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Anza-Borrego Backcountry Camping

Part of Tent Camping, our guide to tent camping in San Diego County.

Anza-Borrego allows primitive camping in eight named camps, one car length off designated dirt roads, and on foot in roadless areas. The same people, equipment or vehicles are limited to 30 days per calendar year. Open fires are prohibited at Blair Valley, Culp Valley and backcountry sites under the posted notice.Checked October 23, 2026.

8designated primitive camps
30 daysper calendar year
1 car lengthmax off a designated dirt road
1 gallonwater per person per day
Eight campsArroyo Salado, Blair Valley, Culp Valley, Fish Creek, Mountain Palm Springs, Sheep Canyon, Yaqui Pass and Yaqui Well (Order 940-005-14, July 1, 2019)
FeesNo fee is listed on the park page for Blair Valley or Culp Valley primitive campgrounds. Fish Creek is $20. Anything else: see the official site.
PermitNo permit is mentioned on the pages read
VehiclesStreet-legal vehicles only; off-highway vehicles are prohibited (OHV recreation is at Ocotillo Wells SVRA)
Who it suitsSelf-reliant campers. The page sets no age limit that was read.
ContactAnza-Borrego Visitor Center, 760-767-4205

Where You May Camp

The 2019 order allows primitive camping in the eight designated primitive camps, along the park’s designated dirt roads where vehicles are parked no more than one car length off the road, and in roadless areas where a camper may travel on foot. The entire backcountry is defined as a camping facility.

Fire and Waste Rules

The order allows campfires only inside a camp stove or metal container, requires firewood to be brought in, and requires ashes and trash to be carried out. The park’s posted notice (read 2026-10-23) prohibits open fires, campfires and barbecues at Blair Valley, Culp Valley and backcountry sites during heat and fire-danger restrictions, while portable propane or gas stoves are allowed for cooking in designated campsite and day-use areas.

Desert Safety Notes

Take 1 gallon of water per person per day. Cell coverage is extremely limited or non-existent. Summer temperatures can reach 125 degrees. Most dirt roads need all-wheel or four-wheel drive. The page also still carries an old pandemic-era notice, so treat it as partly out of date.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Whether the 2019 superintendent’s order is still the current one. Anza-Borrego District staff (760-767-4205) can confirm.
  • Per-camp amenities and site counts. The Visitor Center can confirm.
  • The park page carries old notices, so the fire wording may be out of date. Park staff (760-767-4037) can confirm.

More in Tent Camping

FAQ

How long can I camp in the Anza-Borrego backcountry?

The 2019 order limits the same persons, equipment or vehicles to 30 days in any calendar year. Whether that order is still current is not confirmed.

Can I have a campfire?

Not at Blair Valley, Culp Valley or backcountry sites under the posted fire notice. Stoves are allowed for cooking in designated areas.

Sources

  1. California State Parks: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
  2. Anza-Borrego District Superintendent's Order 940-005-14 (2019)

Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.