Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

4.69

195 reviews

200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Stargazing

Featured in:Desert Camping California#1 Desert Camping Best Campgrounds California +1 more

Quick Facts

775 ft

Price

$5 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

775 ft

Price

$5 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

$5.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by site type: $35 for tent sites, $45 for RV full hookups, $125 for group sites, $5 for hike/bike sites. Extra vehicle fees are $10 per...

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

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Reserve California

Provider

760-767-5311interp@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 195 reviews

246 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestrooms

"Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, proximity to trails, and stargazing opportunities. Some visitors appreciate the spacious sites and accessible facilities, while others mention issues with vending machines for shower tokens."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Driving directionsApproaching from the west on S-22, turn left at the stop sign at the intersection of Montezuma Valley Rd and Palm Canyon Drive. Follow Palm Canyon Drive to the parking lot at the end. If approaching from the east via Borrego Salton Seaway, follow S-22 through Borrego Springs. S-22 turns into Palm Canyon Drive; follow it to the parking lot at the end of the road.

Accessible via paved Highway S-22 and S-78. Highways descend from Peninsular mountain ranges into the valley. Seasonal closures and challenging terrain are generally not applicable for paved road access.

Nearby places

Borrego Springs (3 miles, 5-minute drive)

Salton City (27 miles, 35-minute drive)

Julian (30 miles, 40-minute drive)

San Diego (85 miles, 2-hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Borrego Springs (3 miles, 5-minute drive). Two gas stations are present in town, but fuel prices may be higher than surrounding areas.

Best Time to Camp at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

The desert here doesn't do anything halfway—summer temperatures can soar to an astonishing 125°F, transforming the landscape into a shimmering furnace that tests even the hardiest souls. But winter tells a different story, with mercury plummeting below freezing on crisp desert nights, reminding visitors to pack layers. This land of extremes receives just 6 precious inches of rain annually, making every drop count. Time your visit right, though, and you might witness one of nature's most spectacular shows: when winter rains have been generous, spring transforms the austere desert floor into a riot of wildflowers, painting the brown canvas with brilliant yellows, purples, and oranges that seem almost impossible in this arid realm.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Summer temps can soar to ~125°F; extreme heat makes camping uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is within peak season (Oct–Apr) with milder temps and high visitation.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular for wildflowers and moderate temperatures; reviews cite spring visits favorably.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter is part of peak season; open year-round and winter offers comfortable camping weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is generally October through April; shoulder seasons include May and September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations available October 1 to April 30.
Current Alerts: First palm grove on Borrego Palm Canyon Trail currently closed due to fire damage. Coyote Canyon Road closed at Third Crossing.

About Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Nestled at the gateway to the Anza-Borrego Desert, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground welcomes adventurers of all kinds with open arms. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars, pulling in with your RV, or stopping for a night on a backcountry trek, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wild landscape—sparkling clean restrooms and hot showers await after dusty desert explorations, while evening gatherings around fire rings create memories that last long after the embers fade. Each well-appointed site features sturdy picnic tables perfect for sunset dinners, and the campground's thoughtful maintenance ensures families can focus on what matters most: connecting with nature and each other.

The campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and hike-in primitive sites. Group camping is also available.

Historical SignificanceThese grounds hold stories far deeper than their sandy surface suggests. In 1966, civil rights icon César Chávez chose this very spot to rest and strategize during his tireless campaign for farm workers' rights, adding a profound chapter to the campground's legacy. The connection to nearby Borrego Springs weaves through decades of desert history, from early pioneers who dared to settle this harsh landscape to the artists and dreamers who continue to find inspiration in its stark beauty. Every campfire here burns where history was made, connecting modern visitors to the enduring spirit of those who came before.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert here doesn't do anything halfway—summer temperatures can soar to an astonishing 125°F, transforming the landscape into a shimmering furnace that tests even the hardiest souls. But winter tells a different story, with mercury plummeting below freezing on crisp desert nights, reminding visitors to pack layers. This land of extremes receives just 6 precious inches of rain annually, making every drop count. Time your visit right, though, and you might witness one of nature's most spectacular shows: when winter rains have been generous, spring transforms the austere desert floor into a riot of wildflowers, painting the brown canvas with brilliant yellows, purples, and oranges that seem almost impossible in this arid realm.

ElevationPerched at 775 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the desert's vertical geography. While this modest elevation might seem unremarkable elsewhere, here it makes all the difference—those extra feet provide a subtle but welcome respite from the desert floor's most punishing heat. The higher elevation sites catch cooling breezes that lower-lying areas miss, offering campers a natural advantage when the sun beats down mercilessly. It's a reminder that in the desert, even small changes in altitude can transform your experience from endurance test to enjoyable adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape that seems lifted from an ancient dream—towering mountains rise like weathered sentinels while rare native palm groves cluster in hidden oases, their fronds whispering secrets of underground springs. The campground sits at this magical intersection where mountain meets desert, creating a natural amphitheater of stunning contrasts. Hardy desert vegetation dots the sandy expanses with surprising bursts of life: barrel cacti stand like solitary guards, ocotillos reach skeletal fingers toward the endless sky, and resilient shrubs prove that beauty thrives even in the harshest conditions. As the sun sets, these mountains transform into purple silhouettes against a canvas of impossible colors.

Geological RegionWelcome to the Colorado Desert, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Ancient washes carved by flash floods create natural highways through the terrain, their sandy bottoms telling stories of water's rare but powerful presence. The iconic palm groves mark hidden springs, geological gifts that create pockets of lush life in the austere surroundings. Magnificent cacti specimens showcase evolution's creativity, while the rugged mountains that embrace the campground reveal layers of time in their exposed faces—each band a chapter in Earth's autobiography. From your campsite, sweeping vistas stretch to distant peaks, offering front-row seats to one of North America's most dramatic desert theaters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite is limited to 8 people, including children.

Groups

Group campsites can accommodate up to eight people and two vehicles per site. Larger groups may require a Special Event Permit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground divided into sections for tents, RVs, hookups, and hike/bike sites. Includes upper and lower areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability possible for non-reservable sites. Campground is often fully occupied during weekends and peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies vary by season. Reservation fees are refundable up to 48 hours before check-in.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites include tent sites (#118, #119, #120) and RV sites with full hookups (#49, #52). Accessible parking spaces are adjacent to restrooms. Pathways to facilities are accessible.

Site SizeSites vary in size; some are large enough to accommodate multiple tents, while others have space for only one. RV sites are spacious with pull-through options.

PrivacySome vegetation provides privacy between sites, but reviews note that sites are generally close together.

Total Campsites65 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites 104, 107, and 116 for added amenities such as stone ramadas with built-in fireplaces and tables.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground can enjoy hiking, stargazing, and observing desert wildlife. The campground is close to the Palm Canyon Trailhead, providing easy access to one of the area's popular trails.

HikingThe Palm Canyon Trail originates at the campground. It is a 3-mile round-trip hike leading to a large palm grove. "The trail is rocky and takes a minimum of two hours." Additional trails nearby include Hellhole Canyon and Little Surprise Canyon.

BikingCyclists can use designated roads but are not allowed on hiking trails. The Visitor Center/Campground Trail is bike-friendly.

Wildlife viewingCampers frequently spot bighorn sheep and roadrunners. "We saw a herd of about 16 bighorn sheep in the Palm Canyon Trail parking lot."

Cultural and Educational ProgramsCampfire programs and ranger-led talks are offered seasonally. "The ranger talk on the dark sky was interesting."

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include extreme heat, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. Ensure pets are kenneled at night.

Active AlertsFirst palm grove on Borrego Palm Canyon Trail currently closed due to fire damage. Coyote Canyon Road closed at Third Crossing.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in established fire rings or metal containers. Gathering firewood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesBorrego Medical Center, 4343 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (5 miles, 10-minute drive).

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available. Dishwashing sinks are located outside restrooms for campers to clean their utensils.

Water FeaturesPalm Canyon Trail leads to nearby oasis and seasonal creeks.

Camp HostCamp hosts available; main host sites include sites 1, 22, 30, and 39.

Weather at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.7

195 reviews

Top-Rated

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, proximity to trails, and stargazing opportunities. Some visitors appreciate the spacious sites and accessible facilities, while others mention issues with vending machines for shower tokens.

Review Summaries

Based on 195 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, proximity to Palm Canyon Trail, good cell service (AT&T), firewood available onsite, ranger-led programs, and stargazing opportunities.

Based on 195 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with shower token vending machines, lack of shade, and occasional noise from neighbors.

Based on 195 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring smaller bills for shower token machines, avoid hiking during midday heat, and consider staying in sites with ramadas for added comfort.

Based on 195 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is popular for wildflowers and moderate temperatures, while summer brings extreme heat. Stargazing is best on moonless nights.

Based on 195 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Saturday night at 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." "Stayed a couple of...

Based on 195 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Highly praised sites include #47, #49, #50, #52, #66, #68, #70, #71, #73, #75, #77, and #81 for their spaciousness and proximity to amenities.

Based on 195 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and facilities receive positive feedback. "Paths to facilities are accessible, and restrooms have dedicated accessible parking."

Based on 195 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. "The walking paths were beautifully marked and well maintained, and the bathrooms were in good shape. I really enjoyed being able to bring my dog to camp here."

Based on 195 reviews

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