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.
"This campground is located on a military facility. You must have base access/privileges in order to utilize this campground. "
"Great boondocking site on our drive to San Diego! You can’t beat the price!"
"if you like to drive offroad, this is the place for you! even if you dont,its fun to sled down the dunes."
"must purchase imperial dunes pass"
"This is a great open camping area, you can camp near others or find a secluded spot of your own. There are fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and even showers."
"Season starts around Halloween and ends in May for Red stickers. They have public restrooms spread through the grounds. It's great for tent camping and RVs/campers, tents."
"We set up quickly and enjoyed ourselves a walk around the site. Not too many trailheads around and it was very hot and dry but we enjoyed it."
LegendLocated in the Imperial Dunes, we didn’t even realize this was a “campground” as we drove the short uphill to the lookout to see the dunes. There is a 14-day limit but unless you are really into cruising around the dunes on an OHV, I’m not sure why you would stay that long. It is basically a paved parking lot and there are no markers indicating a separation between “spaces” so you park/camp wherever you find room (there were some sections with no parking signs). Although the road and lot are paved, the wind will blow sand all over and it was VERY windy when we were there! There were two vault toilets, a covered picnic table and several fire rings but no other amenities. As far as I can tell, it is free to camp here. I did notice some RVs displaying rather strident political flags which would have made us uncomfortable staying here overnight so we enjoyed the dunes for a short while and drove on. A plus is the cell coverage is great (you are higher up) and the dunes are beautiful!
TravelerThis campground is well designed for tent and small rv camping. The particularly site I stayed at did not have a lot of level ground for tents. The sites are generally spaced far enough apart to give you a bit of privacy. The host was very attentive and regularly made rounds to sell firewood. The facilities are mainly pit toilets but during peak season there is a shower available somewhere though I didn’t use it. Loads of hiking right off the campgrounds. You can walk right out of the forest to a great view of anza borrego desert. This is one of the few campgrounds in California where you don’t really need to worry about bears, though you should be wary of mountain lions.
RangerSalton Sea is such an interesting place. A bird haven for migrating birds - be sure to visit the Sonny Bono Refuge closeby. This camp had $20 basic tent sites, some full hookup sites available- paved, some sites along beach. One of the 2 loops were closed. Showers - tho no hot water left when I got to them and most bathrooms boarded up and in disrepair. Ample trash and recycling bins and water. Friendly host and camp wood available at $10 a pop. Check to see if sites are reserved at kiosk if you are coming without reservations.
ScoutBy my standards this is not primitive you have a toilet and a fire ring. Some of the spots are flatter than others. I made it in my prius so no need for high clearance or 4X4. Great for seeing stars and the sunrise. Awesome mini canyons if you're adventurous. BRING WATER ! It's hit during the day otherwise I really enjoy this place personally
RangerI stayed at Arroyo Salado one year during a super bloom at Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The campground is very, very basic. You pull up and find a spot and camp. There are no designated campsites. And it's free. There are pit toilets, which are clean and don't really smell.
We had the pleasure, as I said, of coming during the super bloom, when all of the sites closer to town were booked. This is in the "badlands" part of the park, leaving Borrego Springs and heading toward Salton City, which happens to be the cheapest place to get gas in these parts.
There's room to pitch a tent. You basically set up camp wherever there is room. We were among blooming desert lilies and had to be careful not to damage any, but plenty of fairly flat sandy soil to pitch a tent. You can bring your own barbecue if you want a fire, but fires must be self contained and you have to pack out what you bring in, so don't leave behind your ashes or coals. Want to be lazy? Grab dinner from one of the restaurants in town.
This part of the park (the badlands) tends to be slightly warmer than other areas of the park. (Because of elevation and topography? I'm not sure why.) This is a dry camp. There is no water, so you have to bring your own. But Borrego Springs is maybe 15-20 minutes away if you need a supply run.
During the blooms and when it's not super hot, it's lovely, but it's ungodly hot in the summer here (110-115 degrees), not cooling much at night. There are off-road roads in this area. We watched a lovely moonrise amid some night-blooming flowers. So time it right and it's lovely.
RangerSuper primitive but heavily used campground tucked among red rocks along a wash. I camped here in Spring and the wash was full of wildflowers. We drove back at least a mile in a sedan to set up camp. It's doable without four wheel drive or high clearance, just use caution. Need to bring your own fire pit and pack out coals. No facilities other than a vault toilet near the entrance of the wash. Anza Borrego is a gem. Loved this campground!
GuideIt is divided with RVs on one side, tent only on the other. Lots of families, quiet hours, dark skies... and a slide. Campsite #3 is line of sire to the playground, which is good information for helicopter parents.
Traveler2 outdoor pools and an indoor adult spa (102 degrees), RV sites with Power, Water and Sewer as well as tent sites. Flush toilets and hot/cold showers. This place is well maintained and the cleanest campground I have ever stayed at. Shuffleboard and Horseshoes courts, lots of hiking trails and things to see. The campground / pools are all fed from natural mineral springs. Pets are allowed within the campground and all sites have picnic table and fire-ring. Small store at the park entrance is great for the simply things you may have forgotten. They even have cabins available but they book up pretty fast. Rangers are all very friendly and helpful. Enjoyed my stay, I will be back.
TravelerI love this place. There's nothing here except an exceptionally clean vault toilet. I always set up camp in the same spot. There's a little noise from the road but not too much. If you're farther in you probably wouldn't notice it.
From the 'Campground' there are trails that lead to Ocotillo Wells and Fonts Point. If you're looking for a place to camp near trails with a decent bathroom and nothing else, this is the place for you.
Tent camping near Imperial, California offers a unique experience with diverse landscapes and well-equipped sites, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the desert.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Imperial, CA is El Centro NAF Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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