The best camping near Glamis Dunes

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Glamis Dunes adventure.

Discover the majestic Imperial Sand Dunes, a haven for off-road adventure.  

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Glamis Dunes

99%
(190)

Private Hot Springs & Organic Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Bombay Beach, CA
The desert is really lovely right now, and so are the mineral baths. We have no lodging here, so park your RV or car or set your tent up right next to outdoor hot mineral baths where pure water flows from under the desert at 124 degrees then we let it cool down to whatever temperature feels right. Only 1 group (max 6) at a time so it will always be private, and we are very conscientious of our guest's privacy, but are always available for questions via text or phone. Check in time is now 4 pm, check out time 10 am. Check out our IG here! https://www.instagram.com/hotspringsorganicfarm/ Autumn is here and days now are in the 80's, nights in the 60's. Located in a rural desert setting 1 hour south of Indio, in the morning shadow of the Chocolate Mountains, this is a working farm growing 7 varieties of organic dates: medjool, barhi, khadrawi, halawi, khalas, dayri and zahidi.   Ideal bath times are nighttime and early morning, and day soaks are an option too if you live locally and just want to spend a few hours soaking.  We have a private driveway and fenced property and there are no nearby homes. It is an extremely safe neighborhood here...never having a single incident of theft, vandalism or intrusion in the 19 years of residence. This is where the beautiful natural hot healing waters flow out of the earth as described in the famed "Desert Magazine" article of November 1956 "Little Yellowstone on the Salton Shores". A very remarkable but little-known secret in the California desert. 18 years of date harvests have made life and residence purposeful here on this 7-acre flank of the Chocolate Mountains. Desert Magazine (1956) describes the hot water here to be "richer in mineral content than any spa water in the United States excepting those in the Yellowstone Park area. Here then was mineral water rivaling that of Spa Royat in France; Bad-Nauheim in Germany; and Marianbad in Czechoslovakia. Here was water superior to that which the royal heads of Europe had paid princely sums to use." 2-wheel drive vehicles, including cars are all one needs to reach the farm.  Some wild deer in the neighborhood, but also bighorn sheep, fox, coyote, bobcat, hawks, owls, lizards, geckos and rabbits. Native artifacts have been discovered on the property and our desert nights are free of light pollution.  Private hot springs on small farms are extremely rare anywhere in America, but especially within 2 and 1/2 hours of greater Los Angeles. This is a really great place to empty your head out and enjoy the lovely weather and an even better place to get and stay healthy in these unpredictable times. This place is ideally suited for health-oriented folks. No tobacco, alcohol, vaping, cannabis or drugs allowed. And in the pools no lotions, perfume, hair care products, makeup, or sunscreen. No food or glass near the pools, and we are not set up for small kids or pets. Cookstoves are okay here, just no campfires due to an excess of brush in the region. Verizon and AT&T and T Mobile phone service all work well here. We are 4 miles from Bombay Beach, 35 minutes from Mecca, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Palm Springs, 1 hour from the Coachella Music Festival location, in the direction with light traffic. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Joshua Tree south entrance, 1 hour and 10 minutes from La Quinta and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Los Angeles area and 2 hours 30 minutes from San Diego area. We are 30 minutes to Salvation Mountain/The Slabs and 1 hour 10 minutes to Painted Canyon (The Slot Canyons in the Mecca Hills).  The last half mile before our gate is a dirt road that can have seasonal ruts and washboard surface from off-roaders, so passenger cars will need to take it slow but can still make it.  We are not a posh resort, and because it's a farm there are a few odd structures and tools on the property, but that's just part of the art. The rock pools and hot water baths are lovely at night under the stars near the palms, and that's what this place is all about.   This farm is in the low (elevation) desert, where the winter days are warm with springtime-like weather from November - March.   The colder high desert areas in the Morongo Basin (Joshua Tree, 29 Palms etc.) are more popular tourist destinations, but sometimes they are so popular that the traffic can be as bad as any city, with no flowing water and the Bighorn Sheep are hiding away deep in the boulders. The low desert has nicer winter days, hot springs, flowing water, far less traffic and more places to observe wildlife.   Bring flip flops, towels and flashlights.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$69
 / night
Booked 2 times

Niland Offroad Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Bombay Beach, CA
Bring your toy haulers and travel trailers and set up camp around the firepit on 5 acres with stunning views of the Chocolate Mountains and access to some of the best off roading trails in Niland and around the Salton Sea. This campsite is 1 mile from paved Hot Mineral Spa Rd on a well-maintained dirt road that leads right to the property. There is a mini-market and Sunset Grill restaurant at the Fountain of Youth RV resort, a disc golf course and desert driving range 3 miles away for supplies, dinner and off-time fun. From November to April expect off roading activity all around the site. May to October is the summer off season and it’s typically quiet and there won’t be many people around. This is a great location if you have dirt bikes, Can-Ams, Razors, and other off-road vehicles and want to ride and off road directly from a campsite. In dry weather the site is accessible with two wheel drive vehicles. If it’s raining or if it recently rained, all wheel and 4 wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night

The best camping near Glamis Dunes guide

Overview

About

Glamis Dunes sprawl accross the California landscape near the Mexico border. Right next door to the Imperial Sand Dunes there are many locations offering rentals of outdoor equipment. Directly inland from San Diego, these dunes are a stunning sight for a hike. Just be sure to pack your water.

When to go

The best time to visit Glamis Dunes is from October to April, when cooler temperatures make for ideal off-roading conditions. Summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 100°F, making outdoor activities challenging. Plan your visit during the cooler season to fully enjoy the dunes and the various recreational opportunities they offer.

Know before you go

  • Permits are required for vehicle access to Glamis Dunes from October 1 through April 15, available for purchase online.
  • Stay safe by equipping your vehicle with a safety flag and adhering to the 15 mph speed limit near campsites and gathering areas.
  • Prepare for limited amenities; bring water, food, and pack out all trash.
  • Respect the environment by avoiding sensitive areas and observing all rules and regulations.
  • Check the BLM website for the latest information on closures and conditions before your trip.
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