Vern Whitaker Horse Camp
Open through May 31, 2026. Seasonal closure begins June 1 and runs through September 30. Reservations available via ReserveCalifornia through April 30; May is first-come, first-served.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 21 at 10:23AM PDT until July 27 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures of 112 to 117 and low temperatures in the mid 80s to mid 90s. * WHERE...Coachella Valley, San Diego County Deserts, and San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. * WHEN...From 10 AM Wednesday to 8 PM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Major to locally Extreme HeatRisk. Elevated low temperatures will limit overnight relief from the heat.
About
Vern Whitaker Horse Camp sits on the edge of Coyote Canyon with striking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. This equestrian-focused campground serves horseback riders exploring California's largest state park, offering 10 sites with corrals and direct trail access into the surrounding desert wilderness. The camp operates seasonally from October through May, avoiding the extreme summer heat. Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people and 4 horses, with individual corrals for securing animals overnight. Standard amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, solar-heated warm water showers, and potable drinking water. One ADA-accessible campsite is available, along with an accessible restroom and an accessible horse mounting ramp. Access requires approximately 3.6 miles of dirt road from Henderson Canyon Road. The campground is exclusively for campers with horses and is not available for general camping. Reservations are available through ReserveCalifornia for the October through April period, with first-come, first-served availability in May.
Directions
From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, head north on Borrego Springs Road for 3.3 miles until the road curves sharply right and becomes Henderson Canyon Road. Continue 0.2 miles to the Vern Whitaker sign, then turn left onto the dirt road and travel 3.6 miles to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 767-4205 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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