The best cave campgrounds near El Centro, California

Looking to explore the unique terrain of El Centro, California? Hipcamp has you covered with over 150 camping options near El Centro that cater to your cave adventure preference. Whether you're seeking a secluded spot or a social campground, you'll find the perfect fit. Check out top campsites like Sagewinds Farm High Desert Camp (227 reviews), The Desert View Tower (178 reviews), and Yuma’s Own Little Campland (14 reviews). With amenities like showers, trash disposal, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can enjoy popular activities like surfing, exploring historic sites, and swimming. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $63 per night. So get ready to embark on your cave camping adventure!

96% (487)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to explore the unique terrain of El Centro, California? Hipcamp has you covered with over 150 camping options near El Centro that cater to your cave adventure preference. Whether you're seeking a secluded spot or a social campground, you'll find the perfect fit. Check out top campsites like Sagewinds Farm High Desert Camp (227 reviews), The Desert View Tower (178 reviews), and Yuma’s Own Little Campland (14 reviews). With amenities like showers, trash disposal, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can enjoy popular activities like surfing, exploring historic sites, and swimming. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $63 per night. So get ready to embark on your cave camping adventure!

96% (487)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

98%

(446)

41mi from El Centro · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Jacumba Hot Spring, CA

Sagewinds Farm is the first certified organic white sage farm in the world. Located in the high desert of San Diego county, between 3500 feet and 3800 ft. this beautiful 40 acres features caves, massive boulders to climb, views, flat land and privacy. At night the stars are magnificent and the milky way is visible...there are meteor showers several times a year. Permanent residents in the barn are the 2 mini horses to visit and four wonderful dogs. The nights are always cool and usually below 60% so be prepared to sleep well, even if the days are hot. There is almost always a breeze and sometimes a wind, so bring your kites. There are visiting animals that past thru and could include, coyotes, bobcats, Coatis, foxes, rabbits, quail, hawks and mountain lions. There are also some snake and lizards. We do have rattlesnakes. To make up for the rattlers we offer two flush toilets! Camp on the healthy, beautiful and first Certified Organic White Sage Farm in the World. I like to tell people that this is sacred land and it is. Come see the magnificent boulder formations. Come for the quiet. Come for the stars. Remember that the Jacumba Hotel Hot Springs and restaurant is 5 minutes away and the food is exceptional. The place to heal Beautiful high desert,(3500') with boulders, boulder mountains, caves and views. Rolling southern California terrain, home to all kinds of birds and wild life. Camp on top of the mountain, or camp in a cave or anywhere in between. See the Milky way on most nights, all have incredible stars. 40 acres. Visit our the little town of Jacumba Hot springs down the road. Exciting things are happening there. The Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, really good food, organic produce, and of course the Water! They offer day passes. Weekend music events at the Hotel or the The Old Bathhouse where you listen under the most incredible stars. Bazaar at the Bathouse the first Saturday of the month. This is the prettiest property in east county! And the healthiest! It is a Certified Organic White Sage farm. This is the old west! Come in the spring for the wild flowers on the land. Come for the dark skies. Come for the very occasional snow. Most definitely come for all the Meteor showers.. You can see the Milky way on most nights

2. DeAnza Springs Resort

95%

(19)

37mi from El Centro · 65 sites · Tents, RVs · Jacumba, CA

DeAnza Springs Resort is a family friendly resort in North America. Situated on more than 500 private acres of high desert (2600 feet above sea level) in Eastern San Diego County, it is ideal for year-round vacationing. The Resort is comprised of 311 spacious RV sites, most with full hookups, (30/50 amps) and unlimited tent sites for camping. Comfortable rental units consist of fully furnished tiny homes and motel rooms. Centerpiece to the Resort is a 7500 square foot clubhouse. It is home to the Oasis Lounge/Bar and cafe. There is also a computer area for public internet access. No matter what activities you enjoy, you’ll probably find them available at DeAnza Springs Resort. Surrounded on three sides by the wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the resort grounds include grassy lawns, shade trees, two sparkling swimming pools and a hot tub with access to hiking trails in every direction. Amenities include two swimming pools open year round (one indoor heated and one outdoors), an outdoor hot tub, tennis/pickle ball courts, shuffle-board courts, fitness center with sauna, and laundry facilities. There is also a large enclosed pet park and WiFi broadband internet access.

3. The Desert View Tower

98%

(261)

33mi from El Centro · 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. Vista Del Mar

90%

(10)

44mi from El Centro · 1 site · Tent, RV · Thermal, CA

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 :)

Stories from the community

g

gabriel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Beautiful views, good trails and fun dogs. Hopefully we can camp in this spot again.

E

Elisa

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Amazing views and Ellen was so helpful. We loved meeting all of their animals and exploring the property. Cute tie-dye too!

R

Russell

August 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

This property is magical. So is Ellen. I was looking for a place to sleep before crossing into Mexicali and then found it very hard to leave. So much to explore on the property and surrounding area. I highly recommend staying here - just make sure you make some time to take it in!

J

Julia

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Wonderful camping experiencing on Ellen’s land. There were amazing views, short fantastic hikes, and the sweetest animal friends. I would love to visit again!

A

Amir

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to DeAnza Springs Resort

It's a relaxing place to camp, with plenty of hiking trails and open space to walk. The community is very welcoming to campers. We had a great time enjoying the pool! Thank you—we’ll definitely be back!!

Shelby

June 2025

12 ft campervan

2 nights at Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

We loved the beautiful landscape and Ellen’s charm!

S

Sam

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Its Ellens world and you get to experience it. Camping is raw but the nature is special. I will return. Cheers

C

Christian

May 2025

13 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Beautiful land and views; great hiking adventures from camp and enjoyed host Ellen's green thumb sage fields and flowers and the two ponies. Such a great stay. Loved the boulder mountains - beautiful sunrise hikes!

K

Kelsey

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Ellen has a magical property and space in a sacred area. I appreciated her tour and background so much. The camping site was great, and I did little hikes around the property that filled my cup up. I would definitely recommend to anyone! Easy to pair with Jacumba hot springs hotel day pass as well :)

T

Teresa

May 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Kind hosts provide a private, beautiful, and tranquil location for tent camping.

N

Nikki

April 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

This land is so special and sacred!! There are so many little nooks to explore. I return to this sweet little sage farm every year, and I'm so appreciative of Ellen's hospitality & spunk. It is also very close to the new Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel.

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.

Clarissa

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

10/10!! Ellen’s organic farm is an oasis and we are so lucky that she allows folks in to experience its magic. Solo camped here and felt totally safe and comfortable the whole time. Will be back soon ❤️

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!

S

Stacy

April 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

This location was phenomenal ❤️ the views, hiking, everything was fantastic. I brought my three children, and we all had an amazing time.

M

McKenna

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

We loved camping on Ellen’s land. On arrival we were greeted by Ellen, the two mini horses, and three dogs, then got a tour of the property and the various camping options. The property is beautiful and we would definitely come back on a future trip!

M

Martha

March 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Fantastic spot and stunning views! Host was very sweet and passionate about her place. It made it extra special!

S

Sara

March 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

great views. there are only two camp sites for a large property, so it feels very private!! the trail walking area is lovely.

Matt

February 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

Ellen's place is magical and she is a gem. We had a great time camping on her beautiful property and exploring the town. Thank you Ellen!

C

Carol

February 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp

What a unique and special place Ellen has. She is a welcoming host and spent time with me showing me around. The sage farm is so fragrant and the view from my campsite just awesome. Thank you Helen!