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Pegleg Smith Camping — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park holds Pegleg Smith Camping near the historic Peg Leg Smith marker, a primitive lot managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation along Borrego Springs Road. The site sits roughly 22 miles from Highway 86 via Sunrise Road, making the approach straightforward in daylight but more demanding after dark. Access is drive-in, and the gravel and dirt lot can accommodate rigs up to 35 feet, though the uneven surface requires leveling on arrival.

The lot holds multiple vehicles at once. On a busy spring weekend, campers have found seven rigs and a tent group sharing the space without issue, though wind is a consistent factor. Desert gusts commonly arrive a few hours after sunset and can persist through morning, which matters for trailer stability and sleep. Vault toilets and fire rings are available on-site, and the campground is ADA accessible. Fees run up to $20 per night. Those planning a longer stay can remain up to 30 days, and adjacent activities include hiking, equestrian use, bouldering, and street-legal off-roading.

"We were one of 7 rigs there for the night," noted one camper, capturing the low-key, shared-use character of the area. Nearby, Peg Leg Dispersed and Peg Leg Road provide additional primitive options in the same corridor for campers who want more space or a different configuration. Campers comfortable with uneven terrain, variable wind, and a no-frills desert setup will find this site a functional base for exploring the western Sonoran landscape.

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Map & DirectionsPegleg Smith Camping is located in California near Borrego Springs

Public Campground

Coordinates

33.29467132 N
116.28938528 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile
Possible Coverage
Verified by 14 users
Last on 7/26/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 7/26/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 2/21/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
Possible Coverage
Verified by 14 users
Last on 7/26/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 7/26/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 2/21/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Drive Time

1 hr 9 min from El Centro, CA
1 hr 32 min from San Diego, CA
2 hrs 7 min from Yuma, AZ
2 hrs 48 min from Los Angeles, CA

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Pegleg Smith Camping

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4 Reviews

Visitors frequently mentioned this popular winter boondocking spot offers a large clearing outside state park boundaries. Common feedback included uneven terrain and wind challenges, though many appreciated the proximity to Borrego Springs.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Michael S.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 18, 2021

Where?

Could not find the darn place! 😡

Month of VisitMarch

Brendan O.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 4, 2021

Free (for now at least) Anza-Borrego adjacent boondocking

We decided to extend our Borrego Springs trip (first time here) by one night and try a little boondocking at Peg Leg Smith Historical Marker (yes, there is actually a marker). We did not arrive until well after dark, so the parking was a little challenging (F250 pulling a 30' Toy Hauler) but overall not bad at all.

The lot is fairly uneven (for free-99, what do you expect?) but was a great little spot (the uneveness of the lot can be easily dealt with by leveling ). We were one of 7 rigs there for the night, and there was one group of tent campers. The only real issue was the wind, which is very common for the desert - about 2 hours after sunset, it really started to howl an rocked the trailer until about 8am the next day.

We were able to find it in the dark without too much drama. We entered from the Salton City side - exited Highway 86 at Sunrise Road, then Borrego Springs Road for 22 miles or so.

Siteall of them

Month of VisitApril

(6) View All

Larry B.

Legend

Reviewed Mar. 12, 2021

Nice and New

This is a new primitive location being constructed in the Anza-Borrego State Park.

It is currently open for use at no charge during the proposed Land Use Action from February 20, to May 31, 2021.

The park will be providing ADA accessible Concrete Vaulted Toilet (CXT restroom facility, adding fire rings, and incorporating a $20 per night per vehicle or trailer fee.

Camping will be allowed for up to 30-day maximum stay with adjacent state managed recreational activities include camping, hiking, equestrian, biking, bouldering, picnicking, and street legal off roading.

Month of VisitMarch

(10) View All

Larry B.

Legend

Reviewed Mar. 1, 2021

Lots of free camping

This is a very large clearing on the east side of Peg Leg Road. This land is outside of the State Park boundries, so park rules do not apply. This is a very popular area during the winter months. It is only six miles to the town of Borrego. I have T-Mobile phone service and while phone is good, internet is extremely slow. There are several places in town where you can get free Wi-Fi access. The Chamber of Commerce, Circle Park, and the public library which has extremely fast Wi-Fi and the password for an access instructions are posted on the outside of the door so you can get them even if the library is closed.

There is no boondocking or camping allowed within the city of Borrego Springs. This is an area for boondocking Northeast of the city limits and many boondockers Camp there. The only place close to town where you can legally Boondock.

Month of VisitMarch

(9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV camping facilities are available at Anza Borrego?

Pegleg Smith Camping at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers primitive RV camping options with no hookups. The area consists of a large clearing that accommodates RVs of various sizes, including larger rigs with trailers (30' toy haulers have been accommodated). While the site is primitive, it's located only about six miles from the town of Borrego Springs for supplies. Recently, the park added ADA accessible concrete vault toilets to improve facilities. This is a boondocking-style experience, so come prepared with all necessary water, power, and waste management solutions.

Are there cabins available at Anza Borrego campgrounds?

No, there are no cabins available at Pegleg Smith Camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is strictly a primitive camping area designed for tent camping and self-contained RVs. For lodging options with more amenities, consider checking accommodations in nearby Borrego Springs town, approximately six miles away from the campground.

How do I find campgrounds in Borrego Springs?

To find Pegleg Smith Camping, look for the area on the east side of Peg Leg Road, marked by a historical marker. Some visitors have reported difficulty locating it after dark, so arriving during daylight hours is recommended. It's situated approximately six miles from the town of Borrego Springs. For other camping options in the area, check with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park visitor center, which can provide maps and information on all official campgrounds in the Borrego Springs vicinity.

What should I know before camping at Anza Borrego?

Before camping at Pegleg Smith in Anza-Borrego, note that it's a primitive site with recently added vault toilets but no other amenities. The area is outside state park boundaries, so park rules don't apply, but responsible camping practices are expected. Winter months are particularly popular and can get crowded. Cell service is available with T-Mobile having good reception for calls but potentially limited data. The location is approximately six miles from Borrego Springs for supplies and services. Parking can be challenging for larger vehicles after dark, so daylight arrival is recommended. Come fully prepared with all necessary water, food, and equipment for a self-sufficient stay.

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