August 28, 2024

Camping in Borrego Springs: Everything You Need to Know

Share

Camping in Borrego Springs: Everything You Need to Know

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

July 22, 2025
$60 Rounds for Borrego Springs Residents This Summer Mondays just got better for Borrego Springs residents. Rams Hill Golf Club is offering $60 rounds of golf every Monday after 9:00 AM through the summer. Just show a valid local ID at check-in to receive the discount. Call (760) 767-3500 or stop by the Rams Hill Golf Shop to book your tee time. Set in the foothills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Rams Hill is a Tom Fazio–designed course known for its lush fairways, elevated greens, and panoramic desert and mountain views. Consistently ranked among California’s top public courses, it offers a challenging and rewarding round in a quiet desert setting. Locals looking for a break from the heat can turn their Monday round into a full staycation with Rams Hill’s Stay & Play packages . It’s an easy getaway without the drive—offering new scenery, a peaceful night, and an early morning round with fewer crowds and cooler temps. Offer ends August 31. Valid local ID required at check-in. Borrego Springs Year Round
July 20, 2025
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.
July 6, 2025
Create, Sip, and Unwind at the Community Resource Center Looking for a creative and relaxing way to spend your evening in Borrego Springs? Join local artist Diana Fox on Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 8 PM at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center for a special hands-on event: Sip & Create – Beaded Bracelets. This small-group experience is limited to 10 participants and is the perfect blend of craft, conversation, and community. What to Expect Guests will design and create a beautiful beaded bracelet using quality materials and a wide variety of colors and styles . Diana Fox will provide step-by-step guidance — no experience needed. Whether you're a local resident or visiting Borrego Springs, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy a laid-back, artistic night out. Wine Included — or Bring Your Own Your $30 registration includes: One bracelet to make and take home One glass of wine (choose Merlot, Chardonnay, or Sangría) Use of all materials and tools Additional glasses of wine available for $5 Option to bring your own wine Details at a Glance Date: Thursday, July 17 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM Location: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Cost: $30 per person Max: 10 people — only 6 spots left RSVP: Call or text 619-892-0393 Support Local Creativity Year-Round Diana Fox is a Borrego Springs artist who brings creativity into the community through accessible, hands-on art experiences. Every Saturday morning, she volunteers her time to lead free, one-on-one sessions for local children. Her most recent gathering welcomed an estimated 13 kids—each receiving personalized guidance and leaving with a handmade bracelet. Events like “Sip & Create: Beaded Bracelets” help sustain these efforts by replenishing the materials Diana uses in her youth programs. When you attend, you're not just enjoying a fun and creative night out—you’re also supporting the kind of year-round artistic engagement that makes Borrego Springs a place where creativity and connection thrive. Diana’s handmade pieces are also available at Desert Lovers & Co., offering another way to support her work and the local arts community. Don’t wait — space is limited. Reserve your spot now and enjoy an evening of creativity, connection, and fun in Borrego Springs.
July 3, 2025
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.
July 2, 2025
Free, Fun, and Full of Energy in Borrego Springs
June 11, 2025
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.
June 11, 2025
Local brainteasers and word puzzles now available online
April 27, 2025
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.
April 27, 2025
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.
April 27, 2025
Celebrate Memorial Day at Rams Hill with golf, games, $5 burgers, $3 drafts, prizes, a raffle, and stunning desert views. Book your spot today.
April 25, 2025
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 
April 24, 2025
The highly anticipated Borrego Springs ArtWalk returns for the 2024-2025 season!
Show More

Share This Post