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Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Accessible via a dirt road that most sedans can navigate with careful driving, Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground sits within the badlands section of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This dispersed camping area operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no designated sites—campers simply pull off the road and set up wherever level ground allows. The campground charges day-use fees and requires campers to bring their own water, as no potable water is available on-site.

The setting places campers among red rock formations along a desert wash, with views extending across the badlands terrain. Multiple reviewers mention the area's tendency toward windy conditions, particularly in spring months. Susan V. notes the location "tends to be slightly warmer than other areas of the park" due to elevation and topography. During wildflower blooms, desert lilies and night-blooming species emerge throughout the camping area.

The campground provides vault toilets near the entrance that reviewers consistently describe as clean and well-maintained. Metal fire rings have been added to some areas, though campers must bring their own firewood and pack out all ashes and coals. Road noise from nearby routes is audible but generally minimal, especially for sites located deeper into the wash. Cell service is available throughout most of the camping area.

Popular hiking trails lead from the campground toward Font's Point and connect to routes heading toward Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area. The area attracts off-road vehicle enthusiasts exploring the surrounding desert terrain. Nearby Coachwhip Canyon — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers additional primitive camping options for those seeking alternatives.

Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees with minimal nighttime cooling, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping.

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Location

Public Campground

Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located in California

Address

200 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Coordinates

33.28046546 N
116.148092 W

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Connectivity

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Verified by 5 users
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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 4/3/26
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 7 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&T
No Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/3/26

Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 1 min from El Centro, CA
1 hr 40 min from San Diego, CA
1 hr 59 min from Yuma, AZ
3 hrs 30 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Robert G.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 12, 2026

Wonderful - Great Facilities

A bit crowded the weekend I went but there was still plenty of room. Just down the road from Fonts Point, a must-see in Anza Borrego.

Month of VisitJanuary

Prius P.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2025

Great if you understand the desert

By my standards this is not primitive you have a toilet and a fire ring. Some of the spots are flatter than others. I made it in my prius so no need for high clearance or 4X4. Great for seeing stars and the sunrise. Awesome mini canyons if you're adventurous. BRING WATER ! It's hit during the day otherwise I really enjoy this place personally

Month of VisitJuly

Brittany

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 14, 2025

Amazing sunrise

The camping spots were close to each other but no one else was there so it didn't matter. The stars and sunrise were amazing! Will definitely go again!

Site1

Month of VisitJanuary

Anna Z.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 29, 2022

Very pretty and private

Some road noise, but not much. Pit toilets, and they recently added metal fire pits to sites. Beautiful views of the badlands. Dirt road is rough, but I drove a Versa there with no problem (though I didn't go super deep into the campground). Both times I went (April and October) it was very windy (especially April, dude, seriously), so be prepared for that.

Month of VisitOctober

Edwin M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 22, 2022

Peaceful and Breathtaking

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. I highly recommend this campsite and plan on returning in the future. I took an 18 year old FWD sedan and it did just fine with careful driving. However the best part about this experience would have to be the local Kit Fox that joined us in the evening.

Month of VisitJanuary

(5) View All

Jenna S.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2021

Family camping trip

The S.Family went camping for my Nieces birthday. Small campground, restroom is a plus, off-roading & trails were very nice. That weekend was very very windy our 2 person tent didn’t fly away. Campsite fit a tent & 1 motorhome & 2 truck and trailers.

Month of VisitFebruary

Debbie Z.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2021

Less traveled. Wouldn't be my first choice.

We tried a couple of other dispersed camp sites before this one but they were all full. A AWD would be best for this area because of the deep sand. I did make it back aways with my Prius, to my surprise. I did get stuck once but got out pretty easily. But if had rained while I was here that might be a different story. We tucked ourselves into a cove. It felt pretty private until I was using my bathroom bucket while there were people hiking the ridge above me. Haha. I brought my pop-up bathroom tent but the wind was so strong it would not stand upright. If I had a AWD or an ATV this could be a run area to explore. But I'm not sure I'll come back. One and done.

SiteNo site numbers

Month of VisitMarch

Taylor

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 20, 2020

Beautiful

At the right time of year, the flowers are so bright and beautiful. The stars are always amazing here. People are usually friendly but sometimes leave trash. Pack out what you pack in.

John Y.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2020

Primative camping +

I love this place. There's nothing here except an exceptionally clean vault toilet. I always set up camp in the same spot. There's a little noise from the road but not too much. If you're farther in you probably wouldn't notice it.

From the 'Campground' there are trails that lead to Ocotillo Wells and Fonts Point. If you're looking for a place to camp near trails with a decent bathroom and nothing else, this is the place for you.

Amber D.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2019

Desert perfection

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. It's doable without four wheel drive or high clearance, just use caution. Need to bring your own fire pit and pack out coals. No facilities other than a vault toilet near the entrance of the wash. Anza Borrego is a gem. Loved this campground!

(6) View All

Susan V.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Desert Camping With a Toilet and That's About It

I stayed at Arroyo Salado one year during a super bloom at Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The campground is very, very basic. You pull up and find a spot and camp. There are no designated campsites. And it's free. There are pit toilets, which are clean and don't really smell.

We had the pleasure, as I said, of coming during the super bloom, when all of the sites closer to town were booked. 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.

There's room to pitch a tent. You basically set up camp wherever there is room. We were among blooming desert lilies and had to be careful not to damage any, but plenty of fairly flat sandy soil to pitch a tent. You can bring your own barbecue if you want a fire, but fires must be self contained and you have to pack out what you bring in, so don't leave behind your ashes or coals. Want to be lazy? Grab dinner from one of the restaurants in town.

This part of the park (the badlands) tends to be slightly warmer than other areas of the park. (Because of elevation and topography? I'm not sure why.) This is a dry camp. There is no water, so you have to bring your own. But Borrego Springs is maybe 15-20 minutes away if you need a supply run.

During the blooms and when it's not super hot, it's lovely, but it's ungodly hot in the summer here (110-115 degrees), not cooling much at night. There are off-road roads in this area. We watched a lovely moonrise amid some night-blooming flowers. So time it right and it's lovely.

Month of VisitApril

(13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Arroyo Salado Campground located and how do I get there?

Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground is located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, tucked among red rocks along a wash. It's accessible via a dirt road that connects to the main highway. While the road is rough in places with some deep sand, most vehicles can make it with careful driving. You don't necessarily need four-wheel drive or high clearance - many campers successfully navigate the road in standard sedans. Some visitors drive back a mile or more from the entrance to find their preferred camping spot. Just use caution if rain is in the forecast, as wet conditions could make the road more challenging.

What facilities and amenities are available at Arroyo Salado Campground?

Arroyo Salado is a very primitive campground with minimal facilities. There are clean vault toilets (pit toilets) that are well-maintained. Recently added metal fire rings with built-in grills are available at some sites. The campground has no designated campsites - you simply pull up and find a spot to camp. There is no water available, so be sure to bring all you'll need for your stay. There are no hookups, tables, or other amenities, making this truly a primitive camping experience. The surrounding area offers trails for hiking and exploring the desert landscape.

What is the best time of year to visit Arroyo Salado Campground?

Spring is the ideal time to visit Arroyo Salado Campground, particularly during wildflower blooms when the wash fills with vibrant colors. Fall (particularly October) is another excellent time when temperatures are more moderate. Summer should be avoided due to extreme desert heat - temperatures can be dangerously high. Winter camping is possible with typically mild daytime temperatures, but nights can get cold. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions year-round, as several campers note strong winds in both spring and fall. The stunning sunrise views and incredible stargazing are highlights regardless of season.

Are reservations required for Arroyo Salado Campground?

No reservations are required for Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is free to use, making it an excellent option for spontaneous trips. However, during peak seasons like spring wildflower blooms or holidays, the campground can fill up quickly. If visiting during these popular times, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. The campground's primitive nature means there's no check-in process - you simply find an available area and set up camp.

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