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
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.
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.
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.
Andy Brown’s Flashback brings together psychedelic collages, vintage vinyl, poetry, and mixed media art in a vivid and immersive installation.
Join Bingo Nights every Tuesday at The American Legion Post 853 in Borrego Springs!
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Find the class schedule for Borrego Academy of Music & Art. Explore music and art programs for all ages in Borrego Springs. Get involved today!
