Ocotillo Wells SVRA Dispersed Area

This is dispersed desert camping at its most basic — flat sandy spots scattered throughout the 85,000-acre State Vehicular Recreation Area east of Borrego Springs. No tables, no rings, no water, no shade. Just you, your rig, and miles of open desert with the Salton Sea shimmering to the north. Popular with dune buggy crowds and dirt bike groups, so expect engine noise during busy weekends and holidays.

Access is easy from Highway 78 with multiple entry points and sandy two-tracks leading to camping areas. Winter is prime season when temperatures are bearable and wildflowers bloom after rain. Summer camping here borders on masochistic — shade is nonexistent and temps regularly hit 115°F.

Raw desert camping in SoCal's OHV playground