Map showing campground location near Coolidge Springs, California

Camper submitted image from Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Off-road enthusiasts can access Coachwhip Canyon through the Ella Wash area, where dispersed camping spreads along a sandy canyon road. Campers drive back through the canyon and pull off at various spots to set up camp, though the sandy terrain becomes challenging deeper into the canyon - one reviewer got temporarily stuck in a Ford Transit van.

Park rangers patrol the area regularly and enforce leash requirements for pets. No campfires are permitted, and campers should watch for desert wildlife including unusual spider species. The canyon provides dark skies for stargazing, with cell service available. Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park sits just half a mile southeast for those wanting designated sites instead.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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Map & DirectionsCoachwhip Canyon is located in California near Coolidge Springs

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

33.28622638 N
116.15246975 W

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Good Coverage
Verified by 7 users
Last on 6/17/26
AT&T
No Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 6/17/26

Connectivity

Presented by

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

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 6/17/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 7 users
Last on 6/17/26
AT&T
No Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 6/17/26

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

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 2 min from El Centro, CA
1 hr 39 min from San Diego, CA
1 hr 59 min from Yuma, AZ
3 hrs 31 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Coachwhip Canyon

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the stunning desert canyon scenery and stargazing opportunities. Several guests observed sandy conditions that may challenge some vehicles, while pets generally enjoyed the leashed-friendly environment.

robert B.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2025

Sandy but quiet

It is a beautiful spot but very sandy the further you go back. Im in a Ford transit and got it stuck momentarily.

Sitenot marked

Month of VisitOctober

(6) View All

Taylor

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 20, 2020

Beautiful

We loved this spot! We saw someone had brought their dog on a previous review so we decided to bring ours! He had a blast and luckily we didn’t have any issues with cactus. The stars were unreal at night

Kayla H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2019

BLM land, variety of spots, dessert terrain

Coachwhip Canyon is accessible from the Berrago Salton Freeway, it’s right on the Ella Wash. You can drive back through the canyon through a variety of areas people pull over and camp. Park rangers do survey the area and check in on people. No camp fires, and animals must be leashed. Crazy weird dessert spiders. Canyon is really pretty however.

Month of VisitJune