Camping Report - Anza-Borrego State Park
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The Scouts and I just got back from Anza Borrego. We do this annually, in the spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. Sometimes we catch them in bloom and other times we miss them. This year we were lucky and made it in time!
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park with 600,000 acres of very diverse terrain. You can hike, camp in developed campsites or primitive “backcountry” campsites or even horseback ride on their many trails. We love it for the hike to the Oasis and the Slot Canyon hike. More on that later. Here’s a picture of the sun setting on the hills, from our campsite.
The facilities in this campground are excellent. They have clean, new toilet facilities, with showers, sinks for cleaning your cookware and lots of campsites. But, you must book ahead, because it is a popular spot! Best time to tent camp is spring and fall. It was unseasonable hot when we went it got up to 100°F by noon on Saturday. So, we were pounding down lots of water to stay hydrated. We did the slot canyon hike in the morning and waited until almost 4 in the afternoon to do the Oasis hike.
When you’re there, you need to check out the Visitors Center! This is where you can get information on Ranger-led nature walks, guided hikes, Junior Ranger programs, etc. They have the remains of some prehistoric fossils, a large sea turtle and a Mammoth. I can’t image this whole area being underwater!
This Visitors Center is built into the side of dirt hill to keep it cool! There is also a nature hike that starts here and goes out into the desert showing all the plants that inhabit the area.
Here’s a picture of the prehistoric turtle shell they dug up in the desert!
Lastly, I had to show you this! This long tusk, over 6ft. long.
Here’s the link to the CA State Park site with more information on this wonderful park, maps and how to make reservations. Anza-Borrego
Put it on your “Top 10″ list of campsites to visit. Slot Canyon and Oasis Hike in next post.
Tags: anza borrego desert, anza borrego desert state park, backcountry campsites, camping report, campsite, canyon hike, nature hike, nature walks, oasis, prehistoric turtle shell, Scouts, slot canyonIf you liked this post, buy me a coffee.
Mosquito said,
May 21, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
it must be a great place to camp.
mark wahl said,
November 16, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Dear camping guy
I need help!!!! I have three North face tents that have been stored in my attic for the last two years. I have set them up and checked for damage. I have found that there is a smell admitting from them that seems to be coming from the water proofing. What can I do to clean this and rid it of the smell?
Thank you Mark
TheCampingGuy said,
November 16, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Mark,
Seems that the water proofing has seeped through the fabric while in the attic. I suggest you set them up on a bright, sunny day and hose them off. Let them dry, then open up the flaps, remove the rain fly and air them out. Repeat until the smell goes away or is minimized.
Good Luck!
Sharon said,
February 21, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
What is the name of this campground? There are several in the Anza-Borrego region? I want to go in March or April.
Thx!!
TheCampingGuy said,
February 23, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
Sharon: If you follow the link in the article you will find the State Park Site. It’s near Borrego Springs, CA. If you following the MAP link at: http://www.parks.ca.gov/lat_long_map/default.asp?lvl_id=278 you will see how to get there.
There is also a map of the Campground. We stay in the Palm Canyon area. The trail to the Oasis is close to there. Hope this helps. Have fun! Spring time is the best time to go since the desert is in bloom!