Tamarisk Grove Campground
4.3948 reviews200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Tamarisk Grove Campground
$5.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$70.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Tent sites are priced at $35 per night with discounts available for seniors ($33) and disabled visitors ($17.50). Cabins cost $70 per night. Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of whispering tamarisk trees, Tamarisk Grove Campground offers a desert oasis where modern comfort meets wilderness adventure. This thoughtfully designed retreat features both traditional tent sites and cozy cabins, each positioned to maximize shade during the heat of the day. Well-appointed facilities include spotless restrooms and refreshing showers, while a network of nearby trails beckons explorers to discover the raw beauty of the surrounding desert landscape.
Tamarisk Grove accommodates tent camping, RVs, and cabin stays, providing options for various camping styles.
Historical SignificanceSet within the legendary Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Tamarisk Grove sits on land that has witnessed millions of years of natural and human history. Ancient Native American peoples once traversed these grounds, leaving behind artifacts that tell stories of adaptation and survival. Beneath your feet lie fossils from the Pliocene era, when this arid landscape was a lush savanna teeming with prehistoric life, offering visitors a chance to literally walk through time.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the desert's gentle side during winter and spring, when temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking and stargazing under crystal-clear skies. As summer arrives, the thermometer climbs dramatically, often soaring past 100°F, transforming the landscape into a shimmering wonderland that rewards early morning and evening adventurers. With just 6 inches of rainfall annually, you can count on sunshine and dry conditions for most of your outdoor activities throughout the year.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 775 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the desert's vertical landscape. This moderate elevation provides a perfect balance – high enough to catch cooling breezes and offer sweeping vistas, yet low enough to maintain the authentic desert experience complete with dramatic temperature swings and star-filled nights.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground emerges like a green island in a sea of golden desert, where hardy tamarisk trees create natural shade pavilions above each site. Beyond this verdant refuge, the landscape transforms into a botanical wonderland showcasing nature's desert artistry – towering cacti stand sentinel while delicate desert shrubs paint subtle colors across the sandy canvas. Venture onto the surrounding trails to encounter the desert's most charismatic residents: crimson-tipped ocotillo reaching skyward like natural sculptures and ancient agave plants displaying their dramatic rosettes.
Geological RegionTamarisk Grove rests in the heart of the Colorado Desert, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of jagged mountains, sinuous washes, and sprawling alluvial fans. This dynamic terrain serves as a natural garden for the desert's most iconic plants – graceful ocotillo swaying in the breeze and majestic agave standing proud against weathered rock formations. Each vista tells the story of millennia of wind, water, and time working together to create this otherworldly desert masterpiece.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree campsites (#17, #20, #27) are ADA-accessible. Two accessible cabins (at #17 and #20) and an adjacent restroom/shower building serve users with disabilities.
Sites SizeCabins and campsites vary but are limited to smaller RVs (maximum length: 21 feet).
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels; many sites are close together, offering limited seclusion.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose interior sites for reduced road noise. Cabins provide shelter from wind and rain and are good for families.
Best CampsitesBest campsites identified include sites 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, and 24.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 days per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8guests maximum per standard site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA compact layout with tent sites, cabins, and central facilities like restrooms and showers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from October 1 to May 31.
Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia website or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability detailed for nearby Yaqui Well primitive campsite if Tamarisk Grove is full.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are available six months in advance. Cancellation rules not explicitly stated.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tamarisk Grove Campground provides access to diverse desert experiences, from hiking to stargazing, amidst a unique ecological setting.
Hiking
Popular trails such as the Cactus Loop Trail and Yaqui Well Nature Trail offer varied difficulty levels and showcase the desert's unique flora and fauna. The Slot Canyon trailhead is a short drive away.Biking
Nearby trails and roads are suitable for biking, adding to the array of outdoor activities.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can observe species like Peninsular bighorn sheep and seasonal migratory birds. A wildlife checklist is available for campers.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs include Junior Ranger activities, guided hikes, and interpretive talks held at the nearby Visitor Center.Winter Activities
Winter camping is popular due to cooler temperatures, while extreme summer heat limits usability.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in metal containers or grills. Gathering of wood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential encounters with rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and scorpions. High winds and extreme heat during summer months.
Active alertsNo current advisories mentioned.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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 located at 4343 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, approximately 3 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring months typically feature peak season pricing.
Trash and recyclingOn-site dumpsters and recycling bins are available. Rangers are noted to assist with trash collection.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Yaqui Well provides a historic water hole.
Common complaintsSites are close together with limited privacy. Noise from nearby roads may be bothersome.
HostFriendly and knowledgeable staff offering assistance with directions and local attractions.
Campground Map
200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Driving directionsFrom the west on S-22, turn 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. From the east via Borrego Salton Seaway on S-22, follow through Borrego Springs to Palm Canyon Drive and proceed to the parking lot.
Access roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles. Seasonal closures may affect routes to some trails and areas within the park.Nearby places
Borrego Springs (3 miles, 10 minutes), Julian (30 miles, 45 minutes), Palm Springs (79 miles, approximately 2 hours), San Diego (90 miles, approximately 2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in Borrego Springs, which is 3 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
48 reviews
Tamarisk Grove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed praise for cleanliness, amenities, and location. While many appreciate the well-maintained facilities, proximity to roads detracts from the serene desert experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, friendly and knowledgeable staff, wildlife-rich environment, and stargazing opportunities are frequently highlighted.
Based on 48 reviewsCommon Concerns
Road noise, lukewarm showers, and windy conditions were noted challenges. Some campers also felt cabins were cramped for maximum capacity.
Based on 48 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring potable water, as the campground lacks drinkable water on-site. Consider cabin stays during windy or cold conditions for added comfort.
Based on 48 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter camping is highly recommended due to cool temperatures. Spring offers ideal conditions for wildflower viewing and birdwatching.
Based on 48 reviewsCamper Quotes
1) "Very friendly staff! They were very informative of nearby things to see and do." 2) "Beautiful campground sheltered by Tamarisk trees. Great facilities. Wonderful stars at night." 3)...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Best campsites noted include #2, #4, #6, #9, #11, #14, #15, #21, and #24. These sites offer varying levels of privacy and scenic views.
Based on 48 reviewsAccessibility Features
Three ADA-accessible campsites (#17, #20, #27) provide suitable accommodations for users with disabilities. Accessible cabins and restroom facilities enhance usability.
Based on 48 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times. The campground offers shaded areas suitable for pets during warmer months.
Based on 48 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025