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.
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.
Weather at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
About Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground sits at 775 feet elevation in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering 65 sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping. The campground provides full hookups, hot showers, and a camp store with firewood. Fees range from $5 to $125 per night. It's a short walk to the Palm Canyon trailhead and far enough from light pollution for serious stargazing.
The campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and hike-in primitive sites. Group camping is also available.
Historical Significance
César Chávez camped here in 1966 during his organizing work for farm workers' rights, connecting the site to California's labor movement history.
Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best camping conditions, with daytime highs between 65 and 85°F from October through November and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s and 50s. Summer heat can reach 125°F, making trails dangerous during midday. Winter nights dip below freezing despite mild days. The desert receives only six inches of rain annually, but generous winter precipitation can trigger spring wildflower blooms that cover the desert floor in yellow, purple, and orange. Weekdays stay quiet year-round; weekends and holidays fill up fast.
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 SceneryThe campground occupies a meeting point between rugged desert mountains and sandy washes carved by flash floods. Native palm groves cluster around hidden springs in the canyons above, while barrel cacti and ocotillos dot the campground itself. Views stretch across the Colorado Desert to distant peaks, with the mountains showing bands of exposed rock that mark millions of years of geological activity. The landscape is austere but striking: sandy terrain, scattered desert shrubs, and the occasional shade tree near larger sites.
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.
Scenic ViewsStunning views of mountains and expansive desert landscapes. Night skies feature incredible stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.
Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are mentioned at this campground, but nearby are resorts such as The Palms at Indian Head, which offer day passes for pool use.
Programs & ActivitiesCampfire programs and ranger-led talks are offered seasonally. "The ranger talk on the dark sky was interesting."
Fall and winter campers after dark skies and bighorn sheep sightings will get the most out of this place. Sites 47, 49, 50, and 52 get consistently strong reviews for space and amenities. The Palm Canyon Trail starts steps from camp, though note the first palm grove is currently
Skip if
Summer is genuinely dangerous here, with temperatures hitting 125°F. Shade is scarce across most sites, tent campers especially will feel it. The token-operated showers have frustrated enough visitors that you should bring small bills or coins before you need them.
Campgrounds
Anza-Borrego Desert SP
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
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Current alert: First palm grove on Borrego Palm Canyon Trail currently closed due to fire damage. Coyote Canyon Road closed at Third Crossing.
Best Time to Camp at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Fall brings the best camping conditions, with daytime highs between 65 and 85°F from October through November and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s and 50s. Summer heat can reach 125°F, making trails dangerous during midday. Winter nights dip below freezing despite mild days. The desert receives only six inches of rain annually, but generous winter precipitation can trigger spring wildflower blooms that cover the desert floor in yellow, purple, and orange. Weekdays stay quiet year-round; weekends and holidays fill up fast.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in CA
Fall (Oct–Nov) has best conditions: highs 65–85°F and is peak season for camping.
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Spring popular for wildflowers and moderate temps; generally very good but can be busy.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended
Summer heat can reach 125°F; extreme conditions make it a poor season for camping.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 9% in CA
Open year-round; winter months are within the October–April busy season with mild days.
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.
Best Campsites
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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 layoutThe campground divides into upper and lower sections with separate areas for tents, RVs with hookups, and hike/bike campers. Sites sit fairly close together despite some vegetation screening. RV spots are more spacious than tent sites, with pull-through options available.
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.
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, and 117 are recommended. Sites with ramadas provide shade, which matters in the desert. RV sites include spacious pull-throughs. Space for multiple tents varies by site.
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Borrego Palm Canyon Campground offers various amenities for campers. "Drinkable water, restrooms, and token-operated hot showers are available. Tokens are available at the campground entrance." Some sites are equipped with full hookups, including electricity and sewage, while others are designated for tent camping. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, and some tent sites have modest shelter structures over the tables. Accessible restrooms and showers are distributed throughout the campground, and pathways leading to these facilities are accessible.
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Camp Store
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.
Hiking
The 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.
Biking
Cyclists can use designated roads but are not allowed on hiking trails. The Visitor Center/Campground Trail is bike-friendly.
Wildlife viewing
Campers 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 Programs
Campfire 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.
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.
Cell CoverageCell phone service is available but can be slow. "Phone says I have 2 or 3 bar ATT 5G but it never seemed very fast, but it did work."
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Tips from campers
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Reviews
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From Booking Sources
4.6
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
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
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...
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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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