Fish Creek Wash Primitive Campsite

We’re coming back here this weekend and I can’t wait! It’s the perfect spot for a large group with lots of fun things to do nearby!

We have stayed at the site twice now: 1st time - October 2019; 7 person group The weather was still pretty warm and the wash was in good condition to drive through. The vault toilets were clean and appeared to have been recently hosed down. 2nd time - March 2020; 10 person group The weather was very mild and enjoyable. The area had recently experienced flash flooding that changed the terrain causing it to be more rocky. The wash was a bit more difficult to navigate. They had a road closed sign but we called the Anza-Borrego State Park Ranger Station and they said the area was not closed at this time and to watch for a weather change that would cause flash floods. The vault toilets on this trip were not clean and were almost completely out of toilet paper. I believe this may be caused by the lack of access due to flooding and that we went during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We drive a lifted Subaru Crosstrek with KO2 tires, our friends were driving an AWD RAV4 with stock tires, and we also had a couple of trucks in our party. We had a bit of difficulty driving through the wash to get to the Wind Caves and had to clear a few large rocks so that we could get through. A high clearance vehicle and/or AWD is definitely necessary but this area is constantly changing from elements so be prepared and have back options if it is questionable for your car to make it though.

This area is very highly trafficked with off road vehicles, it is not very quiet during the day. The camp ground is also a popular HQ for over-landing groups.

We will definitely go back here again!

This is the only true primitive campground I've been to, but it was the most unbelievable experience!  The "campground" is in the middle of nowhere and not the easiest to find, but once you get down that crazy desert road and up the little rise to the open area, it is exceptionally unique.  The grounds sit nestled next to big rock formations with a wash going through that if you have a capable car - power + not too big - you can go exploring to the cool world hidden back there.  

Within 5 minutes of unpacking a black (military?) helicopter came beating out from the wash and we felt like we were on a movie set.  We had to bring a dish in order to have a campfire, and the toilets were pit - but hey, at least there were toilets.  

The drive through the wash is so unique with the slanted walls of rock jetting out at you.  Then parked the car and walked up to the wind caves and climbed around and looked out over the elephant leg-shaped mountains.  It was beautiful and memorable and unique.

We camped at Fish Creek Wash on 3 separate occasions. This place is incredible and a very popular spot for overland community. The camp is at the beginning of the Split Mountain Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. You access through Ocotillo Wells turning onto Split Mountain Road. It’s about 7 miles to the Fish Creek Wash. At the beginning the washboard dirt road is a bit rough but smooths out in the canyon. The canyon has some incredible rock formations all the way and a good trail high on the western side of the wash with some signage. This is my locals place to share with the community. Campground is super basic with no facilities. The is a desert area and conditions can be extreme in the summer. The best time to visit is early Spring