Agua Caliente Regionsl Park Campground

San Diego County

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

Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground

San Diego County


Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground

Agua Caliente Regional 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 park is best known for its geothermally heated springs and rugged desert hiking. In the summer of 2013, Agua Caliente endured a 300-year flash flood that wiped out a major part of the park. Recovery work was undertaken quickly. Watch recovery video: Agua Caliente Recovery.

Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground is operated by the County of San Diego.

Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground has full hook-ups, partial hook-ups (no sewer), and standard sites. They also have a caravan camping area. Many campsites are close together. Cabins are also now available.

Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground Basics
Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground Location: 33 miles southeast of Julian on S2
Elevation: 600 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: from San Diego - 111 miles, 1:54
Number of Campsites: 140
Open - Closed: Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day
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
Operated by San Diego County Parks and Recreation
Park Information: (760) 765-1188

Reservations for
Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground
Reservations available: Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground reservations can be made for camping dats up to 1 year in advance<./td>
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 40 feet in full hook-up sites, 30 feet in partial hook-up sites
Accessible Sites: None designated
Reservations: San Diego County Parks Reservations - Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground
Fees: Full hook-ups $33,  Partial $29,
Non-hook-up or tent only $24
+ $5 reservation fee
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: Noon

Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, campfire circle
Showers: Yes
Dump station: Yes
Campground map: Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground Map
Nearby facilities: Picnic area, clubhouse, pools, store
Attractions near Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground:
  • View Bighorn Sheep.
  • Enjoy two outdoor pools and an indoor therapeutic spa (age 13 and older).
  • Play shuffleboard and horseshoes.
  • Hike the Moonlight Canyon Trail, the Desert Overlook Trail, the Ocotillo Ridge Trail, and the Nature Trail.
Campground Programs: County Parks and Recreation Activity and Program Guide





Agua Caliente Caravan Camping Area

The Caravan area at Agua Caliente may be reserved up to one year in advance for groups up to 50. Current fees are $100, maximum of 10 units. Call 858-565-3600 for more information.

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

Reviews from Previous Campers

2024

  • Many campsites are large.
  • Mineral pools were wonderful.
  • Friendly rangers.
  • Star gazing was magnificent.
  • A well-managed campground.

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 Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground are only a short drive from park attractions. 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 Agua Caliente Regional Park Campground Regulations

  1. Fires must be out between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. with water.
  2. Generators are allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., so long as the noise does not disturb the peace and quiet of the campground or neighboring sites.
  3. Dogs must be on leash and always attended. Dogs are not allowed on trails.
  4. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

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