Open Year-round
Yes
Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
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.

Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground is one of the eight undeveloped campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. As such, the amenities found here are very limited. There is a centrally located vault toilet facility and metal containers for campfires (ground fires are strictly prohibited). Because the campsites are not marked or numbered, visitors may set up camp nearly anywhere provided that vegetation is not disturbed and that vehicles remain on the dirt road. However, there is no water available and very little shade to be found at the campground. Be sure to bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, and more if you plan on hiking.

Despite the lack of available services, Arroyo Salado campground is an immensely popular destination. As an International Dark Sky Park, Anza-Borrego is one of southern California’s top stargazing locations. At Arroyo Salado, the only source of light pollution comes from the towns bordering the Salton Sea some 30 miles away, and it is largely impeded by the surrounding mountains. In addition to its dark skies, Arroyo Salado is renowned for its wildflowers. Each spring, countless species of wildflowers bloom along the sandy desert floor. Desert lilies, ghost flowers, Arizona lupines, and sand verbena dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. The ideal time to view the wildflowers is from early February through late March.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Occasionally full

Parking Pass

None

Price per night (basic site)

0.00 $ (0.00 €)

Pros

Stargazing. Seasonal wildflowers.

Cons

Extreme summer temperatures.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Managed by

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Features

Vault toilet
Big vistas
Wildlife
Family friendly
Wildflowers

Access

Vehicle

Total number of sites

25

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.