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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Backcountry Camping Permit

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park · California

The only California state park that allows open desert camping without a permit or fee: pull off within a car length of a road, 100 yards from water, outside posted no-camping zones. No trail to follow; the whole desert is open.

Plan your Anza-Borrego Desert State Park trip here, then get your permit from the agency.

Walk-up permit

How to get Anza-Borrego Backcountry

Anza-Borrego Backcountry is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.

More about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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How to get an Anza-Borrego Backcountry permit

Type
Backpacking
Location
CA

How this permit is issued

Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.

  1. Step 1: Check the agency page for the process

    This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at the managing agency's website before your trip.

  2. Step 2: Arrive early

    Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.

  3. Step 3: Have backup plans

    Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.

Learn more:

More on Anza-Borrego Backcountry: Live availability activity

How much an Anza-Borrego Backcountry permit costs

Anza-Borrego Backcountry permit fee: free for open-desert dispersed camping; developed campgrounds (Borrego Palm Canyon, Tamarisk Grove) are fee-based and reservable separately.

The Anza-Borrego Backcountry hike

Anza-Borrego Backcountry landmarks

  1. 1Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
  2. 2Borrego Palm Canyon
  3. 3Sheep Canyon

When to hike Anza-Borrego Backcountry

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

  • Today: Extreme heat (100°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Tomorrow: Extreme heat (96°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Day 5: Extreme heat (98°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.

Today

☁️

100°

75°

Sun

☁️

96°

80°

Mon

☁️

93°

68°

Tue

☀️

94°

68°

Wed

☀️

98°

74°

Thu

☀️

97°

80°

Fri

☀️

96°

83°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

Anza-Borrego Backcountry rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Anza-Borrego Backcountry.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Anza-Borrego Backcountry · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Anza-Borrego Backcountry FAQ

How do I get a Anza-Borrego Backcountry permit?

Anza-Borrego Backcountry is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.

When is the best time to visit Anza-Borrego Backcountry?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Anza-Borrego Backcountry permit?

This permit has a demand score of 4/10, making it relatively accessible.

What if I can't get a Anza-Borrego Backcountry permit?

The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.

Anza-Borrego Backcountry trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Questions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to an Anza-Borrego Backcountry permit

Where to stay near Anza-Borrego Backcountry

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