Vern Whitaker Horse Camp

Open — Open for the season from October 1 through May 31. Closed to the public from June 1 through September 30. Reservations available through ReserveCalifornia.com up to six months in advance.

About

Vern Whitaker Horse Camp is an equestrian-only campground situated in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park. Located approximately 8 miles from Borrego Springs via Galletta Road, a dirt road that passes through an orchard, this horse camp provides a base for exploring over 500 miles of dirt roads and extensive trail systems throughout the Colorado Desert. Each campsite accommodates up to 2 horses with additional horses available for a fee, and all sites include corrals for securing animals overnight. The campground features restrooms, drinking water, and is designed specifically for equestrian camping with leash requirements for horses when not corralled. The surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert offers dramatic landscapes including washes, palm groves, cacti, and sweeping vistas with opportunities to see bighorn sheep, golden eagles, roadrunners, and other desert wildlife. The park's remote location and limited development make it an ideal destination for horse camping and backcountry riding. Campers should be prepared for desert conditions and note that cell phone coverage is extremely limited or nonexistent throughout the park.

Directions

From downtown Borrego Springs traffic circle, proceed north on Borrego Springs Road for 3 to 4 miles. After a right bend in the highway, turn left at the Vern Whitaker Horse Camp sign onto Galletta Road (dirt road). Travel 3.5 miles to the campground. The road passes through an orchard and ends at the campground.

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