The best campgrounds near Desert Center, California with fishing

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Desert Center, California, Hipcamp has over 860 options for you to choose from. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $45 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews, like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), and DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural (295 reviews). And if you're into campfires, trash facilities, and showers, you're in luck - these amenities are popular among campers. Plus, you can enjoy activities like surfing, paddling, and fishing. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your camping trip now!

97% (10)

Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Center

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Desert Center, California, Hipcamp has over 860 options for you to choose from. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $45 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews, like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), and DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural (295 reviews). And if you're into campfires, trash facilities, and showers, you're in luck - these amenities are popular among campers. Plus, you can enjoy activities like surfing, paddling, and fishing. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your camping trip now!

97% (10)

Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Center

1. Salton Ocotillo Dunes

100%

(5)

49mi from Desert Center · 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.

2. 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.

3. Salton Sea Nymphs

100%

(1)

45mi from Desert Center · 1 site · RV

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.