Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

California's Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area consists of 85,000 acres of desert land that can be explored off-road and used for recreation. This area is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is located next to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. 

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Trails, routes, and open spaces are available for off-highway recreation, hiking, and camping. In some areas, you will find amenities such as restrooms and showers. Several picnic tables and shaded ramadas are available in the group and day use areas. 

The park also offers an interactive Discovery Center and a native plant garden to offer visitors a chance to learn more about the native plants of the Colorado Desert.

CAMPING AND PERMITS

There are no fees for day or overnight use of the area. Open camping is permitted throughout the area for up to 30 days per year. 

CAMPING REGULATIONS

  • Camping is not permitted at Shell Reef, Devils Slide, Blowsand Hill, The Notches, or 4X4 Training areas. 

  • There is limited camping East of Poleline Road.

  • The park does not have a dump station for personal waste water disposal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Visitor Guide

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Free Camping. Educational / Interactive Displays. Desert Exploration.

Cons

Noise from off-road vehicles.

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Geologically significant
Amphitheater
Family friendly
Picnic tables
Wildflowers
Covered picnic areas

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Salton Sea State Recreation Area, California
Salton Sea State Recreation Area, California
Western Sonoran + Colorado Desert, California

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