With 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. A variety of short hiking trails, some of the best stargazing in the world, and a stunning wildflower season make this an ideal spot for year-round camping. Here are a few things to know before you take a trip to Anza-Borrego State Park.
More: 8 Tips for State Park Camping
Stay the Night
Camping at Anza Borrego State Park is the best way to experience everything this desert has to offer. There are three developed campgrounds, and eight that are primitive, first come, first served.
Reservable, Developed Campgrounds
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: Reserve your spot at this desert campground, and enjoy expansive views of the arid desert landscape. With small, rocky hills all around, you can climb up to get a better view of the park.
These sites have no shade aside from what's provided by the singular built-in shelter, so be sure to bring your own for more respite from the hot desert sun. Each site also has a picnic table, fire pit, and access to flush toilets and showers.
Tamarisk Grove Campground: This shady campground feels less like a desert thanks to a perimeter of tamarisk trees that provide a cool place to rest.
Though there's minimal climbing at this campground, it's the trailhead site for two hikes. Each campsite comes with a built-in shelter, fire pit, picnic table, and access to flush toilets and showers.
Vern Whitaker Horse Camp: Bring your horse to the desert and stay at this equestrian campsite in Coyote Canyon. With 40 corrals and dozens of horse trails, you can spend the day riding and keep your horse safe at night.
Keep in mind, it's not recommended to come with your horse in the summer months, June through September, when temperatures are at an all-time high.
Want to find more places to camp in California? Checkout these 9 RV Parks
First Come, First Served Campgrounds:
- Arroyo Salado
- Culp Valley
- Canon Sin Nombre
- Bow Willow
- Yaqui Pass
- Yaqui Well
- Coyote Canyon
- Blair Valley
Most of these are located off the side of a trail and have no picnic tables or toilets; get more information from the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce.
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