Top Glamping near Imperial, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Imperial, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Best Glamping Sites Near Imperial, CA (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground

    1. Agua Caliente County Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    61 Photos
    120 Saves

    Agua Caliente is located in the desert of central Southern California. Pitch your tent or park your RV on the white sand between cacti and Mt. San Jacinto. Close to Palm Springs, and the Mexican border. Amenities include 3 pools, hot springs, restrooms, and games.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $29 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground

    2. Burnt Rancheria Campground

    22 Reviews
    66 Photos
    293 Saves

    Overview

    Burnt Rancheria Campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego at the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in Southern California, right off the Sunrise Scenic Byway. Campers can enjoy hiking, viewing unique birds and wildlife and enjoying cooler temperatures at this mountain facility in Cleveland National Forest, open from mid-April through October.

    Recreation

    Day hiking and picnicking are most popular at Burnt Rancheria. The facility provides easy access to a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail. Biking is not allowed on any portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. A short hike to the nearby Desert View Picnic Site provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below. On most days, the Salton Sea is clearly visible to the southeast. Restrooms and potable water are available. Families with children will enjoy activities, campfire programs and guided hikes available during summer. In addition to the guided hikes, a visitor might take the self-guided interpretive trail hike; brochures are available from the camp host. Campers can also get a glimpse of the amazing night sky at "star parties" organized by the San Diego State University Observatory. These gatherings are conducted on most Saturday evenings during the summer months (schedule can be obtained at the Visitor Information Center on Laguna Mountain or by calling 619-473-8547).

    Facilities

    Day hiking and picnicking are most popular at Burnt Rancheria. The facility provides easy access to a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail. Biking is not allowed on any portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. A short hike to the nearby Desert View Picnic Site provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below. On most days, the Salton Sea is clearly visible to the southeast. Restrooms and potable water are available. Families with children will enjoy activities, campfire programs and guided hikes available during summer. In addition to the guided hikes, a visitor might take the self-guided interpretive trail hike; brochures are available from the camp host. Campers can also get a glimpse of the amazing night sky at "star parties" organized by the San Diego State University Observatory. These gatherings are conducted on most Saturday evenings during the summer months (schedule can be obtained at the Visitor Information Center on Laguna Mountain or by calling 619-473-8547).

    Natural Features

    Pines and oaks abound throughout the campground, which sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. The site is heavily wooded and surrounded by an open oak grove with spectacular desert views.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $32 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

    3. Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    5 Photos
    30 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Group

    $30 - $213 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
    Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
    Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
    Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
    Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
    Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY

    4. BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY

    4 Reviews
    41 Photos
    18 Saves

    Boulevard/Cleveland National Forest KOA is the perfect place to get away and spend quality time with your family, friends, or yourself. With some of the best water and air quality in the country, our mission is to maintain a healthy environment for guests to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. It is a quiet, peaceful, and tranquil campground centered on an outstanding guest experience and preservation of our natural environment. Our beautiful park is located less than 65 miles from the beaches of San Diego, nestled in Southern California's High Desert. We offer accommodations year round for RVer's, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages looking for an immersive getaway into nature. With over 40 tree-lined acres of spacious campsites, hiking trails, and unique amenities, Boulevard/Cleveland National Forest KOA is the jewel of California's outdoor resorts. We invite you to share the experience. Come camp with us!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $75 - $85 / night

    • No image available

      5. Keoka Lake of California ( Saltan County)

      Be the first to review!
      3 Saves

      Registrar and Private property

      Property in ME, CA and Avalon Silver Lake, US

      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Group

      $129 / night


    Recent Glamping Reviews In Imperial

    52 Reviews of 5 Imperial Campgrounds


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

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      June 26, 2023

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Mountain Solitude in the city

      Mount Laguna is a wonderful destination if looking for some fresh mountain air without a long commute being just 30-45min drive from San Diego. We really enjoyed our time at this campground. Lots of wonderful trails right from the campground. Sites are nice with lots of tree for more privacy. Restroom facilities were pretty nice. Would come back again!

    • Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
      May 21, 2023

      BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
      April 11, 2023

      Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

      In the desert - a fountain

      Nice people, mainly for during the winter here.

      SPA and pool is nice - but no fire allowed. We took the cheapest side for 39. But they also have some with a table and more atmosphere.

      dirt camp is 30.

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

    • Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
      November 27, 2022

      BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY

      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!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
      June 2, 2022

      Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

      Great, Clean Campground for Winter Fun

      I've spent many weekends at this resort over the last 15 years or so, visiting my grandparents that lived here in the winter. Tons of activities, clean and quiet, such a wonderful spot!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      May 6, 2022

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Perfect Local Mountain Getaway!

      This campground is a great little hidden gem of a getaway tucked into the Laguna mountains just 50 or so miles from San Diego. At alt 6000 feet in mountain forests, you feel like you are far away from it all. The camp sites are generously spaced adding to the seclusion. It is a family campground, so just know the weekends are going to be full of kids and pets, but weekday camping will present the peace of wind and birds. Bathrooms are clean and water is available everywhere. Not many spaces for big rigs, but lots if you’re in the 20’ range. One whole section is fir first-come, first-serve.

      Access to the PCT for a stretch of very easy hiking right out of the campground. A cafe at the entrance and a general store up the road a couple of miles.

      Advise stopping at a local grocery for firewood, tho. Is expensive ($8/bundle) at the campground and it’s not even local. They have it shipped in.

      Lastly the price here is not $25/ nite as listed. At yhe time of this writing (4/2022) it is $29/nite

    • Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
      January 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      July 13, 2021

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Ideal campsite

      We spent three nights at Burnt Rancheria with perfect weather, great hiking and biking opportunities and a well-maintained and peaceful campsite.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
      February 16, 2021

      Agua Caliente County Park Campground

      Great birding

      We ended up here for one night in January and were so pleased with the experience. We stayed in the tent loop- grateful we brought along our chemical toilet, because the facilities were very very far! But- the nursing was amazing- we had a few roadrunners and thrashers that hung out in our campsite and dozens of small Birds with the bushes around.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      October 25, 2020

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Great campground!

      Only an hour from San Diego, this is accessible but feels so far away. At 6,000 feet, the pine and oak trees provide great shade in almost all sites, but there's still plenty of sun. Bathrooms were clean; some are pit toilets and others are flush and even have showers. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit, plus there are lots of potable water spigots throughout. The Mt Laguna store is only half a mile up the road, the Desert View hike goes right out from camp (plus the PCT), and there are many other hikes along the highway.

    • Camper-submitted photo from BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
      October 23, 2020

      BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY

      GREAT campground!!

      Wow! Went for a quick weekend getaway with a few friends and this place did not disappoint! Every one of the staff was friendly, helpful and seemed like they loved working there!! Extra props to James and Gabriel for their hard work and new friendships! We will DEFINITELY be visiting again! Campground was clean, store had the essentials and pool/spa was a relaxing added touch.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      August 9, 2020

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Solid Family Campsite

      Stayed in site 33 and 35.

      Area has loads of trees and shade. The bathrooms are clean and there are several throughout the camp ground. The sites are fairly close together which we didn’t mind cause we were camping with another group. PCT is close by if you want to do some hiking.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      July 1, 2020

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Near-perfect mountain camping!

       My family and I recently camped at Burnt Rancheria Campground in the Laguna Mountains. The campground looks like a classic mountain campground. It was beautiful with so many trees(mostly oak and pine) and shrubs! We noticed that there was a great variety of campsites that seem to offer very different experiences. There were some in wide open meadows where you could see all of your neighbors. Some were in small clusters. And others felt much more secluded in the forest. Also, there was a great difference in the amount of shade and flatness available. Thankfully our site (#207) was pretty secluded and offered ample shade, but it was on a pretty significant incline. There was only one semi-flat spot for our tent. The campground is very well-kept and the bathrooms were probably the cleanest campground bathrooms I’ve ever seen! The campground hosts seemed very pleasant and even offered firewood delivery to your site. Thanks to the ample forest there were plenty of birds, squirrels, and even a gopher we were able to watch. We look forward to returning.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      June 14, 2020

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      One of the best!

      Love this place. We have gone back year after year! It is the first place my wife and I went camping together and the first place we took our kids. The campground attendants are fantastic and the little diner down the road is great. Will definitely keep coming back while we're in the area.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      June 7, 2020

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Super fun. Super clean. Covid-conscious.

      It was my first time at Burnt Rancheria, but not the last. I was impressed with the cleanliness, and the spacious and well-spaced spots. It was super kid friendly and for pets as well, but never too loud. The hikes are gorgeous and easy for small ones to manage. I would highly recommend this campground ⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      May 27, 2020

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Great campground

      This campground is amazing. I was there for a couple days this last week. It is so clean. The hosts and manager are so friendly and helpful. They are all very conscious about the coved crisis. They all where masks, and keep all of the facilities extremely clean. They clean the bathrooms and showers multiple times a day. They also make multiple rounds through the campgrounds to ensure everything is ok and bring wood to the campers. The camp sites themselves are also very clean. You'd be hard pressed to find a gum wrapper on the ground. My wife and I are definitely planning on going back this year. Be aware: if you want to be guaranteed a campsite reserve one in advance. There are still some first come first serve sites, but many are reservable.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      May 15, 2020

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Great place close to San diego.

      Only open match to october. Very quiet during week. Busy during weekends. Clean restrooms. Slot of Pacific coast trail hikers going north in spring.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      November 14, 2019

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Large and quiet

      Big campsites, lots of shade trees, black oaks I think. Not much critters to deal with. Clean bathrooms. Located near hiking trails.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rancheria Campground
      October 20, 2019

      Burnt Rancheria Campground

      Very nice

      A great campground for San Diego. Great, mountainous feel with pine, Sycamore and oak trees (mostly pine). Campground itself is very clean and well maintained. But there are large groups all around us partying, playing loud music and dogs barking nonstop. We’ve gotten used to dispersed camping so maybe this is just how established campgrounds are nowadays? Or maybe we just came on the wrong weekend. I’m sure midweek would be nice and quiet. It’s not that bad. It’s just really noisy.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Agua Caliente County Park Campground
      October 17, 2019

      Agua Caliente County Park Campground

      Disconnent from Reality😁

      Hot spring campground in the Anza desert. Such a great place to come and reset from busy day to day hustle. Peaceful and clean, with cabins for those who dont tent or trailer camp.



    Guide to Imperial

    Camping near Imperial, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the trails around Culp Valley Primitive Campground. One reviewer said, "Access to great hikes from the campground," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
    • Wildlife Watching: At Agua Caliente County Park Campground, you might spot desert bighorn sheep. A visitor mentioned, "The highlight was seeing some desert bighorn sheep!"
    • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. One camper at Blair Valley Primitive Campground noted, "Enjoy the changing colors at dusk," perfect for night sky enthusiasts.

    What campers like:

    • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed states, "Absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself!"
    • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper at William Heise County Park shared, "It was quiet and clean," making it a great escape from city noise.
    • Accessibility: Campgrounds like Paso Picacho Campground are easy to reach. A visitor mentioned, "We spent 5 days here... The campground was nice and relatively empty during the week."

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, such as Blair Valley Primitive Campground, lack facilities like drinking water and showers. A reviewer noted, "No facilities but good cell service."
    • Weather Considerations: The desert can get hot during the day and chilly at night. One camper at Culp Valley Primitive Campground mentioned, "It is consistently several degrees cooler than the others in Anza."
    • Crowds on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed said, "I arrived at 5pm and already almost all spots were taken."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park, which offers amenities like picnic tables and clean restrooms. A family shared, "The campsites were spacious and well-equipped."
    • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground said, "There’s a trailhead to the oasis right in the campground."
    • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers for chilly nights. A visitor at Paso Picacho Campground noted, "It started out great... but it got cold at night."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Culp Valley Primitive Campground warned, "Don’t go in with any big rigs very tight."
    • Look for Hookups: If you need amenities, consider campgrounds like Agua Caliente County Park Campground, which offers electric hookups. One camper mentioned, "Clean facilities and well-kept grounds."
    • Be Prepared for Dust: The desert can be dusty, so bring a good dust cover for your RV. A visitor at Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area noted, "It can be hot and there are not amenities at the campground itself."

    Camping near Imperial, California, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for families and RVers alike.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Imperial, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Imperial, CA is Agua Caliente County Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Imperial, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 5 glamping camping locations near Imperial, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.