- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Bombay Beach with wildlife watching
95% (260) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bombay Beach
Vista Del Mar
1. Vista Del Mar
90%
(10)
13mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
$14
/ night
Oasis Ranch
2. Oasis Ranch
96%
(89)
18mi from Bombay Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
$32
/ night
Joshua Tree Private Campsite
3. Joshua Tree Private Campsite
98%
(67)
18mi from Bombay Beach · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
One mile from Joshua Tree National Park southern entrance. Beautiful desert landscape nestled in by mountains. Private serene and spiritual land. Come get enlightened.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
4. Salton Sea State Recreation Area
80%
(7)
State park 15mi from Bombay Beach · 102 sites
Don't be salty about the Salton Sea. It's the largest lake in California.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Joshua Tree National Park
5. Joshua Tree National Park
97%
(732)
National park 60mi from Bombay Beach · 493 sites
Joshua Tree camping offers access to a desert wonderland of crooked trees and boulders, where hiking and rock climbing sublime.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Montezuma Valley Campground
6. Montezuma Valley Campground
98%
(54)
45mi from Bombay Beach · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Welcome to Montezuma Valley Campground! We are excited to welcome you to our special corner of the world.
About the property
Our property is in the high desert above Borrego Springs at 4,300'. We border Anza Borrego State property which means you’ll be adjacent to plenty of beautiful open spaces. There are many trails in the park which lead to the desert floor from our fence line. On a clear day you can see the Salton Sea from the bottom of the property.
We have great access to nearby points of interest including Borrego Springs which is 20 miles away, Anza Borrego State Park which is adjacent to Julian at 40 miles away, Palomar observatory which is 40 miles away and Cuyamaca Lake which is fantastic for fishing only 45 miles away. If you need to pop into town for any supplies or services you can access Borrego Springs (20 miles away), Julian (40 miles away), Ramona (45 miles away), and Temecula (50 miles away).
We have 3 horseshoe pits and 9 frisbee golf baskets for recreation onsite and we have incredible dark skies for excellent stargazing. You may see many different forms of wildlife including mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, bob cats, racoons, badgers, and rattle snakes. You will see many rabbits, squirrels and tons of birds of all kinds! We are really the perfect location for those who love the outdoors!
Owners live on site but we like to greet, meet, and then leave you to your stay! Please reach out if you have questions or concerns though.
About the listing
Our listing is for tents, vans and truck campers, trailers, or RV’s and we can accommodate rigs up to 25ft in length. A few of our 5 sites are pull through sites on dirt and may require some leveling. All sites are dry camping only as we do not have any hookups, though there are two bathrooms and water available in a centralized area on the property.
You can expect High desert and scrub brush environments. Any vehicle should be able to access our property but 4-wheel drive vehicle might make it a little easier to access areas on the outside perimeter of the property. While staying with us you can expect some noise from coyotes, raven….wind and a little highway traffic on s22.
Each site will accommodate up to 6 people. Amenities listed below:
-Picnic table provided
-Two bathrooms available
-Pets allowed
-Potable water available via spigot
-Trash bins available
-Limited cell service, no wifi
Additional details to note
Fires are illegal in our area so please no campfires at anytime. Dogs must be leashed and please no barking + clean up after them. Quiet hours by 10pm please + low light since we are a stargazing area. We do not have a kitchen or cooking area so please BYO supplies. Check in is after 1pm and check out is by 11am.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$40
/ night
Clara Vista High Desert Retreat
7. Clara Vista High Desert Retreat
100%
(60)
47mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site
This beautiful high desert retreat is a working artist's property with several stone and steel sculptures of the late artist, Norm Hines, available for viewing on the property. The guest cabin sits secluded on the southern ridge of Montezuma Valley, with spectacular views of Earthquake Valley and the distant mountains of Baja California and a short hike to Anza Borrego State Park. A gas fireplace in the cabin will keep you warm on those chilly winter evenings. Ideal for 1-2 people looking for solitude, stargazing and high-desert nature.
Cozy guest cabin with propane fireplace on 30 acre artist's retreat at 4000 feet elevation. One mi. hike to NW boundary of Anza Borrego SP. Four mi. to PCT. Hiking trails to large plutonic rocks, breathtaking view south into Mexico. Private portable toilet, outdoor cold water sink, outdoor grill, small camping stove, teapot, full size bed, Norm Hines sculptures on property for guest viewing. Great for bird watching, stargazing, desert solitude. 13 miles to Borrego Springs. 28 miles to Julian.
Guests love staying here: "Tom’s cabin was the perfect weekend getaway to decompress and detach. The site offers all the amenities you need. There are multiple trails located around the property if you’re looking to get a little activity in. Otherwise just sitting and hanging out is about as peaceful as it gets. A great place to go if you don’t want to venture out too far. This place just might be my monthly weekend hideout. Thanks Tom for sharing such a beautiful place."
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$125
/ night
Salton Sea Seclusion
8. Salton Sea Seclusion
88%
(4)
3.4mi from Bombay Beach · 9 sites
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
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Bee Land! True Off-Grid Camping
9. Bee Land! True Off-Grid Camping
100%
(4)
6.2mi from Bombay Beach · 5 sites
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
$36
/ night
San Bernardino National Forest
10. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
National forest 42mi from Bombay Beach · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Salton Sea Nymphs
11. Salton Sea Nymphs
100%
(1)
14mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site
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
Salton Sea Sanctuary
12. Salton Sea Sanctuary
90%
(5)
14mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
from
$21
/ night
Salton Ocotillo Dunes
13. Salton Ocotillo Dunes
100%
(5)
16mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
from
$21
/ night
Dark Sky Wilderness Retreat
14. Dark Sky Wilderness Retreat
88%
(8)
40mi from Bombay Beach · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Nestled within an ancient ironwood forest with some of the best wildflower viewing around, you'll find the Borrego Institute for Living Design, a non-profit dedicated to "rehabilitating feral humans for reintroduction to the wild," with an emphasis on climate resilience and "biocultural renewal"––reconnecting people and place through hands-on naturalist practices like tracking, observation and listening, plein air arts, Biomimicry innovation and discovery, ethnobotanical cultivation, harvesting, renewal, and arts, "living archeology" fieldwork and trainings, and good old campfire stories. We call it The BILD.
Once the home of Gale Gordon, producer of The Lucy Show and a dear friend of Lucille Ball, noted Hollywood figure and former Borrego Springs mayor, the house and grounds retain their rustic Hollywood charm. We offer two 3 bed suites for retreats, guests, and short creative residencies, shared Infrared sauna and communal kitchen, with extensive grounds and incredible cactus garden. A photographers' delight!
Campers will discover their own classic Springbar-style canvas glamping tent with Memory Foam queen size mattress. Nature-lovers, artists, and creatives of all kinds will enjoy endless inspiration, glorious birdsong, beautiful wanderings, and incredible sunrises in this unique place. Enjoy birdwatching or artistic pursuits in deep solitude and silence under the Milky Way. It's like having your own State Park, minutes from the amenities of Borrego Springs, yet worlds away.
We offer two spacious Kodiak canvas tent-cabins for you, 10x10 and 10x14, with complete 4 wall ventilation as desired. Each has one Queen and we are happy to add an additional mattress or cot for you for maximum occupancy 4 persons. We also offer two car camping sites among the ironwoods––protected from wind and sun, with unbeatable views.
The campground offers Insta-worthy campfire chairs and bistro table dining, enchanted solar lighting, a gas BBQ, grill and campfire. Communal kitchen prep area. Easy access outdoor bathroom with privacy and eco-friendly toilet. Water and electricity accessible (no hookups).
Are you an artist, naturalist, tracker, researcher, or Indigenous biocultural practitioner? We are happy to accommodate special requests for spaces to draw, paint, do research, conduct Indigenous biocultural practice etc. How can we help you grow and support your connection to place? Find out what we do by visiting BorregoInstituteforLivingDesign.org or TEEMLab.com.
Please note: this is a remote wilderness area, home to much wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, even mountain lions and rattlesnakes, and a great deal of prickly cactus. It can be very hot. It is not suitable for pets, and children should be supervised. Bring good shoes, drink lots of water, and stay out of direct sun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$64
/ night
Shadow Hills RV Resort
15. Shadow Hills RV Resort
79%
(7)
42mi from Bombay Beach · 149 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts
Featuring full RV hookups, heated pool, jacuzzi, ponds, walking trails, fitness center, wifi, cable, dog parks and the “Desert Oasis” glamping grounds with vintage trailers and teepees, all inside a secure gated community.
Located just off the I-10 interstate at Jefferson St. in Indio California, Shadow Hills RV Resort is top rated on TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp, Facebook and AirBnB.
Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$39
/ night
95% (260) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bombay Beach
Vista Del Mar
1. Vista Del Mar
90%
(10)
13mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
$14
/ night
Oasis Ranch
2. Oasis Ranch
96%
(89)
18mi from Bombay Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
$32
/ night
Joshua Tree Private Campsite
3. Joshua Tree Private Campsite
98%
(67)
18mi from Bombay Beach · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
One mile from Joshua Tree National Park southern entrance. Beautiful desert landscape nestled in by mountains. Private serene and spiritual land. Come get enlightened.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
4. Salton Sea State Recreation Area
80%
(7)
State park 15mi from Bombay Beach · 102 sites
Don't be salty about the Salton Sea. It's the largest lake in California.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Joshua Tree National Park
5. Joshua Tree National Park
97%
(732)
National park 60mi from Bombay Beach · 493 sites
Joshua Tree camping offers access to a desert wonderland of crooked trees and boulders, where hiking and rock climbing sublime.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Montezuma Valley Campground
6. Montezuma Valley Campground
98%
(54)
45mi from Bombay Beach · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Welcome to Montezuma Valley Campground! We are excited to welcome you to our special corner of the world.
About the property
Our property is in the high desert above Borrego Springs at 4,300'. We border Anza Borrego State property which means you’ll be adjacent to plenty of beautiful open spaces. There are many trails in the park which lead to the desert floor from our fence line. On a clear day you can see the Salton Sea from the bottom of the property.
We have great access to nearby points of interest including Borrego Springs which is 20 miles away, Anza Borrego State Park which is adjacent to Julian at 40 miles away, Palomar observatory which is 40 miles away and Cuyamaca Lake which is fantastic for fishing only 45 miles away. If you need to pop into town for any supplies or services you can access Borrego Springs (20 miles away), Julian (40 miles away), Ramona (45 miles away), and Temecula (50 miles away).
We have 3 horseshoe pits and 9 frisbee golf baskets for recreation onsite and we have incredible dark skies for excellent stargazing. You may see many different forms of wildlife including mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, bob cats, racoons, badgers, and rattle snakes. You will see many rabbits, squirrels and tons of birds of all kinds! We are really the perfect location for those who love the outdoors!
Owners live on site but we like to greet, meet, and then leave you to your stay! Please reach out if you have questions or concerns though.
About the listing
Our listing is for tents, vans and truck campers, trailers, or RV’s and we can accommodate rigs up to 25ft in length. A few of our 5 sites are pull through sites on dirt and may require some leveling. All sites are dry camping only as we do not have any hookups, though there are two bathrooms and water available in a centralized area on the property.
You can expect High desert and scrub brush environments. Any vehicle should be able to access our property but 4-wheel drive vehicle might make it a little easier to access areas on the outside perimeter of the property. While staying with us you can expect some noise from coyotes, raven….wind and a little highway traffic on s22.
Each site will accommodate up to 6 people. Amenities listed below:
-Picnic table provided
-Two bathrooms available
-Pets allowed
-Potable water available via spigot
-Trash bins available
-Limited cell service, no wifi
Additional details to note
Fires are illegal in our area so please no campfires at anytime. Dogs must be leashed and please no barking + clean up after them. Quiet hours by 10pm please + low light since we are a stargazing area. We do not have a kitchen or cooking area so please BYO supplies. Check in is after 1pm and check out is by 11am.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$40
/ night
Clara Vista High Desert Retreat
7. Clara Vista High Desert Retreat
100%
(60)
47mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site
This beautiful high desert retreat is a working artist's property with several stone and steel sculptures of the late artist, Norm Hines, available for viewing on the property. The guest cabin sits secluded on the southern ridge of Montezuma Valley, with spectacular views of Earthquake Valley and the distant mountains of Baja California and a short hike to Anza Borrego State Park. A gas fireplace in the cabin will keep you warm on those chilly winter evenings. Ideal for 1-2 people looking for solitude, stargazing and high-desert nature.
Cozy guest cabin with propane fireplace on 30 acre artist's retreat at 4000 feet elevation. One mi. hike to NW boundary of Anza Borrego SP. Four mi. to PCT. Hiking trails to large plutonic rocks, breathtaking view south into Mexico. Private portable toilet, outdoor cold water sink, outdoor grill, small camping stove, teapot, full size bed, Norm Hines sculptures on property for guest viewing. Great for bird watching, stargazing, desert solitude. 13 miles to Borrego Springs. 28 miles to Julian.
Guests love staying here: "Tom’s cabin was the perfect weekend getaway to decompress and detach. The site offers all the amenities you need. There are multiple trails located around the property if you’re looking to get a little activity in. Otherwise just sitting and hanging out is about as peaceful as it gets. A great place to go if you don’t want to venture out too far. This place just might be my monthly weekend hideout. Thanks Tom for sharing such a beautiful place."
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$125
/ night
Salton Sea Seclusion
8. Salton Sea Seclusion
88%
(4)
3.4mi from Bombay Beach · 9 sites
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
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Bee Land! True Off-Grid Camping
9. Bee Land! True Off-Grid Camping
100%
(4)
6.2mi from Bombay Beach · 5 sites
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
$36
/ night
San Bernardino National Forest
10. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
National forest 42mi from Bombay Beach · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Salton Sea Nymphs
11. Salton Sea Nymphs
100%
(1)
14mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site
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
Salton Sea Sanctuary
12. Salton Sea Sanctuary
90%
(5)
14mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
from
$21
/ night
Salton Ocotillo Dunes
13. Salton Ocotillo Dunes
100%
(5)
16mi from Bombay Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
from
$21
/ night
Dark Sky Wilderness Retreat
14. Dark Sky Wilderness Retreat
88%
(8)
40mi from Bombay Beach · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Nestled within an ancient ironwood forest with some of the best wildflower viewing around, you'll find the Borrego Institute for Living Design, a non-profit dedicated to "rehabilitating feral humans for reintroduction to the wild," with an emphasis on climate resilience and "biocultural renewal"––reconnecting people and place through hands-on naturalist practices like tracking, observation and listening, plein air arts, Biomimicry innovation and discovery, ethnobotanical cultivation, harvesting, renewal, and arts, "living archeology" fieldwork and trainings, and good old campfire stories. We call it The BILD.
Once the home of Gale Gordon, producer of The Lucy Show and a dear friend of Lucille Ball, noted Hollywood figure and former Borrego Springs mayor, the house and grounds retain their rustic Hollywood charm. We offer two 3 bed suites for retreats, guests, and short creative residencies, shared Infrared sauna and communal kitchen, with extensive grounds and incredible cactus garden. A photographers' delight!
Campers will discover their own classic Springbar-style canvas glamping tent with Memory Foam queen size mattress. Nature-lovers, artists, and creatives of all kinds will enjoy endless inspiration, glorious birdsong, beautiful wanderings, and incredible sunrises in this unique place. Enjoy birdwatching or artistic pursuits in deep solitude and silence under the Milky Way. It's like having your own State Park, minutes from the amenities of Borrego Springs, yet worlds away.
We offer two spacious Kodiak canvas tent-cabins for you, 10x10 and 10x14, with complete 4 wall ventilation as desired. Each has one Queen and we are happy to add an additional mattress or cot for you for maximum occupancy 4 persons. We also offer two car camping sites among the ironwoods––protected from wind and sun, with unbeatable views.
The campground offers Insta-worthy campfire chairs and bistro table dining, enchanted solar lighting, a gas BBQ, grill and campfire. Communal kitchen prep area. Easy access outdoor bathroom with privacy and eco-friendly toilet. Water and electricity accessible (no hookups).
Are you an artist, naturalist, tracker, researcher, or Indigenous biocultural practitioner? We are happy to accommodate special requests for spaces to draw, paint, do research, conduct Indigenous biocultural practice etc. How can we help you grow and support your connection to place? Find out what we do by visiting BorregoInstituteforLivingDesign.org or TEEMLab.com.
Please note: this is a remote wilderness area, home to much wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, even mountain lions and rattlesnakes, and a great deal of prickly cactus. It can be very hot. It is not suitable for pets, and children should be supervised. Bring good shoes, drink lots of water, and stay out of direct sun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$64
/ night
Shadow Hills RV Resort
15. Shadow Hills RV Resort
79%
(7)
42mi from Bombay Beach · 149 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts
Featuring full RV hookups, heated pool, jacuzzi, ponds, walking trails, fitness center, wifi, cable, dog parks and the “Desert Oasis” glamping grounds with vintage trailers and teepees, all inside a secure gated community.
Located just off the I-10 interstate at Jefferson St. in Indio California, Shadow Hills RV Resort is top rated on TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp, Facebook and AirBnB.
Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$39
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Pat
2 weeks ago
22 ft Class B
Lovely place to van camp prior to Anza-Borrego! Thank you for sharing your land for us weary travelers.
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Alexandria
2 weeks ago
With pets
Absolutely beautiful property with magical views and a fun artistic vibe. The amenities were simple in a perfect way. We felt peaceful and in touch with nature during our stay. Tom is very nice and respectful.
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Imee
2 weeks ago
24 ft travel trailer
We had such a peaceful and relaxing stay. The property has a beautiful pond, and we absolutely loved taking the kayaks out. The ducks were adorable. The area was quiet and perfect for unwinding. Our host Julian was incredibly responsive and made everything easy from start to finish.
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Kym
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
With pets
What a magical little gem of a place to find in the middle of the desert. Had a beautiful night listening to the thousands of birds. Watching the sunset and sunrise was incredible. Smelling the fruit trees blew my mind. My dog and I did get to see the peacock watching over us through the night and were delighted that six great egrets nested in the tree right above where we were sleeping. My Merlin Bird app went absolutely nuts in this place!!
A porta-potty was delivered just as I was setting up and it was so clean, and very much appreciated.
If I had known how special this place was I probably would have carved out a little more time to stay longer.
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Leila
January 2026
Tent
Great spot if you are looking for secluded and peaceful. The road getting there was quite bumpy but as to be expected, just have to trust in the instructions because surprisingly there really is a bunch of parked cars to signal your arrival! We set up at the end of the campsite southward and found the perfect place for our camp. The views of the mountains are beautiful as well as the glimpse at the Salton Sea. Very much enjoyed our short stay here!
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Xiyue
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Clara Vista High Desert Retreat
We truly loved our stay at Tom's cabin. It's perfect for stargazing with stunning non-blocking views, a dark sky, cozy outdoor chairs, and a warm cabin.
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Erin
December 2025
With pets
Always a magical time! Thanks Tom for making it so special!
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Keith
December 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Wow if you love the desert and complete privacy this is the quintessential Hipcamp. We had a sweet little campfire under a 96% full moon. We put our Sportsmobile into 4 wheel action and Ben provided excellent guidance into his site. Mountains all around and the site is surrounded by trails in every direction.
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mike
November 2025
23 ft travel trailer
this place is a great getaway—peaceful, quiet, and a billion stars.
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Matthew
October 2025
Tent
Ann and Daniel are very nice people and the land is awesome and quiet and beautiful to camp in! Recommend to stay here!
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Rikart
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
We really enjoyed the solitude and beauty of this camp.
It was a fun drive (in the 4W).
We were there in Oct and at dusk a lot of flies appeared, but after 40 min they kind of all died of somehow.
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J
May 2025
Tent
With pets
Beautiful site, very private. There are two camp sites side by side but the area is wide enough to not be crowded. Camp site was nicely shaded and flat so it was easy to set up our tent. There were areas we could drive up and unpack the cars directly in to camp. The ad says no potable water but there is a hose with water which was convenient for other uses. Tubing was fun but we did find used fishing line wrapped around a branch near the bank. That was a little gross and dangerous. Definitely recommend river shoes. Our pups were happy running around and also enjoyed the water but there is a resident peacock that although gorgeous, does make a lot of noise. Our pups were curious so we had to keep an eye on them and make sure they stayed close to camp. At night, Mr. Peacock likes to perch on a tree near the restrooms so be prepared for the giant bird silhouette looming over you! It's beautiful! There were a lot of sounds at night, machines, vehicles, and wildlife. If you're a light sleeper, may not be easy to ignore but otherwise it was very relaxing. Julian was quick to respond to any questions. This is definitely our new favorite camp spot.
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Will
May 2025
Tent
With pets
A perfect desert escape under the stars
We had an incredible stay at this private campsite just outside Joshua Tree. The location was exactly what we were looking for—quiet, secluded, and surrounded by stunning desert scenery. At night, the starry sky was absolutely breathtaking—some of the best stargazing we’ve experienced in a long time.
The site felt very safe and private, giving us a true sense of peace and solitude. Benjamin was a fantastic host and provided clear, detailed directions that made finding the site easy. We appreciated the care and thoughtfulness that went into the experience from start to finish.
Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of the desert.
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Arun
April 2025
1 night at Clara Vista High Desert Retreat
Incredible one-night stay there. If anything, the views from the cabin are underrated. Overlooks so much gorgeousness AND got to wake up basically inside a cloud. While it was near freezing outside, stayed plenty toasty inside.
Oh, and did do the 20- to 25- minute drive to Borrego Springs for dinner and had several nice options there. Otherwise, prepared simple meals using the the propane stove and kettle. Highly recommend for a single/couple looking for a simple get-away.
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Wendi
April 2025
16 ft car
Group trip
The site's description is precisely what it is! It is peaceful and isolated. Plus, there were trees that provided shade for us. The weather was perfect when we went. Please check the weather and prepare for a windy stay. Overall, it was an amazing experience!
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Wendi
April 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
Group trip
It was an excellent place for group camping! The camp had great amenities such as a portal toilet (spotless!), tables and stools, water (not for drinking), and trash bins. Since the weather was projected to be very windy, it wasn’t! Which I was very grateful for! I would say the two campsites are not far apart. For reference, the space between the two campsites is four trucks parked next to each other. Since I came with a big group, I got both campsites for more privacy. It was only 35-40 minutes from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Overall, the campsite was perfect!
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Tim
April 2025
Tent
Simple, great, secluded spot to camp out in the desert. Had a nice hike in Calcite slot canyon and overnight on the way into Baja.
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Mathew
April 2025
Tent
Great clean place with a wonderful host, the pond is nice I would bring a float if you want to get in but wash yourself off with the hose if you do, peacock was really cool and the place was easy to get to.
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Lucas
April 2025
Tent
Quiet and tranquil. The sand leading up from the road is very soft. You'll need 4x4 drive to get a vehicle up to it, but otherwise it's a great spot.
See moreErin
April 2025
With pets
I feel so lucky that my doggies and I found Tom's Artist's Ranch and Cricket's Cabin. I will be revisiting the place as often as I can. It's the perfect spot to get some quiet time, with nature and the spectacular mountain views inspiring positivity and creativity. Bonus points if you're artistic, as the land is full of art for you to stumble upon as you hike and explore. Tom is a gifted sculptor and ceramicist, and his work is scattered throughout the property, making each foray out on the trails feel like a treasure hunt.
Pros:
I came out to get some work done in private, and it was the perfect place to do it. I edited on my laptop from the bed while enjoying a spectacular view of the mountains and the desert.
Tom has a well-appointed AC electrical system in the cabin, so you can keep all your devices charged while you're there.
There are no other pets on the property, making it the perfect place to let your fuzzy kids explore.
The cabin is nice and warm (even in below-40-degree evening temps) due to the propane heater Tom installed.
No need to bring your backpacking stove, as there is an outdoor kitchenette outfitted with a burner and propane grill.
Tom also provides drinking water and a well-water tap faucet for washing.
There is a cute outdoor shower, too.
Almost Cons:
The location is just inaccessible enough to be cool. Make sure you put the address in the GPS - not the coordinates.
Overall it's a great place and I hope you love it!
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