How big is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

More than 600,000 acres, or roughly 1,000 square miles. It is the largest state park in California and the third largest in the United States, spanning parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.

How much does it cost to enter Anza-Borrego?

Day use is $10 per vehicle, collected at the Visitor Center, developed campgrounds and several popular trailheads including The Slot and Hellhole Canyon. The park has no entrance gates and much of it can be accessed without a fee.

When is wildflower season at Anza-Borrego?

Annual wildflowers can appear from January through mid-April, with peak bloom most often between late February and early April. Timing varies year to year based on rainfall and temperature.

Is Anza-Borrego a Dark Sky Park?

Yes. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2018 at Silver tier. Borrego Springs, the town at its center, has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2009, the first in California.

Do I need four-wheel drive at Anza-Borrego?

Not for the paved roads, the Visitor Center or the main campgrounds. The vast majority of the park's roughly 500 miles of dirt roads do require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park open at night?

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Visitor Center is open daily 9am to 5pm October through May, and weekends and holidays only June through September.

Shandel Sutherland • March 13, 2023

Camping Spots in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: A Camper's Paradise

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a camper’s dream, offering a wide variety of camping experiences across its vast 600,000-acre landscape. Whether you prefer the comfort of developed campgrounds or the solitude of primitive camping, this park has something for everyone. From RV sites with full amenities to free, dispersed camping under the stars, campers can explore the desert while enjoying breathtaking views, wildlife, and stargazing opportunities.

With 12 unique campgrounds, plus the option for undeveloped camping, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park caters to all camping styles.

Most Popular Campgrounds: Anza Borrego State Park

Borrego Palm Canyon: Offers 52 hookup sites (max RV length 35') and 65 non-hookup sites (max RV length 25'), along with 5 group sites for 9-24 people. Facilities include water, flush toilets, showers, and fire rings. Located 2.5 miles west of Borrego Springs, near the Visitor Center. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Map PDF

Vernon Whitaker Horse Camp: Exclusively for campers with horses, offering 10 sites with amenities like corrals, water, solar-heated showers, and fire rings. Situated 8 miles north of Borrego Springs. Google Map

Bow Willow: Features 16 primitive sites with chemical toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Google Map

Tamarisk Grove: Hosts 27 RV sites with facilities like water, flush toilets, showers, and fire rings. Located at the junction of California Route 78 and County Road S-3. Tamarisk Grove Campground Map PDF - Google Map

Yaqui Well: Offers 10 numbered sites with pit toilets, located near Tamarisk Grove. Additional unnumbered sites are also available. Google Map

Sheep Canyon: A secluded option with a few sites featuring pit toilets and picnic tables. Google Map

Mt. Springs Canyon: Hosts a few sites with chemical toilets, located in the Bow Willow Region. Google Map

Culp Valley: Offers open sites near the west park entrance on Road S-22. Google Map

Arroyo Salado: Features a few open sites in the Borrego Badlands region. Google Map

Yaqui Pass: Provides open sites near Cactus Loop and Kenyon Overlook trails in the Tamarisk region. Google Map

Fish Creek: Offers open primitive camping sites in the Fish Creek region. Google Map

Blair Valley: Numerous open sites available near Marshal South Home, Morteros, and Pictographs Trails, located off County Road S-3 south of California 78. Google Map

Download ABDSP Map

Anza Borrego State Park Camping Videos

Sheep Canyon Campground

Sheep Canyon offers a secluded camping experience with exceptional hiking opportunities. Basic amenities like outhouses and fire rings are available. Remember to bring drinking water, as it's not available onsite.

Yaqui Well Campground: A Desert Oasis

Yaqui Well Campground offers a unique blend of desert flora and proximity to town, perfect for those seeking solitude without straying too far from civilization. It's ideal for tent and car camping, with a vault toilet for basic needs.

Arroyo Salado Campground: A Stargazer's Delight

Arroyo Salado is ideal for stargazing enthusiasts. This free, primitive campground offers basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to rough road conditions.