Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground, near Borrego Springs, California, is a straightforward spot for those who appreciate the beauty of the desert. This place is all about the basics—there are pit toilets and fire rings, but don’t expect any fancy amenities. 

Visitors rave about the stunning views of the badlands and the vibrant wildflowers during the blooming season. As one camper noted, “The flowers are so bright and beautiful,” making it a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience. Just be prepared for some wind, especially in the spring; it can get pretty breezy out here.

The campground is a great launchpad for outdoor adventures, with trails leading to nearby attractions like Ocotillo Wells and Fonts Point. If you’re into stargazing, the night sky here is something else—perfect for soaking in the cosmos after a day of exploring. Just remember to pack out what you bring in, as the area is pretty pristine.

While it’s a no-frills location, the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to spot local wildlife, like the Kit Fox, make Arroyo Salado a memorable choice for your next camping trip. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, you’ll find a slice of tranquility in the heart of the desert.

Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Coolidge Springs, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Coolidge Springs. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Coolidge Springs, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Coolidge Springs

The Best Camping Near Coolidge Springs, California

I stayed at Arroyo Salado one year during a super bloom at Anza Borrego Desert State Park.  The campground is very, very basic.  You pull up and find a spot and camp.  There are no designated campsites.  And it's free.  There are pit toilets, which are clean and don't really smell.  
  
We had the pleasure, as I said, of coming during the super bloom, when all of the sites closer to town were booked.  This is in the "badlands" part of the park, leaving Borrego Springs and heading toward Salton City, which happens to be the cheapest place to get gas in these parts.  

  
There's room to pitch a tent.  You basically set up camp wherever there is room. We were among blooming desert lilies and had to be careful not to damage any, but plenty of fairly flat sandy soil to pitch a tent.  You can bring your own barbecue if you want a fire, but fires must be self contained and you have to pack out what you bring in, so don't leave behind your ashes or coals.  Want to be lazy?  Grab dinner from one of the restaurants in town.  
  
This part of the park (the badlands) tends to be slightly warmer than other areas of the park.  (Because of elevation and topography? I'm not sure why.)  This is a dry camp.  There is no water, so you have to bring your own. But Borrego Springs is maybe 15-20 minutes away if you need a supply run.  
  
During the blooms and when it's not super hot, it's lovely, but it's ungodly hot in the summer here (110-115 degrees), not cooling much at night.  There are off-road roads in this area.  We watched a lovely moonrise amid some night-blooming flowers.  So time it right and it's lovely.

Desert Camping With a Toilet and That's About It

Super primitive but heavily used campground tucked among red rocks along a wash. I camped here in Spring and the wash was full of wildflowers. We drove back at least a mile in a sedan to set up camp. It's doable without four wheel drive or high clearance, just use caution. Need to bring your own fire pit and pack out coals. No facilities other than a vault toilet near the entrance of the wash. Anza Borrego is a gem. Loved this campground! 

Desert perfection 

I love this place. There's nothing here except an exceptionally clean vault toilet.  I always set up camp in the same spot. There's a little noise from the road but not too much. If you're farther in you probably wouldn't notice it.

From the 'Campground' there are trails that lead to Ocotillo Wells and Fonts Point. If you're looking for a place to camp near trails with a decent bathroom and nothing else, this is the place for you. 

Primative camping +

At the right time of year, the flowers are so bright and beautiful. The stars are always amazing here. People are usually friendly but sometimes leave trash. Pack out what you pack in. 

Beautiful

We tried a couple of other dispersed camp sites before this one but they were all full. A AWD would be best for this area because of the deep sand. I did make it back aways with my Prius, to my surprise. I did get stuck once but got out pretty easily. But if had rained while I was here that might be a different story. We tucked ourselves into a cove. It felt pretty private until I was using my bathroom bucket while there were people hiking the ridge above me. Haha. I brought my pop-up bathroom tent but the wind was so strong it would not stand upright. If I had a AWD or an ATV this could be a run area to explore. But I'm not sure I'll come back. One and done.

Less traveled. Wouldn't be my first choice. 

The S.Family went camping for my Nieces birthday. Small campground, restroom is a plus, off-roading &amp; trails were very nice. That weekend was very very windy our 2 person tent didn’t fly away. Campsite fit a tent &amp; 1 motorhome &amp; 2 truck and trailers. 

Family camping trip

This Is a dry camp spot (no water) that has pit toilets and a fire ring with built in grill. We took full use of it. I highly recommend this campsite and plan on returning in the future. I took an 18 year old FWD sedan and it did just fine with careful driving. However the best part about this experience would have to be the local Kit Fox that joined us in the evening.

Peaceful and Breathtaking

Some road noise, but not much. Pit toilets, and they recently added metal fire pits to sites. Beautiful views of the badlands. Dirt road is rough, but I drove a Versa there with no problem (though I didn't go super deep into the campground). Both times I went (April and October) it was very windy (especially April, dude, seriously), so be prepared for that. 

Very pretty and private

The camping spots were close to each other but no one else was there so it didn't matter. The stars and sunrise were amazing! Will definitely go again!

Photos of Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Real photos from real campers