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Dispersed Camping

Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

5 Reviews

Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves, near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is a unique location that invites adventurers to explore its fascinating landscape. This area is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of solitude and the thrill of discovering natural wonders, with plenty of caves to check out and stunning desert scenery all around.

Camping here is a no-frills experience, so be prepared to pack in everything you need and pack it out when you leave. Visitors have noted that the caves stay cool even in the heat of the desert, making them a great escape during the day. Just remember to bring a flashlight if you plan to venture inside, as it can get pretty dark.

The site is known for its beautiful views and the chance to set up camp in a more isolated setting. Reviewers have mentioned that the area is great for off-roading, and many have enjoyed the thrill of exploring the rugged terrain. Just be cautious about where you park—staying away from the dirt walls is a must, especially during windy nights.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the desert, Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves offers a memorable experience. Whether you're a novice camper or a seasoned pro, this location has something to offer everyone who loves the great outdoors.

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Location

Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located in California

Coordinates

32.926187 N
116.1917 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Poor
T-Mobile
Available

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

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 48 min from El Centro
2 hrs 25 min from San Diego
2 hrs 50 min from Yuma
4 hrs 7 min from Los Angeles

Kayla D.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 19, 2021

Empty on weeknights but a little hard to find

Dates & Weather: March 12, 2021. Night temps weren’t too bad down in the canyon we stayed in, mid-40’s and during the day it was 50 with high winds up on top of the dirt mountains(?), caves were warmest the whole time

Road & Address: there were some soft sand spots, didn’t require a lot of clearance and I didn’t put my Jeep Compass into AWD at all. Probably wouldn’t bring a sedan, but there were SUVs pulling pop-ups. Make sure you follow your GPS even if it doesn’t show a road (I missed the first left that goes to the caves & had to backtrack two miles through soft sand)

Amenities: none, pack in/pack out

Things to do: tons of caves to explore (the signs recommend not going in) bring a light (because you will go in.) Cool groups of overlanders out there and also saw a ton of families setting up camp as I was leaving Saturday morning.

DO NOT PARK CLOSE TO THE DIRT WALLS. (Mostly the overhanging ones) During the night I was out there, high winds brought a down huge chunk that we had passed on the way in. Glad I skipped that spot—I have a huge moonroof, yikes. There’s plenty of open spaces to set up camp safely away from the walls.

AT&T had no service whatsoever on low ground, but was strong if you went up the mountain (they’re like 40 feet, not actual mountains)

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Brett S.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 3, 2021

Amazing scenery and plenty of free camp sites

We are novice campers - didn't have sand tent pegs so with a little wind on the day we arrived it took some time to find the right site for us which really was only after the wind died down after 4pm. Picture a few frustrated moments here while wind picked up tent and wife..... :)

Lesson learned, take sand capable tent pegs and set up site later in the day and not on a nice hill.

Once the wind died down we found a site and settled in for a lovely night.

Awesome caves and walking around the area. Spectacular must do trip when around the area.

Month of VisitJanuary

Taylor

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 17, 2020

Perfect

The mud caves are a MUST see when down here. This is the perfect area for off-roading and great views! It’s easy to spend a whole day here.

Javier L.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2020

Desert Wonderland

Anza borrego state park has a lot of room to explore. The park has campgrounds near borrego springs that are easily accessible. Visiting the mud caves you’ll need 4x4 or an AWD car with high clearance. Anza borrego has been my wife & I go to camping area for over 5 years. Camping is allowed away from main trails and we typically sleep near the mud caves or within the slot canyons. Perfect place to star gave and wander around & explore. Bring plenty of water/ off road safety (enough fuel/ shovel/ traction boards) as towing out of this area is extremely expensive. (Pictures are from fonts point/ random hikes near camping spots).

Dyl A.