The best campgrounds near Imperial, California with horseback riding

Looking to go camping near Imperial, California? Hipcamp has over 670 options for you to choose from, with prices starting as low as $10 per night. Whether you prefer a rustic experience or a more luxurious stay, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Check out top campsites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), THE PRESERVE (274 reviews), and The Castle House Estate (276 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities such as potable water, trash disposal, and campfires. And if you're into fishing, horseback riding, or climbing, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favorite activities.

99% (58)

Top-rated campgrounds near Imperial

Looking to go camping near Imperial, California? Hipcamp has over 670 options for you to choose from, with prices starting as low as $10 per night. Whether you prefer a rustic experience or a more luxurious stay, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Check out top campsites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), THE PRESERVE (274 reviews), and The Castle House Estate (276 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities such as potable water, trash disposal, and campfires. And if you're into fishing, horseback riding, or climbing, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favorite activities.

99% (58)

Top-rated campgrounds near Imperial

1. In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

99%

(117)

34mi from Imperial · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Property is located in the High Desert area of E. San Diego County in the In-Ko-)Pah Mountains. 5 camp sites to choose from and one (1) glamping unit "Casa Agave" which is a small home the sleeps four (4). One queen bed, 1 single and a sofa bed that sleeps one. To the west is Table Mountain a sacred Native American Ceremonial Ground that is on BLM land. The Northern boundary is the beginning Anza Borrego State Park. The East and South borders are private land. There is much evidence of campsites and artifacts that the land used to be inhabited by the Kumeyaay Nation. Mica and Garnets used to be mined in this area as well. The property is a transitional area where agave, juniper and scrub oak thrive. Wildlife in the area includes: Quail, Rattle Snakes, Lizards, Ravens, Roadrunners, Tarantulas, Rosy Boa, Mule Deer, Pack Rats, Bob Cats, Coyotes and at times Bighorn Sheep are spotted by Table Mountain. I have 10 chickens, 2 cats and my dog Bosco.

2. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

99%

(141)

51mi from Imperial · 6 sites · Lodging

Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors. Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA. Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California. Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping. Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8. There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite. Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.

3. Bee Land! True Off-Grid Camping

100%

(4)

34mi from Imperial · 5 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Bee Land! 5 acres of off-the-grid earth: desolate, empty and stunning! This is a property for those who really want to experience the desert at night. Camp under the stars, near the Salton Sea. You will be surrounded by the mountains and endless sky. There is nothing else except the stark beauty of this completely undeveloped landscape. However, you are 5 miles from Bombay Beach, 8 miles from Niland and Slab City. Take a day trip to Palm Springs , Joshua Tree, or the other side of the Salton Sea. Go off roading! Hike the Chocolate Mountains! Lay on one of the beaches along the Salton Sea. There’s so much do if you are open to the total experience of what desert life can provide. You never know who you will meet! Perfect alternative to the over-priced airbnbs for the Bombay Beach Biennale. Update: There is now a clearcut, straight path leading out to the property directly from the main road. There is also an entrance and property markers. All details and directions will be provided after booking is formalized.

4. Cleveland National Forest

93%

(83)

436 sites · Descanso, California

Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Imperial

Great family trip! Kids loved running around the campground.

96%

(16)

Burnt Rancheria Campground

49mi from Imperial · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Wooded Hill Group Campground

50mi from Imperial · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Cleveland National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Jay

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Hi Greg. It was great to meet you. Thanks for hosting our stay at Site 4. It was just what my boys and I were looking for in a weekend campout under the stars. We look forward to coming back again in the future!

C

Chelsea

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

This campground was incredible. Every little detail was thought out, the host was so kind and welcoming, and the tents and hammocks were top notch. I HIGHLY recommend staying here, especially if you have kids. We will definitely be staying here again.

K

Ky

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

Great spot and it was very nice having so many things already set up for you, Shantel checked in on us thru text and we just had to bring our clothes, food, firewood/ice. Some tips for future peeps, showers are near the front of the campground and you need at least 4-7 quarters each time, bring a headlamp the restroom takes a few minutes to walk to, grab some apple from Julian about ~30 min away, but pack up your food so the squirrels don’t get to it while you’re gone. Happy camping! :3

A

ANDREA

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Unfortunately I had to cancel my trip last minute, but I intent on visiting these sacred lands in the near future. Greg was understanding and kind at my last minute cancellation.

J

James

February 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to In-Ko-Pah Spirit Retreat

Beautiful surroundings and a couple convenient flat areas on the ridge accessible by car. Great star gazing and eggs for breakfast from their hen house was a nice touch!

Chris

November 2024

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Bee Land! True Off-Grid Camping

Bee Land was an amazing experience and the perfect place to check out and enjoy some solitude. The location is beautiful and open with plenty of places to explore in the immediate area or a short drive away. Sara was an incredibly gracious and responsive host who knows the area very well. She was helpful with directions and even suggested places to check out while I was there. I would highly recommend Bee Land for anyone who wants to enjoy a super easy and remote getaway.