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 • May 15, 2024

Stargazing for RV Travelers in Borrego Springs

Starry night sky with a bright band of the Milky Way across a dark blue background

Explore Dark Skies and Celestial Wonders from Your RV in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is a dream destination for RV travelers, especially those passionate about stargazing. As an International Dark Sky Community, this desert town offers pristine night skies and a variety of events that cater to astronomy enthusiasts, making it an ideal location for an RV getaway.

>> ABDNHA Stargazing locations around Borrego Springs

Why Borrego Springs is a Must-Visit for RV Travelers

Borrego Springs, surrounded by the vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, provides a unique combination of natural beauty and some of the darkest skies in the country. The area is recognized as one of the top stargazing locations in the U.S., ensuring a breathtaking celestial show every night for RV travelers.

USA Today named Borrego Springs as one of Ten Great Places to Stargaze in the U.S

Palm Canyon RV Resort and the Nightfall Star Party

A highlight for RV travelers is the annual Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference, hosted at the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort. This event attracts amateur astronomers and astrophotographers from around the country to take advantage of Borrego Springs' dark skies. The resort, with its western-style ambiance and modern amenities, becomes an astronomer’s haven.

The parking lot is transformed into a stargazing hotspot, filled with telescopes, including large Dobs, providing the perfect setup for skywatchers. The Palm Canyon Hotel takes special steps to create an ideal environment for stargazing by dimming outdoor lights and using red lighting to preserve night vision, making it one of the most comfortable star parties you can attend.

Resort Amenities for RV Travelers

Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort offers a range of accommodations, including full-hookup RV sites, hotel rooms, and even permanent travel trailers ready for rent. The resort features two pools, two hot tubs, a restaurant, a bar, and more, ensuring a relaxing stay between your stargazing adventures. The resort’s proximity to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park also makes it easy to explore the desert by day and enjoy the stars by night.

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort: Another Stargazing Hub

For those looking for more options, The Springs at Borrego RV Resort offers spacious RV sites and regular star parties led by renowned astronomers. Whether you attend one of their events or enjoy stargazing on your own, the resort's dark sky designation makes for a perfect celestial viewing experience.

Plan your Trip to Borrego Springs for Stargazing

For those seeking a more off-grid adventure, the Borrego Springs area offers numerous remote locations perfect for parking your RV under the stars. With miles of open desert and secluded spots within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, you can enjoy the serenity of nature while gazing at the Milky Way in all its brilliance.

Whether you stay at a resort or venture off the beaten path, Borrego Springs has endless options for a stargazing RV getaway.

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.

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