Feb. Camping

[u/Metal-Salt]

Hi guys,

I'm planning to take the family camping to Anza Borrego this month but can't find reservations on the weekend. Are there any 1st come 1st serve campgrounds you recommend? Any dispersed spots you like? I have a 4x4 truck but my brother doesn't. We're driving down from Ventura county so the northern part of the park might work best for us.

Thanks in advance.

[u/Brilliant_Studio_682]

No reservations needed! Try Blair Valley. There’s a restroom just as you enter, but otherwise you’re on your own to pack it out.

I’d drive in a decent distance and don’t go for the low hanging fruit sites right at the entrance where it’ll be busier.

Some sites have fire rings, but you’ll have to bring your own if you don’t grab one of those sites. If you can, I’d suggest Little Blair Valley which may require AWD in some spots. I’ve seen sedans make it, but that’s taking a chance.

[u/sgigot → u/Brilliant_Studio_682]

I haven't read the whole thread, there are *tons* of washes and pull-outs you can camp in.

I was just in Little Blair Valley last week in a little rental crossover SUV. There aren't TONS of campsites but the road wasn't terrible...if you have a 4x4 you are golden as long as it doesn't rain.

[u/SanMiguelDayAllende → u/Brilliant_Studio_682]

Another benefit for OP with Blair Valley is easy trips to the pictographs and Marshall South's house, both easy hikes.

[u/Metal-Salt → u/Brilliant_Studio_682]

Do you think we'll be ok with 2wd or a motorhome in Blair Valley?

[u/Brilliant_Studio_682 → u/Metal-Salt]

I’ve seen full size motorhomes that must have entered at the North entrance to Little Blair. I’m always surprised to see them. It’s a bit tighter at that entrance and there are only a few spots on that stretch.

You’d be safer entering at the main entrance to Blair Valley as it’s fairly flat and not sandy at all.

[u/Metal-Salt → u/Brilliant_Studio_682]

🙏🏼 thanks

[u/Then_Passenger3403 → u/Brilliant_Studio_682]

I disagree, can be deep sand depending on wind & other weather elements. Visit ABDSP for best info. Most of park if okay to camp except cultural or environmentally sensitive sites. Bring tons a water.

[u/Metal-Salt → u/Brilliant_Studio_682]

Blair Valley was awesome, thanks for the recommendation. We drove in for close to 10 minutes before choosing a spot and used our fire pit since there was none there. It was an awesome couple days. We hung out at the campground, one day went to The Slot canyon and also Borrego Springs to check out the bloom and on the way out we stopped in Julian for pie.

[u/Jacsmom]

I would try Culp Valley Campground. It’s on the west side the park at a higher elevation. Very easy access off S22 and no problem if you don’t have 4WD. It’s a primitive campground so no water, but there are pit toilets. It is picturesque and there are hiking trails there and nearby.

If memory serves there are no fire pits, so you will have to follow park guidelines if you want to have a fire.

[u/rac1283 → u/Jacsmom]

I was in Culp Valley after sunset last Sunday and it was 37 degrees. No wind at that time, just cold. February might be a little early to camp in Culp Valley, unless your family is pretty tolerant.

[u/Metal-Salt]

This sub is very cool, love the fast responses and all the great suggestions. Definitely feel more comfortable and excited about going to Anza-Borrego. Cheers!

[u/Jacsmom → u/Metal-Salt]

We expect a full report! :)

[u/Metal-Salt → u/Jacsmom]

I've been really excited for this trip, even picked up some recovery gear in case we get stuck in the sand. But tonight I looked at the 15 day forecast and it shows rain the days we have planned to go, hopefully we won't have to postpone it till next month.

[u/Jacsmom → u/Metal-Salt]

Great idea! I was bailed out once when I was young with someone with gear.

And just so you know, if the NWS service backs off the rain reaching the desert, it could still be very windy there instead, so make sure to pay attention to the wind part of the forecast.

[u/6rayRabbit]

There should be sites at Agua Caliente

[u/Navydevildoc → u/6rayRabbit]

I am still pissy the county closed the airport there.

[u/dgee03]

Fish Creek Primitive is nice. Vault toilets and fire rings. Not in the north area but direct access to the canyon is a huge bonus. No shade either, it can get warm in the day, so make sure you have an ez-up or something like that. Just remember like everyone has already said, pack it pack it out and no ground fires in the park. Good luck!

[u/FTwo → u/dgee03]

Where are there toilets on Fish Creek?

[u/dgee03 → u/FTwo]

At the primitive camp, just as you're entering the canyon, its up on a ridge on the left side of the wash.

[u/FTwo → u/dgee03]

That is hilarious to me. I have been there so many times and never knew that area was there. 😀

[u/slowlanedrifter → u/dgee03]

4x4 only!

[u/dgee03 → u/slowlanedrifter]

Fish Creek? Maybe a few years ago. I've seen Teslas all the way back at Wind Caves Trailhead as recently as 2 weeks ago.

[u/jlhonomichl]

I have camped in both culp valley and Blair valley. As the others have mentioned there are vault toilets and no potable water/hook ups and is all pack in and out. If youre camping this time of year out there just keep in mind its likely going to be windy and plan accordingly. Fire regulations and restrictions may be in effect, check conditions before you go and prepare to set up your own fire ring or plan to use a propane stove and youre golden. Have fun!

[u/kidmarginWY]

You don't need a campsite in Anza borrego. Can camp just about anywhere in the park. And the services will be the same as in the campground mainly nothing. Just try to avoid the random desert psychopath. Any dirt road off the main road should take you to a good camp spot.

[u/Metal-Salt → u/kidmarginWY]

Thanks, will for sure not make eye contact with the desert psycos.

[u/drunkkidsbarf1]

Mountain Palm Canyon off S-2 has a vault toilet, fire rings and picnic tables. Close to cool hikes to Palm oasis