Jake Hinton • August 28, 2024
Camping in Borrego Springs: Everything You Need to Know
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Visitors to Borrego Springs who are looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the desert will find camping to be an ideal option.
The surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park offers a unique opportunity to camp for free in its vast, open spaces, provided you adhere to a few simple guidelines.
Free Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park
Anza-Borrego State Park is one of the few places in California where you can camp for free just about anywhere in the park.
Here are the conditions you need to follow to enjoy this incredible experience:
- Vehicle Parking: You are allowed to camp anywhere in the park as long as your vehicle is not parked more than one vehicle length off the road. While you must park close to the road, you are free to walk further into the desert to set up your campsite.
- Distance from Water Sources: To protect the fragile desert ecosystem, your camp must be set up at least 100 yards from any water source. This helps ensure that wildlife has access to the water they need to survive.
- Fire Regulations: Ground fires are prohibited to prevent damage to the desert floor. However, you can still enjoy a campfire as long as it is contained in a metal container. This rule helps protect the park while still allowing you to have a traditional camping experience.
- Bring Your Own Firewood: The desert is a fragile environment, and gathering wood from the area can have a significant impact. Therefore, campers are required to bring their own firewood to preserve the natural surroundings.
- Leave No Trace: One of the most important rules to follow is the Leave No Trace principle. This means that you must take all your trash with you, leave what you find, and minimize your impact on the environment. The goal is to ensure that the park remains pristine for future visitors.
Established Campgrounds and RV Parks
If you prefer a more structured camping experience, there are several campgrounds and RV parks in the Borrego Springs area. These campgrounds offer amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and, in some cases, hookups for RVs. Staying in one of these campgrounds provides a more comfortable camping experience while still allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert.
Enjoy Your Camping Experience
Camping in Borrego Springs, whether you're nestled in the wilderness of Anza-Borrego State Park or settled in a well-equipped campground, offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. The stunning landscapes, clear night skies, and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Just be sure to follow the guidelines and respect the environment, so this incredible experience can be enjoyed by all who visit.
For more info on camping and activities in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, visit parks.ca.gov. Check out abdnha.org for resources and tours from the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs
Wednesday, September 16
Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.
Anniversary celebration set for Nov. 21
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Saturdays from 11 to 1 p.m
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Chase the Perseids in Borrego Springs: Summer’s Best Getaway Is Under the Stars If you've been waiting for a reason to visit Borrego Springs, t he Perseid meteor shower is a pretty great excuse. If you live nearby, consider this your reminder to book a staycation, get out of the house, and look up. Summer is one of the best values of the year. You'll find lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a slower pace , making it the perfect time to experience one of nature's most spectacular events. The Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 through August 24 and is expected to peak the nights of August 12–13 . With little moonlight during the peak and Borrego Springs' internationally recognized dark skies, conditions are ideal for viewing. Under clear skies, you may see 50 to 100 meteors per hour , including brilliant fireballs that leave glowing trails across the sky. Borrego Springs is California's first International Dark Sky Community , making it one of the best places in Southern California to experience the Perseids. No telescope is needed. Just bring a chair or blanket, find a safe location away from lights, let your eyes adjust for about 30 minutes, and enjoy the show. The best viewing is generally after midnight through the hours before dawn, although meteors can appear throughout the night. During the day, take advantage of summer savings with a stay at La Casa del Zorro , a Stay & Play package at Rams Hill , or seasonal rates at The Palms at Indian Head . Sleep in, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of Borrego's air-conditioned restaurants, and check BorregoEvents.com for local happenings. Browse the locally owned shops that remain open year-round, visit art galleries, enjoy some night photography, or take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and browse homes for sale in the windows of Coldwell Banker and other local real estate offices. Summer offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience Borrego Springs. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just escaping for a night, there's no better time to discover why Borrego Springs is known for its dark skies, hospitality, and desert beauty. Come for the summer savings. Stay for the Perseids. Leave with memories—and maybe a few shooting stars.
