How big is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

More than 600,000 acres, or roughly 1,000 square miles. It is the largest state park in California and the third largest in the United States, spanning parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.

How much does it cost to enter Anza-Borrego?

Day use is $10 per vehicle, collected at the Visitor Center, developed campgrounds and several popular trailheads including The Slot and Hellhole Canyon. The park has no entrance gates and much of it can be accessed without a fee.

When is wildflower season at Anza-Borrego?

Annual wildflowers can appear from January through mid-April, with peak bloom most often between late February and early April. Timing varies year to year based on rainfall and temperature.

Is Anza-Borrego a Dark Sky Park?

Yes. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2018 at Silver tier. Borrego Springs, the town at its center, has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2009, the first in California.

Do I need four-wheel drive at Anza-Borrego?

Not for the paved roads, the Visitor Center or the main campgrounds. The vast majority of the park's roughly 500 miles of dirt roads do require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park open at night?

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Visitor Center is open daily 9am to 5pm October through May, and weekends and holidays only June through September.

Jake Hinton • February 17, 2024

Remote Desert Camping in 5-Star Luxury: 4wdTALK

Adventure in Anza-Borrego: A 4wdTALK Camper's Journey Through California's Vast Wilderness

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, covering over 600,000 acres, is California's largest state park. It's known for its diverse desert landscape, encompassing 12 wilderness areas rich in flora and fauna. The park offers a multitude of activities including hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, alongside unique attractions like the Wind Caves and Palm Oases.

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4wdTALK's Epic Anza-Borrego Adventure:

Journey into the heart of Anza-Borrego with the Camper from 4wdTALK, as he trades the city's paved roads for the untamed trails of the desert. This adventure isn't about following the beaten path; it's about diving headfirst into the raw, unfiltered essence of exploration. With perfect weather beckoning and the desert landscape opening its arms, it's an invitation to experience adventure at its most authentic.

The Camper's trusty Gladiator is prepped and ready, with tire pressure adjusted to 18 psi for optimal comfort and grip on the sandy washes and rocky passes. This meticulous preparation transforms the rugged terrain into a manageable playground, ensuring a smooth journey into the wilderness.

As night falls, the quest for the perfect camping spot begins. But this isn't just any camping trip; it's about creating an outdoor office under the vast expanse of the desert sky, where the only interruptions come from the local wildlife. The Camper sets up the Overlandish Base Camp V2, a tent that promises not only shelter but a fortress in the midst of the desert. Its olive drab green color not only looks impressive but changes the entire camping game.

The setup is a breeze, and the tent's features, like triple air insulation, ensure comfort regardless of the temperature swings in the desert. The living space inside is expansive, making it ideal for a group or for those who like to camp with the comforts of home.

But the adventure doesn't stop at setting up camp. The Camper emphasizes the importance of taking moments to appreciate the little things, like freshening up with the Tembotusk Basin Table and Rinse Off portable shower. It's these small comforts that reset the spirit and rejuvenate the body after a day of desert exploration.

As the evening progresses, the focus shifts to creating a cozy sleep setup with the Hest wide, foamy mattress and the outdoor vitals sleeping bag, ensuring a restful night regardless of the chilly desert nights. The Tailgater Tire Table and the new campsite organizer add convenience and organization to the camp, proving that even in the wild, you can maintain a sense of order.

The highlight of the evening is the campfire, an essential element of any camping trip. With the Blackbeard fireplugs and a ferro rod, the Camper brings the fire to life, setting the stage for an evening of editing videos by the firelight. This blend of work and wilderness showcases the ultimate balance between productivity and adventure.

Before the night ends, safety comes first with the Rinse Off serving a dual purpose—first for freshening up and then for responsibly extinguishing the campfire. This attention to detail and respect for the camping environment underscores the importance of leaving no trace.

As dawn breaks, the chilly reality of the desert morning sets in, and the rush to meet friends for the next adventure begins. Packing up and hitting the road marks the end of one journey and the start of another.

For those inspired by the Camper's desert adventures and practical camping insights, follow his journey on 4wdTALK for more tips, gear reviews, and off-the-beaten-path explorations.

Visit 4wdtalk.com to learn more!

Quick links to gear used in this video:

-Overlandish Basecamp V2 Tent https://overland-ish.com/

-Goal Zero 1500X https://amzn.to/3uwemAn

-Rinse Off Shower https://rinseoff.com/

-Planar 4KW Diesel Heater https://planarheaters.com/

-HEST Wide Foamy Mattress https://bit.ly/3O0YVHg

-HEST Camp Pillow https://bit.ly/41XNshh

-Outdoor Vitals - AERIE 0° https://bit.ly/3HQrPGn

-TEMBOTUSK Basin Table https://bit.ly/42LKL2V

-Tailgater Tiretable Organizer https://www.tailgatertiretable.com/

-DEVOS LIGHTRANGER 1200 https://bit.ly/3w552UG

-Goal Zero Skylight https://amzn.to/3w7fKdn

-BYER OF MAINE Easy Cot https://amzn.to/3SRghZX

Camera Gear:

- Insta360 X3: https://amzn.to/4bwQnBQ

-Insta360 Ace Pro: https://amzn.to/48hpbV2

Learn More About Anza Borrego Desert

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R Dub! Launches Greetings from Slowjamastan Series

By REPUBLIC OF SLOWJAMASTAN • August 20, 2026

New unscripted series highlights the Imperial County micronation created by longtime radio broadcaster Randy Williams Radio veteran Randy “R Dub!” Williams is launching a new unscripted series centered on the Republic of Slowjamastan, the micronation he established in Imperial County. Greetings from Slowjamastan premieres Thursday, August 27 at 5 p.m. PT on Slowjamastan State Television’s YouTube channel. New episodes are scheduled to be released each Thursday. Williams is Vice President of Communications and Media for Z90 and Magic 92.5 in San Diego and is the creator and host of the syndicated radio program Sunday Night Slow Jams. He has worked in radio for more than three decades as an on-air personality, programmer, executive and syndicated host. The premiere episode, “Big Trouble in Little Slowjamastan,” includes radio consultant Tim Richards and follows interactions between Slowjamastan representatives and local government authoritie s.