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The best camping near North Algodones Dunes

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

Discover the majestic North Algodones Dunes and its endless sandy adventures.  

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near North Algodones Dunes

99%
(140)

Private Hot Springs & Organic Farm

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents7 acres ¡ Bombay Beach, CA
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 5) 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 out our IG here! https://www.instagram.com/hotspringsorganicfarm/ Winter is here and the date crop is abundant now. Days now are in the 70'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, as well as Jamaican plum and kumquat.   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 18 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 
$67
 / night
96%
(56)

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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / 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 :)
Pets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
100%
(3)

Bee Land! True Off-Grid Camping

5 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Bombay Beach, CA
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Bee Land! 5 acres of off-the-grid earth: desolate, empty and stunning! This is a property for those who really want to experience the desert at night. Camp under the stars, near the Salton Sea. You will be surrounded by the mountains and endless sky. There is nothing else except the stark beauty of this completely undeveloped landscape. However, you are 5 miles from Bombay Beach, 8 miles from Niland and Slab City. Take a day trip to Palm Springs , Joshua Tree, or the other side of the Salton Sea. Go off roading! Hike the Chocolate Mountains! Lay on one of the beaches along the Salton Sea. There’s so much do if you are open to the total experience of what desert life can provide. You never know who you will meet! Perfect alternative to the over-priced airbnbs for the Bombay Beach Biennale. Update: There is now a clearcut, straight path leading out to the property directly from the main road. There is also an entrance and property markers. All details and directions will be provided after booking is formalized.
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Booked 3 times

Make It Whole 365

10 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Palo Verde, CA
Learn more about this land:This is primitive camping on open land with rough terrain. We are building a non profit in hopes for humanity. Things will be added to the land as we go, for now this virgin land is his bare awaiting the promise land for the righteous and true . Taking in helpers/volunteers with the true passion to help others in need. Join us in nature, sleep under the stars. Lets build this promise land together. Know this.. No matter what you are going through.,.. (It's OK) we are here waiting to help make it whole 365!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$10
 / night
Booked 2 times

CampNothingMuchere, SoCal

50 sites ¡ RVs10 acres ¡ Desert Center, CA
DESERT CENTER AREADesert Center is a census designated place in the Colorado Desert in Riverside County, California. It is in southern California, between the cities of Indio and Blythe at the junction of Interstate 10 and State Route 177, about halfway between Phoenix and Los Angeles.IMPERIAL COUNTY Imperial County is a county in the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 census, the population was 174,528, making it the least populous county in Southern California. The county seat is El Centro. Imperial is the most recent California county to be established, as it was created in 1907 out of portions of San Diego County.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night
Booked 5 times

Salton Sea Seclusion

8 sites ¡ Tents30 acres ¡ Bombay Beach, CA
Learn more about this land:It's out there, but that's what you want! The perfect escape from everything. Drive out here, pitch your tent, enjoy the silence, the view of the mountains, and the Salton Sea. The land is practically untouched and the neighbors are far away. So if you are looking for a secluded getaway, this is perfect.
Pets
from 
$25
 / 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
Campfires
Trash
from 
$30
 / 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
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night

The best camping near North Algodones Dunes guide

Overview

About

In a seemingly endless desert, it's hard to believe that you're only 2 hours outside of San Diego as you wander through the North Algodones Dunes. Split into two distinct sections, fine sand dunes can be found to the east as courser sand dunes stand taller to the west of the park. Stretching 8 miles wide and 40 miles long the view from the peaks of the dunes appears to be a panorama of endless dunes. Home to a large offroading area, perfect for your all-terrain vehicles, the North Algodones Dunes are a serene place to both revel in nature and rebel against gravity as you launch yourself through the sandy expanse.

When to go

The ideal time to visit North Algodones Dunes is from late fall to early spring, when cooler temperatures make for comfortable exploration. Summer months can be intensely hot, with temperatures soaring, making daytime activities challenging. Plan your visit between November and March for optimal conditions, and always check local weather forecasts before your adventure.

Know before you go

  • Prepare for the desert climate by bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing.
  • Be aware of the park's operating hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Off-roading enthusiasts must adhere to designated areas and follow all safety regulations.
  • Check for any seasonal closures or restrictions before planning your trip.
  • While amenities are limited, ensure you have all necessary supplies for a self-sufficient visit.

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