are just around the corner. Bathrooms were very clean and water taps and sewer grates were convent for dishwater. Squirrels are confident here so they will only runaway if you are nearby them. We loved this site and would suggest it for big groups or someone looking for a flat campsite!
TravelerSame ownership, same deep disappointment. Do not be fooled by the rebranding.
I genuinely hate writing this because this property has so much natural potential, but I cannot believe it currently carries the KOA name. I did my homework before booking and hoped that becoming a KOA meant things had improved. They have not. It is the same management, the same issues, and the same disregard for guests—just under a new label.
To start with the positives: the frontline staff are kind, helpful, and clearly doing their best. Unfortunately, they are completely undermined by the owner’s behavior, which sets the tone for the entire experience.
We paid extra for an RV site specifically advertised as having a patio table and chairs. What we got was neither—just a small, wobbly picnic table sitting in direct desert sun.
The pool itself is nice, but it closes far too early, which is frustrating given the heat. The hot tub was broken during our stay, which was especially disappointing since we were looking forward to relaxing and stargazing at night.
The laundry facilities should have been avoided (sadly the main reason we paid to stay). The coin-operated washers left our clothes dirtier than when they went in—covered in sandy residue and grime. We now have to spend additional time and money finding somewhere else to rewash everything. Completely unacceptable.
I also want to call out something I saw in other reviews because it aligns with our experience: people mentioned issues with shower curtains being off or unusable. In our case, there weren’t even any curtains at all. So yes—those reviews are accurate.
Another surprise: the “meditation labyrinth” and small farm area (ostrich, pigs, goats) are no longer free amenities. The owner also operates the adjacent Harvest Host location and now charges for access to what used to be included perks. Between that and the smell in the desert heat, it’s not exactly the charming add-on it’s presented as.
And then there’s the owner.
We had a minor issue and called the after-hours number around 9:30 PM—the number they explicitly provide for guest support. An employee answered and was already handling it professionally when the owner took the phone from her and proceeded to yell at us for “making him get out of bed.” He then aggressively offered to “kick us out with a refund,” even though we never asked for one. It felt like a power play, not a solution. Completely unnecessary, unprofessional, and frankly uncomfortable.
If you somehow manage to avoid interacting with him entirely, you might get through your stay. But based on our experience—and many others here—that’s a gamble.
This property could be amazing. But until ownership changes or management practices drastically improve, it remains a poorly run park hiding behind a reputable brand name.
Avoid.
Camping options near Imperial Beach, California include both primitive and developed sites, with most centered around the bay or beaches. The proximity to the Mexican border creates some unique water challenges, particularly during rainy seasons when water quality alerts are common. Campers can find sites ranging from basic tent camping to full-service RV resorts within a 20-minute drive of Imperial Beach.
Bike the Silver Strand path: The 10-mile path connecting Imperial Beach to Coronado offers smooth riding along San Diego Bay with views of the city skyline. At Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, campers appreciate the convenient location. "We stayed one night with a trailer and a tent, it was clean, nice and well maintained. Not much to do in terms of nature settings, but if you're looking for something cheap for full hookups close to town, it's a great spot," notes Josh L.
Explore Tijuana River Valley trails: The walking paths near Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground provide access to natural areas and bird watching opportunities. "There are walking trails walking distance from the campground and the playground in the park was very cool! If you have kids it would be a fun spot for them to play," shares Kathryn F. The campground sits close enough to the Mexican border that one camper reported: "Verizon thought I was in Mexico when we arrived."
Kayak or paddleboard in San Diego Bay: For water activities, the protected bay waters provide calmer conditions than the ocean. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, "You can rent stuff like kayaks and paddle boards," according to Ryan G. The campground's proximity to the water makes water activities easily accessible.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Many Imperial Beach area campgrounds receive positive reviews for their upkeep. At Lake Jennings, "The staff was regularly driving by, cleaning or maintaining the grounds. The restrooms are individual bathrooms with showers that are hot and NOT coin operated, so enjoy a full hair washing session if there's not a line," reports Moriah M.
Urban convenience with outdoor access: Campgrounds near Imperial Beach balance city proximity with natural spaces. "This is plopped right in the middle of a busy suburban area but you could never tell once you're inside! It feels like you're miles and miles away from anything!" writes Shelene L. about San Diego Metro KOA. Similarly, another camper noted about Sweetwater Summit Regional Park: "It offers everything from tent/car camping to full hook-up for large RVs. The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad, a playground."
Ocean proximity: For many, camping near the beach remains the top draw. "Steps away from the beach," describes one camper at Silver Strand State Beach Campground. Another adds, "Great bicycle trail to Coronado and Imperial Beach." The opportunity to collect sand dollars after high tide and fish from shore are frequently mentioned activities.
Water quality concerns: Water contamination from the Tijuana River affects swimming at certain beaches. A camper at Silver Strand Northern Section states: "Was told by a few locals not to swim at the state beach because of sewage contamination from Tijuana in the water. Rainy season is absolute no for water play. Summer, just don't get the water in your eyes or mouth."
Tight camping spaces: Most campgrounds near Imperial Beach feature close quarters with minimal privacy. "Spots are close together, but you're steps to the sand," reports a camper at Silver Strand. At Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, "The main drawback is there is no privacy whatsoever at the sites. The camp sites are right next to each other and all in the open. No trees, no bushes, nothing separating you from your neighbors."
Noise considerations: Urban campgrounds mean ambient noise. At Kumeyaay Lake Campground, campers mention "the military helicopters that randomly flew overhead." Sweetwater Summit campers note it's "under the San Diego Airport glide path for incoming flights."
Natural playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly play areas. At Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, "The playground area is really cool, all the structures are made of wood and are all natural."
Kid-friendly resort amenities: Families seeking more entertainment options might prefer the developed resorts. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay offers "a splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV! Food service as well," according to one reviewer.
Evening security: Some campgrounds lock gates at night. Silver Strand "locks the gate so if you go for an evening in town you will be walking back from the gate," notes Papa G. Plan accordingly for family outings.
Leveling and space challenges: Many RV sites require adjustments. At Lake Jennings, "Some sites need much leveling. I know which site to reserve next time!!" Silver Strand is essentially "a parking lot with electric and water," with sites approximately 25 feet wide.
Hookup variations: RV hookup options vary significantly between campgrounds. For full-service options, Sweetwater Summit offers full hookups while Silver Strand provides water and electric only with a dump station available for $10 or waste tank cleaning service for $25.
Reservation essentials: Booking in advance is crucial, especially for beach locations during summer. Most campgrounds in the area maintain active online reservation systems with specific checkout times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Imperial Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Imperial Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Imperial Beach, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Imperial Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Imperial Beach, CA is San Diego Metro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Imperial Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Imperial Beach, CA.
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