Vern Whitaker Horse Campground

Star4.56
11 reviews
200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
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Quick Facts

600 ft

Price

$17.5 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open October 1st to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Vern Whitaker Horse Campground
$17.50 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nightly fee of $35 for tent/RV sites, $33 for seniors, and $17.50 for disabled individuals with State Park Discount Pass. Extra fees apply...
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
760-767-4205access@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestrooms

"User reviews praise Vern Whitaker Horse Camp for its excellent facilities for horse camping, including clean restrooms and trails. Visitors consistently celebrate the camp's suitability for equestrian use, noting its well-maintained corrals and trails."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Vern Whitaker Horse Campground

200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Driving directionsApproaching from the west on S-22, make a left at the stop sign at the intersection of Montezuma Valley Rd and Palm Canyon Dr. Follow Palm Canyon Drive to the parking lot at the end. If approaching from the east, Borrego Salton Seaway, follow S-22 through the town of Borrego Springs. S-22 will turn into Palm Canyon Drive. Follow Palm Canyon Drive all the way to the parking lot at the end.
Road access is predominantly paved with some sandy areas in the campground. Seasonal closures in the surrounding roads may occur.
Nearby places
San Diego: 85 miles (~2 hours) | Palm Springs: 90 miles (~2 hours) | Riverside: 100 miles (~2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Visitor Center offers basic supplies and information. Additional groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Borrego Springs.

Best Time to Camp at Vern Whitaker Horse Campground

Time your visit wisely to experience the desert at its most hospitable. From fall through spring, Vern Whitaker offers perfect riding weather with comfortable daytime temperatures hovering between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit—ideal for both horses and riders. The campground closes during summer months when the desert transforms into a furnace, with temperatures soaring to an extreme 125°F. These cooler seasons not only provide comfort but also reveal the desert's hidden beauty, from blooming wildflowers to active wildlife.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Campground closed June 1–Sept 30.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open Oct–May; fall is peak season with comfortable daytime temps for riding.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring wildflower displays and pleasant temperatures make spring especially strong.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Open during winter months; cooler riding weather is favorable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: October through April typically marks the peak season with cooler weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open October 1st to May 31st. Closed June 1st to September 30th.
  • Current Alerts: No current active alerts for Vern Whitaker Horse Camp.

About Vern Whitaker Horse Campground

Nestled in the heart of the desert, Vern Whitaker Horse Campground welcomes equestrian adventurers to experience the magic of camping alongside their four-legged companions. This specialized haven features 12 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with spacious corrals where horses can rest comfortably after a day on the trails. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the rustic charm—enjoy meals at your picnic table, gather around the fire ring under starlit skies, and refresh with token-operated hot showers after dusty trail rides. Clean restroom facilities ensure comfort throughout your stay in this unique desert retreat.
Vern Whitaker Horse Camp is exclusively designed for equestrian camping and day use. The site accommodates tent and RV camping with facilities tailored for horse campers.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Vern Whitaker Horse Camp focus primarily on equestrian use, with multiple trails available for horseback riding. The location also offers opportunities for stargazing due to the area's designation as a Dark Sky Park.
HikingThe campground is surrounded by trails suitable for both hiking and horseback riding. "Great trails, wide open desert," as noted by Peter Kriger (2021-11-08).
Wildlife viewingAnza-Borrego Desert State Park is home to diverse wildlife, including Peninsular bighorn sheep. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available throughout the park.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExtreme heat during summer months, rattlesnakes, and limited cell coverage.
Active AlertsNo current active alerts for Vern Whitaker Horse Camp.

Weather at Vern Whitaker Horse Campground

Reviews

4.6
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Vern Whitaker Horse Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Vern Whitaker Horse Camp for its excellent facilities for horse camping, including clean restrooms and trails. Visitors consistently celebrate the camp's suitability for equestrian use, noting its well-maintained corrals and trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean restrooms and showers, well-marked trails, and dedicated facilities for horse campers. "Great Campground and trails. Horse campers only" by Sunni Edmundson (2019-03-10).
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no notable complaints in the user reviews provided.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and supplies for your horses, including buckets and hoses for watering. Ensure to adhere to the campground's horse-specific regulations, such as the leash policy for dogs.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from October 1 to May 31, aligning with cooler and more favorable weather conditions in the desert region.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to horse camp. Very clean restrooms and showers" - Brian Christensen (2018-11-26). "Great trails, wide open desert" - Peter Kriger (2021-11-08). "Great Campground and trails. Horse...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site reviews emphasize deep and wide layouts, particularly useful for long units and horse trailers.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are well-regarded, including ADA-compliant restrooms, showers, and horse mounting ramps.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, as emphasized in the campground regulations.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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