Blair Valley

Blair Valley's higher elevation puts it among the most pleasant campgrounds in Anza-Borrego during the shoulder seasons. Temperatures here run 10–15°F cooler than the desert floor, which makes autumn and spring camping especially comfortable. The broad, open valley surrounded by low rocky ridges gives the area an open, expansive feel that's distinctly different from the enclosed washes and palm canyons of the lower park.

There are no designated campsites—you choose your own spot anywhere along the valley floor on established dirt roads, following leave-no-trace principles. Vault toilets are the only facility; bring all your water, food, and gear. Ground fires may be restricted seasonally, so pack a camp stove.

The hiking options here are outstanding. The short Pictograph Trail leads to a panel of Kumeyaay rock art sheltered by a granite overhang—one of the most accessible rock art sites in the park. From there, a connecting trail climbs to Ghost Mountain, where the remains of Marshal South's 1930s homestead survive as one of the more unusual stories in the desert Southwest. The adjacent Little Blair Valley loop is a good alternative for families.

Blair Valley is a first-come, first-served dispersed area with no fee and no time limit on reservations. Because of the dispersed nature of camping, it handles a modest crowd and is rarely full on weeknights. Accessible from S-2 (Sunrise Highway), it is a popular overnight for through-travelers on the Southern Emigrant Trail corridor.