Yaqui Pass Primitive Campground is a no-frills dispersed site in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, tucked in the pass east of Tamarisk Grove off Highway S3 as it drops toward Borrego Springs.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Primitive
- 💵Fee per Night
- $0
- 📋Reservations
- First-Come, First-Served
- 📅Max Stay
- 30 days
- 🚐RV Max Length
- 35 ft
- 🏔️Elevation
- 1,730 ft
- 📍GPS
- 33.13666, -116.37904
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- fall, winter, spring
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 1-760-767-4205
- 🗺️Address
- Borrego Springs, CA, 92004
Last verified: 4/17/2026
The campground sits on relatively flat, gravelly terrain between Tamarisk Grove and Borrego Springs — essentially a wide pullout that works for both tents and RVs. There are no facilities of any kind: no toilets, no water, no hookups. What it does offer is easy access, dark skies, and surrounding hills that screen out light pollution.
From Highway 78, take S3 (Yaqui Pass Road) 3.2 miles northeast to reach the site. Coming from Borrego Springs, it's 4.7 miles south on S3. The location puts you close to several worthwhile hikes — the Bill Kenyon Overlook Trail, a 1.2-mile loop starting at the campground, gives views over the Pinyon Mountains and Mescal Bajada. The Slot canyon is about 20 minutes away.
Best visited October through May. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F and camping is not advisable.