Beach Camping Near Desert Center, California, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

In Desert Center, you’ll find over 100 beach camping spots, many set against the stark backdrop of the Salton Sea. Average rates hover around $18 per night, but you can snag a site for as little as $15. Bring your binoculars—wildlife-watching is serious business here, especially during migration season. Anglers cast into shallow waters, and the hiking trails skirt surreal shorelines and wide-open desert. Top picks include Vista Del Mar (9 reviews) and Salton Sea Sanctuary (5 reviews), both known for generous space and easy beach access. You’ll find sites that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers—essentials when the sun sets and night falls fast over the water.

89% (14)

Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Center

In Desert Center, you’ll find over 100 beach camping spots, many set against the stark backdrop of the Salton Sea. Average rates hover around $18 per night, but you can snag a site for as little as $15. Bring your binoculars—wildlife-watching is serious business here, especially during migration season. Anglers cast into shallow waters, and the hiking trails skirt surreal shorelines and wide-open desert. Top picks include Vista Del Mar (9 reviews) and Salton Sea Sanctuary (5 reviews), both known for generous space and easy beach access. You’ll find sites that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers—essentials when the sun sets and night falls fast over the water.

89% (14)

Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Center

1. Salton Sea Sanctuary

90%

(5)

44mi from Desert Center · 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.

2. Bombay Beach

34mi from Desert Center · 4 sites · Lodging

Various unique homes and trailers are spread throughout Bombay Beach. Bombay Beach, California, is a tiny, offbeat community on the eastern shore of the Salton Sea. Once a mid-century vacation hotspot, it now stands as a surreal desert outpost where the decaying remnants of its glamorous past meet striking, experimental art installations. Known for its haunting beauty, stark landscapes, and vibrant creative scene, Bombay Beach attracts artists, dreamers, and curious travelers seeking an otherworldly blend of nostalgia and avant-garde culture.

3. Vista Del Mar

90%

(10)

44mi from Desert Center · 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 :)

4. Salton Sea State Recreation Area

80%

(7)

102 sites · North Shore, California

Don't be salty about the Salton Sea. It's the largest lake in California.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Copper State RV Park

50mi from Desert Center · 1 site · Lodging

Copper State RV Park is a cozy and well-situated park near the scenic Colorado River, offering visitors easy access to a variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The park is ideally located just 25 minutes from Quartzsite, a town known for its famous gem and mineral shows, as well as unique desert experiences. Additionally, it’s only 10 minutes from Blythe, a charming city on the California-Arizona border that provides additional dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities. For added convenience, a grocery store is just a 3-minute drive away, making it effortless for guests to stock up on supplies and essentials without hassle. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this park provides a gateway to endless opportunities. Being so close to the Colorado River means guests can enjoy a wide range of water-based activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The surrounding desert landscape also offers fantastic hiking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing experiences.

Public campgrounds near Desert Center

80%

(7)

Headquarters Campground

35mi from Desert Center · 98 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

L

Lucas

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Salton Sea Sanctuary

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.

E

Emily

February 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Salton Sea Sanctuary

Very cute low-key spot. Was a bit hard to get up into the lot with my van because it's sand and you have to go over a little hump, but once I was there I loved it! Just follow the GPS and it brings you to a little lot that sort of blends in with the desert around it. The palm trees were cute and the location was nice and away from commotion

S

Spencer

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Salton Sea Sanctuary

It was a really nice spot. Not much traffic and nice views of the lake.