Best Camping near Calipatria, CA

Are you in need of a campground near Calipatria, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Calipatria and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Calipatria, CA (116)

    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hill Marina Park

    4.

    Red Hill Marina Park

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    17 Saves
    Niland, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area

    5.

    Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area

    17 Reviews
    46 Photos
    188 Saves
    Mecca, California

    Look for sign that reads "Welcome to Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area” directing you to camping area behind the General Patton Museum.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojos Slab Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojos Slab Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojos Slab Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojos Slab Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojos Slab Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mojos Slab Camp

    6.

    Mojos Slab Camp

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    11 Saves
    Niland, California

    Selective Safe Friendly Camping in Slab City, CA Open 24 hours

    Mojo's Slab Camp is located in Slab City, CA. We selectively welcome seasonal and short-term RVers, van dwellers and tenters into a safe, friendly, drama & drug free zone. 420 Friendly!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 / 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

    8.

    Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

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

    $30 - $213 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    9.

    Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    25 Reviews
    93 Photos
    141 Saves
    Mecca, California

    Overview

    Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park ___ trail maps and more! Cottonwood Group Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing. The group campground is part of the main Cottonwood Campground and has three sites that are by reservation only. It is one of three group campgrounds in the park and the only campground that lies in the southern section. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures reach between 70 to 90-degrees during the day and drop to 40 to 60-degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably high desert heat. Cottonwood Group Campground is at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and has little shade from vegetation; however, there are picnic shelters that provide shade at each site.

    Recreation

    Stargazing and wildflower viewing are among the most popular activities at this facility. Several hiking trails leave from the campground and several more trailheads are within a 1-2 hour drive.

    Facilities

    Stargazing and wildflower viewing are among the most popular activities at this facility. Several hiking trails leave from the campground and several more trailheads are within a 1-2 hour drive.

    Natural Features

    The landscape around Cottonwood is that of the Colorado Desert, which encompasses the southern edge of the park and a large portion of Southern California. Rather than being surrounded by large rock formations and uniquely-shaped Joshua trees, like campgrounds in the northern section, this facility overlooks flat, open-desert shrubland. It is also further from towns or cities that would contribute light pollution. As a result, it offers wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky that draw astronomers and amateur sky watchers alike. Cottonwood is at a lower elevation than other campgrounds within the park, so desert wildflowers begin to bloom earlier in the spring than in other locations. Flowering occurs anytime between the beginning of February to the end of March; timing varies depending on the amount of winter precipitation and the arrival of warm temperatures.

    Nearby Attractions

    The General Patton Memorial Museum, a U.S. military history museum, is just over 12 miles away in the town of Chiriaco.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.__ Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Group Facility : Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date.__ No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night___s recreation fee for a campsite.__ *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $40 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 116 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Calipatria

Recent Reviews In Calipatria

395 Reviews of 116 Calipatria Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
    September 14, 2024

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    One of our favorites

    We love this BLM dispersed boondock area. It’s one of our go-tos. There’s always room, even though there are always lots of other campers here. Once you leave the main road and drive on the dirt road for a bit in either direction, people start to thin out and you have your own huge patch of camping. 

    The road is washboard in parts, but manageable. Heads up that the BLM land is a checkerboard type situation, but nobody seemed to care. People were camped anywhere, and we’ve never seen anyone from BLM come by. 

    Cell service is great out here. Getting your spot level is tricky each time, and we usually have to dig a hole on one side and use levels on the other just to get our rig level. Of course we fill the holes back in when we leave.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    August 6, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Base camp close to Joshua Tree

    We stayed here for 2 nights and worked from here with our starlink. Great internet - we had 2 people doing video calls.

    Each site is pretty large and can fit at least 3 vans but they’re only about 100 ft off the dirt road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort
    July 8, 2024

    Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort

    Perfect for Snow Birds and winter get-aways

    We have stayed here a few times now.  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.  The staff are pleasant and accommodating.   It is also a pretty good overnight spot if you are passing through in the summer, but the temperatures in this area soar during the summer and are frequently above 110 degrees.  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.  This is also one of the few parks that accepts Passport America all days of the week.  Note that Passport America discounts cannot be used with pull-through sites.  The sites are fairly spacious and generally separated by hedges so you are not looking directly at your neighbor's rig.  Scenery around the park is beautiful any time of year, and for those who enjoy the RV Resort lifestyle the only reason to go out of the park during the snow bird season is for groceries.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
    June 14, 2024

    Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping

    Ease of access and free

    Great location in proximity just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. There are plenty of spots for tents, pop-ups, campers, or RVs. Fire rings are already established.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Road Camp
    June 2, 2024

    Black Mountain Road Camp

    Beautiful Views, Quiet Solitude

    Traveling down Black Mountain road for about 2miles of wash boards before turning down the camping road.

    All the sites were empty as it was almost 100degrees outside and nothing for shade of a creature larger than a bird could find. But here we found quiet solitude and a cooler evening, perhaps the winds helped.

    If you have furry friends keep a watch for their paws, there’s small cacti/pokeys scattered about.

    Lovely sunrise and sunset 360 views.

    Good Verizon service!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    May 23, 2024

    Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Nice but small sites, easy access, good views

    I don't think this map pin is correct for Yaqui Wells Primitive Camp, the location according to Google Maps is a little further south just off Yaqui Pass Road off Highway 78. There are two different camps similarly named, Yaqui Wells and Yaqui Pass, fairly close to each other. Anyway, we stayed here at Yaqui Wells for one night after attempting to camp at Blair Valley but getting swarmed by bees. Only saw 2 other vehicles, and while the sites are pretty small and close to the dirt road, they are nice enough. BE AWARE THOUGH: pull your vehicle well into the sites, we had 6 lifted off road trucks come flying through around midnight at a ridiculously high speed without slowing down at all and it could have been catastrophic if we were closer to the road or if we had been walking our dog at that time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    May 11, 2024

    Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Desert campground

    I stopped here for lunch. You're in the desert, so hot during the day. There are some trees for shade, especially for the campsites along Yaqui Pass Road. All sites have lattice-work shelters for shade over the picnic tables. Water is listed as non-potable at all faucets. Besides campsites, there are one-room cabins for rent. $35/night for the campsites is a lot, but that is state park practice in CA. National Forest campgrounds are cheaper.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Box Canyon Dispersed
    April 18, 2024

    Box Canyon Dispersed

    Sweet spot

    Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without. got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Pass Camp
    April 14, 2024

    Yaqui Pass Camp

    Easy stop if you need, otherwise keep driving

    Drove in..., drove out. As another review noted, it's a big parking lot. Fine if you just need a place to pull over, nothing of value there..., maybe proximity to a hiking trail.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    April 14, 2024

    Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Easy with great views..., but am I here?

    Using the marker on the map in the app, I was brought to a small dirt parking lot off the main road. Further exploration showed that a dirt road continued into the vegetation. I followed it, but it turned and went parallel with a road. I am nowhere near see the marker on the map. However, I am a 100 feet off the trail overlooking the town of Borrego Springs and the mountains behind it. I am here in this section by myself.

    I did explore the Yaqui Pass and the Yaqui Wash spots, which are both further west over the mountain. The Pass was great and within a valley. The pass was a carpark as someone else noted. I wanted my back to the sunset (and the wind) so chose this location. Next time I hope to get to the spot the other reviews seem to be at.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground
    April 10, 2024

    Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground

    Could be quite - expect to dry camp

    Most certainly a relaxing place. Lots of birds. Quite except for the store fridge compressor that ran and ran. Hosts are friendly. We were the only ones there. Expect to dry camp. There are no power hookups. The campground does have a central RV dump station, so you can dump before you hit the road. There are water hose hookups, but I would not introduce this water into your RV. It is brownish and not well treated. It is basically river water from a shallow well that ran through a sediment filter. You can wash dishes with it outside using a basin, but that's about it. I will say the community showers are great. Hot water and seemingly the same water at the sites but somehow seems clear. Anyway showers are great. Oh, one more thing, we choose a site sort of close to the store and showers. Well the store has a noisy compressor that runs pretty much 24 hours a day. Seemingly never cycles on and off. Very annoying.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
    April 4, 2024

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Great night!

    Really convenient if you’re in Joshua Tree. The sunset was a 10/10. Very quiet, but we went in July so it was miserably hot. There are fire circles scattered throughout each site. Cell service for xfinity was great. Very nice quiet night

  • Camper-submitted photo from Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground
    March 29, 2024

    Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground

    Great stay off the Colorado.

    Pulled in for a night, and stayed 3. Clean camp, showers with great pressure and plenty of hot water. Stayed on the river with great access for swimming and fishing. Very quiet this time of year, also great access to BLM lands for Off road, etc, disperse camping is an option. Hosts were great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
    March 23, 2024

    Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    Joshua Tree Free

    Stayed 1 night in this easy to access free area near entrance to the National Park. No fee required to camp here. Was not busy at all end of March. Fire Rings randomly throughout. Verizon 5G works great here.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Slab City
    March 23, 2024

    Slab City

    If Burning Man and a Landfill had a Baby...

    I visited for two nights to see which version of the Slab City story to believe - There are so many videos, but most of them were made by people who did not even stay overnight.

    One story is the romanticized tale of free-thinking sovereign citizens and preppers working together in Utopian Fashion to survive off the grid in the deep Sonoran Desert and shun government interference in their lives.  They even have movie nights and a Saturday night open mic.  There are some folks there who deserve a kind description and they work very hard to help their neighbors when they can.  There just aren't enough of them.    

    The other story is about how hundreds of conspiracy-laden, disenfranchised, meth-heads, dependent on SSI, have trashed a 600-acre parcel of public land.  This group is real too, and will solicit your sympathy and cash if they can't figure out how to siphon gas out of your tank while you're wandering Salvation Mountain.

    If none of this impresses you, then by all means, visit during winter to see the clever art installations, but if you're determined to hang for longer than the day, I recommend you pay to stay at Mojo's Camp or The Ponderosa where the hosts have a care about their guests.  Do Not camp alone out in the open.  Do not accept any bliss from anyone, and do not flash your cash.   Leave the kids at home unless you want to scare them straight.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Headquarters Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area
    March 1, 2024

    Headquarters Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area

    Moto camp in spring

    Did a quick motorcycle camp here. The campground was extremely well maintained. Clean bathrooms with showers etc. depending on the time of the year and the winds there can be an unpleasant smell but I didn’t have any problems on this trip Site are pretty close together but it didn’t seem to be very crowded most of the time

  • 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 Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area
    February 14, 2024

    Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area

    Fantastic find

    I have camped here off my motorcycle on three different trips May, and October. It can be hot and there are not amenities at the campground itself but restaurants, gas, and a convenience store are close by. See the museum while you're there. It's a fascinating piece of history.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
    February 13, 2024

    Glamis North Hot Springs Resort

    Needs maintenance

    4bars of T-Mobile and 2 bars on AT&T. It’s currently $50 for a night which includes the hot spring.

    The lots are dirt and uneven. The water on many lots are leaking or with broken fixtures. It’s pretty quiet and I’m here for 2 nights.

  • Camper-submitted photo from The Springs at Borrego RV Resort
    February 6, 2024

    The Springs at Borrego RV Resort

    A great desert glamping destination

    When we arrived, check in was quick and were escorted to our site. Our friends had arrived already and told us the site next them was open. The man who escorted us made a quick call and made the change.

    The concrete pads are really long. I will leave a picture. This allowed us to have both the trailer and the truck on the pad. Not the perpendicular park job we are all used to. 

    It raining all day the following day and we were getting emergency alerts on the phone for dangerous flooding. The RV park has no drainage problem at all. The park is incredibly clean and well maintained.

    We did play a couple of days on the golf course there. The course was in excellent shape. Green a bit slow. :-)

    The pool area with all the activities available was a nice option. One night they had live music in that center. 

    This is a fun place to be for sure. Lots of hiking places near by. We will be back!



Guide to Calipatria

Camping near Calipatria, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One visitor shared, "The Palm Canyon trail starts from the campground - no need to drive to the trailhead, and it is a hike worth doing."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Blair Valley Primitive Campground, you might spot some coyotes. A camper noted, "Saw some coyotes pass by my camp."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for excellent stargazing. A reviewer at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed said, "The sunset was a 10/10," hinting at the beautiful night views.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One visitor at Culp Valley Primitive Campground said, "Beautiful views. Fire pits provided."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Burnt Rancheria Campground mentioned, "We spent three nights at Burnt Rancheria with perfect weather, great hiking and biking opportunities."
  • Accessibility: Campgrounds like Chiriaco Summit Dry Camp Area are easy to reach. One camper noted, "This 1700ft pass has a breeze and stays cooler than the valleys."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, such as Blair Valley Primitive Campground, lack facilities like showers and trash disposal. A visitor mentioned, "No facilities but good cell service."
  • Hot Weather: Be prepared for high temperatures, especially in summer. A camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed noted, "It was miserably hot."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly. A reviewer at Culp Valley Primitive Campground said, "Fills up but great if you can get there early!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Facilities: Look for spots like Borrego Palm Canyon Campground that offer flush toilets and showers. A camper shared, "Clean facilities and well-kept grounds."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family at Agua Caliente County Park Campground enjoyed the "three spring-fed pools, hot showers quarter operated."
  • Bring Games and Snacks: Keep the kids entertained with games and snacks. A visitor at El Prado Campground mentioned, "Great place to disconnect and was close to SD."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cottonwood Campground noted, "Sites are narrow and short and unlevel."
  • Be Ready for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A camper at Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed mentioned, "No internet or cellphone capability unless you drive back near I-10."
  • Stock Up on Supplies: Since some campgrounds are remote, bring everything you need. A visitor at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area advised, "Just be sure to pack what you need as there are very few bathrooms."

Camping near Calipatria, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Calipatria, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Calipatria, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Calipatria, CA and 41 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Calipatria, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Calipatria, CA is Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 58 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calipatria, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Calipatria, CA.

  • What parks are near Calipatria, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Calipatria, CA that allow camping, notably Cleveland National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest.