Anza-Borrego State Park

Location

Borrego Springs, CA

Website

www.parks.ca.gov

Activity Guide

Car Camping, Backcountry Camping, Hiking, Wildflower and Wildlife Viewing

General Info

Anza-Borrego State Park is the largest state park in California, with 600,000 acres of land. It surrounds the town of Borrego Springs, CA, but has relaxed rules about your camping location. Its a nice mix of close amenities and desert solitude.

Amenities

  • Open Camping
  • 4WD Vehicle Trails
  • Borrego Springs offers restaurants, general stores, hotels, and a beautiful green circle, if needed
  • Established Campgrounds with RV hookups, water, bathrooms, and fire pits

Insider Information

  1. ABSP is excellent for wildflower viewing earlier than most other locations. Peak season is late February to early March.
  2. The California Fan Palm is the only palm indigenous to the state, and can be seen in several oases in the park. You may get lucky and see a Bighorn Sheep in one of these areas as well.
  3. Butte’s Pass is a lovely area to camp if you have a 4WD or high clearance vehicle (deep sand is your biggest issue). There is a beautiful slot canyon in this area to explore.
  4. Rattlesnakes are residents of this desert park, so stay aware, especially in the hot times of year. Stay aware of where you step, and stay on established trails to avoid encounters. If you see one, back away.
  5. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics, even though there are less rules and regulations in this area. Please dispose of all waste properly.
  6. Julian is a cute small town in the mountains right outside the park. It is known for its apple pie, and is very cute to explore on the way to or from your desert experience. Often, the weather is much cooler because of the elevation change, and it is interesting to see the difference between the two adjacent areas.