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 • November 28, 2023

RVing in Borrego Springs

Plan Your RV Adventure in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is a desert paradise for RV enthusiasts, offering a range of RV parks with full amenities and easy access to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or a simple, peaceful retreat, this guide will help you find the perfect RV site for your stay in Borrego Springs.

Where To Stay In Your Rv

RV Parks in Borrego Springs

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course

Address: 2255 Di Giorgio Rd., Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Phone:(760) 767-0004

The Springs at Borrego is one of the most popular RV resorts in the area, offering luxury amenities and breathtaking desert views. With full hookups, a golf course, mineral baths, free Wi-Fi, and spacious sites, it’s a great choice for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Key Features:

Pull-through and Back-in Sites: 90 pull-through and 70 premium back-in sites (40x80 feet on average).
Hookups: 20/30/50 amp service, water, sewer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Amenities: Swimming pool, mineral baths, tennis courts, and more.

Learn More

Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort

Address: 221 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Phone:(760) 767-5341

Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort offers both RV sites and vintage trailers for rent, providing a mix of comfort and convenience. Located near the entrance to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this resort is a favorite for those wanting quick access to hiking trails and desert exploration.

Key Features:

Back-in and Pull-thru Sites: 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Pet-Friendly: Bring your pets along to enjoy the desert.
Amenities: Pool, gym, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and Wi-Fi.

Learn More

Borrego Holiday Home Mobile Estates

Address: 1302 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Phone:(760) 767-3285

For a quieter, more residential experience, Borrego Holiday Home Mobile Estates provides a peaceful setting perfect for long-term stays. With full hookups and a central location, it’s a great option for snowbirds or those looking for an extended stay in the desert.

Key Features:

Max RV Length: 38 feet.
Hookups: 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer.

Learn More

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Campgrounds

Address: 200 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, CA 92004

For those seeking a more rustic camping experience, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers primitive campgrounds perfect for self-contained RVs. These campgrounds provide an off-the-grid experience with incredible desert views.

Key Features:

Blair Valley and Yaqui Pass: Popular spots for dry camping in the state park.
Amenities: No hookups, but stunning desert landscapes.

Learn More

What to Do in Borrego Springs

Beyond the RV parks, Borrego Springs offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. The town is surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California, which provides endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and off-roading.

Galleta Meadows: Explore over 130 metal sculptures scattered throughout the desert, depicting everything from dinosaurs to mythical creatures. These sculptures are a must-see and are easily accessible by car or bike.

Fonts Point: One of the most popular viewpoints in the area, Fonts Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Borrego Badlands. Whether you’re visiting for sunrise or sunset, the scenery here is unforgettable.

Stargazing: As an International Dark Sky Community, Borrego Springs is a prime destination for stargazing. The clear, unpolluted skies provide perfect conditions for observing constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way.

Hiking: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is full of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks. Popular hikes include Borrego Palm Canyon and Hellhole Canyon, where you can find hidden oases and desert wildlife.

Borrego Springs is also home to a variety of local shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Stop by the Borrego Art Institute or enjoy a bite at one of the town’s restaurants, offering everything from casual dining to local favorites.

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >