Ocotillo Wells camping areas connect to extensive public lands in California's Colorado Desert at 130 feet below sea level. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F while summer months frequently exceed 100°F. The region's camping options extend beyond designated RV resorts to include dispersed camping areas within the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area.
What to do
**Off-road adventures: Borrego Springs serves as a gateway to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with numerous trail options. "We used it as a base for hiking and off-roading at Octotillo Wells (both recommended, but bring as much water as you can carry)," notes a visitor at Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort.
**Stargazing: The area's Dark Sky designation creates optimal conditions for viewing stars. "Borrego Springs is a dark sky community, so please be respectful and remember to look up and enjoy the stars," advises a camper who stayed at Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort.
**Day trips: Julian offers a small mountain town experience nearby. "Julian is about 20 minutes away, cute little mountain town with a brewery and some good food," reports a visitor at Stagecoach Trails Resort.
What campers like
**Swimming options: Many RV sites near Ocotillo Wells feature pools specifically designed for desert conditions. At Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch, a camper appreciates that the facility "has a large pool and big hot tub all inside of a solid wall to prevent sand from blowing inside."
**Privacy: Tree placement at certain parks creates more secluded camping spaces. "Each spot is surrounded by trees which is very rare to find in the desert! It makes each spot private and helps hugely with keeping wind from blowing dirt into your spot," writes a Leapin' Lizard guest.
**Concrete pads: Many campers value the well-designed parking areas. "The concrete pads are really long. I will leave a picture. This allowed us to have both the trailer and the truck on the pad. Not the perpendicular park job we are all used to," notes a visitor at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort.
What you should know
**Water quality: Some facilities have mineral-heavy water systems. At Oasis Palms RV Resort, a camper warns: "The water is NOT SAFE to drink or cook with due to excessive arsenic and fluoride. There are however 3 locations in the park with reverse osmosis filters to fill water jugs."
**Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between parks and even within the same facility. At Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch, "Phone service is spotty for ATT and Tmobile, but you'll have better service at the front of the campground."
**Seasonal considerations: Desert camping conditions change dramatically by season. "It's best to avoid the summer unless you're a fan of extreme heat. The rest of the year pleasant, with similar weather to other low desert areas of California," advises a camper at The Springs at Borrego.
Tips for camping with families
**Activity options: Some parks offer diverse recreation beyond typical campground amenities. The Springs at Borrego has "a little fishing pond, golf course, pickle ball and a wellness center where you can even get a massage," according to a visitor.
**Camping alternatives: For those without RVs, some facilities offer alternatives. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course provides cabin accommodations alongside RV spaces.
**Wind protection: Desert winds can significantly impact the camping experience. A camper at Leapin' Lizard notes that their tree placement "helps significantly with wind protection in this desert environment."
Tips from RVers
**Advance planning: The most popular camping periods require significant advance booking. "Reserve a year in advance if you want a site during the nicest months of the year (winter)," advises a camper at Emerald Desert RV Resort.
**Road considerations: Access to some campgrounds requires navigation through mountainous terrain. One camper notes, "You will be driving through curvy mountain ranges to get to this destination," when describing access to The Springs at Borrego RV Resort.
**Extended stay options: Many facilities accommodate longer-term arrangements. "The rates are reasonable especially if staying long term," reports a visitor at Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch who planned to stay "for the fall, winter, spring season."
