Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, located in the northeastern portion of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, just west of Borrego Springs and north of the park’s visitor center (GPS: 33.268713, -116.406073), offers an ideal balance between rugged desert solitude and access to the amenities of town. If you're looking to go camping in Borrego Springs, this campground is the perfect gateway for exploring the largest state park in California, offering various activities and natural wonders.

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

Phone: (760) 767-4238

Campground Map & Details

Campground Overview

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is the best option for campers who want to experience the beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert while still being close to the conveniences of Borrego Springs. The campground is open year-round, offering over 120 campsites with options for tents, RVs, and group camping. This campground is equipped with modern amenities, making it suitable for both novice campers and experienced adventurers.

Campground Details

• Site Types: Tent, RV, Group Sites

• Amenities: Potable Water, Toilets, RV Dump Stations, Trash Receptacles, Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Camp Store

• Information: (760) 767-5311

• Reservations: Required from October to April – Call 1-800-444-7275

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

• Season: October – May

Getting to Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Located about two hours from San Diego and three hours from Los Angeles, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is easily accessible by car. From San Diego, you can enter the park via Highway 78 through Julian or take I-8 on the south side. From Los Angeles or the Inland Empire, take I-15 to Highway 79, then continue on Montezuma Valley Road (S22).



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Campsite Information

The campground is spacious, featuring 120 campsites, 51 of which are full-hookup sites for RVs, along with five group campsites. Reservations are required during the peak season from October 1 to April 30. Campsites can accommodate up to eight people, with parking space for two vehicles. Additional parking is available in overflow areas.

Best Sites to Book

For the best experience, opt for campsites on the outer edge of the loops, particularly sites 71-89, which border the open desert for a more secluded experience.

Amenities

• Water: Drinkable water is available throughout the campground via spigots and water fountains.

• Restrooms: Flush toilets and token-operated showers with hot water are available.

• Picnic Tables & Shade: Each site comes with a picnic table and a shade ramada, perfect for relaxing during the day.

• Firewood: Available for purchase at the ranger booth. Remember, gathering firewood from the park is prohibited to preserve the ecosystem.

• RV Information: Full hookups (electric, water, sewer) are available at sites 1-51. There’s also a dump station near the campground entrance.

Things to Do Near Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

One of the main reasons to go camping in Borrego Springs is the wide variety of activities available both in and around the campground. From hiking and wildlife watching to stargazing, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

1. Hiking



Several trails start right at the campground, including:

• Borrego Palm Canyon Trail: This trail leads to the beautiful palm oasis, one of the park’s most popular hikes.

• Panoramic Overlook Trail: Offering stunning views of the campground and surrounding desert.

• Visitor’s Center Interpretive Trail: A short, informative hike that brings you to the visitor’s center, where you can learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.

For a more adventurous hike, head to The Slot, a narrow canyon just a 15-minute drive from the campground.

2. Stargazing

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making the campground an ideal spot for stargazing. The night skies here are incredibly clear, allowing for breathtaking views of the Milky Way and celestial events.

3. Wildlife Viewing

The campground is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. This area offers excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

4. Visitor’s Center

The nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor’s Center is worth a visit. You’ll find museum-quality exhibits on the region’s natural history and cultural heritage, as well as a small movie theater showing short films about the park.

5. Exploring Borrego Springs

Just a 5-minute drive from the campground, Borrego Springs offers additional conveniences, such as restaurants, art galleries, and grocery stores. If you’re looking to explore more, visit the Galleta Meadows sculptures or take a scenic drive to Fonts Point for stunning views of the badlands.

Practical Tips for Campers

• Showers: Token-operated showers are available. Each token provides 4 minutes of water, so plan to pick them up when you check in at the ranger station.

• Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings to protect the desert’s fragile ecosystem. Bring your own marshmallow roasting sticks—gathering wood from the park is not permitted.

• Generators: If you’re camping with an RV, note that generators are allowed between 10 am and 8 pm only.

Why Choose Borrego Palm Canyon Campground?

For campers seeking a mix of desert solitude and easy access to the conveniences of Borrego Springs, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is an excellent choice. With its diverse amenities, proximity to hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities, it’s perfect for those new to camping or seasoned adventurers looking for a memorable desert experience.

Hike Palm Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park

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