Camping near Desert Shores

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Looking for an unforgettable camping experience near Desert Shores, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, with over 1100 options to choose from. Whether you're into horseback riding, surfing, or snow sports, there's a campsite for you. The average price per night is $55, but you can find options as low as $10. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), and Splitrock Farm and Retreat (320 reviews). And don't worry, popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and showers are available to make your stay comfortable. So grab your gear and get ready for a camping adventure you won't soon forget!

96% (3.1K) 3,411 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Shores

Vista Del Mar

1. Vista Del Mar

90%
(10)
7.4mi from Desert Shores · 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 :)
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Forsythe Equestrian Club

2. Forsythe Equestrian Club

92%
(18)
20mi from Desert Shores · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
20 acre Horse Facility located just 2.7 miles away from the Coachella Music festival grounds and 3.1 miles from Desert International Horse Park. RV parking is easy to access. The evening sunsets are beautiful. Very peaceful and quiet. We have 30amps, water and septic hookups available at each site.
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Full hookups
Joshua Tree Private Campsite

3. Joshua Tree Private Campsite

97%
(69)
22mi from Desert Shores · 1 site · Tent, RV
One mile from Joshua Tree National Park southern entrance. Beautiful desert landscape nestled in by mountains. Private serene and spiritual land. Come get enlightened.
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Salton Sea State Recreation Area

4. Salton Sea State Recreation Area

80%
(7)
State park 10mi from Desert Shores · 102 sites
Don't be salty about the Salton Sea. It's the largest lake in California.
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Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

5. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

State park 18mi from Desert Shores · 1 site
More than 85,000 acres of magnificent desert are open for off-highway exploration and recreation within the boundaries portrayed on the park map are operated by California State Parks, OHMVR Division. Outside the boundaries, to the south and east, large tracts of BLM land (U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management) are also open to off-highway vehicles. The western boundary and part of the northern boundary connect with the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is closed to off-highway recreation, but open to exploration by highway-legal vehicles along established primitive roads. The rangers and staff of Ocotillo Wells are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable desert riding environment, and to ensuring that a quality experience remains available for future generations. No fees are collected for camping or day use. Open camping is permitted throughout the unit for up to 30 days per calendar year. Vault toilets, shade ramadas, picnic tables, and fire rings are located in the Quarry, Main Street, and Holmes Camp areas. Water is not available. Vehicle repair shops, telephones, groceries, hotels, motels, RV parks, and restaurants are available in the surrounding communities of Borrego Springs, Ocotillo Wells, and Salton City. Fuel is available in the communities of Borrego Springs and Salton City.
Oasis Ranch

6. Oasis Ranch

96%
(93)
26mi from Desert Shores · 3 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.
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Montezuma Valley Campground

7. Montezuma Valley Campground

98%
(56)
29mi from Desert Shores · 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.
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Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

8. Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

100%
(61)
31mi from Desert Shores · 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, & his students, 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."
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Coyote Moon Camping

9. Coyote Moon Camping

100%
(18)
32mi from Desert Shores · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hidden gem in the high desert mountains of Julian California. Located an hour and half from San Diego. This two and a half acre property features jaw dropping sunsets, dark skies and a 360 view of all constellations and stars. We offer tent camping, Rv parking or stay in an unfurnished tiny cabin. Minutes away from world famous Julian apple pie and and worlds biggest desert state park, Anza Borrego. Along the path of the pacific crest trail PCT. Access to: • Water • smokeless and regular fire pit • Hot tent stove • WiFi •Optional restaurant quality meals • Tons of space for activities • Pet friendly • Off road and hiking tours • Optional Auricular Accupunture outside in weightless chairs • Amazing air quality • No close nearby Neighbors • Quiet and Peaceful except for occasional coyote in the distance! • No noise restrictions within reason
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

10. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

92%
(113)
State park 23mi from Desert Shores · 176 sites
Bighorn sheep, badlands, and blooming wildflowers await in this desert park.
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San Bernardino National Forest

11. San Bernardino National Forest

94%
(154)
National forest 24mi from Desert Shores · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
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Electrical hookup
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Joshua Tree National Park

12. Joshua Tree National Park

97%
(767)
National park 49mi from Desert Shores · 493 sites
Joshua Tree camping offers access to a desert wonderland of crooked trees and boulders, where hiking and rock climbing sublime.
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Cleveland National Forest

13. Cleveland National Forest

92%
(86)
National forest 55mi from Desert Shores · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
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Anzabella

14. Anzabella

96%
(46)
35mi from Desert Shores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience the serenity of open spaces and breathtaking 360-degree views of mountains and natural landscapes at our peaceful location. Situated just 2 miles away from the renowned Pacific Crest Trail at Table Mountain Truck Trail, this area offers some of the most picturesque scenery in Southern California. Bring your furry friends or horses along to enjoy the freedom of the open space. Embark on exhilarating mountain biking adventures or engage in other outdoor activities to make the most of this beautiful setting. Rest assured knowing that the owners reside nearby, ensuring support is readily available if needed. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of this location as you create unforgettable memories surrounded by nature's splendor. Please know: Strict fire ban during windy conditions
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The Happy Camper

15. The Happy Camper

99%
(38)
35mi from Desert Shores · 1 site
Beautiful spot located at my property on the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation. See a legal cannabis farm in action at all times of the seasons while sleeping in a fully functioning 2023 Jayco farmhouse edition camper. The camper has a new Queen bed, electricity, refrigerator, running water, wi-fi, heater and air conditioning. For cooking there are options such as the kitchenette in the camper, outdoor grill and camp stove with a flat grill. There is a fire pit stocked with wood . I also provide camping chairs, utensils and much more. The star viewing is amazing. There is a private hiking trail and a shaded dog area for your pet to enjoy. Local activities such as hiking and visiting historic Julian, a short drive to Anza Borrego are all in the area. We are located on the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, make either a left or right from Hwy 79 onto Camino San Ignacio in Warner Springs, CA, keep to the left at the loop and drive out about 5 miles . When you reach the Ranger Station at the stop sign, make the first left at the sign located at 1600 Camino San Ignacio and drive all the way out to the back. The Happy Camper is located on the left.
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Birdsong Backcountry Retreat

16. Birdsong Backcountry Retreat

100%
(243)
37mi from Desert Shores · 6 sites
Come experience the best that the San Diego backcountry has to offer on our 85 acre private nature retreat with it's miles of trails which take you thru groves of ancient Oaks, a monumental boulders maze, intoxicating sage, the most incredible sunset vistas and located just a couple miles from the North Mountain Wine Trail. the Pacific Crest Trail and the California Hiking and Riding Trail. The BLUEBIRD TINY HOUSE is one of 4 very private unique artisanal accommodations on the property. This vintage horse trailer was reimagined into a Tiny house by Lane and Laurie as a couples project in 2018 which they completely gutted and remodeled using beautiful natural materials , old fashioned wood cabinetry, handmade ceramic tiles and woven bamboo with fully equipped kitchen, quality linens, fireplace, AC, WIFI, smart TV. Bluebird Tiny House is tucked into a secluded forest meadow, named for the bluebirds that spend part of the year there and is a spacious feeling 320 sq ft. The spa-inspired bathroom features a hand-carved, wood vessel sink, eco-dual flush toilet,rain shower, and free-standing soaking tub with oak canopy view. The 40’ long deck spans the length of the secluded tiny house overlooking the forest to distant mountains and has alfresco dining area and plenty of furniture for cozying as well as hot tub sited for star gazing and firepit seating all within a large fenced yard to keep your fur babies close by. In addition, we have developed 2 forest therapy trails that will bring your ability to slow down and connect to nature to a whole new level and encourage you to try it using our MP3 forest therapy audio guide.. If you need to accommodate a larger group, check out Pinky's Nature Hideout which has a full kitchen, spacious living room, fenced yard for pets, corn hole, large deck and hot tub sited for star gazing, and firepit seating which overlooks the forest to distant mountains. It sleeps 4 people but the "Lounge" vintage Spartan trailer which is located behind the bunkhouse can be rented to sleep an additional 2 people and is only available to Pinky's guests. We provide guests the opportunity to really get away from it all in a untouched forest and chaparral setting with all the amenities one needs for a comfortable stay. In addition, we have developed 2 forest therapy trails that will bring your ability to slow down and connect to nature to a whole new level and encourage you to try it using our MP3 audio guide. Come getaway alone, with friends or family to our sweet little petfriendly glampsite CAMP CHESTER hidden under the oaks which features a vintage 1949 Canned Ham Tiny Trailer (sleeps 2 in a double and one on couch) , a 10 x 12 safari tent on deck w/queen bed, an outdoor kitchen with dining area and barista bar, bath house with hot water, rain-shower, claw-foot tub , compost toilet looking out to acres of sage and distant mountains and firepit. The owners are artisan builders and seasoned hosts who promise guests privacy and quiet. The camp is totally fenced for the safety of your pets and suitable for up to 6 people but sleeps up to 5 additional person(s) can bring tent. . It offers guests the opportunity to really get away from it all in a untouched forest and chaparral setting but offers all the amenities one needs for a comfortable stay. In addition, we have developed 2 forest therapy trails that will bring your ability to slow down and connect to nature to a whole new level and encourage you to try it using our MP3 audio guide. Camp Chester is a seasonal site and closed January thru March.
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Manzanita Village Retreat

17. Manzanita Village Retreat

99%
(101)
37mi from Desert Shores · 1 site
We are co-founders of Ordinary Dharma and Five Changes, and stewards of this land at Manzanita Village Retreat. Thirty years ago we were searching for a place where the land itself would be an active support in our of work facilitating workshops and retreats. We were looking for land that was within easy reach of San Diego and Los Angeles, while still being remote and far from the noise of highways. The land is infused with the presence of the thousands of people who have come here for transformation and renewal. We are now open to visitors from HipCamp -- we look forward to your visit Caitriona Reed and Michele Benzamin-Miki
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Lazy Y Guest Ranch

18. Lazy Y Guest Ranch

100%
(10)
37mi from Desert Shores · 3 sites
Secluded, freshly renovated 21' Toy Hauler. Roomy fenced deck, and propane grill in a little high valley east of Warner Springs. A million stars! Four great wineries, roadhouse bar and grill, live music, glider and horseback riding, Elim Hot Springs all close by. Explore Anza Borrego and Julian. Adjacent to California Riding and Hiking Trail; hike to Mexico or Canada. Miles of trails to explore outside your door! Only 30 minutes to world class Temecula Valley wineries. Horses and dogs welcome.
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Starry Night at Rancho Moto

19. Starry Night at Rancho Moto

100%
(14)
37mi from Desert Shores · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover a secluded escape surrounded by natural beauty and endless adventure! Our property borders the 1,000-acre Dr. Bronner Preserve, which connects to the Cooper Cienega Truck Trail—one of Southern California’s rare OHV-legal dirt roads. This location is surrounded by national forest, BLM land, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering some of the best dual-sport motorcycling, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, and outdoor activities anywhere. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and nearby horse trails wind through the valley, providing unique opportunities for hikers and equestrians. Just a mile away, you’ll find the Lieu Quan Meditation Center, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the Americas. Unwind with breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear starry skies—perfect for stargazing or telescoping. With a peaceful atmosphere that feels like you have the whole campground to yourself, it’s hard to believe you’re just 30 miles from Old Town Temecula. Come experience the best of nature, adventure, and serenity in this one-of-a-kind location!
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Banner Ranch Julian

20. Banner Ranch Julian

92%
(232)
37mi from Desert Shores · 8 sites
The ultimate way to experience the outdoors! We cannot wait for you to indulge in Banner Ranch. Nestled in the meadow you will find tent campsites underneath the cover of breathtaking trees. A creek flows through the valley, turkey and deer roam, and wildlife flourishes where the apple orchards once stood. During exploration of the sixty-two acres you will stumble upon many of the ranch nature trails. A spacious layout, perfect outdoor climate, and the company of family and friends is the recipe for a soulful stay in Banner Ranch! From Banner Ranch there is immediate walking access to the California Riding and Hiking Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the charming town of Julian is a ten-minute drive. Banner Ranch is anchored by a historic General Store soon to offer an array of local handicrafts and refreshments. A stay includes complimentary car parking, restrooms, and is pet friendly. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to book Banner Ranch for a special occasion. Also, let us know if you are interested in booking a tiny house or covered wagon on the ranch for a glamping experience. Kindly pack in and pack out, always remember to leave the land better than you found it. Cell service can be spotty at best, Verizon has the strongest signal on the property. Tents are not provided.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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