Imperial Beach camping offers diverse options within San Diego County, located at the southwestern-most city in the continental United States near the Mexican border. The area experiences a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F year-round, making it suitable for camping in all seasons. Cell service varies dramatically between coastal RV parks and inland locations, with mountainous campgrounds like Thousand Trails Pio Pico experiencing limited connectivity.
What to do
Beach activities at Silver Strand State Beach: This beachfront location offers camping with direct access to both ocean and bay shores for swimming, fishing, and water sports. "Short walk to the water, De Anza Cove. The beach is a dog friendly after 4 p.m.," notes one visitor about nearby Mission Bay RV Resort.
Water recreation at marinas: Several RV parks offer proximity to boat rentals and water equipment. A camper at Fiddlers Cove RV Park mentions, "Nice marina right nearby! Went for a quick check on some camping sites near us and it was very pretty for sure."
Urban exploration: Most Imperial Beach area campgrounds provide convenient access to San Diego attractions. "Close enough to Coronado but far enough to be secluded... Close to downtown San Diego, Sea World and the Botanical gardens," reports a reviewer about Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay.
Outdoor exercise: Multiple parks feature extensive pathways for walking and cycling. "There's a path that goes along the bay that is about a mile long, and also a bridge that connects the park to Campland on the Bay," explains a camper from Mission Bay RV Resort.
What campers like
Resort-style amenities: Many RV parks near Imperial Beach offer extensive on-site facilities. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, "Large pool area. Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV! Food service as well... an arcade for the kids."
Spacious RV sites: Certain parks prioritize comfortable spacing and site features. "Elite Full Hookup RV Site includes your very own gas fire BBQ grill, gas camp fire, 4 Adirondack chairs, dinner table with 6 chairs, full hookups including cable tv," describes one camper at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay.
Bay views: Waterfront sites are highly sought after for their scenery. A visitor at Fiddlers Cove notes, "Water front back in sites, pull through sites... Clean restrooms with shower. Water, sewage and power hook ups (30&50 amp). Small store and a boat house you can rent stuff like kayaks and paddle boards from."
Security measures: Most parks in the area maintain controlled access. "This is a gated park," mentions a reviewer about Vacationer RV Park, while others note security staff presence at several locations around Imperial Beach.
What you should know
Highway noise concerns: Several RV parks experience road noise due to proximity to major highways. A camper at Santa Fe Park RV Resort reports, "The location is close in to the city and attractions. It is close to the highway but you get use to that... The reason for a vacation camper to stay here is clearly location."
Variable site quality within parks: Many campgrounds have distinct sections with different amenities and upkeep. "Some sites are nice and others are...not so nice. Pull-thru sites are well kept. Sites closest to entrance on the left are the nicest," explains a visitor at Vacationer RV Park.
Long-term resident concentration: The ratio of permanent to transient campers affects availability and atmosphere. "Overall, RV park meets basic needs. I would not mind staying here if I could not find anything else. Not exactly a good part of town, but it is a gated park," notes a camper at Vacationer RV Park.
WiFi and internet limitations: Even parks with advertised internet service may have coverage issues. "The phone service was non-existent, and the wifi didn't reach our spot. Apparently after speaking with other residents, it doesn't really reach most of the park," reports a visitor to Mission Bay RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: Many rv parks near Imperial Beach have specific pool operating hours and seasonal availability. "Great pool with full bar and waiter service. Pickleball, playgrounds you name it," notes a visitor at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, but some parks close pools seasonally or for maintenance.
Playground options: Look for parks with dedicated children's areas. Escondido RV Resort offers "Amazing amenities. Dog park, pool, clubhouse," according to a recent visitor, providing alternatives for children of different ages.
Activity scheduling: Some parks organize regular family events. A camper at Thousand Trails Pio Pico mentions, "We enjoyed what they had to offer though, the putt putt, pools, hike, store, activity center and youth center!" These scheduled activities typically run seasonally with more options during summer months.
Safety considerations: Research neighborhood conditions, especially for parks in urban settings. "Not exactly a good part of town, but it is a gated park," notes one Vacationer RV Park visitor, highlighting the importance of checking location reviews before booking with children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "Spots are concrete, level and have privacy hedges," notes a Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay visitor, but other parks may require leveling blocks on unpaved or sloped sites.
Hookup positioning: Several parks have unusual utility placement. At Thousand Trails Pio Pico, "Only the south side has full sewer, water, and electric hook ups... It was not mentioned that not every RV spot on the north side had water and electric."
Spacing limitations: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. "Very small space, so close to others. No picnic table," reports a Santa Fe Park RV Resort visitor, while others mention tight turns and narrow interior roads at Circle RV Resort.
Military eligibility restrictions: Some of the best-rated facilities have access limitations. Fiddlers Cove RV Park is "a military installation so it's not open to the public," requiring appropriate identification for entry.
