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 • June 27, 2023

What is the Best Time to Visit Borrego Springs?

If you're planning a trip to Anza-Borrego State Park or want to enjoy camping in Borrego Springs, timing is everything. Here's a breakdown of the best times to visit, based on weather, activities, and natural events.

Use our local search feature to find the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Optimal Time to Visit (October-May)

For the most enjoyable weather, plan your visit to Borrego Springs between October and May. During this period, you’ll experience mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the park’s stunning desert landscapes.

Spring Wildflower Bloom (March-April)

A standout season in Anza-Borrego is the spring wildflower bloom, typically occurring from March to April. The desert floor comes alive with vibrant flowers, transforming the landscape into a colorful display. The bloom is largely dependent on winter rains, which nourish dormant seeds for a spectacular floral explosion. Spring is one of the most beautiful times for camping in Borrego Springs.

Seasonal Activities in Borrego Springs

Golfing (October-February)

For those who love to golf, the fall and winter months are perfect. Rams Hill Golf Club, a top-rated course, offers stunning desert views and perfect weather for a luxurious day on the greens.

Cycling (Fall and Winter)

Borrego Springs is a cyclist’s dream during the cooler months. Whether you prefer smooth roads or challenging desert trails, the town and surrounding park offer something for riders of all skill levels.

Stargazing (Year-Round)

Borrego Springs is a designated Dark Sky Community, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing. While stargazing is fantastic year-round, the clearest skies are usually found in the fall and winter. Bring your telescope or join a local stargazing tour to see the Milky Way like never before.

Hiking (Year-Round)

While summer hikes are possible early in the morning or late afternoon, the best time for hiking is during the cooler months. Popular trails like the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail offer breathtaking scenery, without the heat of the summer months.

Camping in Borrego Springs: Your Options

If you're planning on camping in Borrego Springs, you’ll find several options that cater to all types of campers:

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: Close to the visitor center, with tent and RV sites. Full hookups and group sites are available.

Primitive Camping: Anza-Borrego offers free dispersed camping in many areas of the park for those seeking solitude and adventure.

RV Camping: Full hookup sites and dump stations are available at Borrego Palm Canyon and other campgrounds, perfect for RV travelers.

Plan Your Visit to Borrego Springs

Whether you're coming for the wildflower bloom, a round of golf, or to spend a peaceful night under the stars, Borrego Springs has something for everyone. Choose the season that matches your interests, pack wisely, and prepare to explore one of California’s most stunning desert destinations.

Things To Do

Learn More About Borrego Springs

A Yacht Club in the Borrego Desert

By Andrea McKenna • September 28, 2026

Borrego Springs Yacht Club Brings Model Sailboat Racing to Rams Hill Borrego Springs is home to an unusual desert pastime: model yacht racing. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club was founded in 2010 by Steve Luckman and Dennis Daoust. The club has grown to about 40 members and operates at a pond on the former nine-hole golf course at Rams Hill. Members race V32 sailboats, 32-inch non-motorized model boats controlled remotely through their sails and rudders. The boats were manufactured in California for decades but are no longer in production. Races typically draw 16 to 20 boats, with courses marked by duck decoys used as buoys. The racing season runs from November through May, although members can practice throughout the year. Six club events are held during the season, including Opening Day in November, the Pacific Cap in January, the Invitational in February, the Misplace Race in March, the Powder Puff in April and the Tequila Bowl in May. Winners receive trophies that are held until the next event. The club also maintains a palapa-style clubhouse and hillside seating overlooking the pond, providing space for members and spectators during race days. Membership was listed at $250 per year. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club offers a distinctive local version of sailing, combining competition, model boat craftsmanship and community activity in the desert. If you have any interest, contact Dennis Daoust at captain-havoc@earthlink.net .

The History of The Mall in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 22, 2026

Mid-century design and a community vision that began in 1965.

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

Frugal Coyote Thrift Store Is Open for the Season

By Andrea McKenna • September 1, 2026

Frugal Coyote Thrift Store is open for the season! Shop vintage clothing & unique finds while supporting local programs. Visit us today!

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.