Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground

Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground is one of the eight undeveloped campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. As such, the amenities found here are very limited. There is a centrally located vault toilet facility and metal containers for campfires (ground fires are strictly prohibited). Because the campsites are not marked or numbered, visitors may set up camp nearly anywhere provided that vegetation is not disturbed and that vehicles remain on the dirt road. However, there is no water available and very little shade to be found at the campground. Be sure to bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, and more if you plan on hiking.

Despite the lack of available services, Arroyo Salado campground is an immensely popular destination. As an International Dark Sky Park, Anza-Borrego is one of southern California’s top stargazing locations. At Arroyo Salado, the only source of light pollution comes from the towns bordering the Salton Sea some 30 miles away, and it is largely impeded by the surrounding mountains. In addition to its dark skies, Arroyo Salado is renowned for its wildflowers. Each spring, countless species of wildflowers bloom along the sandy desert floor. Desert lilies, ghost flowers, Arizona lupines, and sand verbena dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. The ideal time to view the wildflowers is from early February through late March.