California's largest state park is also the easiest free dispersed camping in Southern California.
Anza-Borrego is one of the only state parks in the US that allows free dispersed camping virtually anywhere off its dirt roads. 600,000 acres of badlands, palm oases, slot canyons, and metal dragon sculptures sit two hours from San Diego.
Why it's special
Free camping inside a major desert park, within a half-day drive of 20 million people, with wildflower super-blooms in good years. There's nothing else like it on the west coast.
Best time to go
November–April. Wildflowers peak in March in wet years.
Getting there
S-22 from the Salton Sea or Highway 78 from San Diego. Borrego Springs is the hub town.
Know before you go
- Dispersed camping must be within 1 vehicle length of the dirt road.
- No fee, no permit, but campfires require a metal container.
- Soft sand is the #1 cause of stuck rigs; stay on packed surfaces.
- Cell service is patchy outside Borrego Springs proper.
Pro tips from boondockers
- Peg Leg Road is the classic easy access spot for big rigs.
- Blair Valley has incredible dark skies and Native American pictographs nearby.
- Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs has free water and a free RV dump.
- Check the bloom report before March; it's a hit-or-miss event.
Combine with
Salton Sea, Joshua Tree, Salvation Mountain, Slab City.