Discover the best beach campgrounds near Desert Center, California with wildlife watching

United States
—
California
—
Desert Center

84% (10 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Desert Center

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

Desert by the Sea

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Salton City, CA

Welcome to this scenic 1/3 acre desert campground in Salton City, with panoramic views of the Salton Sea. The soft sand and coarse rocks create a primitive camping experience near majestic natural attractions. Nearby destinations include the beaches of the Salton Sea, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the stargazing haven of the International Dark Sky Park. The campground has a remote, rustic feel, with the nearest neighbor 1/4 mile away. There is no shade cover on the property, so bring your own shelter from the elements. Keep pets leashed and supervised, as local wildlife may roam the area. Street parking is recommended for 2WD vehicles on Coral Sea Ave. Drive slowly and carefully over rocks. The soft ground requires 4WD vehicles with high clearance and aggressive tires for access. Air down tires for traction. Site amenities are primitive, so come prepared for a peaceful desert retreat. Generators allowed from 8am-8pm. No electric/water hookups or restrooms on site. Trash & Waste must be packed out. Leave no trace behind. The owners are not responsible for theft, pets, belongings, vehicle damage or injuries. Have a wonderful time exploring this unique desert landscape! Stay safe and respect this beautiful habitat.

Vista Del Mar

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA

Learn more about this land:READ ALL (SOFT GROUND!!!) 1/2 acre flat desert primitive campground with soft course sand and rocks in Salton City. Nearby attractions are Salton Sea Beach, Coachella, Palm Springs, Anza Borrego (International Dark Sky Park), J-Tree, Slab City, Bombay Beach, and the off-roading Mecca of Ocotillo Wells OHV. Walking distance to Johnson’s Landing Cafe and the powered para-glider glide port in Salton City. 1 mile to fuel and eateries. Perfect for those accessing Truck Haven and Tierra Del Sol, and other off-road events. No shade provided on property. Nearest neibor is 1/4 mile away. Keep an eye on your pets, as there may be predators and stray dogs in the area. SOFT GROUND, if unaccustomed to driving on sand, save yourself a recovery and park on the street. AWD does not mean you won’t get stuck. Otherwise, use 4 wheel drive if on the property, minimum 8” ground clearance for rocks, alley access is recommended. Air down tires for traction (aggressive tread recommended) and do not enter from Sea Wind Ave to avoid sinking. Otherwise, street parking okay to prevent unnecessary vehicle recovery. All proceeds go to organizations with efforts in saving the Salton Sea, local wildlife habitats, and preserving bird sanctuaries. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT, PETS, BELONGINGS, VEHICLE DAMAGE or INJURIES. Congrats to you though, camping here donates $$$ to organizations with efforts in wildlife refuges, preserving bird sanctuaries, and migration routes. Such as Ducks Unlimited, the Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy. See patches, stickers, and certificate in the photos representing the $$ donated out of proceeds from campers like you :)

Salton Sea Sanctuary

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA

Feel the sand beneath your feet at this private campsite with a large fire pit, paved road access and the Salton Sea shoreline in walking distance! This property is at the north end of Salton City and has unique trails to explore with views of the mountains to the west and water to the east. Walk to the north end of Camino Dr to find the new Vegetation Enhancement program using hay bales to control dust and hold moisture for new plant life. Or pull up a lounge chair and watch powered paragliders flying along the shoreline of the Salton Sea.

3 top beach campgrounds near Desert Center with wildlife watching

94%

(9)

Vista Del Mar

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA

Learn more about this land:READ ALL (SOFT GROUND!!!) 1/2 acre flat desert primitive campground with soft course sand and rocks in Salton City. Nearby attractions are Salton Sea Beach, Coachella, Palm Springs, Anza Borrego (International Dark Sky Park), J-Tree, Slab City, Bombay Beach, and the off-roading Mecca of Ocotillo Wells OHV. Walking distance to Johnson’s Landing Cafe and the powered para-glider glide port in Salton City. 1 mile to fuel and eateries. Perfect for those accessing Truck Haven and Tierra Del Sol, and other off-road events. No shade provided on property. Nearest neibor is 1/4 mile away. Keep an eye on your pets, as there may be predators and stray dogs in the area. SOFT GROUND, if unaccustomed to driving on sand, save yourself a recovery and park on the street. AWD does not mean you won’t get stuck. Otherwise, use 4 wheel drive if on the property, minimum 8” ground clearance for rocks, alley access is recommended. Air down tires for traction (aggressive tread recommended) and do not enter from Sea Wind Ave to avoid sinking. Otherwise, street parking okay to prevent unnecessary vehicle recovery. All proceeds go to organizations with efforts in saving the Salton Sea, local wildlife habitats, and preserving bird sanctuaries. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT, PETS, BELONGINGS, VEHICLE DAMAGE or INJURIES. Congrats to you though, camping here donates $$$ to organizations with efforts in wildlife refuges, preserving bird sanctuaries, and migration routes. Such as Ducks Unlimited, the Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy. See patches, stickers, and certificate in the photos representing the $$ donated out of proceeds from campers like you :)

Salton Sea Sanctuary

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA

Feel the sand beneath your feet at this private campsite with a large fire pit, paved road access and the Salton Sea shoreline in walking distance! This property is at the north end of Salton City and has unique trails to explore with views of the mountains to the west and water to the east. Walk to the north end of Camino Dr to find the new Vegetation Enhancement program using hay bales to control dust and hold moisture for new plant life. Or pull up a lounge chair and watch powered paragliders flying along the shoreline of the Salton Sea.

Desert by the Sea

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Salton City, CA

Welcome to this scenic 1/3 acre desert campground in Salton City, with panoramic views of the Salton Sea. The soft sand and coarse rocks create a primitive camping experience near majestic natural attractions. Nearby destinations include the beaches of the Salton Sea, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the stargazing haven of the International Dark Sky Park. The campground has a remote, rustic feel, with the nearest neighbor 1/4 mile away. There is no shade cover on the property, so bring your own shelter from the elements. Keep pets leashed and supervised, as local wildlife may roam the area. Street parking is recommended for 2WD vehicles on Coral Sea Ave. Drive slowly and carefully over rocks. The soft ground requires 4WD vehicles with high clearance and aggressive tires for access. Air down tires for traction. Site amenities are primitive, so come prepared for a peaceful desert retreat. Generators allowed from 8am-8pm. No electric/water hookups or restrooms on site. Trash & Waste must be packed out. Leave no trace behind. The owners are not responsible for theft, pets, belongings, vehicle damage or injuries. Have a wonderful time exploring this unique desert landscape! Stay safe and respect this beautiful habitat.

Under $50

94%

(9)

Vista Del Mar

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA

Learn more about this land:READ ALL (SOFT GROUND!!!) 1/2 acre flat desert primitive campground with soft course sand and rocks in Salton City. Nearby attractions are Salton Sea Beach, Coachella, Palm Springs, Anza Borrego (International Dark Sky Park), J-Tree, Slab City, Bombay Beach, and the off-roading Mecca of Ocotillo Wells OHV. Walking distance to Johnson’s Landing Cafe and the powered para-glider glide port in Salton City. 1 mile to fuel and eateries. Perfect for those accessing Truck Haven and Tierra Del Sol, and other off-road events. No shade provided on property. Nearest neibor is 1/4 mile away. Keep an eye on your pets, as there may be predators and stray dogs in the area. SOFT GROUND, if unaccustomed to driving on sand, save yourself a recovery and park on the street. AWD does not mean you won’t get stuck. Otherwise, use 4 wheel drive if on the property, minimum 8” ground clearance for rocks, alley access is recommended. Air down tires for traction (aggressive tread recommended) and do not enter from Sea Wind Ave to avoid sinking. Otherwise, street parking okay to prevent unnecessary vehicle recovery. All proceeds go to organizations with efforts in saving the Salton Sea, local wildlife habitats, and preserving bird sanctuaries. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT, PETS, BELONGINGS, VEHICLE DAMAGE or INJURIES. Congrats to you though, camping here donates $$$ to organizations with efforts in wildlife refuges, preserving bird sanctuaries, and migration routes. Such as Ducks Unlimited, the Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy. See patches, stickers, and certificate in the photos representing the $$ donated out of proceeds from campers like you :)

Salton Sea Sanctuary

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA

Feel the sand beneath your feet at this private campsite with a large fire pit, paved road access and the Salton Sea shoreline in walking distance! This property is at the north end of Salton City and has unique trails to explore with views of the mountains to the west and water to the east. Walk to the north end of Camino Dr to find the new Vegetation Enhancement program using hay bales to control dust and hold moisture for new plant life. Or pull up a lounge chair and watch powered paragliders flying along the shoreline of the Salton Sea.

Desert by the Sea

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Salton City, CA

Welcome to this scenic 1/3 acre desert campground in Salton City, with panoramic views of the Salton Sea. The soft sand and coarse rocks create a primitive camping experience near majestic natural attractions. Nearby destinations include the beaches of the Salton Sea, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the stargazing haven of the International Dark Sky Park. The campground has a remote, rustic feel, with the nearest neighbor 1/4 mile away. There is no shade cover on the property, so bring your own shelter from the elements. Keep pets leashed and supervised, as local wildlife may roam the area. Street parking is recommended for 2WD vehicles on Coral Sea Ave. Drive slowly and carefully over rocks. The soft ground requires 4WD vehicles with high clearance and aggressive tires for access. Air down tires for traction. Site amenities are primitive, so come prepared for a peaceful desert retreat. Generators allowed from 8am-8pm. No electric/water hookups or restrooms on site. Trash & Waste must be packed out. Leave no trace behind. The owners are not responsible for theft, pets, belongings, vehicle damage or injuries. Have a wonderful time exploring this unique desert landscape! Stay safe and respect this beautiful habitat.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

80%

(7)

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

North Shore, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near Desert Center with wildlife watching guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Desert Center, California, Hipcamp has over 860 options for you to choose from. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $45 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews, like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), and DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural (295 reviews). And if you're into campfires, trash facilities, and showers, you're in luck - these amenities are popular among campers. Plus, you can enjoy activities like surfing, paddling, and fishing. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your camping trip now!