- Camping with pets allowed
The best dog-friendly camping near Desert Shores
97% (2.6K) • 305 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Shores
Manzanita Ridge
1. Manzanita Ridge
98%
(60)
50mi from Desert Shores · 2 sites
WE love where we live!
And we think you'd like to visit!
WE mostly enjoy our views, one of the benefits of living on a hill, there is nothing to obstruct the view!
Come and hike, or just sit!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Salton Sea Nymphs
2. Salton Sea Nymphs
100%
(1)
7.7mi from Desert Shores · 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.
from
$15
/ night
Salton Ocotillo Dunes
3. Salton Ocotillo Dunes
100%
(5)
10mi from Desert Shores · 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.
Campfires
from
$21
/ night
Salton Sea Seclusion
4. Salton Sea Seclusion
88%
(4)
16mi from Desert Shores · 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.
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Bombay Beach
5. Bombay Beach
100%
(1)
18mi from Desert Shores · 4 sites
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.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$72
/ night
97% (2.6K) • 305 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Desert Shores
Manzanita Ridge
1. Manzanita Ridge
98%
(60)
50mi from Desert Shores · 2 sites
WE love where we live!
And we think you'd like to visit!
WE mostly enjoy our views, one of the benefits of living on a hill, there is nothing to obstruct the view!
Come and hike, or just sit!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Salton Sea Nymphs
2. Salton Sea Nymphs
100%
(1)
7.7mi from Desert Shores · 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.
from
$15
/ night
Salton Ocotillo Dunes
3. Salton Ocotillo Dunes
100%
(5)
10mi from Desert Shores · 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.
Campfires
from
$21
/ night
Salton Sea Seclusion
4. Salton Sea Seclusion
88%
(4)
16mi from Desert Shores · 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.
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Bombay Beach
5. Bombay Beach
100%
(1)
18mi from Desert Shores · 4 sites
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.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$72
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Addie
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Bombay Beach
There are so many reasons why The Nest is a great place to stay!
The decor is awesome so it’s just a nice space to relax and enjoy.
The location is amazing - right next to the beach and The Institute (museum and events).
Because of the large egg on the roof (that is lighted at night) this place is always easy to find.
Tao is a great host and I would stay on any of his properties!
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T
Tanya
February 2026
Group trip
The views were gorgeous and the amenities were great! Plus John was super responsive and proactive about giving us directions and even left a little informational booklet in the RV about cool places nearby
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L
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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M
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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Loren
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Manzanita Ridge
Absolutely loved the stay at Manzanita Ridge, came up with a couple of friends to rest and relax and we had plenty. Although we visited at the peak of summer heat it was still very relaxing. The trailer had wonderful air conditioning and everything we needed was available. John was very sweet and provided careful instructions and we really enjoyed the quiet star gazing on the deck with a nice fire as well. Dont have any complaints whatsoever. If I needed to state some improvements it would only be about the wooden bench to be fixed so that one can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and also a little more comfortable outdoor seating. But otherwise perfectly quiet and relaxing. We will definately be coming back.
See moreJ
Jennifer
August 2025
With pets
It was great. Owner is very responsive. The trailer has everything you need. AC, oven, stove, microwave. A TV with Netflix, prime, and whatever other app you can think off. You only need food and a change of clothes when you go there. I already gave the link to two other people. The only thing we could hear in the morning was the roosters from the houses around. I would definitely go again.
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J
Jonathan
May 2025
With pets
Manzanita Ridge is a nice place to stay. The rv had great creature comforts like a bathroom. It is a 30-45 minute drive from Julian and Lake Cuyamaca. The host was very good at .aking the stay comfortable. My wife and son had a great time and we made some nice memories.
First, Id like to share some things that might be helpful for your stay. The rv does come with an FAQ and I think it answers most questions. Doing things again, I would make sure to understand how much water is available and when to request the system be emptied for multiple night stays.
As someone who is not familiar, id ask what tank color is what. If you are staying more than a night, I'd recommend asking the host how to know when to ask for the bathroom tank to be emptied, as one of the days we returned, the toilet was clogged. The host was on top of things and I never had an issue where they didn't right it quickly.
Another tip, is if the stove isn't lighting after following the steps in the folder FAQ in the rv, the propane tank outside is probably closed.
The one challenge my wife wasn't thrilled with was the pictures online don't really display how close you are to neighbors. The location is close to neighbors and you can even see into a neighbor's house if you move far away enough from the rv.
The whole family loved the stargazing at night. The Sky explodes with stars, it left us awestruck. There is a lot of dead brush you can find to make a fire and was a huge plus. My family loved our time he
See moreI
Inju
April 2025
With pets
Such a beautiful place! We loved the scenic hills, and the RV was clean and very welcoming.
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L
Leanna
April 2025
With pets
10/10 !!! Affordable, convenient location, dog friendly and you do not need to bring a lot from home. Kitchen essentials onsite. The temperature gets cold at night we suggest thermals and for the daytime sunscreen. We brought our binoculars and telescope for stargazing. You will hear coyotes, donkeys and a rooster in the distance. Next we will explore the trails nearby. The dogs loved it. The biggest highlight for us was how well kept the RV is and the comfortable murphy bed/couch. So nice we immediately booked again and with more days!
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C
Courtney
April 2025
With pets
Very nice accommodation. Great space for bedding in the trailer, and the mattress was very comfy! The area is a beautiful town, very peaceful. There is Wi-Fi and a tv inside with plenty of entertainment. Well stocked kitchen. I would stay here again.
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T
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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Diego
March 2025
Tent
Group trip
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!
See moreM
Michael
March 2025
2 nights at Manzanita Ridge
John is great. Extremely prompt with communication and very flexible host. The views off the property are spectacular. Take caution: GPS won't take you to the correct place, and it was lucky I had 4-wheel drive because right past the property is an extremely steep and long descent and the roads are dirt (slick mud in our case, because it was pouring rain). We made it back up but others might not. The RV itself is much more spacious than I expected, with good facilities and fixtures. Lots of clean and comfy bedding and pillows. The freezer and refrigerator were cold and spacious, but had not been cleaned in quite a while. Drawer interiors were also pretty dirty; kitchen utensils like measuring cups and such needed to be cleaned before use. Shower was surprisingly good, but I'm 6'4" so I had to crouch. Bed was very comfortable. Internet was solid. Heater wasn't working but John had a space heater inside for us to use and it did the job just fine. Ultimately, I'd definitely stay here again.
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G
Grace
February 2025
Weekend Trip to Manzanita Ridge
My bf and I had a wonderful stay! We will definitely be back. They had everything you need; a well stocked kitchen, plenty of blankets, working AC, a space heater for when the night got chilly. The camper heats and cools quick!
The bed was comfortable, if you like more firm pillows or are specific about your pillows maybe bring your own. My bf is picky about his pillows but I was fine!
It felt very secluded and was quiet and peaceful, we loved sitting on the deck and drinking our coffee in the morning!
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C
Connaly
February 2025
Tent
Group trip
Wide open space and easy to find! Kevin was super responsive and informative.
See moreT
Tanya
February 2025
With kids
This was a great find, good location with a nice view. We really enjoyed the RV which was nice and clean and had everything provided. It was great to have a campfire and enjoy looking at the stars. Would definitely recommend and will be back!
See moreA
Anh
February 2025
Weekend Trip to Manzanita Ridge
Both me and friend really enjoy our stay at Manzanita Ridge. John provide us with all the basic needs and help us as soon as we asked for help. Everything went well. I really enjoy such tiny but cozy spaces. And the bed was way more comfortable than I expected. They also have running water. And outdoor environment is just perfect for a little get away. Even it was weekend and surround by other houses, but it was so quiet, i get to enjoy the birds and animals around there. It was such great experience, i will definitely book again.
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Tiffany
January 2025
With kids
It was a peaceful, warm accommodation.
The environment was mountainous, and host, attentive.
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f
fernando
January 2025
With pets
My family and I had such a great time! we went for 1 night but wished we stayed longer. We 100% will be coming back! Even though we saw other houses in the area we truly felt like we are by ourselves and didn’t hear a single voice. Looking forward to next time !
See moreD
Dawn
November 2024
With kids
My family and I had a great stay at John’s trailers. It was clean and the beds were very comfortable.
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