Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground
4.7472 reviews200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground
$5.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $5 for hike and bike sites to $125 for group sites. Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Senior and disabled discounts available.
About this campground
Escape to Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, where the raw beauty of the Colorado Desert unfolds before you in every direction. This year-round oasis offers everything from intimate tent sites nestled among desert vegetation to full RV hookups for those seeking modern conveniences. Whether you're gathering with friends at one of the spacious group sites or setting up camp for a solo adventure, you'll find pristine facilities including refreshing showers, clean restrooms, and reliable potable water. Miles of scenic hiking trails begin right from your campsite, inviting you to explore the desert's hidden treasures at dawn or dusk when the landscape comes alive.
The campground supports multiple types of camping, including tent camping, RV camping with hookups, and group camping. Accessible sites are available.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at this culturally rich campground, where civil rights icon César Chávez once pitched his tent in 1966 while championing the cause of farm workers. The surrounding landscape whispers stories of ancient times through preserved Native American rock art and scattered artifacts, connecting modern visitors to thousands of years of human presence in this desert sanctuary. Each sunset seems to honor both the indigenous peoples who first called this land home and the activists who fought for justice beneath these same stars.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Colorado Desert's dramatic seasonal transformations, where summer days can soar to an intense 125°F, creating a true desert challenge for the adventurous soul. As winter arrives, the harsh heat gives way to pleasantly cool conditions perfect for hiking and exploration. The real magic happens in late winter and early spring, when the seemingly barren landscape erupts in a spectacular wildflower display that draws visitors from around the world to witness nature's most colorful desert performance.
ElevationPerched at 775 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a perfect vantage point in the Colorado Desert, where the elevation provides just enough relief from the desert floor while maintaining the authentic low-desert experience that makes this region so distinctive.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled against the majestic backdrop of the Peninsular Ranges, the campground serves as your front-row seat to one of nature's most stunning theaters. Desert flora paints the landscape with subtle greens and dramatic blooms, while native fauna emerges at twilight to begin their nocturnal adventures. The dramatic mountain silhouettes frame impossibly clear night skies, creating one of Southern California's premier stargazing destinations where the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon in breathtaking clarity.
Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of the Colorado Desert, where ancient forces carved dramatic washes through the landscape and created the perfect conditions for hidden palm groves to thrive. The Peninsular Ranges rise dramatically from the desert floor, their weathered faces telling the story of millions of years of Earth's history. From your campsite, witness how water and wind continue to sculpt this living landscape, creating an ever-changing canvas of sweeping vistas that capture the essence of the American Southwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible tent and RV sites, accessible pathways to restrooms, and an accessible campfire center. "Accessible sites (#118, #119, #120) have tent pads 12x12 on soft sand, and RV sites with hookups (#49, #52) are accessible," as described in official accessibility documents.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, with some sites accommodating large tents and RVs. "We stayed at site 117 which was very spacious and fit our large tent no problem," a user wrote.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; some are separated by vegetation while others are closer together. "Some vegetation separated sites and added to privacy," noted one camper.
Total Campsites52 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with shade structures for comfort in summer. Sites near trailheads offer easy access to hiking.
Best CampsitesSites 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 66, 68, 70, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 109, 112, 113, 116, 117.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit in all campgrounds is 30 days in a calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsites are limited to 8 people maximum.
Groups
Group sites are spacious and can accommodate multiple tents or larger gatherings. "Group Camps 1-5 are available at $125 per night," according to official sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLayout includes loops with designated sections for tent camping, RV hookups, and group sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for camping. Reservations available October 1 through April 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites available but reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 48 hours before arrival. Refunds depend on timing and method of cancellation.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, and interpretive programs. Visitors enjoy easy access to trails like the Palm Canyon Trail and the Visitor Center.
Hiking
The Palm Canyon Trail is a highlight, leading to a viewpoint overlooking fire-damaged groves. "The Palm Canyon trail starts from the campground - no need to drive to the trailhead," said a user. Other trails include the Visitor Center accessible trail and concrete paths.Biking
Cyclists can use paved roads and the Visitor Center Trail. "I was there in a flash on my e-bike," said one user.Wildlife viewing
Visitors frequently spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife. "We saw a herd of about 16 bighorn sheep in the Palm Canyon Trail parking lot," one camper shared.Cultural and Educational Programs
Park rangers offer interpretive programs on the dark sky and desert ecology. "The ranger talk on the dark sky was interesting," according to a review.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned in the reviews or official documentation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not included among the activities available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires restricted to metal containers; gathering firewood prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsExtreme summer heat, wildlife including rattlesnakes and coyotes, and limited cell service. Visitors should carry plenty of water and prepare for emergencies.
Active alertsPalm grove closed due to fire damage; trail ends at a viewpoint.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Borrego Medical Center, 4343 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004; Emergency: Call 911.
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober 1 to April 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, ensuring cleanliness throughout the campground. "There are sinks outside toilets that you can use for washing dishes," a user stated.
Proximity to water featuresNear desert oases including Palm Canyon. Limited seasonal water flow.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention lack of shade, slow internet speeds, and occasional noise during peak times.
HostCamp hosts available in designated sites; can assist with check-ins and information.
Campground Map
200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Driving directionsFrom the west on S-22, make a left at the stop sign at Montezuma Valley Rd and Palm Canyon Dr intersection. Follow Palm Canyon Dr to the parking lot at the end. From the east via Borrego Salton Seaway, follow S-22 through Borrego Springs to Palm Canyon Dr, ending at the parking lot.
Accessible via S-22 and Highway 78; paved roads lead to the campground. Dirt roads require AWD or 4x4 for exploring surrounding areas.Nearby places
Borrego Springs (2 miles, 5 minutes)
San Diego (90 miles, 2 hours)
Palm Springs (70 miles, 1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Borrego Springs offers grocery stores, camping supplies, restaurants, and fuel stations approximately 2 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.7
72 reviews
Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, excellent facilities, and prime location for activities. Common themes include star gazing, proximity to hiking trails, and helpful park staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 72 reviews
What Campers Love
Highly praised aspects include clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and helpful rangers. "The campground had nicely spaced RV sites with full hook-ups and pull-throughs," and "The stars at night are...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include occasional issues with shower token machines and some sites lacking shade. "The vending machines for tokens were out of commission," noted one user.
Based on 72 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing cash for shower tokens, reserving sites early, and exploring nearby hiking trails. "Go early and bring water for hikes," advised a camper.
Based on 72 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter and spring are noted as the best seasons for camping, with activities like wildflower viewing and hiking being popular. "We visited over Christmas weekend and enjoyed a quiet stay," one user...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Saturday night at the campground is like the drive-in movies of yesterday. People relaxing, sound of kids playing, a light show on the mountains, and a million stars all around." "What a lovely...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Recommended sites include numbers 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 66, 68, 70, 71, 73, and 75 for their privacy and features. "The best sites feature stone ramadas with built-in fireplaces," one reviewer noted.
Based on 72 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites and facilities are highly rated. "Accessible tent campsites and RV sites are available, with pathways to restrooms and an accessible campfire center," according to official...
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Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed but must be leashed. "I really enjoyed being able to bring my dog to camp," said one reviewer. Pets are not allowed on natural trails but can use paved paths.
Based on 72 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025