Need to camp in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? You might love our Anza Borrego camping guide. The ultimate guide: The best campgrounds, trails like Palm Canyon, and guides to primitive camping near Borrego Springs!
The Complete Guide to Anza Borrego Camping Adventures
Cradled in the stunning desert landscape at the heart of Southern California is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a destination every outdoors person should visit at least once. Whether you’re pursuing epic sunrises, unique geological formations, or just starry-skied respite, Anza Borrego camping is quite the adventure.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know—from the best Anza-Borrego campgrounds to lesser-known hiking trails, like the Palm Canyon Trail and Anza-Borrego Slot Canyon, to advice for primitive camping and how to explore the quaint town of Borrego Springs.
Why Go Camping at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
At 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park and sits nestled among rugged landscapes, rare wildlife, and dramatic desert views. The park offers the ultimate combination of natural beauty and thrill-seeking outdoor activities that cater to experienced campers and people new to the outdoors and looking to make the first leap.
Bring your wonder and prepare for stunning vistas, curious trails, and some downtime in the great outdoors. Car camping, RV-ing, or exploring Anza Borrego primitive camping, there’s something for everyone.
Best Anza Borrego camping
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Located near Borrego Springs, this campground is especially popular with visitors because it is close to the Palm Canyon Trail. It’s equipped with restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, suitable for families.
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Cost: $25 – $35 nightly, depending on where you stay
Tamarisk Grove Campground is one of the developed campsites in the park. It has shaded picnic tables, flush toilets, and parking areas for tents and small RVs. There are no showers, however. This campground is near trails such as Yaqui Well and Pena Spring Trail.
Tamarisk Grove Campground
Cost: About $25 per night
Information: 760-767-5311 for reservations and details
By far the most extreme option for adventure seekers is primitive camping in Anza-Borrego at Blair Valley, which has you facing the unfettered desert environment. In terms of amenities, this place has none beyond vault toilets, so it’s for experienced campers who are prepared to rough it.
Primitive Blair Valley Campground
Must-know details:
Accommodations: None (bring extra water and camping gear)
The top things to do: Photography, solitude, and pictograph trail
Anza Borrego’s Best Hiking Trails
Palm Canyon Trail (Anza-Borrego)
Arguably the park’s greatest hike, the Palm Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego culminates in an unexpected oasis hidden in the stark desert landscape.
Palm Canyon Trail (Anza-Borrego)
Trail highlights:
Length: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable features: Palm groves, desert streams, and the chance to see bighorn sheep
Anza-Borrego Slot Canyon
For something more adventurous, trek through the narrow crevices of Anza-Borrego Slot Canyon. This hike is a dream for geology lovers and photographers.
Anza-Borrego Slot Canyon
Trail highlights:
Length: 2 miles round trip
Level: Easy to medium
Signature sights: Towering sandstone walls and a spectacular interplay of light through the narrow canyon fissures
Tip: Arrive early in the morning to escape the heat and have the trail all to yourself.
Cactus Loop Trail
Looking for a shorter hike? The Cactus Loop Trail is an easy 1-mile hike that introduces you to desert plants native to the Anza-Borrego area, as well as panoramic views of the Borrego Valley.
Cactus Loop Trail
Trail highlights:
Ideal for novices or houses with children
Meet the region’s diverse wildlife while enjoying the scenery
Primitive Camping Tips
For true adventurers, primitive camping in Anza-Borrego gives you the freedom to camp almost anywhere in the park, as long as you’re following the guidelines.
What you need to know:
Have enoughsupplies: Services and resources are limited, so pack plenty of water, food, and a first-aid kit.
Pick a safe location: Camp at least 100 feet away from water sources to maintain wildlife access.
Check conditions: Stay away from dry washes or areas susceptible to flash floods, especially during rainy seasons.
Pack out what you pack in: Help preserve the natural beauty.
Borrego Springs | The Gateway to Desert Adventures
No camping adventure is complete without a visit to nearby Borrego Springs, a small town situated near the park. It’s the ideal place to refuel and refresh after a day of sightseeing.
The best things to do in Borrego Springs:
See the Galleta Meadows Sculptures: Dotting the desert terrain, these life-size metal sculptures (350-foot-long serpent, anyone?) are a must-see.
Stargazing: It’s an International Dark Sky Community, so Borrego Springs is one of the best places to see stars in the U.S.
Grab a bite: Head to Kesling’s Kitchen for gourmet pizzas or Carlee’s for a traditional burger.
Best Time to Visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The best time to camp in Anza-Borrego is October through May when desert temperatures dip to daytime highs in the mid-70s and cooler, ideal for hiking and other things to do in the park. The most magical time to go is the wildflower season, from February to April, when colorful blooms cover the dusty terrain.
Go in the winter, when the weather is milder, or shoot for fall, when the crowds are nonexistent. Summers, albeit less busy, can get extremely hot and make daytime activities difficult.
What to Bring for Camping in Anza-Borrego
A lot of water (minimum of 1 gallon per person per day)
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection
Layers for cool evenings
Maps and compass (cell service may be spotty)
Camping stove and meals
Garbage bags (leave no trace!)
Plan Your Adventure
Anza Borrego Desert State Park has options for every kind of camper: those who like a rustic experience in relative solitude or a more comfortable, amenity-rich experience. Home to countless hiking trails and spectacular desert scenery, this park is a must-see for anyone who wants to see California’s wilder side.
Grab your bags, snatch your maps, and prepare for one of the most breathtaking destinations the Golden State has to offer!
Things to Remember for Anza Borrego Camping Adventures
Why You Should Camp in Anza Borrego Desert State Park I had an absolute blast here: from stargazing at night to amazing hiking on phenomenal trails like Palm Canyon Trail and the Slot Canyon — there is not a moment wasted. No matter if you’re cozying up at a nice Anza-Borrego campground or are giving primitive camping a go, the desert magic waits.
Don’t wait to plan your trip. Load up your gear, fill up your car, and head to this once-in-a-lifetime escape to the desert.
Anza Borrego Camping FAQs
Where can you camp for free at Anza Borrego State Park?
Yes! Free primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the park. You just have to obey regulations, such as camping at least 100 feet from water sources and packing out all trash.”
Do Anza Borrego campgrounds have showers?
The Borrego Palm Canyon Campground has showers. Other campgrounds, including Tamarisk Grove, do not offer showers.
Do you require a pass for Anza Borrego?
There’s no charge for day use or primitive camping, but reservations are required if you want to experience overnight lodging in a maintained campground, such as Tamarisk Grove or Borrego Palm Canyon.
Is Anza Borrego Campground allowed a campfire?
Yes, campfires are allowed in established places and campfire rings at developed campgrounds. For backcountry camping, you must have a fire permit and use a metal container.
Are there hot springs in Anza Borrego?
Anza Borrego has no hot springs. But nearby Agua Caliente County Park has therapeutic hot spring pools.
Are you allowed to have campfires on the beach in California?
Although some California beaches permit campfires, they’re not allowed in the open desert portions of Anza Borrego State Park, unless in designated containers or fire rings.
