Explore El Centro and the surrounding area and get a great deal on an RV. A basic travel trailer is a good option and starts at $30 a day. Roomier fifth-wheel campers start at $104 a day. If you want to carry ATVs, motorcycles, or other outdoor toys, then consider a toy hauler for around $65 a day. Pop-up campers are great for smaller cars, and they start at $40 a night. Class A vehicles are very roomy bus-sized vehicles starting at $125 a night. Van-sized Class B vehicles are great for couples and very easy to drive. You can snag one for $80 a night. Class C vehicles are truck-sized and are available for $115 a night.
Visitors to El Centro should spend a day at the Imperial Valley Pioneers Museum. This museum was built to honor the pioneers who founded Imperial County. Throughout the museum, you'll find authentic artifacts from Imperial County history. The museum even has a tank and railroad cars on site. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, so be sure to stop by.
California's Imperial Valley is close to a massive range of inland sand dunes. These dunes extend for over 40 miles throughout the valley, and some of them reach 300 feet high. Various movies including "Star Wars" and "Jumanji 3" have been filmed here. If you want to explore these dunes for a few days, then visit the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. ATVs and off-road vehicles can drive through the dunes and explore. If you don't have an ATV, then consider renting one from a local shop.
The Salton Sea Mud Pots and Geothermal Mud Volcanoes are unique places in California because volcanoes are a rare sight in the United States. You might expect lava, but these volcanoes are warming the mud on the surface. Walk among these mud pots and observe this unique geological phenomenon for an hour or for a few days.
El Centro is located in the Imperial Valley of California and has a population of 44,000. The town is 10 miles from the border with Mexico creating an excellent mix of Mexican and American cultures. The 4th of July events draw big crowds, but people also come out for Mexican Independence Day in September. Mariachi music is very popular here. You'll hear it over the radio and walking around the community. El Centro offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors.
You're sure to love the many great restaurants in this town. Traditional Mexican food is served throughout the city, but locals love Letty's Casita. For a fine dining experience try Sonora Fusion, an incredible steakhouse that makes amazing cocktails. If you're craving Asian food, try Khan Korean BBQ. You can grill your own meat while bonding with friends.
Calexico - Located right at the border with Mexico, this town of 38,000 is deeply connected to Mexico. Many of the residents travel across the border daily. The city has several grocery stores, so stock up your RV.
100+ restaurants
10+ gas stations
3 RV parks
1 RV dumping station
Brawley - Brawley is known for cattle and feed. Around 24,000 people call this agricultural hub home. Brawley is surrounded by beautiful sand dunes, giving it a desert vibe. Stop to get supplies for your trip, then view the local scenery.
40+ restaurants
14 gas stations
2 RV parks
3 RV dumping stations
Joshua Tree National Park is 93 miles north of El Centro. This giant park is over 1,200 miles long. Joshua Tree offers a spectacular landscape, and visitors can take in the Mojave and Colorado deserts which merge in the park.
Getting to Channel Islands National Park from El Centro requires a 293-mile drive to the visitor center, followed by a short ferry ride to the islands. Channel Islands National Park is around 250,000 acres across five islands. Archaeological sites are scattered across the island. You can observe various clues to life in the past. Outdoor adventures are available on the island, including kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Nature lovers may enjoy tide pooling, birding, or whale watching.
Grand Canyon National Park is just 386 miles from El Centro. A bucket list item for any American, the Grand Canyon is an incredible sight. Look out into the amazing gorge carved by the Colorado River. For the full Grand Canyon experience, consider taking a backpacking trip into the canyon. The park hosts guided hikes, geological lectures, and wildlife talks. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, the Grand Canyon is an amazing stop.
Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park is 58 miles east of El Centro. The depot was once a supplier for the U.S. Army, serving posts as far away as Texas. Today, the stock buildings are still standing and draw people to this park. You can walk through these old buildings and learn more about U.S. history. Travel back to when the west was wild at this great state park.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area is 68 miles north of El Centro. The Salton Sea is among the lowest points on earth. Kayaking is a popular activity at this inland lake, but visitors also enjoy hiking or just hanging out on the beach.
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is 60 miles east of El Centro. The park was once a prison for 3,000 inmates. Today, tourists can walk through the old prison and study the various interactive exhibits.
Bucklin Park - Built to honor America's veterans, this park has several plaques recognizing the sacrifices our vets made. The U.S. flag flies alongside the various military branches' flags here. Stop here to remember the past and hope for a brighter future.
Old Town La Quinta - Old Town offers a truly unique shopping experience. The architecture of the past has been kept alive for all to enjoy. Browse the various shops or just take a few pictures of these beautiful buildings.
Salvation Mountain - This unique art display is made with discarded tires, windows, car parts, adobe bricks, and paint. The mountain includes multiple murals and Bible verses.
Annual Holtville Carrot Festival - Holtville is known for growing lots of carrots, and every February the town celebrates carrots with a weekend festival. The Carrot Parade features local bands, floats, equestrians, and the Carrot Festival Queen. Local arts and crafts are put on display and there's a carnival. Enjoy live music and great food during the Holtville Carrot Festival.
El Centro Music Festival & Fireworks Show - El Centro hosts this music festival every year in April. The event always includes a variety of musical genres, including reggae, pop, and Latin music. A fireworks show caps off the wonderful festival.
Cattle Call Rodeo - Rodeo fans flock to Brawley every November for this great event. The rodeo features bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and much more. Families should check out Family Day. Family Day offers free pony rides, roping exhibitions, face painting, and more. Enjoy amazing corn dogs, hamburgers, carne asada, and more while watching this spectacular rodeo.
Goat Canyon Trestle - This wooden trestle bridge is the largest all-wood trestle in the world. Today, the trestle is part of a challenging 5.8-mile loop. The route is very challenging for hikers and bikers.
Agua Caliente Park - Agua Caliente Park includes two different trails. The Moonlight Canyon trail is 1.6 miles long and designed for beginners. The Agua Caliente Hot Spring trail is a moderate trail that is 1.5 miles in length. Both trails take you through the unique desert landscape.
Slot Canyon - Explorers are sure to love hiking through this mile-long trail. This narrow canyon trail is a unique geological experience.
Palm Lane RV Park in Brawley is located near the Salton Sea. The park is very quiet and has showers on site. Desert Trails RV Park is located in El Centro. Golfers will love the nine-hole course in the park. The park has full hookups and pull-through lots. Sunbeam Lake RV Resort features a fitness room on-site and a lake stocked with fish. The resort also includes a pool.
Dump stations are an essential part of RV travel. Calexico Municipal Public RV Dump Station is a great dump station. They are open year-round and have rinse water on-site. Super Stop Travel Center in El Centro charges a nominal fee for dumping, and they have rinse water.
Dunes Edge Storage is on Highway 78. They have spaces ranging in size from 20 to 80 feet long. You can book either an outdoor space or an indoor space. StaxUp Storage is on Interstate 8 and offers 24-hour security. Packers Mini Storage offers a location in Brawley and one on State Highway 111. The facility is very clean and offers great deals.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in El Centro, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in El Centro?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in El Centro from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in El Centro?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.