Vern Whitaker Horse Campground
05 reviews200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Vern Whitaker Horse Campground
$17.50 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 for additional vehicles ($10/day) and horses ($5/day per horse).
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceYour camping experience unfolds within the legendary Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where centuries of human history have left their mark on the landscape. Ancient Native American tribes once traversed these lands, leaving behind artifacts and sacred sites that speak to their deep connection with the desert. Later, brave pioneers followed the Southern Emigrant Trail through these challenging terrains, seeking new lives in California. Today, riders can follow in the hoofprints of history, exploring trails that echo with the stories of explorers, settlers, and indigenous peoples who shaped this remarkable region.
Weather and SeasonsTime 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.
ElevationPerched at a gentle 600 feet above sea level, Vern Whitaker offers the quintessential low desert experience. This modest elevation creates an environment of remarkable clarity—where morning light paints the landscape in golden hues and evening air carries the subtle fragrances of desert blooms. The clear, dry conditions at this altitude make for exceptional stargazing opportunities and provide horses with sure footing on well-maintained trails. Here, the desert's warmth embraces you without the thin air challenges of higher elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by a landscape that defies expectations. The Colorado Desert unfolds around Vern Whitaker in a tapestry of colors and textures—from the soft pastels of spring wildflower blooms to the dramatic silhouettes of ancient cacti standing sentinel against painted skies. Rugged trails wind through this living gallery, offering riders intimate encounters with barrel cacti, towering ocotillos, and hidden desert gardens. Dawn and dusk transform the scenery into something truly magical, as the low-angle light sets the desert ablaze with oranges, purples, and golds that photographers dream about.
Geological RegionWelcome to the Colorado Desert, where millions of years of geological artistry have created a masterpiece of sand, stone, and life. This portion of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem showcases nature's resilience in every grain of sand and weathered rock formation. Spring visitors are rewarded with spectacular wildflower displays that carpet the sandy terrain in unexpected bursts of color. Year-round, the landscape features an impressive collection of desert flora—stately saguaros, whimsical ocotillos with their flaming tips, and clusters of barrel cacti that have adapted perfectly to this arid paradise. It's a geological wonderland that tells the story of ancient seas, tectonic shifts, and the patient work of wind and water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible ADA-compliant showers and toilets. Routes of travel to the restroom and campsite are accessible, and there is an accessible horse mounting ramp.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate vehicles and trailers up to 35 feet in length, with spacious and wide layouts.
Sites PrivacySites offer partial shade and are noted to be extra wide and deep, catering to horse campers.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to restrooms for better accessibility; sites further away offer more privacy.
Best CampsitesUser reviews favor campsites closest to restrooms and showers for convenience.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
30 days in any calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are back-in type with sand driveways. Each site includes corrals, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen October 1st to May 31st. Closed June 1st to September 30th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia (800-444-7275 or www.reservecalifornia.com).
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites must be reserved; no first-come, first-served availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled per ReserveCalifornia guidelines. Fees may apply for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
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.
Hiking
The 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 viewing
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is home to diverse wildlife, including Peninsular bighorn sheep. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available throughout the park.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings. Gathering firewood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsExtreme heat during summer months, rattlesnakes, and limited cell coverage.
Active alertsNo current active alerts for Vern Whitaker Horse Camp.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 15 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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 | Phone: 760-767-5051.
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober through April typically marks the peak season with cooler weather.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details or schedules on trash and recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features nearby.
Common complaintsLimited shade and extreme heat during non-peak seasons.
HostCamp hosts described as 'super friendly' by users, providing clean facilities and marked trails.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Vern Whitaker Horse Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
There are no notable complaints in the user reviews provided.
Based on 5 reviewsPro 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 5 reviewsSeasonal 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 5 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site reviews emphasize deep and wide layouts, particularly useful for long units and horse trailers.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are well-regarded, including ADA-compliant restrooms, showers, and horse mounting ramps.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, as emphasized in the campground regulations.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025