Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park


Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near Borrego Springs. Many campers choose to visit in the spring when the wildflowers are at their best.

Some sites at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground are designated for RVs, trailers, or tents, but have no hook-ups; other sites have full hook-ups. The full hook-up sites are arranged in parking-lot fashion. Other campsites are more spread out. The campground also has Group Tent-only Sites.

Vern Whitaker Horse Camp is located nearby, 8 miles north of Borrego Springs.

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Basics
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Location: 5 miles west of Borrego Springs in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Elevation: 597 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: from San Diego - 85 miles, 1:54
Number of Sites: 120
Open - Closed: open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 covered by campground fee, additional fee for extra vehicles
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Campground and Park Information: (760)767-5311

Reservations for
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Reservations highly recommended: October 1 - April 30, otherwise first come, first served when open
Booking Window: from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: hook-up sites 35 feet, pull-through
Accessible Sites: #118, 119, 120
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Anza-Borrego SP Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Fees: $35 for standard sites
$45 for hook-up sites
Reservation fee $7.99
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, shade ramada, food locker, fire ring, some sites with full hook-ups
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, campfire circle
Showers: Yes, purchase tokens at campground entrance
Dump station: yes
Campground map: Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Map
Nearby facilities: Visitor Center, Borrego Springs with gas, lodging, restaurants, medical aid,
Attractions near
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground:
  • Explore nearby interpretive trails.
  • Hike the Panoramic Overlook Trail and the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail.
  • Tour the Visitor Center.
  • Stroll through the Desert Garden outside the Visitor Center.
  • Come in late February through early March for the best wildflower viewing.


Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campsites

Five group tent-only sites are located on a loop within the main campground. Each group site can accommodate from 9 to 25 people and up to 6 vehicles. Maximum vehicle length is 20 feet. No RVs, trailers, or similar vehicles are permitted in the sitea.
Reservations: Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground
Fee: $125 per night

Vern Whitaker Horse Camp

The Vern Whitaker Horse Camp is situated off Henderson Canyon Road, 8 miles north of the town of Borrego Springs. It is for day use and horse camping only. The 10 sites at the campground are open from October 1 through May 31. Reservations can be made from October 1 to April 30, otherwise the sites are first come, first served.
Fee: $35 per night

Each site is for 8 people, 2 horses, one motorized vehicle, and one trailer. Site #1 is an accessible site. Two additional horses are allowed for an additional charge. Each site has a BBQ, fire ring, picnic table, and 4 corrals. There are restrooms with flush toilets and s shower. Bring along a hose and bucket for watering your stock.

General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

Temperatures can reach 80-100 degrees in the spring. Visitors are advised to carry water and wear sun protective hats. Be aware of possible flash floods during storms. Check with the park for road conditions. Always notify someone of your plans, including when you plan to return.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate

Anza-Borrego Desert
State Park
Attractions and Activities

With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. Campers at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground enjoy a wide range of scenic places to visit.

  • Tour the wonderful Visitor Center and find books, brochures, maps, and exhibits.
  • Head over to Borrego Palm Canyon and walk the nature trail to a grove of native California fan palms.
  • Explore fascinating Coyote Canyon with a year-round stream and lush plant life. Nice hiking trails lead through the area.
  • Stop at Font's Point with its magnificent view of the Borrego Valley and Badlands.
  • Investigate Split Mountain for its geologic wonders.
  • At Mountain Palm Springs find a grove of fan palms in the Tierra Blanca Mountains.
  • Visit the Borrego Valley.
  • The park offers interpretive activities and events along with walks and talks.

Key Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only allowed in established fire rings or camp stoves.
  2. Generators may only be operated from 10 AM to 8 PM.
  3. Dogs much be on leash and attended at all times. Dogs and cats must be in a tent or vehicle at night. Dogs are not allowed cross-country or on hiking trails.

    Check Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for any campground updates.