The best glamping sites in Salton Sea State Recreation Area, CA

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80% (7)

Don't be salty about the Salton Sea. It's the largest lake in California.

80% (7)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Salton Sea State Recreation Area adventure.

Top-rated campsites near Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Oasis Ranch

1. Oasis Ranch

96%
(93)
23mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 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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Forsythe Equestrian Club

2. Forsythe Equestrian Club

92%
(18)
27mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 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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Coyote Moon Camping

3. Coyote Moon Camping

100%
(18)
42mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 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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Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

4. Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

100%
(61)
42mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 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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The Happy Camper

5. The Happy Camper

99%
(38)
46mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 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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Scorpion Ranch

6. Scorpion Ranch

99%
(48)
47mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Rumor has it our house was built by the famed western actor Alan Ladd as a secret getaway back in the 50s. There’s 5 acres, partly shaded by old mesquite trees and native Washingtonia palms that tower over rock lined paths. I recently fixed up our old 1949 tear drop camper for staying in after it had been abandoned for 30 years. It’s equipped with solar power, a gas burner, a pump sink, and a cooler. This is a place for people that love old stuff! No marble countertops and stainless steel will be found. For lovers of the funky. There’s an outhouse, an outdoor shower, and a 9 foot deep swimming pool too. We’re situated between the San Andreas fault and the the Little San Bernardino Mountains, so spectacular hikes are a short walk away. After every golden sunset, the stars do not disappoint.
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Relaxing Hide Away

7. Relaxing Hide Away

93%
(47)
47mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land:Come relax and stargaze away from the city lights, this property sits on over 10 acres of desert landscape. Short drive from Los Angeles and San Diego.
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Birdsong Backcountry Retreat

8. Birdsong Backcountry Retreat

100%
(241)
48mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 6 sites
Come experience the best that the San Diego backcountry has to offer on our 85 acre private nature retreat with it's miles of trails which take you thru groves of ancient Oaks, a monumental boulders maze, intoxicating sage, the most incredible sunset vistas and located just a couple miles from the North Mountain Wine Trail. the Pacific Crest Trail and the California Hiking and Riding Trail. The BLUEBIRD TINY HOUSE is one of 4 very private unique artisanal accommodations on the property. This vintage horse trailer was reimagined into a Tiny house by Lane and Laurie as a couples project in 2018 which they completely gutted and remodeled using beautiful natural materials , old fashioned wood cabinetry, handmade ceramic tiles and woven bamboo with fully equipped kitchen, quality linens, fireplace, AC, WIFI, smart TV. Bluebird Tiny House is tucked into a secluded forest meadow, named for the bluebirds that spend part of the year there and is a spacious feeling 320 sq ft. The spa-inspired bathroom features a hand-carved, wood vessel sink, eco-dual flush toilet,rain shower, and free-standing soaking tub with oak canopy view. The 40’ long deck spans the length of the secluded tiny house overlooking the forest to distant mountains and has alfresco dining area and plenty of furniture for cozying as well as hot tub sited for star gazing and firepit seating all within a large fenced yard to keep your fur babies close by. In addition, we have developed 2 forest therapy trails that will bring your ability to slow down and connect to nature to a whole new level and encourage you to try it using our MP3 forest therapy audio guide.. If you need to accommodate a larger group, check out Pinky's Nature Hideout which has a full kitchen, spacious living room, fenced yard for pets, corn hole, large deck and hot tub sited for star gazing, and firepit seating which overlooks the forest to distant mountains. It sleeps 4 people but the "Lounge" vintage Spartan trailer which is located behind the bunkhouse can be rented to sleep an additional 2 people and is only available to Pinky's guests. We provide guests the opportunity to really get away from it all in a untouched forest and chaparral setting with all the amenities one needs for a comfortable stay. In addition, we have developed 2 forest therapy trails that will bring your ability to slow down and connect to nature to a whole new level and encourage you to try it using our MP3 audio guide. Come getaway alone, with friends or family to our sweet little petfriendly glampsite CAMP CHESTER hidden under the oaks which features a vintage 1949 Canned Ham Tiny Trailer (sleeps 2 in a double and one on couch) , a 10 x 12 safari tent on deck w/queen bed, an outdoor kitchen with dining area and barista bar, bath house with hot water, rain-shower, claw-foot tub , compost toilet looking out to acres of sage and distant mountains and firepit. The owners are artisan builders and seasoned hosts who promise guests privacy and quiet. The camp is totally fenced for the safety of your pets and suitable for up to 6 people but sleeps up to 5 additional person(s) can bring tent. . It offers guests the opportunity to really get away from it all in a untouched forest and chaparral setting but offers all the amenities one needs for a comfortable stay. In addition, we have developed 2 forest therapy trails that will bring your ability to slow down and connect to nature to a whole new level and encourage you to try it using our MP3 audio guide. Camp Chester is a seasonal site and closed January thru March.
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Manzanita Village Retreat

9. Manzanita Village Retreat

99%
(101)
48mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 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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Starry Night at Rancho Moto

10. Starry Night at Rancho Moto

100%
(13)
49mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
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Stargazers Retreat

11. Stargazers Retreat

95%
(20)
49mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 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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Desert Gold Camp near JT Ntl Park

12. Desert Gold Camp near JT Ntl Park

98%
(58)
49mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land:Best of what the desert offers - rustic and romantic! Three miles to Joshua Tree National Park entrance and town amenities, yet secluded with amazing views over many acres. This 100 yr old property has inspiring landscapes and historic gold mill artifacts, and is used for films, photoshoots, and artist gatherings.
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Mineral Spring Date Farm

13. Mineral Spring Date Farm

96%
(566)
49mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging
Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well. We are rehabilitating our Date Farm. Private Hot Spring fed tubs at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm on a Mineral Spring aquifer. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds. ** We keep trimmed Palm fronds on the side of our road for our goats to eat and to use as mulch. ** We are not the Hilton, a Spa or Resort. We are a working Date Farm on top of a Mineral Spring Aquifer.
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Bombay Beach

14. Bombay Beach

100%
(1)
8.5mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 4 sites
Various unique homes and trailers are spread throughout Bombay Beach. Bombay Beach, California, is a tiny, offbeat community on the eastern shore of the Salton Sea. Once a mid-century vacation hotspot, it now stands as a surreal desert outpost where the decaying remnants of its glamorous past meet striking, experimental art installations. Known for its haunting beauty, stark landscapes, and vibrant creative scene, Bombay Beach attracts artists, dreamers, and curious travelers seeking an otherworldly blend of nostalgia and avant-garde culture.
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Coachella Lakes RV Resort, Coachella, California

15. Coachella Lakes RV Resort, Coachella, California

28mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 373 sites · RVs, Lodging
Coachella Lakes RV Resort is a brand-new, state-of-the-art luxury destination featuring lush landscaping, five sparkling lakes, and all the upscale amenities today’s RVers expect. This big-rig-friendly resort offers spacious sites and endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation, from two outdoor pools, three spas, and a splash pad to pickleball courts, bocce ball, and a world-class 18-hole putting course. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, or fish in the scenic lakes, then unwind with a glass of wine at the clubhouse or enjoy live music under the desert sky at the outdoor amphitheater. Conveniently located near the world-famous Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals, Coachella Lakes RV Resort is the perfect blend of comfort, entertainment, and adventure. Experience luxury in the heart of the desert—book your stay today!
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Indian Wells

16. Indian Wells

100%
(2)
31mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 148 sites · RVs, Lodging
Experience the unique charm of Indian Wells RV Resort in Indio, California, where breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains await you. This exceptional campground features over 300 asphalt sites, each equipped with full hookups and complimentary wireless Internet, making it an ideal choice for both daily and weekly guests. Dive into relaxation at the sparkling swimming pool, where you can join aqua aerobics classes or simply unwind poolside with a good book. Engage with fellow campers through a variety of community activities — including bingo nights, hiking excursions, soup gatherings, ice cream socials, and live entertainment — all designed to foster a warm sense of camaraderie. Beyond the resort, explore the welcoming small-town atmosphere of Indio, which offers a wealth of big-city amenities. Conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Diego, this destination provides endless opportunities for adventure, from outdoor recreation to local dining and shopping. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement at Indian Wells RV Resort — where your unforgettable getaway begins.
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Shadow Hills RV Resort

17. Shadow Hills RV Resort

65%
(10)
33mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 137 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts Featuring full RV hookups, heated pool, jacuzzi, ponds, walking trails, fitness center, wifi, cable, dog parks and the “Desert Oasis” glamping grounds with vintage trailers and teepees, all inside a secure gated community. Located just off the I-10 interstate at Jefferson St. in Indio California, Shadow Hills RV Resort is top rated on TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp, Facebook and AirBnB. Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts.
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Dark Sky Silent Retreat

18. Dark Sky Silent Retreat

34mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 2 sites
Yellow Woman Ranch is a women's retreat and event center in the remote town of Borrego Springs, surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The ranch sits on four and a half acres and offers expansive 360° mountain views, including Indian Head and the Santa Rosa Mountains, visible from the ranch's new contemplative garden and meditation circle. Borrego Springs is a designated dark-sky community, providing clear, unobstructed views of the cosmos. Currently, we are offering two types of lodging: 1. Astral Tent - A 13' glamping tent with two single beds. 2. theStables – Previously a horse stable, theStables now features an open space for classes, retreats, and social events. It also houses four semi-private stalls, one of which is available as lodging for Hipcampers. There is a full bath in theStables for all Hipcampers to use. Wi-Fi is available. Hipcampers are welcome to participate in classes and social events during their stay by registering at yellowwomanranch.com/events They may also book a private sound bath experience for up to four people.
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Dark Sky Wilderness Retreat

19. Dark Sky Wilderness Retreat

82%
(11)
35mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Nestled within an ancient ironwood forest with some of the best wildflower viewing around, you'll find the Borrego Institute for Living Design, a non-profit dedicated to "rehabilitating feral humans for reintroduction to the wild," with an emphasis on climate resilience and "biocultural renewal"––reconnecting people and place through hands-on naturalist practices like tracking, observation and listening, plein air arts, Biomimicry innovation and discovery, ethnobotanical cultivation, harvesting, renewal, and arts, "living archeology" fieldwork and trainings, and good old campfire stories. We call it The BILD. Once the home of Gale Gordon, producer of The Lucy Show and a dear friend of Lucille Ball, noted Hollywood figure and former Borrego Springs mayor, the house and grounds retain their rustic Hollywood charm. We offer two 3 bed suites for retreats, guests, and short creative residencies, shared Infrared sauna and communal kitchen, with extensive grounds and incredible cactus garden. A photographers' delight! Campers will discover their own classic Springbar-style canvas glamping tent with Memory Foam queen size mattress. Nature-lovers, artists, and creatives of all kinds will enjoy endless inspiration, glorious birdsong, beautiful wanderings, and incredible sunrises in this unique place. Enjoy birdwatching or artistic pursuits in deep solitude and silence under the Milky Way. It's like having your own State Park, minutes from the amenities of Borrego Springs, yet worlds away. We offer two spacious Kodiak canvas tent-cabins for you, 10x10 and 10x14, with complete 4 wall ventilation as desired. Each has one Queen and we are happy to add an additional mattress or cot for you for maximum occupancy 4 persons. We also offer two car camping sites among the ironwoods––protected from wind and sun, with unbeatable views. The campground offers Insta-worthy campfire chairs and bistro table dining, enchanted solar lighting, a gas BBQ, grill and campfire. Communal kitchen prep area. Easy access outdoor bathroom with privacy and eco-friendly toilet. Water and electricity accessible (no hookups). Are you an artist, naturalist, tracker, researcher, or Indigenous biocultural practitioner? We are happy to accommodate special requests for spaces to draw, paint, do research, conduct Indigenous biocultural practice etc. How can we help you grow and support your connection to place? Find out what we do by visiting BorregoInstituteforLivingDesign.org or TEEMLab.com. Please note: this is a remote wilderness area, home to much wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, even mountain lions and rattlesnakes, and a great deal of prickly cactus. It can be very hot. It is not suitable for pets, and children should be supervised. Bring good shoes, drink lots of water, and stay out of direct sun.
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Lazy Y Guest Ranch

20. Lazy Y Guest Ranch

100%
(8)
48mi from Salton Sea State Recreation Area · 3 sites
Secluded, freshly renovated 21' Toy Hauler. Roomy fenced deck, and propane grill in a little high valley east of Warner Springs. A million stars! Four great wineries, roadhouse bar and grill, live music, glider and horseback riding, Elim Hot Springs all close by. Explore Anza Borrego and Julian. Adjacent to California Riding and Hiking Trail; hike to Mexico or Canada. Miles of trails to explore outside your door! Only 30 minutes to world class Temecula Valley wineries. Horses and dogs welcome.
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Reviews for Salton Sea State Recreation Area Campgrounds

80%
7 ratings · 7 reviews
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