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.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

Borrego Springs, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Borrego Springs, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Borrego Springs

The Best Camping Near Borrego Springs, California

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. 

Camping in the DIRT

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!

Great riding!

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.

Home away from home

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. 

Ahh, Showers.

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 

ohv camping 

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.

Good for OHV camping not desirable 

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).

Desert Delight

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.

Beautiful space, very clean.

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.

Very fun for toys 

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.

A desert dream come true

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. 

Boondocking

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

So much fun

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

One of the best places 

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! 

Amazing camp spot (as long as you come prepared)

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. 

Ocotillo Wells OHV State Park

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

Photos of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers