The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Salton Sea Beach, California

Salton Sea Beach welcomes campers travelling with pets, offering over 1,980 pet-friendly options scattered across stark desert flats and palm-dotted oases. Expect to pay around $60 a night, with some sites dipping as low as $14. You’ll find campgrounds where campfires are allowed, toilets are on hand, and furry companions are as common as hiking boots. The area draws hikers, horseback riders, and swimmers—look for waterholes and easy trails right near camp. Standouts include Mineral Spring Date Farm (290 reviews) with its working date groves, DragonflyHill Desert Farm (218 reviews) where you’ll spot migrating birds, and Hideout Mountain Lodge (197 reviews) for sweeping desert views and a low-key vibe. Bring water, keep your leash handy, and don’t expect much shade—Salton Sea Beach camping is all about raw landscape, open skies, and plenty of room for you and your dog to roam.

97% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Salton Sea Beach welcomes campers travelling with pets, offering over 1,980 pet-friendly options scattered across stark desert flats and palm-dotted oases. Expect to pay around $60 a night, with some sites dipping as low as $14. You’ll find campgrounds where campfires are allowed, toilets are on hand, and furry companions are as common as hiking boots. The area draws hikers, horseback riders, and swimmers—look for waterholes and easy trails right near camp. Standouts include Mineral Spring Date Farm (290 reviews) with its working date groves, DragonflyHill Desert Farm (218 reviews) where you’ll spot migrating birds, and Hideout Mountain Lodge (197 reviews) for sweeping desert views and a low-key vibe. Bring water, keep your leash handy, and don’t expect much shade—Salton Sea Beach camping is all about raw landscape, open skies, and plenty of room for you and your dog to roam.

97% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

100%

(5)

42mi from Salton Sea Beach · 3 sites · Lodging · Julian, CA

Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups. The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage. The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation! There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years. The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness. We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit. Many turkeys love to stop by too! If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing. We really hope you love it as much as we do.

2. Stargazers Retreat

95%

(19)

39mi from Salton Sea Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Julian, CA

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.

3. Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

100%

(8)

41mi from Salton Sea Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Julian, CA

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. 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.

4. Paradise RV Park

45mi from Salton Sea Beach · 89 sites · RVs, Lodging · Desert Hot Springs, CA

Beautiful new RV Resort in the most beautiful place on Earth – Desert Hot Springs, California. Imagine yourself taking selfies by the pool, meeting fun people in the Fitness Center, and playing with your dear doggie in the dog park. Paradise RV Park is an RV dream come true. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

5. Starry Night at Rancho Moto

100%

(6)

39mi from Salton Sea Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Warner Springs, CA

Discover a secluded escape surrounded by natural beauty and endless adventure! Our property borders the 1,000-acre Dr. Bronner Preserve, which connects to the Cooper Cienega Truck Trail—one of Southern California’s rare OHV-legal dirt roads. This location is surrounded by national forest, BLM land, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering some of the best dual-sport motorcycling, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, and outdoor activities anywhere. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and nearby horse trails wind through the valley, providing unique opportunities for hikers and equestrians. Just a mile away, you’ll find the Lieu Quan Meditation Center, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the Americas. Unwind with breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear starry skies—perfect for stargazing or telescoping. With a peaceful atmosphere that feels like you have the whole campground to yourself, it’s hard to believe you’re just 30 miles from Old Town Temecula. Come experience the best of nature, adventure, and serenity in this one-of-a-kind location!

Public campgrounds near Salton Sea Beach

80%

(7)

Headquarters Campground

11mi from Salton Sea Beach · 98 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Your campsite is just a short walk from the Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead, which leads to a refreshing palm oasis.

95%

(94)

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

25mi from Salton Sea Beach · 149 sites · Tents, RVs · in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

81%

(18)

Tamarisk Grove Campground

27mi from Salton Sea Beach · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

On a spontaneous weekend trip to Joshua Tree, we arrived after dark and woke up to a magical desert sunrise.

94%

(34)

Cottonwood Campground

28mi from Salton Sea Beach · 62 sites · in Joshua Tree National Park

100%

(3)

Santa Rosa Springs Campground

28mi from Salton Sea Beach · 3 sites · in San Bernardino National Forest

Stories from the community

G

Gabriel

2 weeks ago

With pets

2 nights at Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

Excellent place and excellent service from Jason; he answered any questions immediately and was always attentive. Everything was excellent.

J

Jenny

3 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

One of the best sites my husband and I have stayed at to date. Romantic, private, safe and clean!! You can tell there was quite a bit of thought and care in the layout and construction which makes for a stress free and relaxing stay. Attention to detail....down to the little tin box with the picnic table covers...was much appreciated. Rain or shine this place is a five star all the way! Thank you Jason!!

J

Jenna

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

This was hands down the best “glamping” experience I’ve ever had (and I’ve been enjoying visiting an array of Hipcamp sites for the past 5 years). The land is absolutely breathtaking - quiet, serene, natural. We saw beautiful birds, a tiny frog, and a few deer during our stay. The location is sublime. Feels like you’re deep in a nature preserve (super quiet, no light pollution), but local shops are actually minutes away if you want to venture out. The site itself is so well thought out! The spacious tent was beautifully decorated and the bed was so comfy and warm! The outdoor kitchen was literally nicer than my own indoor kitchen. Preparing and enjoying meals was the highlight of our stay. Oh…and the bathroom? Blew me away. Pristine bathroom with a huge hot water shower. I felt like royalty during my stay at Manzanita Cove and I can’t wait to go back!

T

Tom

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

Alex was an excellent host. Beautiful property. Remote and quiet. Very well kept. We'll definitely be going again.

Julien

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Stargazers Retreat

The Tiny Home is actually very spacious for a couple! Sheena was very communicative and ensured we enjoyed every minute of our getaway. If you are into astronomy and have a telescope, this place provides a great opportunity to enjoy the dark sky right in front of the Tiny Home. No need to drive elsewhere, you can enjoy scoping in the privacy of this beautiful place and go to bed when you need to. Thank you for making this short getaway enjoyable!

K

Kellen

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

Awesome camp site - the set up was perfect, the camper was great and the host was helpful and communicative. Would 100% recommend to anyone that’s looking for a spot out in the Chihuahua Valley.

M

Micah

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Stargazers Retreat

Beautiful view. Loved watching the stars at night. Such a night little place to relax.

M

Michele

August 2025

With pets

7 nights at Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

Love camping and sleeping in the great outdoors but hate hauling it all along and setting it all up? Manzanita Cove is for you! Jason and his wife have thought of every luxurious detail to elevate camping to a five star experience. Bring a long the food you wish to make your own gourmet meals in the well equiped outdoor kitchen or head into the quaint town of Julian (a short drive) for a bite and of course, pie for desert (or in my case breakfast, because vacation screams pie for breakfast!). Pack some clothes but feel good about leaving EVERYTHING else at home, except the pooch, they are welcome too! Unwind, laze around and read in a hammock, hike from your spot or explore the coast, whatever you want but make sure Manzanita Cove is your home base, you won't be sorry.

K

Keli

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

We were overwhelmed by the attention to detail in this beautiful camping space. They have thought of everything to make your outdoor experience the best it can be. The property is beautiful, the indoor spaces are immaculately clean, and amenities are abundant. This truly is a very special place. The location is close to Julian, Wynola and Santa Ysabel but far enough to feel like you are completely secluded from the noise and light pollution of the city.

K

Karen

July 2025

3 nights at Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

Manzanita Cove is an amazing site. Jason has anticipated every need for a luxurious time outdoors with many amenities that mimics a 5 star resort, but only more. Jason’s visions to detail is beyond expectations. From the indoor coffee bar to the outdoor shower my four days was exactly what I was hoping for. Luxurious sleeping accommodations, luxurious cooking kitchen, luxurious bathroom with full indoor shower and sink in addition to an outdoor shower, gas fire pit, dog leads, multi cords for charging, and hammocks to lounge in made my stay so comfortable. I will be returning with my husband within the year and look forward to Jason’s dedication to his campers.

Y

Yuki

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Stargazers Retreat

Comfortable tiny house with all the amenities for a relaxing and fun time away. Sheena was very hospitable and checked in with us before we arrived to make sure we had what we needed and answered questions quickly when needed. Gorgeous views and the starry sky is worth coming out for!

M

Mary

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

What a great place to connect with the natural world and destress. The area around is full of trails. Eric is the best host! It was a lovely weekend.

A

Alex

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

The location is incredible. Eric went above and beyond to ensure that we were comfortable and happy. The RV is well kept and is very comfortable to stay in. Eric’s property is right across from public land and a hike to the stone formations is a must.

T

Therese

March 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

This place was exactly what the doctor ordered...peaceful!! Great hiking just across the road, day trips with so many places less than an hour away! Eric was the perfect host, told us of places we should go see (especially the bakery) was right there greeting us and making sure we were good. Had friends with their toy hauler meet us and there was more than enough room for their 44 ft rig! Could have had a few more RVs and still would have had plenty of room. It really is a little piece of heaven! Thanks again Eric

M

Mary

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

So glad I found this gem. The accommodations are clean and in A+ condition. The location is quiet, beautiful, safe. The stargazing is unsurpassed. The location is close to so much history! Took a day trip to Julian! There's wineries to visit, trails to explore, things to see! Eric, the host, made sure I had everything I needed! He's the perfect host! I'm already checking my calendar to see when I can return!

K

Kayleigh

January 2025

3 nights at Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

The cabin was very cute and homely. it was perfect for my partner and I and we enjoyed the cozy feel. very close to the main area of julian but a decent drive to other sights like borrego springs, santa ysabel, etc! would stay here again!