Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground

4.69

195 reviews

200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Winter Camping California#3 Winter Camping

Quick Facts

775 ft

Price

$5 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 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

52 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 Group Campground

$5.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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.

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

760-767-4205

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What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 195 reviews

246 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Summer days can soar to an intense 125°F — extreme heat makes summer poor for camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak season begins Oct 1; milder weather and full services make fall a strong season.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers wildflower viewing and popular hiking; reviewers note spring as a top time.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Winter is noted as one of the best seasons; reviews mention quiet, enjoyable winter stays.

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.
Current Alerts: Palm grove closed due to fire damage; trail ends at a viewpoint.

About Borrego Palm Canyon Group 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.

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 layoutLayout includes loops with designated sections for tent camping, RV hookups, and group sites.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingThe 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.

BikingCyclists can use paved roads and the Visitor Center Trail. "I was there in a flash on my e-bike," said one user.

Wildlife viewingVisitors 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 ProgramsPark 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.

Active AlertsPalm grove closed due to fire damage; trail ends at a viewpoint.

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.

Weather at Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground

Reviews

4.7

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...

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

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...

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...

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

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...

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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