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David S.
Scout
ScoutKQ Ranch Resort
Great staff lots of things to do
Dog-Friendly Camping near Borrego Springs, CA
13 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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The Springs at Borrego RV Resort includes large and small dog parks, distinguishing it from other pet-friendly campgrounds near Borrego Springs. Dog-friendly campgrounds in the area include Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, William Heise County Park, and the primitive campsites throughout Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements, though the spacious dog parks at The Springs allow off-leash exercise in designated areas. The sites at Palm Canyon RV Resort have level concrete parking and picnic pads that accommodate pets and their owners comfortably. The grounds are immaculate with mature landscaping between sites providing some separation when camping with dogs. Campers have access to full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and pet-friendly cabin rentals depending on the facility.
Hiking trails throughout Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs on leash, with the Palm Canyon trail directly accessible from Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. Extreme desert temperatures during summer months can be dangerous for pets, making winter and spring the optimal seasons for camping with dogs in this region. The town of Borrego Springs offers basic services for pet owners, though bringing adequate supplies is recommended as options are limited. Many campers find the wide-open desert landscape perfect for morning and evening dog walks when temperatures are cooler. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional in this Dark Sky community, making evening dog walks particularly enjoyable. The campgrounds are generally quiet and respectful, providing a peaceful environment for pets who may be sensitive to noise or disruptions.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Borrego Springs (207)
1. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"themselves are just on flat sand with cactus so beware. it is the desert so that's to be expected. this site feels more primitave than most others and I've never seen it busy but there are some great hiking trails"
"We hiked the Borrego Palm trail. We did the cool slot canyon trail as well. Cruised around the state park, doing some off-road driving (all appropriate roads)."
3 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $35 - $125 / night
2. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"Came here to have a place for my popup camper while we checked out the flowers blooming 40 minutes away in Borrego Springs and it was perfect."
"Some areas say not to walk there/ keep dogs out to protect plants and wildlife. I felt safe solo camping - there were a few other van and rv campers."
3. Culp Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"Great views on the trail nearby. Starry night and gorgeous sunrise. Campground was quiet and good location at a higher elevation from Borrego Springs."
"I’ve hit bottom coming out of California business driveways more often. It’s located well up the mountain from Borrego Springs on a scenic highway."
4. William Heise County Park
"It was great and super dog friendly but WOW so much dirt created so much dust in the air and it got on everyone and everything. With that being said… TONS to do! Such beautiful sights to see!"
"Nice campground away from the main roads. All spots outside of the R.V. loop are spread out and pretty secluded. Very friendly and helpful rangers. About a 10 minute drive from Julian pie co."
Check Availabilityfrom $24 - $34 / night
5. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
"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."
"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."
6. Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"This is in the "badlands" part of the park, leaving Borrego Springs and heading toward Salton City, which happens to be the cheapest place to get gas in these parts."
"Super primitive but heavily used campground tucked among red rocks along a wash. I camped here in Spring and the wash was full of wildflowers. We drove back at least a mile in a sedan to set up camp."
7. Fish Creek Wash Primitive Campsite
"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. "
"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."
8. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort
"This is a beautiful luxury RV resort in Borrego Springs, a desert community in San Diego County that's known for its unique metal sculptures, golf resorts, and beautiful hiking trails."
"Very spacious resort in the center of a gorgeous 9 hole golf course/driving range."
9. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course
"We just purchased our RV and were looking for something close to home that had easy access and amenities."
"Well-maintained amenities, community activities, and gorgeous natural beauty surrounding a full-service RV park."
10. Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"_Tamarisk Grove Campground is about 20 minutes south of Borrego Springs. It sits next to the highway but there’s minimal traffic so it isn’t terribly loud."
"Tamarisk is a nice campground in a central location. It's about halfway between downtown Borrego Desert and Julien, there are some nice hikes nearby like the Cactus Loop. Nice showers and bathrooms."
3 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $35 - $70 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 27 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 7 min from Yuma, AZ
- 2 hrs 42 min from Los Angeles, CA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Borrego Springs, CA
188 Photos of 207 Borrego Springs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Culp Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation AreaT
KQ Ranch ResortM
William Heise County Park
Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Borrego Springs, CA
1600 Reviews of 207 Borrego Springs Campgrounds
Kristina C.
TravelerBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Hard packed sandy road with various pull offs for your rig. Very quiet and peaceful!
tooth W.
GuideStagecoach Trails Resort
Beautifully set in the Anzo-Berrago state park. Excellent clean facilities
- Kristina C.Traveler
Kwaaymii Point
Beautiful for sunset and sunrise. Right off the PCT!
- BBrooke P.Guide
Joshua Tree South Entrance
So many spots, great for every vehicle
There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
David S.ScoutEscondido RV Resort
Nice, clean, accommodating RV Park with everything. Heated pool, Jacuzzi, laundry room, pet friendly and very nice people who went out of their way to hook us up with a spot . 😁Was going to stay for the 1 night ended up 3 days great atmosphere with everything close by . Highly recommended. 💯
David M.ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Guide to Borrego Springs
Situated in the Colorado Desert region of California at approximately 775 feet above sea level, Borrego Springs offers diverse terrain for pet owners seeking desert camping experiences. The area features unique badlands formations, slot canyons, and desert washes that provide natural exploration opportunities for campers with dogs. Winter temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 75°F during the day, making it an optimal camping season for pets.
What to do
Explore slot canyons: Fish Creek Wash Primitive Campsite provides access to distinctive canyon formations where pets can join adventures. "We drive a lifted Subaru Crosstrek with KO2 tires... 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," notes Allana B.
Visit the metal sculptures: Take your leashed dog to view the large metal sculptures scattered throughout the desert near Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort. Julie B. explains, "Borrego Springs is completely surrounded by Anza Borrego Desert State Park where there's tons of options for hiking, off roading, other camping, and general exploring."
Stargaze with your pet: The clear desert skies provide exceptional viewing conditions. "Being a dark sky community, we were able to see so many stars and constellations. We saw shooting stars nearly every minute," reports E. at Blair Valley Primitive Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many pet-friendly locations maintain well-kept bathrooms. At Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, Jay C. found, "It's well taken care of and clean. Plus it has token showers with hot water, a dish washing area, flush toilets, fire pits, grills, and cell signal."
Varied terrain for morning walks: The desert landscape provides diverse walking experiences with pets. "I found the perfect spot tucked up against the rocks. I had my own private rock garden with so many variety of cacti and lots of birds," describes Kathy B. about her stay at Blair Valley Primitive Campground.
Off-season solitude: Camping during weekdays or off-peak periods offers more privacy when traveling with pets. "When in early January. 65-70 during the day. ~45 at night. The quiet was my favorite part," shares Mack Daddy Van L. about his Blair Valley experience.
What you should know
Watch for cactus hazards: Desert plants can injure pet paws. "Cholla cacti are everywhere so watch your pets paws (my poor dog kept getting them in between her paw pads)," warns Dani K. about Culp Valley Primitive Campground.
Bring your own fire container: Many primitive sites require contained fires. Carlos B. notes at Culp Valley, "We had to bring a dish in order to have a campfire, and the toilets were pit - but hey, at least there were toilets."
Plan for wind: Desert conditions include frequent strong gusts. "It does extremely windy here, especially in early fall with the Santa Ana winds. Hot during day, frigid at night," reports Jen D. about Culp Valley. Secure pet supplies and enclosures accordingly.
Prepare for temperature swings: At Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground, Edwin M. advises, "This Is a dry camp spot (no water) that has pit toilets and a fire ring with built in grill. We took full use of it."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded sites: With pets and children, temperature management is crucial. At William Heise County Park, Nancy L. found, "Julian, CA. Wooded beautiful county campgrounds a couple miles from sweet town of Julian. Hiking and biking trails. Spacious campsites."
Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids and pets enjoy animal sightings. "Great trees, privacy between sites and wild turkeys wandering through the sites," reports Kathy B. about William Heise County Park.
Plan shorter hikes: For families with pets, brief trails work best. "The Cactus Loop and Yaqui Well trail heads. We recommend the short Cactus Loop hike over the Yaqui Well hike. Go at sunset to catch the cholla cacti backlit by the sunset," suggests Trip Over Life at Tamarisk Grove Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At pet-friendly campgrounds, consider site placement. Brendan O. shares about Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort: "We paid $289 for 5 nights. Clean, well maintained and full of families. Spaces are good size, no problems fitting our 30' toy hauler towed by F250, and the park is well laid out and easy to drive."
Electrical needs for climate control: When camping with pets, power access enables comfortable temperatures. "Plenty of solar. Primitive camping--no amenities," notes Kathy B. about her stay at Blair Valley, highlighting the need to plan power sources for pet comfort.
Road conditions impact accessibility: Patrick J. explains about The Springs at Borrego: "The concrete pads are really long. This allowed us to have both the trailer and the truck on the pad. Not the perpendicular park job we are all used to. It raining all day the following day and we were getting emergency alerts on the phone for dangerous flooding. The RV park has no drainage problem at all."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Borrego Springs, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Borrego Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Borrego Springs, CA is Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Borrego Springs, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Borrego Springs, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 207 dog-friendly camping locations near Borrego Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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