Borrego Springs offers grocery stores, camping supplies, restaurants, and fuel stations approximately 2 miles from the campground.
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.
Weather at Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground
About Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground
Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground sits at 775 feet in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering 52 sites for tents, RVs, and groups. Full hookups and pull-throughs make it RV-friendly, while spacious sites accommodate large tents. Fees range from $5 to $125 per night. The campground provides clean facilities including showers (cash required for tokens), flush toilets, and a dump station, with trailheads starting right from camp.
The campground supports multiple types of camping, including tent camping, RV camping with hookups, and group camping. Accessible sites are available.
Historical Significance
César Chávez camped here in 1966 during his work organizing farm workers. Native American rock art and artifacts appear in the surrounding desert, evidence of thousands of years of indigenous presence in this landscape.
Weather and SeasonsWinter brings the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s–50s°F. This makes hiking and group activities comfortable without extreme heat. The campground is busiest October through April (when reservations open), so book weekends and holidays early. Summer temperatures can hit 125°F, pushing this campground into true desert endurance territory. Late winter and early spring sometimes deliver wildflower blooms across the surrounding landscape.
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 SceneryThe Peninsular Ranges rise sharply from the desert floor, creating dramatic backdrops from every site. Desert washes cut through the landscape, carved by ancient water flows that still shape the terrain. Vegetation is sparse but provides some site separation. Native wildlife appears at dawn and dusk. After dark, the sky opens up completely. "The stars at night are gorgeous," multiple campers note, with the Milky Way visible horizon to horizon on clear nights. Shade is minimal during the day.
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.
Scenic ViewsBreathtaking views of desert landscapes and nearby mountains. Stargazing is excellent due to the International Dark Sky designation.
Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are mentioned, but the campground offers a variety of camping setups including RV sites, tent sites, and group sites.
Programs & ActivitiesPark rangers offer interpretive programs on the dark sky and desert ecology. "The ranger talk on the dark sky was interesting," according to a review.
RVers who want full hookups in a genuine dark-sky desert park will find this setup hard to beat. Pull-through sites handle big rigs, sites 47-52 get strong reviews for privacy, and bighorn sheep have literally wandered into the trailhead parking lot. Book fall through spring; win
Skip if
Summer is brutal here, with highs that can push 125°F. Shade across the campground is thin, the palm grove is currently closed due to fire damage so the trail ends at a viewpoint, and shower tokens require cash that vending machines sometimes can't accept.
Campgrounds
Anza-Borrego Desert SP
Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground
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Current alert: Palm grove closed due to fire damage; trail ends at a viewpoint.
Best Time to Camp at Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground
Winter brings the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s–50s°F. This makes hiking and group activities comfortable without extreme heat. The campground is busiest October through April (when reservations open), so book weekends and holidays early. Summer temperatures can hit 125°F, pushing this campground into true desert endurance territory. Late winter and early spring sometimes deliver wildflower blooms across the surrounding landscape.
Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in CA
Winter temps (mid‑60s days) are ideal; reviews call winter the best season.
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Spring offers wildflower viewing and good hiking; noted as a top season in reviews.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended
High desert heat makes summer uncomfortable for most visitors.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Peak season begins Oct 1; pleasant temps and trail access make fall great.
Planning Tips
Peak Season: October 1 to April 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round for camping. Reservations available October 1 through April 30.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.
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 camping is allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground loops include separate areas for tent camping, RV hookups, and group sites. Some vegetation separates sites and adds privacy, though spacing varies. Many sites are spacious enough for large rigs and tents.
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.
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.
Site 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.
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 SitesChoose sites with shade structures for comfort in summer. Sites near trailheads offer easy access to hiking.
Best CampsitesSite 117 gets mentioned for size and ability to fit large tents. Full-hookup RV sites include pull-throughs with good spacing. Sites 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, and 116 also show up in positive reviews.
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Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground is a well-equipped facility within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering a mix of primitive and developed camping experiences. Amenities include clean restrooms with flush toilets and showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and RV hookups (electric, water, and sewer). Shower facilities are token-operated and maintained to a high standard. Accessible sites and pathways are available, and there is a campfire center for programs.
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Camp Store
Group Sites
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
Water Sports
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsExtreme summer heat, wildlife including rattlesnakes and coyotes, and limited cell service. Visitors should carry plenty of water and prepare for emergencies.
Fire PolicyFires restricted to metal containers; gathering firewood prohibited.
Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Emergency ServicesBorrego Medical Center, 4343 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004; Emergency: Call 911.
Trash & 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.
Water FeaturesNear desert oases including Palm Canyon. Limited seasonal water flow.
Camp HostCamp hosts available in designated sites; can assist with check-ins and information.
Cell CoverageVisitors report mixed experiences with cell phone reception. One user commented, "Phone says I have 2 or 3 bars ATT 5G but it never seemed very fast, but it did work." Another mentioned good service with AT&T.
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Reviews
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From Booking Sources
4.6
195 reviews
Top-Rated
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 195 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...
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Based on 195 reviews
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 195 reviews
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 195 reviews
Pro 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 195 reviews
Seasonal 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...
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Based on 195 reviews
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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Based on 195 reviews
Accessibility 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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Based on 195 reviews
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 195 reviews
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