RV sites near Niland, California provide desert camping options in the Imperial Valley, where summer temperatures frequently reach 115°F. The area sits at an average elevation of -147 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest-elevation camping regions in North America. Winter camping season typically runs from October through April when temperatures become more moderate.
What to do
Desert art exploration: 35 miles northwest of Niland at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort offers access to Borrego Springs' metal sculptures. "This is a beautiful luxury RV resort in Borrego Springs, a desert community in San Diego County that's known for its unique metal sculptures, golf resorts, and beautiful hiking trails," writes Momma H.
Watersports: The Colorado River access point at Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground offers boating and fishing. "Walter's Camp is a great launch point up the Colorado River. I don't own a boat but if I did this would be a regular spot," notes Izzy Y. The campground provides river access for swimming and fishing with "great access to BLM lands for Off road," according to Dale P.
Stargazing: Borrego Springs is a Designated Dark Sky Community. "As a Designated Dark Sky Community, this is a great place to do some stargazing as well," mentions a reviewer about The Springs at Borrego. The minimal light pollution throughout the Niland area makes winter nights ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Mineral hot springs: Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort provides therapeutic soaking options. "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," notes one camper. Another reviewer mentions, "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!"
Winter community atmosphere: Seasonal campers create vibrant social environments. "The best times are during the fall and winter months as the park welcomes back its community of Snow Birds coming from Canada and the northern US. During those times the atmosphere in the evening is always festive, often with live music and an outdoor bar," explains Glen C. about Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort.
Wind protection: Desert camping with natural windbreaks at Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch. "Each spot is surrounded by trees which is very rare to find in the desert! It makes each spot private and helps hugely with keeping wind from blowing dirt into your spot," reports Juliet L. The campground operates seasonally from October through June with natural shade features unusual for desert camping areas.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Multiple campgrounds report problematic water supplies. "The water (sourced from a well) is NOT SAFE to drink or cook with due to excessive arsenic and fluoride. There are however 3 locations in the park with reverse osmosis filters to fill water jugs," reports Dawn J. about Oasis Palms RV Resort. Another reviewer notes, "Wouldn't stay again. Lukewarm showers, can't drink the water at campsite due to heavy metals. Reverse osmosis on site."
Off-season rate reductions: Summer camping offers significant discounts. "During summer time the pool becomes too warm to be refreshing, and the restaurant and bar are closed. The rates are much lower in the summer," notes Glen C. about Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort. Several campgrounds offer seasonal pricing structures with winter premium rates.
Dirt road access: Some campgrounds require traveling unpaved roads. "About 6 miles off the paved road. Roads were graded last week and pretty decent drive, although its posted that 4x4 is sometimes recommended," writes Larry B. about Walter's Camp RV Park. Another camper adds, "The drive in is a couple miles on dirt road. Take it slow if you have to but chances are you can get there just fine!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Campgrounds with pools provide relief from heat. "Has a large pool and big hot tub all inside of a solid wall to prevent sand from blowing inside," writes Juliet L. about Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch. For alternatives to pool swimming, Walter's Camp offers "great access for swimming and fishing" on the Colorado River.
Recreational amenities: Multiple activities at resort-style campgrounds. "They also have a little fishing pond, golf course, pickle ball and a wellness center where you can even get a massage," notes a reviewer about The Springs at Borrego. Another camper shares, "The base has a large pool with water slides, gym, bowling alley, exchange/commissary, and movie theater" at El Centro NAF Campground, though military privileges are required for access.
Unique desert activities: Paramotor flying near Salton City. "Pretty interesting RV park there are people with sail kites and they have two stroke engines strapped to their back or like go karts some of them, and they're flying with a propeller on the engine. I don't know what they call it but it's pretty cool to watch," reports Joseph H. about West Shores RV Park, describing paramotoring activities visible from the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request pond-view sites when available. "The pull throughs are limited with views of the pond and wide so plan ahead," advises Michael about Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort. Another camper notes, "Pull through site was narrow but had all we needed for one night."
Extended stay pricing: Monthly rates offer significant savings for winter visitors. At Ocotillo RV Resort, full hookup sites accommodate large rigs with reasonable extended-stay rates. One reviewer notes the park has "174 sites" with "awesome food at the diner and we were able to rent a quad for the day."
Site spacing and privacy: Look for campgrounds with natural dividers. "The sites are fairly spacious and generally separated by hedges so you are not looking directly at your neighbor's rig," explains Glen C. about Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort, highlighting the privacy features appreciated by many RVers staying at campgrounds near Niland.
