Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
4.7472 reviews200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
$5.00 - $125.00
Campsite Fees
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
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 day/night.
About this 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.
Campsite details
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.
Sites 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.
Sites PrivacySome vegetation provides privacy between sites, but reviews note that sites are generally close together.
Total Campsites65 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect 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, 117.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Stay limited to 30 days per calendar year.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground divided into sections for tents, RVs, hookups, and hike/bike sites. Includes upper and lower areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservations available October 1 to April 30.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
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.
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.
FishingFishing opportunities are not mentioned for this campground.
SwimmingSwimming is not available at the campground, but nearby resorts offer pool access.
BikingCyclists can use designated roads but are not allowed on hiking trails. The Visitor Center/Campground Trail is bike-friendly.
BoatingNo boating activities are supported at this location.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently spot bighorn sheep and roadrunners. "We saw a herd of about 16 bighorn sheep in the Palm Canyon Trail parking lot."
Beach activitiesNo beach activities are available.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsCampfire programs and ranger-led talks are offered seasonally. "The ranger talk on the dark sky was interesting."
Winter ActivitiesWinter activities are not specifically mentioned, but the campground remains open year-round.
Water SportsNo mention of kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding activities.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in established fire rings or metal containers. Gathering firewood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 20
Wednesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 9%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Borrego Medical Center, 4343 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (5 miles, 10-minute drive).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is generally October through April; shoulder seasons include May and September.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available. Dishwashing sinks are located outside restrooms for campers to clean their utensils.
Proximity to water featuresPalm Canyon Trail leads to nearby oasis and seasonal creeks.
Common complaintsSome reviewers mentioned token-operated showers being inconvenient due to inaccessible vending machines.
HostCamp hosts available; main host sites include sites 1, 22, 30, and 39.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.7
72 reviews
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 72 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 72 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues with shower token vending machines, lack of shade, and occasional noise from neighbors.
Based on 72 reviewsPro 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 72 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring is popular for wildflowers and moderate temperatures, while summer brings extreme heat. Stargazing is best on moonless nights.
Based on 72 reviewsCamper 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 72 reviewsShow more
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 72 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites and facilities receive positive feedback. "Paths to facilities are accessible, and restrooms have dedicated accessible parking."
Based on 72 reviewsPet-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 72 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025