Exploring Anza-Borrego in Winter: An RV Adventure with a Family and Puppy

Winter is the perfect time to explore the deserts of Southern California, and this year, our family of three (plus our adventurous puppy!) decided to make the most of our week off by heading to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Living nearby, this was a convenient and exciting choice, especially since we had never been there before.

This trip was a mix of exploration, relaxation, and problem-solving—thanks to freezing nights, rugged terrain, and a few unexpected hiccups. Here’s how it all went down:

Why Anza-Borrego?

We chose Anza-Borrego not only for its proximity but also because parts of it are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM land allows for free camping, often with fewer crowds, which is just our style. While it offers restrooms in certain areas, it’s a pack-in, pack-out setup—meaning no trash cans or water are available, so come prepared.

Typically, we enjoy tent camping in primitive or dispersed campgrounds, but this time, with a small child and a dog, and the weather conditions (freezing nights, hail and high wind) we opted for a cozy RV. We scored a great deal with Cruise America and rented a camper van. It sheltered us from the elements and made driving through the park comfortable and fun.