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 • May 15, 2024

Stargazing for RV Travelers in Borrego Springs

Explore Dark Skies and Celestial Wonders from Your RV in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is a dream destination for RV travelers, especially those passionate about stargazing. As an International Dark Sky Community, this desert town offers pristine night skies and a variety of events that cater to astronomy enthusiasts, making it an ideal location for an RV getaway.

>> ABDNHA Stargazing locations around Borrego Springs

Why Borrego Springs is a Must-Visit for RV Travelers

Borrego Springs, surrounded by the vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, provides a unique combination of natural beauty and some of the darkest skies in the country. The area is recognized as one of the top stargazing locations in the U.S., ensuring a breathtaking celestial show every night for RV travelers.

USA Today named Borrego Springs as one of Ten Great Places to Stargaze in the U.S

Palm Canyon RV Resort and the Nightfall Star Party

A highlight for RV travelers is the annual Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference, hosted at the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort. This event attracts amateur astronomers and astrophotographers from around the country to take advantage of Borrego Springs' dark skies. The resort, with its western-style ambiance and modern amenities, becomes an astronomer’s haven.

The parking lot is transformed into a stargazing hotspot, filled with telescopes, including large Dobs, providing the perfect setup for skywatchers. The Palm Canyon Hotel takes special steps to create an ideal environment for stargazing by dimming outdoor lights and using red lighting to preserve night vision, making it one of the most comfortable star parties you can attend.

Resort Amenities for RV Travelers

Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort offers a range of accommodations, including full-hookup RV sites, hotel rooms, and even permanent travel trailers ready for rent. The resort features two pools, two hot tubs, a restaurant, a bar, and more, ensuring a relaxing stay between your stargazing adventures. The resort’s proximity to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park also makes it easy to explore the desert by day and enjoy the stars by night.

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort: Another Stargazing Hub

For those looking for more options, The Springs at Borrego RV Resort offers spacious RV sites and regular star parties led by renowned astronomers. Whether you attend one of their events or enjoy stargazing on your own, the resort's dark sky designation makes for a perfect celestial viewing experience.

Plan your Trip to Borrego Springs for Stargazing

For those seeking a more off-grid adventure, the Borrego Springs area offers numerous remote locations perfect for parking your RV under the stars. With miles of open desert and secluded spots within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, you can enjoy the serenity of nature while gazing at the Milky Way in all its brilliance.

Whether you stay at a resort or venture off the beaten path, Borrego Springs has endless options for a stargazing RV getaway.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

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

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

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.

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