Camping at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and San Diego

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, less than a two-hour drive from San Diego, is California’s largest state park and a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Its dramatic desert landscapes, star-studded night skies, and abundant hiking trails make it a standout camping destination. This park offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers, with an intriguing blend of geological wonders, unique wildlife, and an opportunity to unplug from city life.

Adventure Guide To Camping at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

• Palm Canyon Campground: Located near the park’s visitor center, this is the park's most accessible campground. It features 62 sites with options for RV and tent camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and shaded picnic tables. The trailhead to the popular Palm Canyon Trail is conveniently nearby, offering a chance to see wildflowers and the seasonal palm oasis.
• Font’s Point Primitive Campground: For those seeking solitude, this dispersed camping area allows you to park and pitch your tent off designated dirt roads. The lack of facilities means you’ll need to bring everything you need, but the views of Font’s Point—a stunning erosion-formed badland—make it worthwhile.
• Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground: Ideal for group camping, this area accommodates up to 25 people. It’s perfect for families or friends looking to share the experience. The campground’s proximity to hiking trails adds to its appeal.

Local Insights

• Anza-Borrego Desert's name is derived from Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the word “borrego,” meaning bighorn sheep, which can still be spotted in the park.
• The park is part of the International Dark-Sky Association, making it a prime location for stargazing. Plan your trip during a new moon for optimal night sky views.
• Many of the famous metal sculptures scattered throughout Borrego Springs, including the giant serpent, are located near the park boundaries and are worth a short detour.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time To Visit: Late fall through early spring to avoid the summer heat, with March offering potential wildflower blooms.
• What To Bring: Plenty of water, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, a flashlight for night hikes, and cash for day-use fees.
• Driving Directions: From San Diego, take I-8 E, then north on Hwy 79 and east on Hwy S2, roughly a 2-hour drive dependent on traffic.