Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, United States
Overview
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park covers 600,000 acres outside of San Diego. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground has 52 sites with full hookups, 8 hike-in primitive sites, 68 sites without hookups, and 5 tent-only group sites. Tamarisk Grove Campground has 15 sites without hookups and 11 cabins. Vern Whitaker Horse Camp has 11 equestrian sites.
Amenities include showers, flush toilets, water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Borrego Palm Canyon has a dump station. Guests at Tamarisk Grove should note that the water is _not _potable. Dogs are allowed in all campgrounds as long as they’re properly leashed and attended.
The park remains open all year. Reservations are accepted from October 1 through April 30 during the peak season.
Best Campsites at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Most Private Full-Hookup Sites: #50, #51
- Located in a less congested area outside the main rows
- Farther from roads and the entrance station
- Better views of nature
- Pull-through spaces
Most Convenient Cabins at Tamarisk Grove: #CA24, #CA25
- Close to water, bathrooms, and showers
- Short distance to parking lot and trash
- Plenty of shade
Best Equestrian Sites at Vern Whitaker Horse Camp: Sites #10, #11
- More private than other sites in the camp
- Close to showers and restrooms
- Easy access to Horse Camp Trail and Desert Trail
- Downside: farther from parking
Unique Experiences
- Stop by the Desert Garden at the Visitor Center to see the intriguing plants that grow in the surrounding desert and check out the hardy pupfish that can survive in extreme heat, near-freezing temperatures, and all types of water environments.
- Hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to explore the unique beauty of the desert and experience a small section of the 2,650-mile trail that spans from Mexico all the way to Canada.
- Head over to Galleta Meadows to see gigantic metal dinosaurs, insects, and other fantastical creatures made by a local artist.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
35 feetMax People per Site
8 for sites with or without hookups. 8 for cabins and equestrian sites. 6 for primitive hike-in sites. 25 for tent-only group sitesMax Vehicles per Site
2–3 for sites with or without hookups. 2–3 for cabins. 2 for equestrian sites. 0 for primitive hike-in sites. 6 for tent-only group sitesFires Allowed
YesAnza-Borrego Desert State Park Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
NoReservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. Hike-in sites at Borrego Palm Canyon are $5, while full hookups are $45 per night. Standard sites at Borrego Palm Canyon, Tamarisk, and Vern Whitaker Horse Camp are $35 each. Cabins are available for $70, and tent-only group sites are $125 nightly.
A $7.99 nonrefundable reservation fee applies to all sites. Most sites accommodate 8 guests and 2–3 vehicles. Check individual site listings on www.reservecalifornia.com for additional information.
No tents are allowed in the area with full hookups unless a trailer or RV is also using the site. A horse is required to reserve a campsite at Vern Whitaker Horse Camp.
Group Camping Reservations
Group reservations are available online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. The 5 group sites are for tents only at a rate of $125 per night. Each site can fit up to 25 guests and 6 vehicles. A $7.99 nonrefundable booking fee will apply.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations may be requested online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. A $7.99 cancellation fee will apply. Any reservations canceled after 6 p.m. the night before arrival will forfeit the cost of a single night’s stay.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Campground Cost
Full Hookup Sites
$45Standard (no hookups)
$35Equestrian Sites
$35Cabins
$70Primitive Hike-in Sites
$5Group (Tent Only) Sites
$125Activities
Hiking
Bike Trails
Historic Sites
Nature Trails
Wildlife Viewing
Picnicking
Stargazing
Backpacking
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Amphitheater
Grills
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Campground Host
Potable Water
Cell Service
Showers
Restrooms
Ranger Station
Visitors/Rec Center
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has an extremely diverse selection of sites spread across Tamarisk Grove Campground, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, and Vern Whitaker Horse Camp. This includes sites with and without hookups, cabins, equestrian and hike-in sites, and tent-only group sites. Borrego Palm Canyon even has pull-through spots with hook-ups for RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Therefore, most guests will have an easy time finding a site with just the right amenities at this park.
However, Anza-Borrego is a desert park that can have dangerously high temperatures and a harsher climate than other campgrounds. Some guests may feel more comfortable in temperate forest settings, by the mountains, or on a beach with access to either the ocean or one of the large lakes throughout California.
Doane Valley Campground
Doane Valley Campground has 31 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers. The 24-foot length limit is restrictive, making Anza-Borrego’s campgrounds better suited for RVs and trailers. This campground does not have cabins or equestrian sites, but there is a single hike-and-bike site. There are 3 group sites at neighboring Cedar Grove for $130 per night, 2 of which are for tents only. Amenities include showers and flush toilets, so guests who prefer more luxurious amenities such as full hookups will have a better experience at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Paso Picacho Campground
Paso Picacho Campground is set in a forest environment. Nearby Lake Cuyamaca offers fishing and boating, which may make Paso Picacho more appealing to guests who enjoy water sports. Amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, flush toilets, paid showers, and a dump station. There are no hookups available. Ride-in equestrian sites and environmental sites are also available in the same park. However, there are no group sites or cabins similar to those offered at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
