Camping near Salton City

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Looking for the best camping near Salton City? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of California hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Salton City.

96% (2.9K) 2,966 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Salton City

Vista Del Mar

1. Vista Del Mar

90%
(10)
1.6mi from Salton City · 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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Oasis Ranch

2. Oasis Ranch

96%
(93)
18mi from Salton City · 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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Private Hot Springs & Organic Farm

3. Private Hot Springs & Organic Farm

99%
(242)
18mi from Salton City · 1 site · Tent, RV
The desert is really lovely right now, and so are the mineral baths. We have no lodging here, so park your RV or car or set your tent up right next to outdoor hot mineral baths where pure water flows from under the desert at 124 degrees then we let it cool down to whatever temperature feels right. Only 1 group (max 6) at a time so it will always be private, and we are very conscientious of our guest's privacy, but are always available for questions via text or phone. Check out our IG here! https://www.instagram.com/hotspringsorganicfarm/ Located in a rural desert setting 1 hour south of Indio, in the morning shadow of the Chocolate Mountains, this is a working farm growing 7 varieties of organic dates: medjool, barhi, khadrawi, halawi, khalas, dayri and zahidi.   Ideal bath times are nighttime and early morning, and day soaks are an option too if you live locally and just want to spend a few hours soaking.  We have a private driveway and fenced property and there are no nearby homes. It is an extremely safe neighborhood here...never having a single incident of theft, vandalism or intrusion in the 19 years of residence. This is where the beautiful natural hot healing waters flow out of the earth as described in the famed "Desert Magazine" article of November 1956 "Little Yellowstone on the Salton Shores". A very remarkable but little-known secret in the California desert. 18 years of date harvests have made life and residence purposeful here on this 7-acre flank of the Chocolate Mountains. Desert Magazine (1956) describes the hot water here to be "richer in mineral content than any spa water in the United States excepting those in the Yellowstone Park area. Here then was mineral water rivaling that of Spa Royat in France; Bad-Nauheim in Germany; and Marianbad in Czechoslovakia. Here was water superior to that which the royal heads of Europe had paid princely sums to use." 2-wheel drive vehicles, including cars are all one needs to reach the farm.  Some wild deer in the neighborhood, but also bighorn sheep, fox, coyote, bobcat, hawks, owls, lizards, geckos and rabbits. Native artifacts have been discovered on the property and our desert nights are free of light pollution.  Private hot springs on small farms are extremely rare anywhere in America, but especially within 2 and 1/2 hours of greater Los Angeles. This is a really great place to empty your head out and enjoy the lovely weather and an even better place to get and stay healthy in these unpredictable times. This place is ideally suited for health-oriented folks. No tobacco, alcohol, vaping, cannabis or drugs allowed. And in the pools no lotions, perfume, hair care products, makeup, or sunscreen. No food or glass near the pools, and we are not set up for small kids or pets. Cookstoves are okay here, just no campfires due to an excess of brush in the region. Verizon and AT&T and T Mobile phone service all work well here. We are 4 miles from Bombay Beach, 35 minutes from Mecca, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Palm Springs, 1 hour from the Coachella Music Festival location, in the direction with light traffic. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Joshua Tree south entrance, 1 hour and 10 minutes from La Quinta and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Los Angeles area and 2 hours 30 minutes from San Diego area. We are 30 minutes to Salvation Mountain/The Slabs and 1 hour 10 minutes to Painted Canyon (The Slot Canyons in the Mecca Hills).  The last half mile before our gate is a dirt road that can have seasonal ruts and washboard surface from off-roaders, so passenger cars will need to take it slow but can still make it.  We are not a posh resort, and because it's a farm there are a few odd structures and tools on the property, but that's just part of the art. The rock pools and hot water baths are lovely at night under the stars near the palms, and that's what this place is all about.   This farm is in the low (elevation) desert, where the winter days are warm with springtime-like weather from November - March.   The colder high desert areas in the Morongo Basin (Joshua Tree, 29 Palms etc.) are more popular tourist destinations, but sometimes they are so popular that the traffic can be as bad as any city, with no flowing water and the Bighorn Sheep are hiding away deep in the boulders. The low desert has nicer winter days, hot springs, flowing water, far less traffic and more places to observe wildlife.   Bring flip flops, towels and flashlights.
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Salton Sea State Recreation Area

4. Salton Sea State Recreation Area

80%
(7)
State park 15mi from Salton City · 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 14mi from Salton City · 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.
Joshua Tree Private Campsite

6. Joshua Tree Private Campsite

98%
(67)
25mi from Salton City · 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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Forsythe Equestrian Club

7. Forsythe Equestrian Club

92%
(18)
29mi from Salton City · 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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Montezuma Valley Campground

8. Montezuma Valley Campground

98%
(56)
31mi from Salton City · 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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Coyote Moon Camping

9. Coyote Moon Camping

100%
(18)
32mi from Salton City · 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 26mi from Salton City · 176 sites
Bighorn sheep, badlands, and blooming wildflowers await in this desert park.
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Joshua Tree National Park

11. Joshua Tree National Park

97%
(767)
National park 58mi from Salton City · 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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San Bernardino National Forest

12. San Bernardino National Forest

94%
(154)
National forest 31mi from Salton City · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
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Cleveland National Forest

13. Cleveland National Forest

93%
(85)
National forest 53mi from Salton City · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
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Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

14. Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

100%
(61)
33mi from Salton City · 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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Banner Ranch Julian

15. Banner Ranch Julian

92%
(231)
37mi from Salton City · 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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The Happy Camper

16. The Happy Camper

99%
(38)
38mi from Salton City · 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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Stargazers Retreat

17. Stargazers Retreat

95%
(20)
39mi from Salton City · 1 site
Come enjoy this beautiful glamping site with 180 degree panoramic views of the Volcan Mountains. Start your morning off with a beautiful hike followed by breakfast in downtown Julian just minutes away. Endless activities including cider, wine, mead and beer tasting. Gold mining, apple orchards, pumpkin farms, camel farm just to name a few. Wind down by enjoying a glass of wine sitting by a fit pit while gazing at the stars.
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Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

18. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

99%
(141)
40mi from Salton City · 4 sites
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.
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Manzanita Village Retreat

19. Manzanita Village Retreat

99%
(101)
41mi from Salton City · 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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Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

20. Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

100%
(11)
41mi from Salton City · 1 site
THE AREA: Tucked away under a grove of oak trees, and circled by manzanita trees, sits "Manzanita Cove". A secluded glamping site that contains everything you need, including a private (seasonal pond). This private site is provided with about 1/2 acre of seclusion and equipped with everything needed for an amazing outdoor experience. The total property is about 5 acres, but is shared with our AirBnB: "Julians Red Fox Retreat", which can be booked separately or together with our "Manzanita Cove" glamping site. Because of the shared space, we do limit the number of guests to two, and ask that you be respectful of the space and noise level when booking independently. There are several hammocks around the grounds to relax as well as a few short trails to walk. The property is about a 7 minute drive from downtown Julian and Wynola. WINTER/ SPRING GUESTS: Access to the site is down a bit of a steep dirt road, so we suggest that winter and Spring campers (wet weather) have AWD/4WD or park at the top and walk down. Otherwise is it accessible by most vehicles other parts of the year. Please do not stop on the hill when leaving. You will spin your tires and damage the road.
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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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