Imperial Lakes

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape from the ordinary, where the vast desert meets inviting waters, Imperial Lakes in Imperial, California, offers a truly remarkable camping experience. This unique destination, often described by visitors with enthusiasm like "Amazing" and "Great people, great water," provides a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and tranquil relaxation. Unlike many desert campgrounds, Imperial Lakes boasts access to artificial lakes, making it a distinctive oasis in the heart of the Imperial Valley.

Whether you're an avid water skier, a fishing enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to park your RV or pitch a tent under the wide-open Californian sky, Imperial Lakes provides an ideal setting. It caters to those who appreciate the beauty of the desert but also crave the cooling embrace of a lake. This is a special place for locals to unwind, create cherished memories, and enjoy a different facet of California's diverse landscape, proving that even in the arid climate, an aquatic adventure is always within reach.

Imperial Lakes is conveniently located at 2828 W Evan Hewes Hwy, Imperial, CA 92251, USA. This address places it squarely within Imperial County, in the southeastern part of California. The location is easily accessible, situated directly off a major thoroughfare, Evan Hewes Highway, which ensures a straightforward drive for visitors, whether they are arriving from nearby towns like El Centro or traveling from further afield within Southern California.

The Imperial Valley, where this campground resides, is known for its agricultural landscape and its unique desert environment. Despite being in a desert region, the presence of the lakes at this location offers a surprising and welcome contrast. The area around Imperial Lakes is generally flat, making it easy to navigate upon arrival and setup. Proximity to the city of Imperial means that essential supplies, groceries, and other amenities are just a short drive away, providing convenience without sacrificing the feeling of an outdoor escape. For Californians looking for a readily accessible desert camping experience that includes water recreation, Imperial Lakes presents an ideal and easy-to-reach destination.

Imperial Lakes, as part of the recreational offerings in Imperial County, provides a range of services aimed at making your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. While specific details can sometimes vary for privately owned or specialized facilities, general information about similar county-managed parks in the region suggests a focus on basic camping needs alongside access to aquatic activities.

• RV Camping: The facility offers both partial hookup and dry camping options for RVs. While partial hookups typically include water and electric, dry camping means being fully self-contained. It is important to note that a direct dump station might not be on-site, requiring campers to utilize nearby public facilities.
• Tent Camping: Dedicated areas are available for tent campers, allowing for a more traditional camping experience under the vast desert sky.
• Access to Lakes: The primary service is direct access to the man-made lakes, which are professionally designed for various water sports.
• Water Skiing Facilities: Specifically, for water skiing enthusiasts, the lakes are designed with infrastructure like slalom courses, jump ramps, and trick ski areas, often supported by a passionate community or club.
• Picnic Tables: Campers can expect picnic tables at or near their sites, providing a convenient surface for dining and meal preparation.
• BBQ Grills: Many sites or common areas are equipped with BBQ grills, allowing for enjoyable outdoor cooking.
• Restrooms: Access to restroom facilities, though potentially basic depending on the specific area within the property, would generally be provided.
• Pet-Friendly: As is common in many California camping areas, pets are generally welcome, but owners are expected to adhere to leash laws and proper waste disposal.
• Year-Round Operation: The climate of Imperial Valley allows for camping and water activities throughout the year, making it a unique year-round destination.

The true allure of Imperial Lakes lies in its distinctive features, particularly its unique aquatic offerings amidst the desert landscape. This makes it a standout destination for Californians seeking specific recreational pursuits.

• Man-Made Ski Lakes: The standout highlight of Imperial Lakes is its two professionally designed, man-made ski lakes. These are specifically crafted for water skiing, including dedicated slalom, jump, and trick ski infrastructure, making it a premier destination for water sports enthusiasts.
• Excellent Water Quality: Customer reviews specifically highlight "great water," indicating clear and enjoyable conditions for swimming and water skiing. This is a significant advantage in a desert environment.
• Year-Round Water Activities: Thanks to the warm Imperial Valley climate, water skiing and other lake activities can be enjoyed virtually all year, offering a continuous season for water sports that is rare in many other parts of California.
• Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are suitable for fishing, providing a relaxing pastime for campers. While specific species might vary, man-made lakes often support various freshwater fish.
• Community for Water Sports: The area fosters a community for water ski enthusiasts, potentially offering events, clinics, and a welcoming environment for those passionate about the sport.
• Desert Oasis Setting: The contrast of lush landscaping and clear lakes against the backdrop of the Imperial Valley desert creates a picturesque and unique "oasis" setting.
• Privacy and Wind Protection: Mature landscaping is often maintained to provide effective wind protection and privacy for the homesites and potentially the camping areas, enhancing comfort.
• Stargazing: While close to civilization, the desert nights still offer opportunities for impressive stargazing, far from major city light pollution.

For direct inquiries regarding camping opportunities, water activities, or any specific rules and regulations at Imperial Lakes, please use the following contact details.

Address: 2828 W Evan Hewes Hwy, Imperial, CA 92251, USA

Please note that specific public phone numbers dedicated solely to a "campground" at this exact address are not widely advertised beyond what may be associated with the "Ski Imperial Lakes" operation, which uses the same address. Therefore, the best approach for campers interested in staying here would be to:

Visit the "Ski Imperial Lakes" website if looking to engage in water skiing activities, as they are a primary operation at this location:

www.skiimperial.com

For general camping inquiries that might fall under Imperial County Parks, it would be advisable to contact the Imperial County Department of Public Works, Parks & Recreation Division. Their general contact information is typically found on the Imperial County official website. While the provided address is specific, the nature of its operation as a camping ground seems intertwined with the water skiing facility rather than a standalone public campground with its own booking system.

Imperial Lakes is an exceptionally suitable destination for Californians, particularly those residing in Southern California, seeking a distinctive and engaging outdoor experience. Its primary appeal lies in its unique combination of desert serenity and vibrant water-based recreation, a rarity in this region. For locals, the convenience of its location right off Evan Hewes Highway means easy accessibility for weekend getaways or longer vacations without extensive travel.

The "amazing water" and "great people" highlight from customer reviews underscore the quality of the experience offered. For families, water sports enthusiasts, or anyone looking to cool off from the desert heat, the presence of professionally designed ski lakes provides unparalleled opportunities for water skiing, swimming, and fishing. This year-round accessibility for aquatic activities is a significant advantage, allowing Californians to enjoy their passions regardless of the season.

Moreover, Imperial Lakes offers a blend of relaxation and activity. You can spend your days on the water, then unwind under clear, starry desert skies. The availability of RV and tent camping options caters to a wide range of preferences, making it an inclusive choice for various camping styles. For Californians looking to broaden their outdoor horizons beyond mountains and coastlines, and discover an unexpected oasis with abundant recreational opportunities, Imperial Lakes stands out as a prime local destination. It's a place where the unique beauty of the Imperial Valley desert is complemented by refreshing water activities, creating memorable experiences right in their backyard.