Ocotillo Wells SVRA — Open Desert Camping

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area covers a huge chunk of desert east of Borrego Springs. Unlike most state land, open camping is allowed across most of it. You’ll find badlands, sand bowls, the Pumpkin Patch concretions, Blow Sand Hill, and endless washes. Some areas have shade ramadas and vault toilets, but most spots are just you, the dirt, and a lot of dark sky. Holiday weekends from Thanksgiving through Easter turn it into a dirt-bike city with generators and campfires in every direction. Midweek is a different, quieter world. Check current fire rules and any closed zones before you set up.

The main access is paved CA-78, and the interior is everything from graded dirt to deep sand. Air down if you go exploring. Summer temperatures are dangerous. Fees and stay limits change, so verify with California State Parks OHV before you go. Ocotillo Wells has basic resupply, and Borrego Springs has more.

Camp anywhere in the badlands. Just watch for bikes.