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Best Tent Camping near Imperial, CA

194 Reviews

Tent camping near Imperial, California includes options in the arid desert landscape of Imperial County, with most sites situated on sand or gravel terrain. Popular locations include Glamis Flats at Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and Bow Willow Primitive Campground in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, both offering designated tent sites about 30-45 miles from Imperial.

Sites throughout the Imperial Sand Dunes area feature minimal to no amenities, with most tent campsites requiring self-sufficiency. Cement Flats provides free boondocking with no facilities except vault toilets, while Glamis Flats has pit toilets that are regularly cleaned but often have odor issues. Extreme desert temperatures make summer camping challenging, with winter being the primary season for tent camping in this region. Water is unavailable at most primitive tent sites, and campers should bring ample supplies for their stay. A recent review noted, "Take your sand dune buggies and enjoy the day and night. Super fun for the whole family."

Areas farther from Imperial offer different tent camping experiences. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area provides extensive primitive tent camping with few amenities but plenty of space to set up away from crowds. "We spent the day adventuring in Borrego and stumbled upon this site. It was completely empty and looked well taken care of," commented one visitor about Bow Willow campground. Tent campers should come prepared for desert conditions, including wide temperature fluctuations between day and night. Most primitive tent sites in Anza-Borrego feature picnic tables with shade structures, essential protection from the intense desert sun. The desert environment offers excellent stargazing opportunities from tent sites throughout the region, with minimal light pollution and clear night skies.

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Best Tent Sites Near Imperial, California (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Imperial, CA

3 Photos of 17 Imperial Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Imperial, CA

194 Reviews of 17 Imperial Campgrounds

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2022

    Osborne Overlook

    Surprise, it's also a campground!

    Located 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!

  • Meghan D.
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Burnt Rancheria Campground

    A great escape from the city

    This 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.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Mecca Beach Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area

    Close together sites, great beach views.

    Salton 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.

  • Prius P.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Great if you understand the desert

    By 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

  • S
    May. 29, 2019

    Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Desert Camping With a Toilet and That's About It

    I 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.

  • Amber D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2019

    Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Desert perfection

    Super 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!

  • Rosie H.
    Mar. 27, 2021

    San Diego County Vallecito Regional Park

    There is a playground

    It 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.

  • A
    May. 7, 2019

    Agua Caliente County Park Campground

    One of the Best Campground in Southern California

    2 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.

  • John Y.
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Primative camping +

    I 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.

Guide to Imperial

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.

Tips for tent camping near Imperial

  • The El Centro NAF Campground is a great choice for military personnel and their families, featuring full hookups and a large pool for relaxation after a day of adventure.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Cement Flats provides a fantastic boondocking site, ideal for off-road enthusiasts traveling to San Diego.
  • If you’re looking for a quieter spot, Gecko Campground offers a serene environment with endless sand dunes, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Glamis Flats features picnic tables and toilets, making it a popular spot for families and groups who enjoy off-roading and dune activities.
  • At Imperial Sand Dunes RA - Pad 5 - BLM, campers can enjoy drinking water and electric hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay in the desert.
  • The Roadrunner Campground is big rig friendly and offers essential amenities like toilets, making it accessible for larger camping setups.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • The Cahuilla Ranger Station serves as a gateway to various hiking trails and scenic views, perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • For a thrilling experience, the Imperial Sand Dunes RA - Palo Verde Flats - BLM is a prime location for off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities, attracting adventure seekers from all around.
  • Don't miss the annual air show in March, which draws many visitors to the El Centro NAF Campground, making it a lively spot during that time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Imperial, CA?

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.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Imperial, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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