Best Campgrounds near Niland, CA

The desert landscape surrounding Niland, California hosts a range of camping experiences from established RV resorts to primitive desert camping. Slab City, known as "the last free place in America," provides dispersed camping with no amenities or services, while developed options like Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort offer full hookups, showers, and drinking water. The area includes numerous sites along the Salton Sea shoreline, including Red Hill Marina Park and Bombay Beach. Tent camping, RV sites, and even cabin rentals can be found within 30 miles of Niland, though amenities vary significantly between developed resorts and informal camping areas.

Access to camping areas around Niland requires preparation as desert conditions dominate the region. Many dispersed camping areas lack facilities, with no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service available. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter the primary camping season for most visitors. "Great spot all to ourselves near the Salton Sea. Sunset was beautiful, the smell was a bit strong off the sea, but then the mosquitos came and they were brutal," reported one camper about Red Hill Marina. Visitors to Slab City should note it functions as a long-term community rather than a traditional campground, with limited security and infrastructure. Sites near the water often experience strong odors from the Salton Sea and significant insect activity.

The camping experience near Niland varies dramatically depending on the chosen location. Campers at established sites like Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort appreciate the amenities and organized activities, with one visitor noting it has "tons of activities, clean and quiet, such a wonderful spot." In contrast, Slab City offers a more alternative experience with artistic installations like Salvation Mountain and East Jesus, though reviews consistently mention safety concerns and limited facilities. According to one visitor, "Slab City can be a dark and depressing place, but is also an interesting view into the human spectrum." Niland Marina and Finney Lake Camp provide waterfront options for those seeking more solitude, though seasonal conditions affect water levels, smell, and insect populations throughout the year. Most primitive camping areas allow pets and campfires, while developed campgrounds provide varying levels of hookups and amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Niland, California (104)

    1. Slab City

    9 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    3 miles
    Website

    "The people are different in a positive way. Bring everything you will need since there isn't a store in the place. Every Saturday is the "Talent Show"."

    "It’s close to the boarder of Mexico and you will come through customs a few times if coming down the west coast, salvation mountain is before you hit slab city."

    2. Mojos Slab Camp

    2 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 452-6656

    $25 / night

    "There are lots of local dogs running around. All the ones we met were super friendly but keep that in mind if you have a dog or are afraid of them."

    3. Red Hill Marina Park

    4 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 756-7360

    "Very Primitive location but beautiful in its own right."

    4. Bombay Beach - Salton Sea State Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    Salton City, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 393-3052

    "Also go to Salvation Mountain which is close by, another bucket list spot to scratch off the list."

    "Some ATV people riding around the sand also but they weren't too bad."

    5. Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 354-1340

    $30 - $213 / night

    6. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "Absolutely love staying just outside the park. Easy access to some beautiful trails and you can easily fill up with water, dump out, and use the garbage from your vehicle."

    "This is a great free site right at the edge of Joshua Tree National park. Spots are far apart and you don’t have to worry about other people. Area is flat and easy to set up and park on."

    7. Niland Marina

    1 Review
    Niland, CA
    11 miles

    "Beautiful spot near the lake with gorgeous views. Nobody as far as the eye could see, of course it’s 100 degrees, but I have a trailer and awning with netting."

    8. Glamis North Hot Springs Resort

    4 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 354-1010

    "It is definitely a homey hot springs resort with a positive vibe! Check out www.glamisnorth.com"

    "You can take your ATVs, quads, motorcycles, etc. out there and there are tons of trails to explore. They also rent wagon cabins that look great. Full hook ups."

    9. Finney Lake Camp

    1 Review
    Calipatria, CA
    12 miles

    10. Del Yermo RV Park

    1 Review
    Calipatria, CA
    8 miles
    +1 (760) 348-7633
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Recent Reviews near Niland, CA

443 Reviews of 104 Niland Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hippie Hole Camping Area

    Riverside camp in the desert

    Camp alongside the river and take a swim. There's a pit toilet, trash cans, a dumpster, and several covered picnic tables. There were only 2 campers here when I arrived on a Tuesday afternoon. Seems to be boat ramps as well, but I don't know the angles or depth.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Road Camp

    Easy to get to dispersed camping.

    Stayed here on a road trip to the western national parks. Quite and easy to get to.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Salton Sea Sra

    Salton Sea area with basics.

    This basic camping area is easy to get to off the highway. Offers pretty sunset/sunrise over the mountains/water. Small fee.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Peaceful Desert Escape

    Perfect for stargazing at night and catching colorful sunrises in the morning. Its close proximity to the Cottonwood Visitor Center and several great hiking trails, like Lost Palms Oasis and Mastodon Peak, makes it an ideal base for exploring the park’s southern side. The campground is well maintained, and even though it’s quieter than other areas of the park, it still offers that classic Joshua Tree magic. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a serene, scenic camping experience!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Park Campground

    We didn’t stay here because we were too big although you can stay with a big rig if you reserve the group camp. That’s $55 a night so we decided to move to the dispersed camp close by. This does have a dump station and fresh water

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Joshua Tree South Entrance

    Joshua Tree for the big rig

    This spot is great if you want to explore Joshua Tree and have a big rig. The campgrounds in Joshua tree do not have any space for larger RVS. You can reserve the group camp at Cottonwood but that is $55 a night. This was a perfect alternative. It has a few small trees and the spots are spread out. Some spots have fire pits. When you come in there is a sign on the first road saying you need permission to drive on but you can access the area from a road farther down or right before this sign you can veer down into the dispersed spots. Free is close but not enough to keep you awake at night.

  • R
    Sep. 18, 2025

    The South Forty (Group Camp)

    Great location

    This property is very close to store food and gas. Property is fenced in for the safety of our kids.

  • L
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Sunbeam Lake RV Resort

    A really nice little place.

    Great place. Was able to get a last minute spot when we were about an hour away. Office people were nice and friendly. Place was clean with lots to do.


Guide to Niland

Camping near Niland, California, offers a unique experience with stunning desert landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, there are options that cater to different camping styles.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness of sites. A review for Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed highlighted, "Absolutely incredible views, in my opinion better than the park itself! Easy road and so many open spots."
  • Amenities: Campers enjoy the facilities at Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park, where one reviewer mentioned, "Flush toilets, bathrooms, well lit, and warm showers."
  • Family-Friendly: The campgrounds are often described as family-friendly. A visitor at Jumbo Rocks Campground said, "Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Water Access: Many campgrounds, like Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed, do not have drinking water available. A camper noted, "No drinking water, but great views and quiet nights."
  • Busy Seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Blair Valley Primitive Campground mentioned, "I arrived at 5pm and already almost all spots were taken."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for temperature changes. One camper at Burnt Rancheria Campground said, "It still got below freezing in late May, so be prepared for colder temperatures."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, where one reviewer said, "There’s a trailhead to the oasis right in the campground."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Agua Caliente County Park Campground mentioned, "Three spring-fed pools, hot showers, clean flush toilet bathrooms, and hiking trails."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at El Prado Campground said, "There is so many trails to hike."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, "Sites are narrow and short and unlevel, but you are surrounded by Sonoran desert."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need amenities, check for campgrounds with hookups like Agua Caliente County Park Campground, which offers electric hookups.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue in the desert. A visitor at Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area mentioned, "It can be hot and there are not amenities at the campground itself."

Camping near Niland, California, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for all types of campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Niland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Niland, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Niland, CA and 39 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Niland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Niland, CA is Slab City with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Niland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots near Niland, CA.