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
Explore Summer Novas at The Gallery at The Palms, May 3–Sept 28. Featuring Rebecca Duckworth, Debbie Gallerani, and Tom Bertolotti. Artist reception May 3.
Coyote Steakhouse is open for summer Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00–8:30 PM. Prime rib, steaks, seafood, prix fixe menu, and specialty cocktails available.
The countdown is on for Borrego Days 2025! This year's Desert Festival takes place October 18–19, 2025 at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. The event is free to attend and packed with community favorites, new additions, and live performances. Dates: October 18–19, 2025 Parade Theme: Hometown Happiness Location: Christmas Circle, Borrego Springs Full Schedule & Details: BorregoDays.com 2025 Festival Entertainment Lineup Subject to change. For the most current schedule, visit: borregodays.com/festival-events-schedule Saturday, October 18 Highlights 8:45 AM – National Anthem by Robin Young Along the Palm Canyon Drive parade route. 8:50–9:00 AM – Multi-plane Flyover A stunning aerial display over Palm Canyon Drive and Christmas Circle. 9:00–10:00 AM – Borrego Days Parade Theme: Hometown Happiness. Bring a chair and watch from the curb. 10:00 AM – Festival Grounds Open Including food stations, booths, an expanded Kids Zone, and the Shine & Show Car/Vehicle Show. Saturday Entertainment Lineup (Main Stage) 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM – Al Williams Quintet 12:35 – 1:00 PM – Community & Chamber Awards Includes parade and car show winners. 1:00 – 3:15 PM – Stone Horse First time in Borrego—don’t miss their unique sound. 3:20 – 5:35 PM – Pulp Vixen All-female band performing in English and Spanish. 5:40 – 7:45 PM – PHT and the Honky Tonk Nights Close out Saturday with high-energy modern country music. The Beer Garden stays open until 8:00 PM Festival grounds close at 8:00 PM. Come back Sunday! Sunday, October 19 Highlights 9:30 AM – Festival Grounds Reopen Morning performance to be announced. 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM – TBA 12:20 – 2:30 PM – Disturbing The Piece A local favorite band that always draws a crowd. 3:00 PM – Festival Ends See you at Borrego Days 2026! What’s New This Year Live Coverage by The RAM Radio Borrego Valley Community Radio will broadcast from the festival all weekend long. Expanded Kids Zone More activities and games for all ages. More Food Options From food trucks to local vendors. New Vendors & Booths Explore a variety of art, crafts, information, and services. Extended Beer Garden Hours Saturday’s beer garden stays open until 8:00 PM.
Discover the top night sky events in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this July 2025, including the Full Buck Moon, a Moon–Saturn–Neptune alignment, and a dramatic Moon–Mars conjunction—ideal for stargazers, photographers, and night hikers.
Free, Fun, and Full of Energy in Borrego Springs
One Course, Many Possibilities Rams Hill Golf Club in Borrego Springs, California , remains one of Southern California’s most reliable golf destinations—offering a championship-caliber experience in a setting that adapts easily to different types of getaways. Whether you're planning a golf-focused weekend or a slower-paced retreat with friends or family, Rams Hill provides the foundation. It’s not uncommon for guests to return to the same rental, play the same number of rounds, and dine at the same favorite restaurant—yet walk away with a completely different experience. Golf Designed for Everyone Designed by Tom Fazio , Rams Hill’s 18-hole course features dramatic elevation changes, wide landing areas, and expansive views across the Anza-Borrego desert. Multiple tee options suit a wide range of players, from scratch golfers to those still learning the game. Small but memorable touches—like tacos at the turn and post-round cookies—round out the experience. Paired with Stay & Play homes like The Desert Escape, guests can enjoy the convenience of staying on site while having space to relax, cook, or host small gatherings between rounds. Repeat Stays, Fresh Experiences One trip may focus on competitive rounds with fellow golfers. Another might center around a mixed group, some playing full rounds, others enjoying shorter outings or relaxing at the rental. The shared element is consistency: excellent course conditions, helpful staff, and the option to shape your schedule any way you like. Even repeat visitors report that the experience shifts depending on the group, the season, and how the trip is planned—without sacrificing the sense of quality or hospitality Rams Hill is known for. Summer in Borrego: More Than Golf While winter and spring are peak golf seasons, summer in Borrego Springs offers a quieter experience with wide-open skies, minimal traffic, and more room to explore beyond the course. For those interested in art, photography, or stargazing , the summer months offer clear air, high contrast light, and dramatic desert color. Visitors often combine their golf plans with stops at the Borrego Art Institute , which hosts rotating exhibitions and operates a garden-focused ArtPark nearby. Just a few minutes away, The Gallery at The Palms presents contemporary shows in a mid-century modern setting surrounded by native landscaping. These creative spaces offer a thoughtful balance to a golf itinerary and allow non-golfers to enjoy the weekend just as much. Dining in Borrego Springs Borrego Springs also offers a variety of local dining options , from casual cafes to full-service restaurants. Onsite, Rams Hill Restaurant is open to the public and known for elevated fare with sunset views over the course. In town, diners will find locally owned spots offering everything from breakfast staples to seasonal specials—many of which are open year-round. Easy to Reach, Hard to Forget Just under a two-hour drive from San Diego , Rams Hill is a short trip that feels far removed. Guests often return to familiar settings—the same house, same course, even the same server—and still leave with a new favorite moment.
Local brainteasers and word puzzles now available online
Catch free movies every Saturday at 2 PM at the Borrego Springs Library. Check the May film calendar and enjoy an afternoon matinee with the community.
Celebrate Memorial Day at Rams Hill with golf, games, $5 burgers, $3 drafts, prizes, a raffle, and stunning desert views. Book your spot today.
Celebrating the Summer Show at Borrego Art Institute Borrego Art Institute invites you to experience The Hottest Group Show, a vibrant summer exhibition running May 3 through September 28. This annual group show highlights a diverse mix of artists and mediums, showcasing creative energy that thrives in the desert heat. Reception: May 3, 5–7 PM Location: Borrego Art Institute More info: borregoartinstitute.org
The highly anticipated Borrego Springs ArtWalk returns for the 2024-2025 season!
Celebration of the resurrection in a peaceful desert setting with the annual Community Easter Sunrise Service, hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association.
