The best mountainous campgrounds near Calexico, California

Looking for a camping adventure near Calexico, California? Hipcamp has over 470 options to choose from, tailored to your accommodation and activity preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, you'll find the perfect spot. From snow sports to surfing to off-roading (OHV), there's an activity for every outdoor enthusiast. The average price per night is $60, with options as low as $10. Want to know the top campsites? Check out THE PRESERVE (274 reviews), Saddle Up Ranch (144 reviews), and Diana's Descanso Camp (138 reviews). Plus, popular amenities like showers, toilets, and trash facilities are available. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

99% (217)

Top-rated campgrounds

#1 Home Base - Potluck after a Meditation & Yoga hike with Jacumba Hikers

Looking for a camping adventure near Calexico, California? Hipcamp has over 470 options to choose from, tailored to your accommodation and activity preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, you'll find the perfect spot. From snow sports to surfing to off-roading (OHV), there's an activity for every outdoor enthusiast. The average price per night is $60, with options as low as $10. Want to know the top campsites? Check out THE PRESERVE (274 reviews), Saddle Up Ranch (144 reviews), and Diana's Descanso Camp (138 reviews). Plus, popular amenities like showers, toilets, and trash facilities are available. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

99% (217)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

99%

(117)

36mi from Calexico · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. I have 10 chickens, 2 cats and my dog Bosco.

2. Salton Ocotillo Dunes

100%

(5)

49mi from Calexico · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.

3. The Desert View Tower

98%

(261)

35mi from Calexico · 3 sites · Tents · 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!

4. Jacumba Vortex Hipcamp

40mi from Calexico · 1 site · RV · Jacumba, CA

Stay on the back acre of our growing permaculture homestead, just 1/2 mile outside of historic Jacumba Hot Springs! Camp out in your own tents or vehicles, or stay inside our Dodge motorhome, which sleeps two in the loft and two in the cabin. Enjoy access to a kitchenette, outdoor grill, and fire pit. Firewood is available for purchase.

Stories from the community

S

Sage

3 weeks ago

1 night at In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Beautiful stay with a wonderful host! Clean, picturesque, just a wonderful, magical place to be!

A

Avery

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Great off grid place to stay. Beauty all around. Greg is very accommodating and makes sure you are good. Thank you!

Jay

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Hi Greg. It was great to meet you. Thanks for hosting our stay at Site 4. It was just what my boys and I were looking for in a weekend campout under the stars. We look forward to coming back again in the future!

T

Tyler

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Desert View Tower

Awesome stay. Ben and his family were warm and hospitable. Doggos were great company. Will be back for sure. Definitely a hidden gem of San Diego and should be on everyon’s bucket list to camp at the Desert View Tower.

T

Tim

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Salton Ocotillo Dunes

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.

E

Erika

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Desert View Tower

This spot is magical…the energy is so peaceful and healing and Ben is the most wonderful and hospitable host. Everyone who works there is amazing. We will be going back asap!

A

ANDREA

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Unfortunately I had to cancel my trip last minute, but I intent on visiting these sacred lands in the near future. Greg was understanding and kind at my last minute cancellation.

Diego

March 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Salton Ocotillo Dunes

Had a great time tent/car camping here! Make sure to use google maps, Apple Maps only took me to the start of the road. Great little spot easily accessible. Close to the gas station that has all your needs! Would stay here again!

K

Kris

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Casa Agave is a fantastic place to stay. Our family of four spent two nights there and felt very comfortable. Greg provided all the essentials, including an oven, hot water, fridge, and even a coffee machine! The private fire pit and the breathtaking view of the tabletop mountain make it an ideal spot to unwind and end your day. Watching the sunset and the starry night sky is truly a magical experience.

J

James

February 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Beautiful surroundings and a couple convenient flat areas on the ridge accessible by car. Great star gazing and eggs for breakfast from their hen house was a nice touch!

C

Connaly

February 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Salton Ocotillo Dunes

Wide open space and easy to find! Kevin was super responsive and informative.

M

Maholy A

January 2025

Tent

1 night at The Desert View Tower

I love the camping area, it was super clean and with a table and chairs to use. Ben and Sam were super nice and helpful. We forgot our tent and they were super helpful and let us borrow a really nice one. Definitely will come back. The place is nice and hikings are fun. Thank you

M

Margaret

November 2024

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Desert View Tower

I loved the camping experience we had at the tower! Table, fire pit, and water in the sites. Nice clean bathrooms short walk from all sites and fun hiking trails in the rocks. Host was super communicative. FYI it’s a little walk in from the parking to your campsite, you can’t just drive up to the site so keep in mind with your equipment.

Lilyana

November 2024

Tent

Group trip

1 night at The Desert View Tower

I want to live life like they do here. Very warm hosts. Got to chat over the Pete’s coffee they provided us in the morning. The rocks were a giant playground. Such a sick camp spot, I’d love to come back for the air bnb.