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Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, near Borrego Springs, California, is a fantastic spot for those who love the desert and off-roading. This area is all about wide-open spaces, where you can set up camp and enjoy the stunning views of the desert landscape.

The campground is perfect for both tent and RV camping, with picnic tables and fire rings available for your evening gatherings. Visitors rave about the sunsets and the starry nights, making it a great place to unwind after a day of adventure. One camper mentioned, “What an amazing place... the sunsets and the off-roading made it worth it!”

While there are no showers or drinking water, the public restrooms are conveniently located throughout the area. Many campers appreciate the chance to get off the grid and enjoy some peace and quiet, with plenty of room to spread out. As one reviewer put it, “Great place to go get off grid if you don’t mind off road vehicles.”

For those looking to explore, the area is a playground for off-highway vehicles, with trails that start buzzing around Halloween and run through May. If you’re not into the OHV scene, there are hiking trails nearby that offer a different way to soak in the beautiful surroundings. Just remember to pack plenty of water and supplies, as the nearest town is about 25 minutes away.

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Location

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Eastern San Diego and in Western Imperial Counties. Access is via Highway 78, about 35 miles east of Julian or about 20 miles west of Highway 86

Address

5172 Highway 78
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Coordinates

33.15138764 N
116.16730582 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2021

Family & Friends camping trip

I love camping here, restrooms are close driving distance from are campsite. View of BlowSand, desert, mail road.

Site1
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jenna S., September 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jenna S., September 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jenna S., September 8, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Ocotillo Wells OHV State Park

Great Area to take your OHVs. Season starts around Halloween and ends in May for Red stickers. They have public restrooms spread through the grounds. It's great for tent camping and RVs/campers, tents. Town is about 25 minutes away, however they have a few stores/restaurants nearby.

Sitesites not listed. We normally go out with a group of people and create a circle with our trailers and off road toys.
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2021

Amazing camp spot (as long as you come prepared)

What an amazing place. Just be sure to pack what you need as there is very few bathrooms and it gets realllll cold at night. But the sunsets and the off roading made it worth it!

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Nina F., April 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Nina F., April 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Nina F., April 28, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2020

One of the best places

I’ve always loved going to Ocotillo because of the views and the people great for kids and big enough to be by yourself.

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jeremiah , December 5, 2020
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2020

So much fun

We had a blast here!! We only drove through this spot but we stayed here for a good couple hours playing in the sand!

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Reviewed Nov. 17, 2020

Boondocking

Great place to go get off grid if you don’t mind off road vehicles. Plenty of open space to get away from the crowds.

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Timothy  A., November 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Timothy  A., November 17, 2020
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2019

A desert dream come true

I stumbled upon this area by chance, after weathering the craziness of San Diego. Make sure you don't pull over too often in the dark, trying to fin the place or the Border Patrol might ask funny questions :D.
You can pull over any place you want and find your dream spot.

Stars, Desert foxes, quiet.

Toilets provided and if you want to go for a 8 mile trip make sure it hasn't rained the days before and you have a 4 wheel drive. The dirt road can be quite tricky, but the views are well worth it.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Etienne H., December 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Etienne H., December 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Etienne H., December 15, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 15, 2019

Very fun for toys

We have been here a few times, going out on your toys is a lot of fun. We always go with a big group as do most people. It does get very crowded and loud but with all the off road vehicles you have to expect that. There are no showers or water. It does get very hot bring plenty of water.

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jill E., May 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jill E., May 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jill E., May 15, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 6, 2019

Beautiful space, very clean.

We stayed here for 4 nights and it was a lot of fun! We were a large group so we made a circle of us so the young kids could play inside the group. We had an awesome time riding the hills! If you are unfamiliar with Ocotillo Wells it is total boon-docking.

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jennifer D., May 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jennifer D., May 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jennifer D., May 6, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2018

Desert Delight

This is a great open camping area, you can camp near others or find a secluded spot of your own. There are fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and even showers. The days can get pretty warm but the evenings are beautiful and star filled! If you are not into 4 wheeling there are nice hiking trails in the area. Bring plenty of water and food (there is a store but things are pricey).

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Elsye W., November 16, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Good for OHV camping not desirable

Sand, sand, sand and more sand. It’s the desert so you expect the sand but that’s reLly all there is. If you like off-roading it’s huge but you have to make sure you have a flag so others can see you coming over the dunes.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Nicole H., September 7, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

ohv camping

Sandrails, dirt bikes, quads, jeeps- Oh My! I’ve mostly rv camped here during the annual Jeep event in March/ April. we get there early to get a prime uncrowded spot for our caravan. obv no rv hookups and no shade as it’s the desert. Fwd isn’t required, I made it with my 4cyl Toyota RAV4. midweek is pretty empty. holiday weekend fill up fast and get get very loud. beautiful sunrises and sunsets 🌅 lots of canyons and washes to enjoy ohv

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jennifer D., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jennifer D., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Jennifer D., July 31, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 24, 2018

Ahh, Showers.

I stayed here for a few days on my way to San Diego. I was SO relieved to finally use a real shower while on the road. They are available for a few quarters. Its beautiful and has lots of geological sites! It gets very crowded and NOISEY on weekends. They hand out trash bags and maps but somehow trash still ends up around all the campsites. The rangers are super kind and helpful! The roads are deep sand so it helps to have a vehicle that can handle it. I think it was pretty perfect during the week. Weekends are for drunk people on 4 wheelers.

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Becca H., May 24, 2018
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2017

Home away from home

I've been camping here for 35 years.

Great place to camp and offroad. Maps are easy to get and trails are well posted. Avoid big weekends and pack 3 times the amount of water that you think you would need.

SiteAll of them
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2016

Great riding!

Some really great riding! Huge jumps, long sand washes, technical single track. Desert camping at it's finest. I believe there are bike restrictions so check with BLM to make sure it's red sticker season. Can get very crowded on holiday weekends but overall great place to ride and or see some people go big!

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Erin M., July 25, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2016

Camping in the DIRT

it can be very HOT, no matter what time of year so make sure you bring your shade. But there are plenty of hidden gems out here whether it is the wind caves, oasis, of canyons to explore. Do your research before you head out there so you know what you want to see. Great area though to bring anyone and everyone to enjoy the night sky and see some desert beauty.

We spent two nights there and just had good ol'e fashion camping fun. Games, camp fire, etc.

  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Geoff H., July 18, 2016
  • Review photo of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area by Geoff H., July 18, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any fees to camp at Ocotillo Wells Campground?

Camping at Ocotillo Wells SVRA is free. This is primitive, boondocking-style camping with no hookups for RVs or trailers. The area provides basic amenities including some toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Quarter-operated showers are available, which many campers appreciate after dusty days of off-roading. Staff distribute trash bags to encourage visitors to pack out their waste.

What OHV trails can be accessed directly from Ocotillo Wells Campground?

Ocotillo Wells SVRA offers extensive trail access directly from the camping areas with a variety of terrain options. The trail system includes long sand washes, technical single tracks, and large dunes with jumps. You'll find well-marked trails with posted signs, and maps are readily available from rangers. Popular riding destinations within the area include wind caves, oasis areas, and canyons to explore. The recreation area is vast, allowing riders to find both challenging routes and easier paths suitable for different skill levels. Flag safety equipment is required when traversing dunes to maintain visibility to other riders.

What is the best time of year to camp at Ocotillo Wells?

The best time to camp at Ocotillo Wells is during the cooler months from late fall through early spring. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot and dangerous. Winter nights get surprisingly cold, so bring appropriate gear if camping during this season. Many experienced visitors recommend avoiding major holiday weekends when the area becomes exceptionally crowded and noisy. A popular time to visit is during the annual Jeep event in March/April, though arriving early is advised to secure a good spot if attending this event.

Where is Ocotillo Wells Campground located within the Ocotillo Wells SVRA?

Ocotillo Wells Campground is located within the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area in the California desert. The recreation area offers open camping throughout, allowing you to choose your own spot based on your preferences. You can camp near other visitors for a social experience or find a secluded area for more privacy. The campground features basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets scattered throughout the area. When arriving at night, be cautious of Border Patrol checkpoints in the vicinity.