Imperial draws campers who want to play around sand dunes, desert, lakes, and rivers.
In the Imperial Valley just north of the US-Mexico border in southeast California, Imperial offers campers plenty of options and opportunities for outdoor adventures. RV campers will find amenities at several RV parks near the city, while waterfront camping is also nearby—go fishing, water skiing, and camp with full hookups at Wiest Lake County Park; go boating and camp along the water at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area; and escape the crowds for fishing and water skiing along the Colorado River and Taylor Lake at Picacho State Recreation Area. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding is another popular Imperial activity, typically enjoyed at the BLM-run Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis Dunes) and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, both prime areas for dispersed camping. Desert adventures, wildlife, and developed and primitive camping can also be found at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a hot spot for spring wildflowers set about an hour northwest.