Agua Caliente Campground – Anza-Borrego
When you think of the desert, water probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But that’s exactly what Agua Caliente Campground, located in the heart of the Anza-Borrego desert, is known for.
To be precise, the campground offers plenty of hot water. Geothermal hot springs feed three pools within the campground: Two outdoor pools and one, for adults only, indoors. “Agua Caliente” translates to English as hot water, and this salubrious oasis of a campground doesn’t disappoint.
Campground Details
| Site types | Tent, RV, Cabins |
| Amenities | Potable Water, Hot Showers, Flush Toilets, Trash Receptacles, Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Camp Store, Showers, Hotspring Pools |
| Information number | 1-760-765-1188 |
| Reservations | Yes |
| Reservations website | 1-858-565-3600 |
| Campground address | 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route, Julian, CA 92036 |
| Campground GPS | 32.950054, -116.303169 |
| Location | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (campground is on county land) |
| Season | Late October to mid-April |
Agua Caliente Campground Overview
Agua Caliente Campground is located within Agua Caliente County Park, on the western edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in eastern San Diego County. Set against low desert hills and open washes, the campground is known for its natural hot springs and its position at the transition between inland chaparral and true Colorado Desert terrain.
While it’s managed by San Diego County and not officially part of the state park, Aqua Caliente Campground is surrounded by Anza-Borrego and is a terrific base for exploring the desert (GPS: 32.949283, -116.303460).
Surrounding Environment
The campground sits in a broad desert valley framed by rocky ridgelines and eroded hills, with views stretching across open desert basins toward the distant Borrego Badlands. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Sonoran Desert, featuring sandy washes, gravelly slopes, and sparse but resilient vegetation including creosote bush, ocotillo, cholla, palo verde, and mesquite.
In spring, the area can see wildflower blooms following wet winters, while fall and winter bring cooler temperatures and clear skies. Wildlife is commonly observed in and around the campground, including quail, roadrunners, lizards, and desert cottontails, with bighorn sheep occasionally seen in the nearby hills. Night skies are notably dark, making the campground a popular spot for stargazing.
Several short hiking trails originate within or near the park, offering easy access to desert washes, small canyons, and elevated viewpoints overlooking the valley.
Geothermal Activity and Hot Springs
Agua Caliente—Spanish for “hot water”—takes its name from the natural geothermal hot springs that emerge in the park. These springs are the result of groundwater circulating deep underground along fault systems, where it is heated by warm rock before rising back to the surface.
The spring water is captured and directed into a series of maintained soaking pools within the park, including outdoor mineral pools with varying temperatures and an enclosed spa pool typically kept around 102°F. The pools are a central feature of the campground and are especially popular during cooler months. The indoor pools are for ages 14 and up, while children can use the smaller outdoor hotspring pool. There is also a swiming pool that kids can use.
The springs have a long history of use by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Kumeyaay, who are believed to have visited the area for the warmth and restorative qualities of the water well before modern development.
Camping Overview
The campground offers a range of camping options, with 140 campsites, many with partial or full hookups, and offers cabins for rent. Agua Caliente Campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites with hookups, cabins, and group camping areas, making it one of the more developed campgrounds in the Anza-Borrego region.
Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers (coin operated), potable water, a locker, a dump station, picnic areas, and day-use facilities. The ranger station sells firewood.
Due to extreme summer heat, the park typically closes during the hottest months to allow Bighorn Sheep to access the springs. The campground generally reopens in late summer or early fall and remaining open through spring. Fall, winter, and early spring are the most popular times to visit, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for hiking and soaking.
It’s advisable to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak season (the cooler months of the year, from late October to mid-April).
Things to Do
There are several hikes near the park, with Moonlight Canyon being the most popular. Anza-Borrego is a dark sky park, and the stargazing is terrific, especially if you get a bit away from the campgrounds’ lights. For those interested in off-road adventures, Canyon Sin Nombre, an easy off-road excursion, is a 20-minute drive south. Blair Valley, another fun place to explore, is just a few minutes’ drive north.
Why Visit
Agua Caliente Campground stands out as a rare desert campground with natural hot springs, combining classic Anza-Borrego scenery with a unique geothermal feature. Its accessibility, developed facilities, and year-round spring water make it a popular basecamp for exploring western Anza-Borrego, especially for visitors looking to balance desert hiking with restorative soaking.
