Vallecito County Park Campground

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

Vallecito County Park Campground

San Diego County


Vallecito County Park Campground

Vallecito County Park Campground is located southeast of Julian on the Great Southern Overland Stage Route. The park is in the Carrizo Valley Region of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The 71-acre county park includes the reconstruction of the historic Butterfield Stage Station.

The primitive Vallecito County Park Campground has trailer and RV sites (but no hook-ups), a separate tent camping area with 22 sites, an Equestrian Area with 8 sites, and a youth group tent-camping area. Campers here enjoy the desert solitude and the slightly cooler temperatures than at nearby Agua Caliente Regional Park.


Vallecito County Park Campground Basics
Vallecito County Park Campground Location: 33 miles southeast of Julian on S2
Elevation: 1,550 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: 115 miles from San Diego - 2:02
Number of Campsites: 53
Open - Closed: Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day, closed during summer
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1, plus one towed, extra vehicles $4
Pets: On leash, always attended, $1 per night
Park Information: (760) 765-1188

Reservations for Vallecito County Park Campground
Reservations available: Reservations for Vallecito County Park Campground can be made for camping dates up to 1 year in advance.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Reservations: San Diego County Parks Reservations
Fees: $24
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 12:00 PM

Vallecito County Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, picnic area
Showers: Yes
Dump station: yes
Park brochure and campground map: Vallecito County Park Map
Attractions near Vallecito County Park Campground: Visit the Butterfield State Station. Clamber around on the playground. Play horseshoes, Enjoy a covered picnic area. Tour the historic cemetery. Then head out to visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Campground Programs: County Parks and Recreation Activity and Program Guide


Vallecito Youth Group Camping

The group site can accommodate up to 35 people.
Fee: $50/$100

Vallecito Equestrian Camp

The equestrian camp has 8 sites, each with 2 corrals. No water or electricity are available at the sites.
Fee: camping fees unknown, $2 per horse

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 in the desert can reach 80-100 degrees in the spring. Visitors to the nearby desert areas are advised to carry water and wear sun protective hats. Be aware of possible flash floods during storms. Check with localauthorities 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

Visitors to Vallecito County Park Campground are on the edge of Anza-Borrego State Park. With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. Visitors to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 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 Vallecito County Park Campground Regulations

  1. Fires may only be lit in fire rings between the hours of 7 AM to 11 PM.
  2. Generators may not be operated inside the park.
  3. Dogs are not allowed on trails. Dogs must be kept on leash and in a tent or vehicle at night.

    Check San Diego Parks - Vallecito County Park for any campground updates.