Camping near Imperial with campfires

Imperial draws campers who want to play around sand dunes, desert, lakes, and rivers.

76% (277 reviews)
76% (277 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Imperial

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds near Imperial with campfires

98%
(254)

The Desert View Tower

3 sites · Tents93 acres · Jacumba, CA
Loaded with history, and set on the "La Posta Pluton," we are 3000 feet above the California's Imperial Valley. Sitting on this land is the historic Desert View Tower, which will turn 100 years old in 2020. The view of the tower couldn't be in a more epic setting. The sunsets, stars and views are world class. Tent camping in the area doesn't get much better than this.Learn more about this land:PLEASE CHECK IN BEFORE DARK.***If you are showing up after dark, we unfortunately cannot accommodate you. Must arrive before 4 in the winter months, 7pm in the summery months.***Winds here can be ferocious. A day ahead of time check the weather for Boulder Park CA (That's us). We will happily change for another date.No road access to the camp sites. Tent camping only. No RV spaces available.The Desert Tower is a 93 acre property in the midst of a great field of boulders on a hillside cliff overlooking California's Imperial Valley. One can camp anywhere in the rocks you like...there are tons of hidden gems out there with some great views. There is a sandy area in front of the tower that is very nice and close to the bathrooms -- Enjoy the views and the nighttime stars!
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$45
 / night
99%
(129)

Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · Mount Laguna, CA
Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors. Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA. Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California. Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping. Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8. There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite. Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.
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from 
$112.50
 / night
99%
(107)

In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Jacumba Hot Springs, CA
Property is located in the High Desert area of E. San Diego County in the In-Ko-)Pah Mountains. 5 camp sites to choose from and one (1) glamping unit "Casa Agave" which is a small home the sleeps four (4). One queen bed, 1 single and a sofa bed that sleeps one. To the west is Table Mountain a sacred Native American Ceremonial Ground that is on BLM land. The Northern boundary is the beginning Anza Borrego State Park. The East and South borders are private land. There is much evidence of campsites and artifacts that the land used to be inhabited by the Kumeyaay Nation. Mica and Garnets used to be mined in this area as well. The property is a transitional area where agave, juniper and scrub oak thrive. Wildlife in the area includes: Quail, Rattle Snakes, Lizards, Ravens, Roadrunners, Tarantulas, Rosy Boa, Mule Deer, Pack Rats, Bob Cats, Coyotes and at times Bighorn Sheep are spotted by Table Mountain.
Potable water
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from 
$40
 / night
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 :)
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$13.50
 / night
97%
(68)

Oasis Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Westmorland, CA
Our Rural location is set in the Imperial Valley within driving distance to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Bombay Beach, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The Oasis Ranch offers multiple locations on the property including: Pond Site surrounded by +35 year old oak trees. Desert terrain along with river washes lined with desert Cedar. Beautiful one of a kind locations are very accessible, we are happy to help facilitate and coordinate where appropriate and needed.
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from 
$30
 / night
Booked 3 times

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.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night
Booked 1 time

Salton Ocotillo Dunes

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA
Private quarter acre campsite with a large fire pit, paved road to the entrance and access to Truckhaven and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area directly from the property. Surrounded by picturesque beach sand dunes, mountains, canyons and some of the state’s best off-roading, you can park your vehicle around the fire ring and set up a group camp with friends or book for some peaceful family time under the stars of the lower Colorado Desert. If you are in the area to see the Salton Sea, this site is 7 miles to the water.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night
50%
(3)

Cotillo Off-road

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Thermal, CA
READ ALL (SOFT GROUND!!!) 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.Learn more about this land:PLEASE READ ALL (SOFT GROUND!!!) 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. Many restaurants near the area and store. Water and bathrooms short 5 minute drive.
Pets
from 
$17.60
 / night
Booked 1 time

Desert Adventure

1 site · RV1 acre · Thermal, CA
PLEASE READ ALL (SOFT GROUND!!!) 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.Learn more about this land:PLEASE READ ALL (SOFT GROUND!!!) 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. Many restaurants near the area. Water and bathroom 5 minute drive.
Pets
from 
$17.60
 / night

Los Cerritos Ranch

1 site · RV11 acres · Holtville, CA
You can park under some Mesquite trees and enjoy the beuatiful shade…8 mins to hot springs. We are located about 1 min out of town with no neighbors …Some what dark so u can enjoy the nice stars at night …Ok to use firpit under shade . If unhave knowledge i can also let u ride of of the 2 horses i own under ur risk .
Pets
Trash
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(2)

Bombay Dirt - Park N Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Bombay Beach, CA
Learn more about this land:Great base camp for your visit to Bombay Beach. Designed for campers and Vanners who need a private spot to camp, cook food and take in the scenery. Comes equipped with Porta-John, outdoor shower, fire-pit and 2 bikes.
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$75
 / night
100%
(1)

Salton Sea Nymphs

1 site · RV1 acre · Thermal, CA
Salton Sea Nymphs is a future art project and roadside destination. By staying here, you will contributing to the project coming to life and projects to help remedy the sea. WHAT TO DO This is a great RV spot to explore the Salton Sea, stargaze, or crash for a night during your road trip. You can also ATV the heck out of the place (you'll see the path directly at the back of the property). You may tent camp, but there are days/nights where it can get very windy. Check the forecast. UPDATE: There is a recently installed fire pit to help you stay warm or cook up a feed. Be safe and have at it. PLEASE NOTE: Ground is very soft. I did have a friend drive an RV on it without issue, but just be aware. While this is currently a vacant lot, it is in short driving distance of gas stations, convenience stores, and a few restaurants.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night

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Camping near Imperial with campfires guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Imperial, California? Hipcamp has over 670 options for you to choose from, with prices starting as low as $10 per night. Whether you prefer a rustic experience or a more luxurious stay, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Check out top campsites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), THE PRESERVE (274 reviews), and The Castle House Estate (276 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities such as potable water, trash disposal, and campfires. And if you're into fishing, horseback riding, or climbing, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favorite activities.

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